Standardized Testing Policies
Cornell University has extended its two-year suspension of SAT/ACT requirements to 2023 and 2024 applicants.
Colleges and Schools at Cornell that are score-free
Cornell colleges that will not use test scores in the admission process:
- College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
- College of Architecture, Art, and Planning
- Cornell SC Johnson College of Business - Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management
- Cornell SC Johnson College of Business - Peter and Stephanie Nolan School of Hotel Administration
For more specific information about testing requirements, please visit the college-specific webpages.
Colleges and Schools at Cornell that are test-optional
Cornell colleges and schools that will include a review of test results if they are submitted in the application review process:
- College of Arts & Sciences
- College of Engineering
- College of Human Ecology
- Cornell Jeb E. Brooks School of Public Policy
- School of Industrial and Labor Relations
For more specific information about testing requirements, please visit the college-specific webpages.
Recruited student athletes must follow Ivy League guidelines. The Ivy League is not requiring testing for admission in 2021, 2022, 2023.
SAT Subject Tests
SAT Subject Tests (discontinued in 2021) are not required or expected for admission to Cornell University.
Additional Information About Standardized Testing
- Cornell University does not require the essay section on the SAT or ACT. (The essay portion for SAT has been discontinued in 2021.)
- Applicant results will be superscored to combine your highest subsections.
- If you plan to apply to one of our test-optional colleges/schools, you are welcome to submit unofficial test scores to Cornell University. Should you be admitted and enrolled at Cornell, we will require official test scores sent from the testing agency at that time.
- For All Applicants to Current and Future Terms: Please do not feel you need to take exams unless you are able to take the exam locally near your home and you feel safe in doing so. As a reminder, we will evaluate your application without standardized testing. For your health and safety, please always adhere to your local, state, and national COVID-19 guidelines.
