Cornell is the technical Ivy. Yes, you can study literature at Cornell, but what draws people to the university is more often how they can combine a liberal arts-y education with the best education in the business in fields like mechanical engineering, hard sciences, and arenas no other Ivy League schools touch, like hospitality, labor organizing, and agriculture. The research opportunities at Cornell are exceptional, and the acceptance rate is tiny. Overall, the Cornell acceptance rate is just over 5%. This is skewed, though, as some programs are more competitive to get into and others give preference to New York State applicants, pulling the acceptance rate upwards.

Cornell University is a top research university and a member of the famed Ivy League. The program is unique among the Ivy League for many of their programs, especially those related to agriculture, management, and labor relations. This makes it highly sought after as a transfer option, offering both highly-respected degrees and uniquely focused career trajectories.

During the 2024-2025 Cornell admissions cycle, the acceptance rate was 8.41%. While not a record low, this number is still sub 10% – meaning it’s a reach for everyone applying. But what does 8.41% actually mean? How does that translate? What numbers go behind these numbers? And how can you take advantage of these stats to help you gain a strategic edge? Well, thankfully for you, we dive into these statistics every single year to help our clients make the best decisions. And we’re sharing that intel with you.

Cornell University College of Engineering is a great choice for anyone looking for an Ivy League engineering education. Located in Ithaca, NY, Cornell is known for its impressive engineering programs. This is a blessing and a curse to hopeful engineering applicants. It is a blessing because if you get in, the Engineering school offers a world-class education. It's a curse because it means that it is one of the most competitive programs to get into Cornell. And make no mistake, any program at Cornell is hard to get into.