First-Year CALS Applicants
In the Cornell University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS), purpose-driven science drives everything we do. We work across disciplines to tackle real-world challenges and meet the evolving needs of communities near and far. Applicants can choose from 20+ majors in community and rural development, environment and natural resources, food and nutrition, communication, applied economics, agriculture, international programs, and life sciences.
Applicants to Cornell CALS apply directly to one of our 20+ majors in the life, agricultural, environmental, and social sciences. If admitted, you will jump right into your major and gain access to a community of fellow students, faculty, and staff who share your interests. While your major will serve as your initial academic grounding point, your CALS experience will be flexible and exploratory as you take coursework across disciplines, participate in experiential learning, and develop new skills.
It is normal to have some trouble selecting one major. Our strongest CALS candidates have a multitude of interests, many of which are housed in more than one CALS major. As you approach the process of choosing a major, consider asking yourself the following questions:
Students who thrive at CALS are eager to dive into subjects they love while staying open to discovering new interests. Start exploring CALS majors to answer these questions and more. The CALS Admissions team is here and eager to help. Please contact us if you need more information or have specific questions at cals_admissions@cornell.edu.
CALS seeks students who maintain a rigorous high school curriculum and demonstrate an outstanding record of academic achievement.
*Calculus is required for Atmospheric Science, Biological Engineering, Biological Sciences, Earth & Climate Sciences, Environmental Engineering, Food Science, Global & Public Health Sciences, Information Science, Nutritional Sciences, and Statistics & Biometry majors.
**Physics is required for Atmospheric Science, Biological Engineering, Earth & Climate Sciences, and Environmental Engineering majors.
The CALS Admissions team evaluates each applicant’s academic preparation within the context of their unique educational environment. This includes, but is not limited to, curriculum types such as AP, IB, Honors, dual enrollment, GCSE/A-Level and other international programs; academic calendar systems like quarter, semester, trimester, and block schedules; as well as the specific coursework available and any scheduling constraints communicated.
The goal of providing academic requirements by major is to ensure that students are academically prepared for success at Cornell CALS. However, given the variation in educational contexts, the Admissions team always seeks to understand how a student demonstrates readiness—even if their academic program doesn’t align exactly with our stated requirements.
Landscape Architecture applicants are required to submit a portfolio. Review details, format, and submission instructions.
Portfolio submission deadlines:
We will not accept a portfolio submitted after these deadlines. All portfolio requirements must be met for your application to be considered.
By applying to Cornell’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS), you are also applying directly to one of our majors. From here, you would be part of a community dedicated to purpose-driven science; working within your major and across disciplines to tackle complex, real-world challenges. Please respond to the following writing prompts when completing your Common Application Writing Supplement:
What interests you about the major you selected? Tell us about experiences (both in and outside of the classroom), questions, and goals that influenced your choice. (350-word limit)
What draws you to Cornell’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS)? Reflect on the learning, community, or impact opportunities that matter most to you, and share how they align with Cornell CALS (as you understand it currently). (350-word limit)
Still need help? Look at the Frequently Asked Questions, or contact us.