Informational Bulletins
International Students: Special Application Process
As an international applicant, you'll need to fulfill all the requirements for first-year or transfer admission. In addition, Cornell asks you to review the International Supplement, which provides additional information and instructions for international applicants that will help further clarify your educational background for the selection committee.
Please note: It is very important that the name used in your application and other materials, including standardized testing, be identical to your name as it is listed in your passport.
Application Status
When we receive your Common Application and payment of the $70 application fee (check, draft, or international money order drawn on a U.S. financial institution), we will e-mail you with the information you need to establish an online application status account on Cornell’s web site. Please note that receiving a PIN via e-mail is your confirmation that we have received your application. Using this secure site you will be able to track your application materials, update your e-mail address when necessary, and have access to your admission decision. If you do not receive a PIN within two weeks of submitting the Common Application to Cornell, it may be because your e-mail address is incorrect or you are blocking e-mail from us. Go to Check Application Status and follow the instructions to obtain your PIN.
Important E-Mail Instructions
It is important that you provide us with a legible, current e-mail address (on the Common Application and Cornell Supplement) that you check frequently. E-mail is our primary method for communicating with you to request missing application materials, to verify information, to give you special instructions, etc. Please be sure to include cornell.edu in your address book and/or remove any spam blockers that might prevent our e-mail from reaching you.
Other Required Application Materials
In addition to the Common Application, the Cornell Supplement, and the application fee, please send official transcripts and other verification of your secondary and postsecondary schoolwork. This may include copies of diplomas, certificates, transcripts, marksheets, and external examination results. Copies must be translated into English and verified by a counselor or school official to be true copies of the original. Please submit the Common Application and your application fee or fee waiver before submitting supporting documents.
Are you worried about the $70 application fee? You may attach a brief letter to the Common Application requesting a fee waiver. The letter must be signed by a school official and must include parents’ employment, annual salaries, and the number of people dependent on those salaries. Fee waivers are not granted because of currency restrictions. For more information on fee waivers, see the Freshman Application Instructions.
If it appears from your application that you haven't completed the equivalent of a United States high school education, or haven't completed the minimum course requirements, we'll tell you and return your payment of the application fee.
Application Tips
- Make sure the same form of your name is used on your application and test scores. These should also be identical to your name as it is written in your passport.
- Make copies of your application to keep for your records.
- Keep all mailing and e-mail addresses current with the admissions office.
- Set up your on-line application status account by following the instructions you will receive after submitting the Common Application and Cornell Supplement.
- Do not send individual certificates for each award earned or extra-curricular activity.
- Documents sent together should not be bound together or enclosed in multiple individual envelopes.
- Make sure all supporting credentials and test scores are labeled with the same form of your name and address.
- If you submit your Common Application and Cornell Supplement online, there is no need to send us a paper version.
