The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Cornell is committed to helping counselors and their students understand the application and selection process. The admission process is individualized and highly selective. Applications are carefully reviewed and thoughtfully considered.
We recommend students visit the Cornell campus, attend information sessions and take a campus tour. Students can explore the Cornell University website to find information about courses, housing, dining, student organizations and more.
Below you will find news from the College, which may include new majors and reports on new academic and facilities initiatives. There is a section exclusively to remind counselors of deadlines, prospective student preparation and communication protocols for students and a section listing the requirements for freshman admission. The last section contains useful links for counselors and students that are comprised of news articles and other useful information about the College, its academic programs, and admission to the College.
- The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences has over 20 majors. Our newest major is Viticulture (grape growing) and Enology (wine making).
- A Teaching Winery that supports the Viticulture and Enology major opened April 1, 2009.
- The new Biofuels Research Lab will be converting perennial grasses and woody biomass into cellulosic ethanol and other biofuels.
- Studio space was recently increased in Roberts Hall for Landscape Architecture students.
- Weill Hall, the new life sciences and research facility, opened last year. It is the largest innovative facility of its kind in New York State.
- Mann Library has recently been renovated. The library now houses group study rooms, a computer classroom, workstations, wireless Internet throughout for student and public use and 4 hour loan laptops are available with a valid Cornell ID.
- Updates will be posted on a regular basis.
- Bookmark this page for future use.
- Counselor and teacher letters of recommendation can now be completed online.
- Suggest that students use a professional e-mail address for college use and notify colleges if their e-mail address changes. They should check e-mail frequently as colleges primarily communicate by e-mail.
- Remind students that they should be placing an emphasis on English, Math and Sciences courses throughout their high school career.
- If you have any questions regarding student schedules, please call (607)255-2036 or e-mail our office.
Secondary-School Subjects
16 units, including 4 of English, 3 of mathematics (including pre-calculus), 3 of science (including 1 biology, and 1 of chemistry or physics)
Also recommended: an additional unit of advanced Mathematics and science
Standardized Testing SAT or the ACT with Writing
- SAT or the ACT with writing
- SAT Subject Tests recommended in a science and in Mathematics (any level)
- If English is not your first language: TOEFL or IELTS
Special Requirements and Recommended Preparation
- All students: visits encouraged and information sessions recommended
- Interviews are not offered
- Landscape Architecture:
portfolio required (send to Cornell University,
Landscape Architecture
Kennedy Hall
Ithaca, NY 14853
We Are Looking for……
Participation in activities related to student’s choice of major; strong demonstrated interest in agriculture and the environment; rigorous high school curriculum and outstanding record of academic achievement.
The admissions committee will also look very closely at their academic interests. Given the specialized nature of the College and its majors, it is important for the admissions committee to understand how their interests fit with our program offerings. In fact, an important part of our selection process is determining whether or not the student is a good match with the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. Please remind them to share their experiences and interests in their essay.
The admissions committee will take into account extracurricular, volunteer, and work experience related to the students desired area of study and their career interests.
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Admissions Website
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Viewbook
Courses of StudyCollege of Agriculture and Life Sciences Information Sessions
Campus Walking Tours
College Credit Earned While in High School
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences AP Credit
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Graduation Requirements
Common Application
Financial Aid
Newsweek
"Keep it Honest, Keep It Real" - A veteran admissions officer says students only hurt themselves when they attempt to game the system. Colleges want authenticity.
The New York Times
"A Warning: Colleges Can Change Their Minds"
"For Those Withholding SAT Scores, Advice on Completing the Common Application"