First-Year Duffield Engineering Applicants
Renowned faculty with deep expertise. Hands-on learning opportunities. Collaborative teamwork. The Cornell David A. Duffield College of Engineering offers all of this and more. Our students receive an exceptional engineering education that has a multidisciplinary focus and fosters a passion for solving complex problems.
Duffield Engineering offers one of the broadest engineering curricula in the world. As a first-year student, you begin general engineering studies focused on our common curriculum. You’ll learn about all the different majors offered at Duffield Engineering, which will allow you to explore your options before applying for affiliation with your major in your second year.
Duffield Engineering requires the completion of the following math and science classes prior to high school graduation. A unit is equivalent to one academic year of study.
Duffield Engineering requires the completion of the following math and science classes prior to high school graduation. A unit is equivalent to one academic year of study.
The following courses are recommended but not required.
No two high schools are the same, and access to take advanced courses varies. Our counselors are familiar with the schools in their assigned regions. Additionally, each high school provides a school profile that explains what courses are offered, any limits on the number of advanced classes available, and information about grading. We assess students’ work within the context of their specific high school and the resources available.
All applicants to Cornell are required to submit two teacher recommendations as part of their application. For applicants to Duffield Engineering, one of those recommendations must be from a math, science, or computer science teacher. The second recommendation may be from a teacher instructing a subject of your choice.*
*If you are an international or ESL student, we strongly encourage that your second recommendation be from a teacher who can directly address your English proficiency.
Interested in starting your engineering education with an international experience? Global Start Cantabria lets you do just that! Each year, a small cohort of incoming Duffield Engineering students spend their first semester studying at the Universidad de Cantabria in Santander, Spain. These students take a similar course load as their peers starting at Cornell’s Ithaca, NY, campus and have access to the same support resources while abroad. As engineering becomes more international and multilingual, this program offers a great opportunity for students to broaden their horizons while remaining on track with their program requirements.
When completing your Common Application Writing Supplement, you’ll be required to write two long essays and four short essays.
200-word limit per response
Question 1: Fundamentally, engineering is the application of math, science, and technology to solve complex problems. Why do you want to study engineering?
Question 2: Why do you think you would love to study at Duffield Engineering?
100-word limit per response
Question 1: What brings you joy?
Question 2: What do you believe you will contribute to the Duffield Engineering community beyond what you've already detailed in your application? What unique voice will you bring?
Question 3: What is one activity, club, team, organization, work/volunteer experience or family responsibility that is especially meaningful to you? Please briefly tell us about its significance for you.
Question 4: What is one award you have received or achievement you have attained that has meant the most to you? Please briefly describe its importance to you.
Still need help? Look at the Frequently Asked Questions, or contact us.