Cornell University’s Fall 2025 Regular Decision application deadline is approaching, so here’s a rundown of what you need to know if you’re planning to apply:

The Undergraduate Admissions Office will be closed from December 25 through January 1.  

The university will be closed for Winter Break from Wednesday, December 25 through Wednesday, January 1. As such, our office will not be answering phone calls or responding to emails during this time. While our office is closed, you can find more information about how to apply and review frequently asked questions on our website. Our office will re-open for virtual support on Thursday, January 2.

Please note, the Undergraduate Admissions Office won’t be available for in-person visitors until Monday, February 3. In the meantime, explore your visit options here.

The Regular Decision application deadline is Thursday, January 2.

To be considered for Fall 2025, you must submit your Common Application by January 2, 2025, at 11:59 PM in your time zone. This is a submission deadline, not a completion deadline. We need to receive your application and application fee (or fee waiver) by January 2, but it’s okay if your transcripts, letters of recommendation, and other application materials arrive in early January. Please note that if you're applying to a program that requires a portfolio, the portfolio must be submitted by January 2.

After you submit your application, set up your Applicant Portal.  

Within 1–2 days of submitting your Common Application to Cornell, you’ll receive a confirmation email with instructions to set up your Applicant Portal. The portal will allow you to submit supplemental materials, review your application materials checklist, change your email or mailing address, and eventually receive your admission decision.

It takes some time to process application materials.

Given the volume of applications we receive, it can take up to five business days (i.e., the days our office is open) to process your application materials. Please know that we’re working as quickly as we can to update the checklist in your Applicant Portal.

Important financial aid application dates are approaching as well.

The Regular Decision financial aid application deadline for international applicants is January 2, 2025.  

The Regular Decision financial aid application priority date for U.S. applicants (citizens/permanent residents and eligible non-citizens) is February 15, 2025.  

If you still need help, know our office will be operating once more on Thursday, January 2, 2025. See you in the new year!