General Guidelines for ILR Applicants
This part of our website gives ILR-specific information about applying. For more general information about the application process, you will also want to check out Cornell's Undergraduate Admission Office (UAO) web pages.
Admission to ILR is competitive—about one-third of the applicants are accepted—but please don't let that keep you from applying. Our selection committee will look at your application carefully to try to get a clear picture of your background, your interests, and your potential for succeeding in the ILR school. If you think the ILR school is where you belong, by all means let us hear from you.
The key to a good application is to relax, know your deadlines, and don't try to do it all in one night. Make sure your application gives a complete and accurate picture of who you are. Take time with your essays. Don't exaggerate, but don't undersell yourself either.
Develop a comprehensive resume of your work and extracurricular experience and include it with your application materials. Make sure it has your name and Social Security number.
If you are a transfer student or an international student, the application process is slightly different. See Tips for Transfer Students and Tips for International Students. If you are a minority student, you may also want to read about minority opportunities on the UAO website.
Early Decision
If Cornell is your first choice and you are applying for freshman admission, consider applying under the early decision plan. Your application will be read in the fall, and you will be notified by mid-December of Cornell's decision. Remember that an early decision application is a commitment. Early Decision applicants will have the option of designating a primary and alternate choice college within the University. If you are accepted at Cornell, you must withdraw any applications sent to other schools and send your acceptance deposit to Cornell. For more information about early decision see the UAO website. If you are not accepted in the early decision process your application to ILR will be reconsidered as part of the regular decision application pool.
