- What is the relationship between Cornell and the State University of New York (SUNY) system?
- How does this arrangement influence the College's commitment to resident and non-resident students?
- Given that the College specializes in agriculture, will I have to take courses in agriculture?
- When do I choose a major?
- I want to major in Biology. To which college should I apply?
- Do you offer preprofessional majors (premed, prevet, prelaw) in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences?
- What major do I choose if I am interested in the environment and/or environmental issues?
- Is an interview required?
- Do I need to take the SAT Subject Tests?
- When will I be notified of a decision?
- Do you give credit for Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), International Credentials, and college course work done during high school?
What is the relationship between Cornell and the State University of New York (SUNY) system?
The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences is one of three undergraduate colleges at Cornell that are also part of the State University of New York (SUNY). As a New York State "state-assisted college" we have a unique responsibility to conduct research and public service programs that will benefit the people of the state. In return, the state contributes a significant portion of our operating expenses which provides us with additional funds for student support, faculty salaries, and improved classrooms and laboratories. It also helps keep our tuition lower, making your Cornell degree more affordable. This alliance with the State University of New York allows us to work closely with SUNY's University Colleges of Technology and Community Colleges in advising students on transfer opportunities.
How does this arrangement influence the College's commitment to resident and non-resident students?
As a statutory college within the State University of New York, we are committed to maintaining a strong presence of New York State residents in our student body. A majority of the students in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences are New York State residents. However, the College is also committed to enrolling a student body that is geographically diverse. Given these commitments, it is also important to note that geography is not by itself a determining factor in any admission decision.
Given that the College specializes in agriculture, will I have to take courses in agriculture?
Cornell University was founded in order to support and improve agricultural practices. Many people are surprised to learn that agriculture has been part of the Cornell curriculum since the university was founded in 1865. Of course agriculture is very different today and offers students opportunities in areas you may not have realized are related to agriculture. The twenty-three major fields of study fall within a variety of area, and we encourage you to explore them. So although the answer is no, we encourage students to look beyond their current understanding of agriculture and explore the opportunities available in the evolving field of agriculture and life sciences. We are certain that there's more here than meets the eye.
During the application process to the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, you will be asked to select one of nineteen majors. Given the specialized nature of the College and its majors, it is important for the selection committee to understand how your interests fit with our program offerings. In fact, an important part of our selection process is determining if a student's interest match what our college offers. We encourage you to make your initial choice carefully, although we will help you choose another major later on, should you change your mind.
I want to major in Biology. To which college should I apply?
If you want to major in biological sciences at Cornell, you can apply to either the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences or the College of Arts and Sciences. Since course requirements for the biology major are the same in both colleges, we advise you to make your college choice according to your secondary interests. It is the non-biology course options and requirements that vary from college to college.
Do you offer preprofessional majors (premed, prevet, prelaw) in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences?
You can major in anything at Cornell and still prepare for graduate or professional school (medical, veterinary, or law). Graduate and professional programs in these areas do not require or recommend any particular undergraduate major course of study and Cornell does not offer preprofessional majors. You complete the preprofessional core of courses for graduate and professional programs while at the same time receiving a broad education, and exploring other interests and careers. You are more likely to succeed at and benefit from subjects that interest and stimulate you. Therefore, we encourage you to select a major that interests you, and explore how you can best fulfill course requirements for your major and at the same time prepare for graduate or professional school.
What major do I choose if I am interested in the environment and/ or environmental issues?
The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences offers extensive opportunities to combine environmental interests many of our majors. Recognizing the importance of using an interdisciplinary approach to solve environmental problems, the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences has a comprehensive group of majors and concentrations that can be studied to complement your environmental interests. Each major and/or concentration within the majors involves a unique approach to solving environmental issues.
Interviews are not conducted and are therefore not used in the evaluation of applicants in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. To learn more about the college we encourage you to visit campus and attend an information session. The session provides an overview of the college and allows ample time to ask any questions. Applicants might be contacted by a Cornell alum who is involved in an organization called CAAAN that meets with applicants during the admissions process. Applicants are called only if there is an active CAAAN group in their area. These meetings are not evaluative in nature, so applicants who are not contacted are not at a disadvantage in the admissions process.
Do I need to take the SAT Subject Tests?
The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences does not require SAT Subject Tests. We do recommend, however, that if you plan to submit these exams in support of your application, that you take an SAT Subject Test in a science and in Mathematics (any level).
Students who do not submit scores are not penalized in the admissions process.
When will I be notified of a decision?
The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences reports decisions as they are made from February through early April during the Freshmen Regular Decision process. If you apply Early Decision you will receive a decision by mid-December. Fall transfer applicants will receive their decision between the end of April through early June. Spring transfer applicants will receive their decision in mid to late December.
Do you give credit for Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), International Credentials, and college course work done during high school?
Cornell University does not accept credit for courses sponsored by colleges, but taught in high schools to high school students, even if the college provides a transcript of such work. Students who have taken such courses are encouraged to take the appropriate Advanced Placement examination offered by the College Board.
Advanced Placement/International Baccalaureate Credit
This is college credit that students earn before they matriculate as freshmen. Students may use credit they receive for advanced placement to satisfy degree requirements only as specified by the individual college at Cornell. Entering freshmen should send an official score report directly to the Registrar’s Office, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, 140 Roberts Hall, Ithaca, NY 14853.
Advanced Placement and Credit for International Credentials
General Certificate of Education (GCE) Advanced ("A") Level Examination passes are awarded advanced standing and credit. To receive credit, students must present the original or a certified copy of their examination certificate to the Associate Director, International Admissions, Undergraduate Admissions Office, 410 Thurston Avenue, Ithaca, NY 14850-2488.
International Baccalaureate (IB)
Higher Level Examination passes are awarded advanced standing and credit. The original or a certified copy of the examination results must be shown to the Associate Director, International Admissions, Undergraduate Admissions Office, 410 Thurston Avenue, Ithaca, NY 14850-2488.
College Course Work Done during High School
If you have not yet graduated from high school, but are taking courses at a college to fulfill high school graduation requirements, you may be eligible to receive college credit. Regardless of the number of college courses taken, you are required to complete the freshman application process since you have not yet graduated from high school. Although you are not considered a transfer student, if admitted you would be a freshman with advanced standing.
The Office of the Registrar has current detailed information on the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences credit policies.