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. Portfolios and design supplements are due November 1 for Early Decision and January 2 for Regular Decision. The deadline for supplemental materials is November 14 for Early Decision and January 16 for Regular Decision. 

First-year Applicants

Complete and submit the Cornell Writing Supplement through the Common Application website under My Colleges > Cornell University > Writing Supplement > Writing Questions. Once all required fields are finished, you will be able to review a PDF of your responses, pay the application fee (or confirm a fee waiver, if applicable), and submit the supplement. A confirmation screen will appear after submission.

First-year Students (QuestBridge Finalist applicants)

Completing the Cornell QuestBridge supplement will fulfill both the Cornell QuestBridge Supplement and Writing Supplement items on your Applicant Checklist. QuestBridge Finalist applicants who rank Cornell should not submit any part of the Common Application, including the Common Application Writing Supplement.

1. Log in to your Applicant Portal.
2. On your To-Do List, click on “QuestBridge Supplement”.
3. Please be sure your response(s) follow the guidelines provided regarding minimum and/or maximum word count.
4. Click “Submit” when you have completed the information on the form. You will see a confirmation screen. 

Transfer Applicants

Complete both the Writing Supplement and the Personal Statement in the Program Materials section of the Common Application. The Writing Supplement is found under Program Materials > Questions, and the Personal Statement is found under Program Materials > Documents. The Writing Supplement will only populate after you have selected your intended Cornell University school or college under Academics. Once all writing prompts are complete, you will be able to review a PDF of your responses and submit your application. A confirmation screen will appear after submission.

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