QuestBridge Applicants
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 QuestBridge Scholars to campus, know that our collaborative community of students, faculty, staff, and alumni will support you throughout your academic journey.
| Term | Description |
|---|---|
| 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. |
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 the Match process and Cornell is your first-choice institution, you can apply for Early Decision using the Common Application. Early Decision admission is binding, and the application deadline is November 1. You can apply Regular Decision to Cornell by using your QuestBridge application or the Common Application.
3. If you're a Finalist who ranked Cornell and didn't match with a binding QuestBridge college partner during the Match process, you will be automatically considered in Regular Decision and do not need to fill out out the QuestBridge Regular Decision form. Regular Decision admission is not binding, and the application deadline is January 2. You cannot submit an additional Common Application.
4. If you're a Finalist who didn't rank Cornell in the Match process and who didn't match with another binding QuestBridge college partner, you can apply to Cornell for Regular Decision by filling out the QuestBridge Regular Decision Form and using your QuestBridge application. Alternatively, you can opt to not have your QuestBridge application forwarded to Cornell and apply via the Common Application.
5. If you're not selected as a QuestBridge Finalist, you can apply to Cornell via the Common Application either Early or Regular Decision.
| Date | Application Materials |
|---|---|
| August 1 | National College Match Application opens |
| September 30 | National College Match application deadline |
| October 1 | Match rankings form opens- can rank up to 15 institutions |
| October 16 | Match Rankings Form Deadline |
| October 21 | QuestBridge notifies applicants of Finalist status |
| November 1 | Deadline to submit Cornell QuestBridge Supplement, Financial Aid forms (FAFSA, CSS Profile), & required materials if you apply to a college/school that requires them (design supplement, portfolio, or resume) |
| November 4 | Regular Decision form opens. Finalists can begin to select colleges they wish to apply to if not matched or if not participating in the match |
| December 1 | Match Day: finalists are notified of Match results by QuestBridge |
| December 11 | Regular Decision Form deadline for QuestBridge Finalists that did not match |
| Date | Application Materials |
|---|---|
| August | Common Application 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
|
| January 16 | Required materials deadline |
| February 15 | Financial aid application materials due for U.S. citizens and eligible non-citizens |
| Late March | Admission decisions and financial aid offers announced |
| May 1 | Reply to offer of admission |
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 University requires first-year applicants to submit SAT or ACT test scores. Students can self-report unofficial test scores to Cornell on their application. Matriculating students will be required to provide official scores upon enrolling at Cornell. Review our standardized testing policy to learn more.
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 eligible non-citizen 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.
The Cornell supplement asks: 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)
Match Finalists who rank Cornell but do not match with another binding institution, Match Finalists who do not rank Cornell and who do not match with another binding institution, Non-Finalists, and Finalists not participating in Match can apply for Regular Decision.
If you're a Finalist who ranked Cornell and didn't match with a binding QuestBridge college partner during the Match process, you will be automatically considered in Regular Decision and do not need to fill out the QuestBridge Regular Decision form. Regular Decision admission is not binding, and the application deadline is January 2. You cannot submit an additional Common Application.
If you’re a Finalist who did not rank Cornell and didn’t match with a binding QuestBridge college partner during the Match process, you can apply via the QuestBridge Regular Decision Form or via the Common Application.
If you no longer wish to be considered for admission, please complete the withdrawal form in your Applicant Portal. If you no longer wish to participate in the College Match process, please email engage@admissions.cornell.edu.
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 engage@admissions.cornell.edu.
Still need help? Look at the Frequently Asked Questions, or contact us.