Cornell has reinstituted standardized testing requirements for first-year students seeking undergraduate admission. After a multi-year study conducted by the university’s Task Force on Standardized Testing in Admissions, data showed that when reviewed in context with other application materials—such as GPA, academic rigor, extracurricular engagement, essays, and letters of recommendation—test scores help to create a more complete picture of an individual applicant. Cornell considers all applicants holistically, which means we look at all the elements of an application during our review.
Effective for Fall 2026 and beyond, first-year applicants are required to submit the SAT or ACT. Applicants may self-report test scores when applying using the testing section of the Common Application. Scores may also be self-reported through the Cornell Applicant Portal after applying. Applicants are encouraged to double check the accuracy of all self-reported scores.
Enrolling students are required to provide official scores from the testing agency for self-reported SAT and/or ACT scores. Failure to verify self-reported scores with official scores may result in the revocation of a student's offer of admission.
For the SAT, Cornell considers the highest section scores across test dates and participates in the College Board Score Choice program. For the ACT, Cornell will consider the ACT-provided superscore and the highest sections scores across all test dates. Be sure to use the superscore option when sending official scores. The science section of the ACT is not required.
Cornell’s SAT code is 2098, and our ACT code is 2726.
SAT or ACT scores are neither required nor expected for transfer applicants.
All Cornell students must have a strong command of the English language to be successful in their engagement in their university studies. English proficiency can be demonstrated by one of the following methods:
Applicants who do not meet one of these criteria are required to submit an English proficiency exam score. Accepted exams and score requirements to be most competitive in our admissions review process include:
We will accept self-reported scores from the Common Application. You may also self-report new or updated scores on Cornell’s English Language Proficiency Form, which will be available in your applicant portal once you become an applicant. Enrolling students are required to provide official test scores sent from the testing agency.
Still need help? Look at the Frequently Asked Questions, or contact us.
