Processing Time

Checklist update processing times vary with application volume. Near deadlines, submitted materials may take up to two weeks to appear as “received” in your applicant portal.

Applicants whose first language is not English, or who have not attended a school where English is the primary language of instruction must demonstrate English proficiency.

We will accept self-reported scores from the Common Application. You may also self-report new or updated scores on the English Language Proficiency (ELP) Form. After filling out the form, click Submit. Once submitted, your checklist item for English Language Proficiency will be updated.

If you are admitted, you will be required to submit your official test scores from the testing agency.

Cornell accepts the following exams:

• TOEFL iBT — minimum competitive score: 100
  (Request scores using Cornell’s institution code 2098 via ETS)
• IELTS Academic — minimum competitive score: 7.5
  (Send scores electronically by selecting Cornell University as a recipient in the IELTS portal)
• Duolingo English Test — minimum competitive score: 130
  (Log in to your Duolingo account, choose Share Score, and select Cornell University)
• Cambridge English (C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency) — minimum competitive score: 191
  (Select Cornell University when requesting your results be shared)

Self-reported scores may be used for initial review, but admitted applicants must ensure official results are sent directly from the testing agency.

Exemptions
Applicants may be exempt from submitting an English proficiency exam if they meet certain criteria (for example, U.S. citizens, applicants whose first language is English, or applicants who have studied for at least four years at a school where English is the primary language of instruction).

For more information, please see Cornell’s International Applicant requirements.

For information on how to submit other materials for your application, please visit Application Material Submission Instructions.