First-Year Arts & Sciences Applicants
As the largest and most academically diverse college at Cornell, the College of Arts & Sciences (A&S) offers an uncommon breadth and depth of intellectual opportunity. With such a range of majors and courses to choose from, your classmates will include scholars, world-changers, scientists, entrepreneurs, and artists pursuing virtually any interest you can imagine.
Our innovative curriculum encourages you to follow your curiosity, try out new ideas, engage with perspectives different from your own, and challenge yourself. Our requirements provide a unique degree of flexibility for you to discover what matters most to you, as you choose from more than 40 major options across the humanities, sciences, and social sciences.
A&S classes cross the boundaries of traditional fields, and much of your coursework will happen outside your major. While you’ll select up to two areas of interest on your application, you won’t have to declare a major until the end of your sophomore year—giving you time to explore before committing. Many A&S students pursue a double major, complete one or more minors, take on research, or study abroad. And you won’t be figuring it out alone: our academic advising and career development teams are with you at every stage, from offering academic support and advice about classes and requirements to providing guidance and connections related to internships, careers, and graduate schools.
A&S seeks students who maintain a rigorous high school curriculum and demonstrate a strong record of academic achievement.
At the College of Arts and Sciences, your education is yours to shape. Describe an intellectual passion, question, or idea that has captured your attention—whether it emerges from your studies or extends beyond your coursework. What specific aspects of our liberal arts curriculum would you draw on to explore and connect your varied interests?
Still need help? Look at the Frequently Asked Questions, or contact us.