QuestBridge Applicants

QuestBridge

Ezra Cornell’s founding vision — a university where “any person can find instruction in any study” — holds true today. Cornell University offers students the academic excellence of an Ivy League institution along with a unique breadth and depth of opportunities to personalize their college experience. As Cornell looks forward to welcoming our first class of QuestBridge Scholars for Fall 2025, know that our collaborative community of students, faculty, staff, and alumni will support you throughout your academic journey.

 

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Key QuestBridge Terms

Finalist
A National College Match applicant selected by QuestBridge through a holistic review process.
Non-Finalist
A National College Match applicant who was not selected by QuestBridge through a holistic review process.
Non-Participating Finalist
A Finalist who did not rank colleges for the Match, yet still may apply through other avenues.
Matched Finalist
A Finalist who is matched to a college partner and will receive that college’s Match scholarship.
Non-Matched Finalist
A Finalist who ranked colleges and was not matched, yet still may apply through other avenues.
Withdrawal
A Finalist who removed a college from their rankings and is no longer considered for the Match scholarship at that school, yet still may apply through other avenues.

Explore QuestBridge National College Match

Application Process

There are several ways to apply to Cornell as a QuestBridge participant.

1. If you're a Finalist participating in the National College Match, you can rank Cornell using the match rankings form for the deadline in early October.

2. If you're a Finalist not participating in Match and Cornell is your first-choice institution, you can apply for Early Decision using your QuestBridge application. Early Decision admission is binding, and the application deadline is November 1.

3. If you're a Finalist who didn't match with a college partner during the Match process, you can apply for Regular Decision using your QuestBridge application. Regular Decision admission is not binding, and the application deadline is January 2.

4. If you are not selected as a Finalist, you can apply to Cornell via Early or Regular Decision.

QuestBridge Application Process

  1. Step One: Apply to QuestBridge.

  2. Step Two: Are you a Finalist?

    1. If Yes, proceed to Step Three.
    2. If No, Apply Early Decision or Regular Decision using the Common App.

  3. Step Three: Are you participating in the National College Match?

    1. If Yes, Proceed to Step Four.
    2. If No, Apply Early Decision or Regular Decision using the Common App.

  4. Step Four: Did you Rank Cornell?

    1. If Yes, proceed to Step Five.
    2. If No, Did you match with aNother QuestBridge Institution?
      1. If Yes, You matched with aNother QuestBridge School and must adhere to their match policy.
      2. If No, Your QuestBridge application will be considered by Cornell during Regular Decision.

  5. Step Five: Did you Match with Cornell?

    1. If Yes, Congratulations—you will attend Cornell in the Fall!
    2. If No, Did you match with aNother QuestBridge Institution?
      1. If Yes, You matched with aNother QuestBridge School and must adhere to their match policy
      2. If No, Your QuestBridge application will be considered by Cornell during Regular Decision

Dates & Deadlines

 
Application Timeline
DateApplication Materials
September 26
QuestBridge Application Deadline
October 10
Match Rankings Deadline
October 16
Student Finalist Notification by QuestBridge
November 1
Deadline to submit Cornell QuestBridge Supplement & supplemental materials
Additional materials include (FAFSA, CSS profile) and your portfolio or design supplement if you apply to a college/school that requires one
November 4
Regular Decision form available for Finalists not participating in match
December 2

Match Day: finalists are notified of Match results by QuestBridge

  
Application Timeline
DateApplication Materials
August
Common App opens
October 1
CSS Profile opens
December 1

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) opens

Last applicable SAT & ACT testing date (recommended)

January 2

Regular Decision Application Deadline

The following application materials must be submitted by this deadline:

  • The Common Application and Cornell Writing Supplement
  • Portfolio (Architecture, Art, and Landscape Architecture applicants)
  • Design Supplement (Design & Environmental Analysis and Fashion Design and Management applicants)
February 15

Priority date to submit financial aid application materials for U.S. citizens and eligible non-citizens

Late March

Admission decisions available

Financial aid offers available for admitted students with complete financial aid applications

May 1

Reply deadline for offer of admission

Frequently Asked Questions

Cornell FAQs

You can apply to any of Cornell’s eight undergraduate colleges or schools. Your college will be your academic home during your time here, but you'll have the opportunity to take classes and minor in other colleges as well. If you’re thinking about double majoring, keep in mind that you'll only be able to select a second major from within your chosen college.

For majors that are offered in two or more of our undergraduate colleges the major requirements, faculty, and research opportunities will be the same regardless of which college you choose. However, the classes you take outside of your major and the non-major graduation requirements you’ll need to fulfill will vary depending on your college. Applicants are encouraged to explore each college/school to identify the one that is the best fit for your academic interests and talents. As you explore Cornell, we encourage you to learn about both the majors that interest you and the college that may be the best fit. The colleges' websites will serve as a good starting point; the Courses of Study website may also be a helpful resource. 

No, you cannot apply to multiple colleges/schools at Cornell. When applying, you'll choose the undergraduate college or school within the university that is the best fit for your interests and talents. This will allow you to tailor your Cornell QuestBridge Supplement to your college or school of interest.

There are a few additional items you’ll need to submit in addition to your QuestBridge application:

  • Cornell QuestBridge Supplement, which should be completed via your Applicant Portal after Cornell has received your QuestBridge application
    • Essay prompt: What attracts you to your preferred college or school at Cornell? What majors or academic areas of interest excite you? Please discuss how your interests and related experiences have influenced your choice. Your response should show us that your interests and aspirations align with the college or school you have selected at Cornell. (300 word limit) 
  • A portfolio or design supplement if required by the college/school/program you're applying to
  • Financial aid application materials

If you're applying to enroll at Cornell for Fall 2025, Cornell will be test-recommended or score-free depending on the college/school you're applying to. Review our standardized testing policy to learn more.

If you're applying to enroll at Cornell for Fall 2026 or later, you will be required to submit standardized test scores.

Yes, the application fee will be waived for QuestBridge applicants to Cornell.

Yes, please submit the required materials to apply for financial aid by November 1.

International citizens are not eligible to be considered for the National College Match at Cornell, but undocumented and DACA students may be considered.

Personal interviews are not available for applicants to any of Cornell's undergraduate programs.

No, QuestBridge Finalists are evaluated using the same standards as all first-year applicants.

QuestBridge FAQs

Unmatched Finalists, Match Participating Finalists not Ranking Cornell, Non-Finalists, and Finalists not participating in Match can apply for Regular Decision.

No, finalists who ranked Cornell but did not match with Cornell or any other QuestBridge partners will automatically be considered during Regular Decision. Please submit an updated transcript reflecting mid-year grades. You should not submit an application via Common App. 

If you no longer wish to be considered for admission please complete the withdrawal form in your Applicant Portal. 

Yes. If you match with Cornell, you will receive a Match Scholarship and have a binding commitment to attend Cornell. Please note that you cannot defer your admission to a future semester.

You should apply Early or Regular Decision, using the Common Application. 

Questions about applying to QuestBridge, including questions about your application materials or status, should go to QuestBridge directly. If Cornell has already confirmed receipt of your application, please contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office at admissions@cornell.edu.