Professional Documents
Culture Documents
TransferGuide 2
TransferGuide 2
1
Cornell Facts
Founded: 1865 by Ezra Cornell and Andrew Dickson White Undergraduate student gender and ethnicity (fall 2009):
Male 51%
Opened: 1868
Female 49%
Ithaca campus: more than 260 buildings on 745 acres Students of color 31%
Public and private identity: Cornell is the federal land- Regional origin* (fall 2009):
grant institution of New York State, a private endowed New York State 33%
university, a member of the Ivy League, and a partner of Middle Atlantic 20%
the State University of New York. West 11%
New England 10%
Colleges and schools: 14. Seven undergraduate colleges
Midwest 7%
and four graduate and professional schools in Ithaca,
South 7%
a school of medicine and a graduate school of medical
Southwest 3%
sciences in New York City, and a medical school in Qatar.
Foreign and U.S. territories 9%
Faculty: 1,637 (Ithaca campus) * 101% due to rounding
3
David J. Skorton
Office of the President
300 Day Hall
Ithaca, New York 14853
Dear Student:
I am delighted that you are considering Cornell University as the next stop on
your academic journey. Cornell is an institution unlike any other—an Ivy League
research university with a public mandate, the only land-grant institution in
the Ivy League. Our academic programs offer a breadth and depth of study
that enables every student to pursue his or her passion, whether in the arts,
humanities, sciences, or some combination of these. Truly, anything is possible at
Cornell.
Transfer students have been an integral part of the Cornell community since the
university’s founding. In fact, the first woman graduate of Cornell was a transfer
student—Emma Sheffield Eastman, a member of the Class of 1875. Transfers
enrich our campus with the diversity of their life experiences, provide leadership to
a wide variety of student organizations, and set high standards for achievement in
our classrooms, studios, and laboratories.
Best regards,
David J. Skorton
President
4
Who, exactly, is a
Cornell’s
transfer student?
You apply to Cornell as a transfer student if
you’ve graduated from high school and have
Transfer Students
earned 12 or more credits at another college or
university since then. If you’ve enrolled as a full-
time student at another institution, you’re also
considered a transfer applicant.
T
If you don’t quite fit into either of these
hey have come from Buffalo, Binghamton, and the Bronx; Oregon, categories, or if your circumstances are unusual,
Florida, and Texas; the People’s Republic of China, Finland, New contact the admissions office.
Zealand, Cameroon, and Chile. Each year about 700 students transfer Note to current college freshmen: Current
to Cornell from other colleges and universities—both college freshmen who want to transfer to Cornell
should plan to complete at least one year of
two-year and four-year institutions.
course work elsewhere. Transferring after one
They transfer as sophomores and juniors. Some have gone directly semester is not advisable and is not permitted in
most cases. If you intend to complete only one
from high school to college; others have been out of school for several years; and some
semester of course work at another institution,
are returning in their 30s, 40s, and even 50s to complete their bachelor’s degrees. you must contact the admissions office in
advance of submitting your application for
They apply to study human development and hospitality management, mathematics
admission.
and mechanical engineering, labor relations and linguistics, architecture and
agriculture, genomics and economics, computer science and more.
Are you a visiting student?
Most are planning to build on previously earned transfer credits and complete all
You’re a visiting student if:
their studies in the standard four-year period (including the time they’ve already put
• you are enrolled at another institution and
in). Others may take an extra summer or longer to complete their studies. want to spend one or two semesters studying at
Cornell before returning to your original college
What do these students have in common? Well, for one thing, they’re some of the
or university; or
most motivated and successful students at Cornell. Many are destined to become
• you already hold a bachelor’s degree and are
leaders at the university and beyond. They’re bright, savvy, and creative. And they
seeking admission to Cornell to prepare for
know how to get things done. graduate study or a career.
If you have something in common with Cornell’s transfer students, perhaps Cornell If you’re accepted as a visiting student, you’ll
need to take at least 12 credits each semester,
should be the next stop on your collegiate journey.
with half to two-thirds of your work in the
college to which you’ve applied.
You can enroll as a visiting student for a
maximum of two semesters. Details about
applying as a visiting student can be found on
the admissions web site. Note: Visiting students
are not eligible to earn a degree, and they do not
receive financial aid.
5
Transfer Students: In
Jessica C. Myers
Transfer from Tompkins Cortland Community College, N.Y.
Daniel V. Peneyra
Transfer from Dutchess Community College, N.Y.
“I really enjoy the small classroom settings and the personal attention
that students are able to receive from their professors. At Berkeley, I
was used to being in a lecture hall with 600 other students, but the
most students I have in my classes at the Hotel School is around 60.
Nadene Reid
Transfer from Essex County College, N.J.
8
Their Own Words
Joseph “Chip” Godfrey
Transfer from Colgate University, N.Y.
9
Why Transfer to Cornell?
Amazing Academics Access and Affordability
Cornell University provides its students with an academic At Cornell, you will get an Ivy League education that is a
experience that is second to none, with an unsurpassed great investment in your future. Financial aid is based only
commitment to undergraduate education, while providing on demonstrated financial need—Cornell offers no merit or
all the benefits of a world-class research institution. athletic scholarships, and incoming transfer students receive
Cornell’s status as New York State’s land-grant university the same consideration as entering freshmen for aid. If you
means we offer the broadest range of academic programs in are admitted to Cornell, we want you to attend, and we will
the Ivy League, with more than 80 academic departments work with you and your family to put the cost of a Cornell
and majors as well as challenging dual-degree programs education within your reach.
and a score of interdisciplinary majors that cross traditional
department boundaries. Students also take part in
undergraduate research projects throughout the university. Realize Your Potential
Every person has an untapped talent, a new discovery, or
maybe just a burning curiosity inside. Cornell will provide
Faculty Connections you with the tools to unleash your potential and channel it
During your studies at Cornell, you will build strong into a field of study that will take you down a path of lifelong
connections with the faculty, both in the classroom and learning. You will choose a major in one college, but you
beyond. Scholars come to Cornell to be teachers, and they are will have the opportunity to select courses from all seven.
among the best in their disciplines. Class size also contributes With more than 4,000 courses in dozens of disciplines, and
to the bond formed between teacher and student: more than myriad opportunities to take part in undergraduate research,
80 percent of our classes have fewer than 50 students; more there are ample intellectual challenges available to you.
than 70 percent of our classes have 29 students or fewer.
Your experiences at Cornell also will provide many
Faculty members are active in campus life after class is opportunities for personal growth and discovery. You can
over, too. They serve as advisers to the more than 800 hone your leadership skills through participation in student
student organizations; some live in residence halls with organizations or by starting a new organization. The
their families as faculty-in-residence; many participate in undergraduate colleges also provide leadership experiences,
the university’s dining fellows program, joining students such as the LeaderShape® program sponsored by the
for meals and lively discussion; and others can be found College of Engineering.
on fields and courts, engaged in spirited intramural sports
Cornell provides unlimited exposure to the global
competition. In addition, faculty members sponsor student
community; living in a community with students and
research projects and engage students in their own research
faculty members from all corners of the world is truly a
teams. There is no shortage of opportunity to get to know
life-changing experience. Together, you and your fellow
the faculty, and for the faculty to get to know you.
Cornellians will broaden your horizons and share your life
experiences through personal interaction, class discussions,
Inspiring Students and participation in clubs, teams, and volunteer activities.
You will leave Cornell with the knowledge, skills, and
Perhaps most important, students who transfer to Cornell
experience that will prepare you to change the world.
have the opportunity to live and learn in a community of
students who are smart, ambitious, creative, and committed
to making our world a better place. Cornell students come
from all 50 states and more than 120 countries around the
globe, representing a tapestry of racial, ethnic, religious,
gender, sexual orientation, class, and nationality groups.
10
Preparing to Transfer to Cornell:
Plan Ahead
It is best to plan ahead if you wish to transfer to Cornell, For example, if you are interested in English and writing,
beginning as much as a year in advance, if possible. The you may want to consider the communications program in
sooner you begin to prepare, the more fully you can explore the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences; an option for
the academic options available to you and ensure that you psychology students is the human development program
meet the transfer admission requirements for the program to in Human Ecology; Industrial and Labor Relations may be
which you will apply. a good choice for students interested in business or public
policy; and many students seeking a business management
There are two primary ways to learn all you need to
degree enroll in the School of Hotel Administration. In
know about Cornell and the transfer process: review the
addition, you can prepare for medical, law, or business
university’s web site (www.cornell.edu), including the
school in any of the seven undergraduate colleges.
undergraduate admission web site (admissions.cornell.edu);
and schedule a visit to the campus for information sessions,
tours, and a meeting with a transfer admission adviser in
your college of choice.
You also should explore the multiple ways you can pursue
many areas of study at Cornell so that you can determine
which is best for you. You can study subjects such as
biology, computer science, design, economics and business,
environmental engineering, geology, and psychology in
more than one college.
11
To learn more about a particular college at Cornell,
Academic Programs
you may begin by reviewing the colleges’ web sites: Africana studies German (literature
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Agricultural science and culture)
www.cals.cornell.edu education Government
Agricultural sciences History
College of Architecture, Art, and Planning American studies History of architecture
www.aap.cornell.edu Animal science History of art
College of Arts and Sciences Anthropology Hotel administration
www.as.cornell.edu Applied economics and Human biology, health,
management and society
College of Engineering Archaeology Human development
www.engineering.cornell.edu Architecture Industrial and labor relations
Asian studies Information science
School of Hotel Administration
Astronomy Information science, systems
www.hotelschool.cornell.edu and technology
Atmospheric science
College of Human Ecology Biological engineering International agriculture and
rural development
www.human.cornell.edu Biological sciences
Biology and society Italian
School of Industrial and Labor Relations Landscape architecture
Biometry and statistics
www.ilr.cornell.edu Chemical engineering Linguistics
Chemistry and chemical Materials science and
engineering
Know the Requirements biology
Mathematics
China and Asia-Pacific
It is important to find out the admission requirements studies Mechanical engineering
for the college or program to which you plan to Civil engineering Music
apply, to be sure you have the necessary courses Classics (Greek, Latin) Natural resources
for transferring. It’s also helpful to know what the Communication Near Eastern studies
colleges are looking for in reviewing applications. Comparative literature Nutritional sciences
All of this information can be found on the Transfer Computer science Operations research
Dance and engineering
Admission Policies and Requirements chart on pages
Design and environmental Philosophy
28–29.
analysis Physics
During your campus visit, plan ahead to meet with Development sociology Plant sciences
the transfer coordinator in your chosen college to Economics Policy analysis and
talk about what academic qualifications the college Electrical and computer management
is seeking in prospective transfer students. Then you engineering Psychology
can write about the ways you match those traits in Engineering physics Religious studies
English Science and technology
your application essays.
Entomology studies
Even if you can’t visit, you can get assistance in Environmental engineering Science of Earth systems
planning your transfer by communicating with the Feminist, gender, and Science of natural and
sexuality studies environmental systems
transfer admissions coordinator in the college to
Fiber science and apparel Sociology
which you will apply. Contact information is found
design Spanish
on each college’s transfer guide page, beginning on
Film Statistical science
page 15.
Fine arts Theatre arts
Food science Urban and regional studies
French Viticulture and enology
German area studies
12
Admissions Information
Application Procedures
We are pleased that you are considering applying to Cornell There are two ways to apply: online or on paper. We
University. Our admissions committees review application strongly encourage you to apply online to expedite the
materials thoughtfully and thoroughly. We look forward to processing of your application and to better serve you.
receiving your application and getting to know you. Whichever method you choose, you must submit all
components the same way. Students who submit the
The Cornell transfer application consists of:
Transfer Common Application online must pay online
• the Transfer Common Application, which Cornell (unless requesting a fee waiver), and must submit the
uses exclusively Cornell University Supplement online. Students who
submit their Transfer Common Application on paper
• the Cornell University Transfer Supplement to the
must pay by check or money order and must submit the
Transfer Common Application, which is required of
Cornell University Transfer Supplement on paper as well
all applicants; it includes important Cornell-specific
(see mailing address below). All additional materials (e.g.,
information and required essays
financial aid application, transcripts, instructor evaluations)
• a $70 application fee or waiver should be sent to Transfer Admissions, Cornell University,
P.O. Box 6411, Ithaca, NY 14851-6411.
• the College Instructor Evaluation, College Official’s
Report, and Midterm Report Visit admissions.cornell.edu/apply/transfer for specific
details about submitting the transfer application.
• official copies of college and high school transcripts
13
Timetable for Fall-Semester Transfer Admission
February 1 to March 1 The Transfer Common Application (including the instructor evaluation(s) and college official’s evaluation),
Cornell University Transfer Supplement, the Midterm Report, and all other required application components
are due.
March 1 First, complete the Transfer Financial Aid Application. Then, complete the online College Scholarship Service
(CSS) PROFILE and Non-Custodial PROFILE (if applicable) online at www.collegeboard.com. Send us a signed
copy of your and your parents’ 2009 federal income tax returns, schedules, and W-2 forms. Complete the Free
Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online at www.fafsa.ed.gov.
May and June Admission decisions are sent as they are made. Financial aid decisions are sent to admitted students who
applied for aid. Please make sure that you have received your aid decision before you make your decision about
enrolling at Cornell.
May and June Your decision about Cornell is due within 30 days of the offer of admission or July 1, whichever is earlier.
Standardized Tests? Again? does not participate in the College Board’s Score Choice. If
submitting the SATs, plan to submit all scores.
SAT and ACT. Relax. If you’ve already taken the SAT or the
ACT, we just need to see the results. Ask the testing agency
to send us the official scores (see the list below for contact Transcripts
information). If you didn’t take either test previously, there’s no
Cornell requires official transcripts of your high school
need to take one now. (For more information, see pages 28–29.)
and college work. You’ll need to have your high school and
TOEFL/IELTS Requirement college(s) send us your final grades for all the semesters you
have completed. These need to be sent to Cornell by the
for Transfer Applicants application deadline—see pages 11–12.
Policy: *International transfer applicants for whom English
Also, you’ll need to arrange for your final semester’s
is not the first language must submit a TOEFL or IELTS
midterm grades at your current school to be sent to us as
score. The recommended minimum TOEFL and IELTS
soon as they’re available. (This is especially urgent if you’re
scores are as follows:
applying for spring-term admission.) If you’re accepted,
• TOEFL: 100 (Internet-based exam), 250 (Computer-Based) you’ll need to make sure that Cornell receives a final
and 600 (Paper exam) transcript for your last semester at your current school.
• IELTS: 7
15
Cornell’s Undergraduate
Colleges and Schools
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences • College of Architecture, Art, and Planning • College of
Arts and Sciences • College of Engineering • School of Hotel Administration • College of Human
Ecology • School of Industrial and Labor Relations
Cornell’s seven undergraduate colleges and schools provide Understanding Cornell University
a broad array of programs of study that reflect the diverse
interests of our students. Whatever intellectual path Cornell is one university with seven undergraduate colleges
you wish to follow, you will find it in one or more of the and schools—and dozens of academic programs. You enroll
undergraduate colleges and schools. in one college, but take courses in many.
Engineering
• If previously taken, scores from SAT,
ACT, and SAT Subject Tests must be
submitted. International students
must submit TOEFL or IELTS scores.
• Complete course descriptions/syllabi
for any college course work must be
submitted with your application.
• You must also submit an interest
statement for each of the Engineering
major(s) chosen.
With a dozen engineering majors, state- engineering students will participate in Note: Your application will not be
of-the-art facilities, and bright creative research during their time at Cornell, reviewed until all of the above are
people to work with, you’ll find that the brainstorming problems with some of received.
College of Engineering is where intellect the world’s premier research minds—
translates into innovation and ideas like Jon Kleinberg, who recently won a
evolve from abstraction to reality. MacArthur “genius grant” and is known Engineering
Find out what’s happening on the for his work in areas of network theory Application Checklist
cutting edge of the field you’re interested that help to improve web searches.
By March 1, please submit:
in by participating in undergraduate Balance the theoretical with the practical
• Official transcripts from high school
research. Half of the undergraduate by getting involved with one of our
and college
project teams. Design a satellite or an
Majors autonomous aircraft, build and race a • Complete course descriptions/syllabi
Formula One–style racecar, or create a for all college level course work
Biological engineering
fully functional solar house with other completed (see www.engineering.
Chemical engineering
students across the university. These cornell.edu/transfer for instructions
Civil engineering on submitting these descriptions)
are just a few of the nearly 20 teams that
Computer science
come together for a common goal and • An interest statement explaining why
Electrical and computer then compete against other universities you have chosen the major to which
engineering
in international competitions. you are applying
Engineering physics
Becoming a Cornell engineer means • A second interest statement if you
Environmental engineering
tapping your expertise in science and have decided to list an alternate-
Information science, systems, and
technology math to be challenged in ways you’ve choice major
never imagined, while expanding your
Materials science and engineering • Midterm Report (as soon as it is
knowledge through courses in the other
Engineering
Hotel Administration
If you’re an ambitious, dynamic, people-
oriented person who’s interested in being
an entrepreneur or a corporate executive,
think about Cornell’s School of Hotel
Administration—the recognized leader
in service and hospitality management
education throughout the world. You’ll
find Cornell Hotel School graduates
at the top of major hotel chains and
Fortune 500 companies, where they Prepare for Transfer Special Features
serve as industry experts in investment
banking, real estate development, and
• You may apply for fall or spring Management Curriculum
term admission, but you must have
consulting. Our curriculum is the most
completed at least 12 credits at
Maybe you’ve had a service job in a comprehensive of its kind: 100 different
another college or university.
restaurant, hotel, theme park, or store. If courses in four major areas. We’re a
• Work experience in a service professional school that gives you the
you like the idea of working in a creative,
position is highly recommended to tools of business administration and
people-centered business and you want
demonstrate your interest in and teaches you how to apply them in the
to be a leader, the Hotel School will
knowledge of the hospitality industry. hospitality industry.
help you acquire the skills to run your
own business or any other demanding • There is no absolute cumulative
grade point average (GPA) cutoff, but
enterprise.
at least a 3.0 (out of a possible 4.0)
Hands-on Learning
should be your goal. Relating theory to the real world is key:
we emphasize teamwork and group
• Successfully complete course work in
projects with a hands-on approach. Our
a broad range of general education
teaching hotel, The Statler Hotel, creates
and introductory business courses,
a distinctive educational experience
Programs of Study including Microeconomics, English
where you apply what you learn in a
Managerial communication Composition, College Mathematics,
real-world business. Internships are
and Financial Accounting.
Financial management another hands-on way to understand
• If you didn’t take chemistry in high the industry; our students are required
Food and beverage management
school or college, you’ll need to do so to complete a total of 800 hours of
Human resources management
before entering the Hotel School. hospitality experience before they
Management operations
• It is recommended that before graduate (of which 400 hours can be
Marketing, strategy, and tourism entering the Hotel School you take transferred from prior experience).
Operations management and one full year of a foreign language at
information technology the college level (if you did not take
Facilities management, planning, three years of one foreign language
Industry Connections
and design in high school) . When you graduate, you will benefit
Real estate, development, and law from an extensive network of more
than 11,000 alumni in 62 Cornell
Admission alumni chapters worldwide. Hotel
Requirements School graduates have a reputation
for innovation and leadership in the
• An interview, in which you’ll industry and are eager to help current
have the opportunity to discuss students.
your interest and experience in
the hospitality field, is required;
preferably on campus, but it may be We’d like to hear
arranged off campus; details at from you!
www.hotelschool.cornell.edu
Would you like to receive more
• High school and college transcripts
information about the Hotel School or
• SAT, ACT, and SAT Subject Tests can request an interview? Contact us:
be submitted, but are not required
School of Hotel Administration
• Midterm Report Admissions
• International students: TOEFL or Cornell University
IELTS 180 Statler Hall
Ithaca, NY 14853-6902
607 255-6376
hotelschool_admissions@cornell.edu 21
College of
Human Ecology
• Academic interest essays
communicate a great deal about your
understanding of our programs, your
plans for the future, and how the
two intersect. Applicants who clearly
articulate their interest in our college
are more compelling during the
selection process.
• A portfolio and a design index are
required for interior design, apparel
design, and apparel and textile
Human life from a in the field of their choice through
management applicants. Those
our interdisciplinary curriculum that
scientific, social, and interested in our apparel design and
combines the natural, social, and
aesthetic perspective behavioral sciences to create 11 unique
interior design programs are strongly
The College of Human Ecology views encouraged to apply for admission
programs. As a transfer student you will
contemporary society with a wide-angle after one year at another institution.
complete courses in your major field of
lens, attaching the exacting views of Course work and portfolio review will
study, fulfill any remaining liberal arts
a scientist to the deep-rooted values determine the number of semesters
requirements, and take electives across
of a humanist, always with people at required to graduate.
campus.
the center. Searching for solutions to • An advising appointment with an
The programs are flexible enough to
challenging human problems motivates admissions counselor well in advance
allow most incoming juniors, who come
the research and teaching and will of applying to discuss course work
well prepared, to graduate in two years,
inform your experience here as an requirements and program options is
while still participating in undergraduate
undergraduate. strongly recommended.
research, internships, off-campus study,
Human Ecology is a close-knit or the college’s honors program.
community of 1,300 undergraduates
with a history of working with transfer
The College of Human Ecology can Special Features
Human Ecology
excellent preparation for leadership maximum of 60 credits Members of the ILR admissions staff
positions in business, law, politics, social
would be happy to help you select
justice, and public policy.
ILR—the only undergraduate school of
Strongly Recommended courses that will best prepare you to
transfer to Cornell and to give you a
its kind in the U.S.— offers a friendly, • college algebra if you have not had
tentative evaluation of your transfer
people-oriented environment along pre-calculus or calculus in your
credits. In addition, we are always glad
with all the advantages of a world- high school curriculum—entering
to answer your questions and provide
class university. You’ll study and work students take a math assessment
additional information about our
exam
programs.
• microeconomics and/or
Transfer Counselor
macroeconomics
Programs of Study School of Industrial and Labor
• two courses in English composition Relations
The following are departments
within Industrial and Labor Also, see the transfer admission Cornell University
Relations: requirements chart on pages 28–29. 216 Ives Hall
Labor relations, law, and history
Ithaca, NY 14853
607 255-2222
Human resource studies Special Features ilr_admissions@cornell.edu
International and comparative
ILR faculty members often work with
labor
students one-on-one in independent
Labor economics studies to explore special topics, such as:
Organizational behavior
• the effectiveness of recruitment
Social statistics strategies across diverse populations
• labor rights as human rights in China
• social networking sites and the
workforce today
23
Check Out these Web Sites:
Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) Hotel Administration
CALS home page: Hotel School home page:
www.cals.cornell.edu www.hotelschool.cornell.edu
Admissions: Undergraduate admissions:
www.cals.cornell.edu/admissions www.hotelschool.cornell.edu/admissions/ugrad
Counseling and advising: Student services:
www.cals.cornell.edu/advising www.hotelschool.cornell.edu/students
Career development: Hotel School news:
www.cals.cornell.edu/careers www.hotelschool.cornell.edu/about/pubs
Nestle Library:
Architecture, Art, and Planning (AAP) www.hotelschool.cornell.edu/research/library
AAP home page: The Statler Hotel:
www.aap.cornell.edu www.statlerhotel.cornell.edu
Architecture department:
www.aap.cornell.edu/arch Human Ecology
Art department: Human Ecology home page:
www.aap.cornell.edu/art www.human.cornell.edu
City and regional planning department: Transfer admissions:
www. aap.cornell.edu/crp www.human.cornell.edu/admissions/transfers
Career services: Academic programs:
www.aap.cornell.edu/student-services/careers/ www.human.cornell.edu/admissions/programs
students/index.cfm Career development:
Fine Arts Library: www.human.cornell.edu/careerdevelopment
www.library.cornell.edu/finearts Multicultural programs:
Rome program: www.human.cornell.edu/student/multicultural
www.aap.cornell.edu/rome Human Ecology student organizations:
www.human.cornell.edu/student_organizations
Arts and Sciences (A&S)
A&S home page: Industrial and Labor Relations (ILR)
http://as.cornell.edu ILR home page:
Admissions: www.ilr.cornell.edu
http://as.cornell.edu/admissions Admissions:
Advising: www.ilr.cornell.edu/admissions
http://as.cornell.edu/academics/advising Career services:
www.ilr.cornell.edu/careerservices
Engineering
Student services:
Engineering home page: www.ilr.cornell.edu/studentservices
www.engineering.cornell.edu
Catherwood Library:
Engineering diversity programs: www.ilr.cornell.edu/library
www.engineering.cornell.edu/diversity
Student services:
www.engineering.cornell.edu/student-services
Transfer admissions:
www.engineering.cornell.edu/transfer
Undergraduate research:
www.engineering.cornell.edu/research
24
Student Life at Cornell
A
lthough the Cornell campus is big enough to students don’t have to look far to find a number of people
have its own zip code, one of the first things and resources whose main purpose is to support them
you’ll notice when you arrive is that student during their first year on campus. Students can contact
life is centered around a variety of living and Cornell’s Dean of Students, visit the transfer office within
learning communities, designed with options, their respective colleges, or talk to peers and faculty
amenities, and recreational and learning opportunities that living in their residential communities. As residents of the
promote interaction and make the campus feel smaller. West Campus House System, transfer students have the
Whether you’re seeking study skills, participation in a opportunity to mix with upper-level students in a House
favorite sport or activity, a delicious meal, outings to explore and receive support from their House Professor-Dean,
the region’s spectacular natural beauty, help with family or Assistant Dean, and Graduate Resident Fellows. Other
personal issues, opportunities for social interaction, a safe transfer students live within residential communities
and comfortable place to live, or information about your throughout campus, staffed with residence hall directors and
education and career options, you’ll be in good hands during student staff members to provide support and assistance.
your years at Cornell. And you’ll have fun, too. All of this All transfers experience the diversity of participants, coming
creates a strong sense of identity among Cornellians, and a from countries all over the world, with various levels
student experience that makes Cornell alumni among the of education, all linked by the distinctive experience of
most loyal in the nation. transition. Everyone and everything is new.
25
Housing and Dining
Whether you visit campus or explore Cornell online,
you will want to look at the various options for housing,
because choosing the lifestyle that is comfortable to you
is an important part of your transition to the university.
As a transfer student, you have many choices for housing
at Cornell. The university offers on-campus housing for
incoming transfer students who apply for housing by
the housing deadline. Among the options are traditional
residence halls, program houses, cooperative residences,
and apartments. Whether you are 20 years old or 50, single
or married with a family, Cornell offers a variety of on-
campus housing options to meet the needs of our diverse
transfer population. Or, like many juniors and seniors, you
might prefer to live off campus, and there are ample rental
properties adjacent to the campus. Additional information
about housing is available at www.housing.cornell.edu.
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Visiting Cornell: Take a Closer Look
W
e hope you’ll visit the campus to learn Getting Here
more about the college you’re interested
in and about Cornell in general. The best Cornell’s Information and Referral Center has a
way to know if a school is right for you is comprehensive web site that details how to travel to Ithaca
actually seeing it for yourself. by car, bus, or plane, including door-to-door directions:
www.cornell.edu/visiting/ithaca/visiting.cfm. This site
Start out with a tour of the campus or an information also provides downloadable maps of the Cornell campus
session. Attend a class and talk with students. Eat in a and the Ithaca area, and information about overnight
dining hall and visit the campus bookstore. And whether accommodations and parking.
or not your college requires an interview, we encourage
you to meet informally with a member of the faculty or the
admissions staff. We look forward to meeting you!
If you’d like to spend a night in the residence halls, call or We’re sure you’ll come to feel at home at Cornell, just as the
email the Red Carpet Society, our volunteer student-hosting hundreds of students who transfer here every year do. You’ll
group, at the Undergraduate Admissions Office (607 255- be surprised at how soon you stop thinking of yourself as a
3447; admissions.cornell.edu/redcarpet). Please contact us at “transfer” and dig into the adventure and excitement of the
least two weeks before your visit to make a reservation for community. You may have started college elsewhere, but
overnight hosting. you’ll get your degree from Cornell. You’ll make friends and
create memories that last a lifetime. You’ll discover that you
If you are planning to visit the campus and have questions have the vision and the will to accomplish great things. And
about the necessary arrangements or which information no matter where you came from, or where you go from here,
sessions you should take part in while you’re here, we’d be you’ll always be a Cornellian.
happy to help you. Just give us a call at 607 255-5241. Visit
information is also available at admissions.cornell.edu/visit.
If you are unable to visit Ithaca, you still can get a feel for the
campus by taking a virtual tour at www.cornell.edu/visiting/
ithaca. If you sign up for CyberTower (cybertower.cornell.
edu), Cornell’s online faculty forums on a wide range of
topics, you’ll be able to sample academic life before you step
into one of our classrooms.
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Visiting Cornell
admissions.cornell.edu/visit And may we suggest:
T
• Taking in a panoramic view of Ithaca and
here are many ways to Visit a Class Cayuga Lake from the top floor of the
learn more about Cornell— Johnson Art Museum. View the museum’s
Attend a class that interests you.
the academic environment, fabulous collections and exhibits.
Choose from introductory to higher-
the social scene, and • Strolling through the Cornell Plantations,
level courses, across all of our seven
everything in between— our living plant museum, to see what is in
undergraduate colleges. You don’t have
and the campus visit is one of the best bloom.
to take notes, but you may want to!
ways to do so. It is easy to personalize • Pleasing your palate in one (or more) of
Courses you can visit are posted on
your visit based on your individual over 30 dining locations.
the Admissions web site early in the
interests, and the information here can • Climbing the 161 steps to the top of
fall and spring semesters.
help you get started. the McGraw Clock Tower to take in the
spectacular view and experience a live
Get Hosted Overnight Cornell Chimes concert.
Information Sessions
Spend a night in the residence halls • Channeling your inner scientist by
Sessions that are offered include
as a guest of a Red Carpet Society touring the Wilson Synchrotron, located
a general university overview, as
member. See first-hand what it is in Cornell’s high-energy synchrotron
well as specific information on
like to live and learn in the Cornell radiation lab.
each of the seven undergraduate
community. • Sampling the fare and checking out
colleges (academic programs,
local-made goods at the Ithaca
career opportunities, admission
Farmers’ Market.
requirements), the application process, For more information,
schedules, and RSVP forms for • Taking in the sights and sounds of
and our generous financial aid
the information sessions, go to birds and other wildlife at the Lab of
programs.
admissions.cornell.edu/visit. Ornithology, located in the beautiful
Sapsucker Woods Sanctuary.
Campus Tours • Enjoying this year’s apple harvest at the
Offered every day of the week, except Cornell Orchards. A great way to take a
when the university is closed during “taste” of Cornell home with you.
the Thanksgiving and Winter Breaks.
Led by our student tour guides—
some of the friendliest and most
knowledgeable students you will ever
have the pleasure of meeting!
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Visit Cornell from
Anywhere in the World
And if you can’t make it to campus, Cornell Academic Calendar
don’t worry—whether or not you visit
is not a consideration when we evaluate Fall Term 2010
applications for admission. Below you New undergraduate student registration August 20
will find many ways to “visit” and learn
Residence halls open August 20
more about Cornell without stepping
Orientation begins August 20
foot on campus. Here are some of the
Instruction begins August 25
more popular sites, and a few hidden
gems, that may interest you: Labor Day holiday—no classes September 6
Fall Break begins October 9
CornellCast Instruction resumes October 13
www.cornell.edu/video Thanksgiving Recess begins November 24
Features video and audio recordings Instruction resumes November 29
of compelling lectures, discussions, Last day of classes December 4
and performances by members of the
Study period December 5–8
Cornell community and distinguished
Final exams December 8–17
guests.
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Admission Policies and Requirements for Transfer Students
Admission Options Transcripts Standardized Tests
Agriculture and Life Fall and spring High school and college SAT and ACT not required
Sciences Landscape architecture: fall only Required Midterm Report International students: TOEFL or IELTS*
Submit results of any external exams
such as AP, IB, or A Levels
Architecture, Art, Fall and spring High school and college SAT or ACT if taken previously
and Planning Five-year architecture: fall only, unless Required Midterm Report International students: TOEFL or IELTS*
you have completed two years in an Submit results of any external exams
accredited architecture program such as AP, IB, or A Levels
Arts and Sciences Fall and spring High school and college SAT or ACT if taken previously
Required Midterm Report International students: TOEFL or IELTS*
Submit results of any external exams
such as AP, IB, or A Levels
Engineering Fall only High school and college SAT or ACT, and SAT Subject Tests if taken
Required Midterm Report previously
Submit results of any external exams International students: TOEFL or IELTS*
such as AP, IB, or A Levels
Hotel Administration Fall and spring High school and college SAT, ACT, and SAT Subject Tests can be
Required Midterm Report submitted, but are not required
Submit results of any external exams International students: TOEFL or IELTS*
such as AP, IB, or A Levels
Human Ecology Fall and spring High school and college SAT, ACT, and SAT Subject Tests can be
Required Midterm Report submitted, but are not required
Submit results of any external exams International students: TOEFL or IELTS*
such as AP, IB, or A Levels
Industrial and Fall and spring High school and college SAT and ACT not required
Labor Relations Required Midterm Report International students: TOEFL or IELTS*
Submit results of any external exams
such as AP, IB, or A Levels
*Cornell’s institutional TOEFL code is 2098;
the departmental code is 00
Financial Aid
C
ornell is committed to helping students and Two important things you need to understand about
their families find ways to afford and finance financial aid at Cornell are:
a Cornell education. Last fall, the university • All admissions decisions are made on a need-
awarded nearly $7.7 million in need-based blind basis. Neither your family’s financial
aid to incoming transfer students. situation nor your own has any bearing on
Building on a long history of need-blind admissions our decision to admit you.
and need-based aid, Cornell has announced two new • We award financial aid on the basis of
financial aid initiatives for undergraduate students. In demonstrated need. Cornell does not offer
fall 2009, need-based loans will be eliminated for all merit or athletic scholarships.
undergraduate students from families with incomes
under $75,000; need-based loans for students from If you plan to apply for aid at Cornell,
families with incomes between $75,000 and $120,000 you’ll need to:
will be capped at $3,000 annually; and need-based • Complete the College Scholarship Service’s
loans for students from families with incomes greater PROFILE (online at: www.collegeboard.com).
than $120,000 will be capped at $7,500 annually. Cornell’s CSS code is 2098. If your parents are
Additionally, students from families with incomes divorced, separated, or were never married,
less than $60,000 and assets less than $100,000 will your noncustodial parent must complete the
have no parent contribution. Noncustodial PROFILE online as well.
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Special Requirements Transfer Credits Accepted Residency Requirement
Prerequisite courses required for each major; portfolio Maximum of 60 semester credits 60 credits, with a minimum of
required for landscape architecture; no interviews offered; two full-time semesters at Cornell
visits encouraged well before application deadline. Landscape architecture: six semesters
For more information: www.cals.cornell.edu/transfer.cfm
Five-year architecture: an interview and a file portfolio Five-year architecture: maximum of 107 Five-year architecture: four semesters
that meets department specifications semester credits and 70 credits
Fine arts: a slide and/or CD portfolio that meets department Fine arts: maximum of 70 semester credits Fine arts, urban and regional studies:
specifications; interview recommended Urban and regional studies: maximum of four semesters and 60 credits
History of architecture: two years of undergraduate study; 60 semester credits
a two-semester history of architecture survey course
Students entering as juniors must complete any A maximum of 30 credits per year of full-time A minimum of four semesters,
prerequisites for their major field; no interviews offered; college work 60 credits, and sixteen courses
visits encouraged
Students must complete any prerequisites for their major; Maximum of 72 semester credits, with a Four semesters
applicants must submit complete course descriptions and/or maximum of 36 credits per year of full-time
syllabi for consideration (see www.engineering.cornell.edu/ study at previous institution
transfer for details on prerequisites and course description
submission); no interviews offered; visits encouraged
Interview required, on or off campus. You must schedule Maximum of 60 semester credits: up to 24 of 60 credits
your interview online by the corresponding fall or spring free electives, 18 of distributive electives, and
transfer application deadlines. Details at www.hotelschool. 18 in the core curriculum
cornell.edu
Prerequisite courses for each major can be found at Maximum of 60 semester credits awarded 60 credits, with a minimum of
www.human.cornell.edu/transfers. No interviews offered; toward graduation two semesters in residence
appointments with an admission counselor prior to applying Apparel design and interior design:
are strongly recommended. Design students: A portfolio and six semesters
design index are required for apparel design, apparel and
textile management, and interior design options.
Interview required (in-person by appointment, or Credit for all academic courses with Minimum of four semesters and
prearranged by telephone) a grade of C or better 60 credits
• Complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Be sure to plan ahead so that the necessary forms
Federal Student Aid) online at www.fafsa. reach us on time (see timetable on pages 11–12).
ed.gov. The FAFSA Title IV school code for If your application is complete and you qualify for
Cornell is 002711. financial aid, you’ll receive details about your
• Complete and submit the Cornell Transfer financial aid package shortly after your acceptance.
Financial Aid Application. If you have questions about our comprehensive
• Also send us a signed copy of your and your program of financial aid and financing
parents’ (both custodial and noncustodial) most options, please reference our web site or contact:
recent federal income tax returns, schedules,
and W-2 forms. Office of Financial Aid and
Student Employment
Cornell University
607 255-5145
fax: 607 255-6329
finaid@cornell.edu
finaid.cornell.edu
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About Cornell University
F
ounded in 1865, Cornell is an Ivy League research
university comprising seven undergraduate colleges
and seven graduate and professional schools. With
total enrollment of more than 20,000 students
from all over the world, and top-rated programs in
architecture, business, engineering, hotel administration,
human and veterinary medicine, human development, the
humanities, labor and employment issues, law, and life
sciences, the university embodies Ezra Cornell’s vision of
“an institution where any person can find instruction in any
study.”
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About Ithaca
I
thaca, New York, is a small city with a big-city outlook.
With about 29,000 year-round residents, Ithaca is
remarkable for the diversity and erudition of its
population, its commitment to the arts and civic life,
and the natural beauty of its environment. Located in
the heart of the Finger Lakes region, the city is spread over
rolling hills at the southern tip of Cayuga Lake and offers a
pleasing study in contrasts between pastoral countryside and
urban living, well-preserved nineteenth-century buildings
and modern amenities, tree-lined residential neighborhoods
and a lively downtown, traditional sensibilities and cutting-
edge experimentation.
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Cornell’s Statement on Diversity and It is the policy of Cornell University actively to support equality
Inclusiveness of educational and employment opportunity. No person shall
be denied admission to any educational program or activity or
OPEN DOORS “I would found an institution where any person can be denied employment on the basis of any legally prohibited
find instruction in any study.” This statement, made by Ezra Cornell discrimination involving, but not limited to, such factors as
in 1868, proclaims Cornell University’s enduring commitment to race, color, creed, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual
inclusion and opportunity, which is rooted in the shared democratic orientation, age, or handicap. The university is committed to the
values envisioned by its founders. We honor this legacy of diversity maintenance of affirmative action programs that will assure the
and inclusion and welcome all individuals, including those from continuation of such equality of opportunity. Sexual harassment is
groups that have been historically marginalized and previously an act of discrimination and, as such, will not be tolerated. Inquiries
excluded from equal access to opportunity. concerning the application of Title IX can be referred to the director
OPEN HEARTS Cornell’s mission is to foster personal discovery and of the Office of Workforce Diversity, Equity and Life Quality, Cornell
growth, nurture scholarship and creativity across a broad range University, 160 Day Hall, Ithaca, NY 14853-2801 (telephone: 607
of common knowledge, and affirm the value to individuals and 255-3976; TDD: 607 255-7066).
society of the cultivation of the human mind and spirit. Our legacy is Requests for information about services for Cornell faculty and staff
reflected in the diverse composition of our community, the breadth members, applicants for employment, and visitors with disabilities
of our curriculum, the strength of our public service, and the depth who have special needs, as well as related questions or requests
of our commitment to freedom, equity, and reason. Each member for special assistance, can be directed to the Office of Workforce
of the Cornell community has a responsibility to honor this legacy Diversity, Equity and Life Quality, Cornell University, 160 Day Hall,
and to support a more diverse and inclusive campus in which to Ithaca, NY 14853-2801 (telephone: 607 255-3976; TDD: 607 255-
work, study, teach, research, and serve. 7066). Students with disabilities should contact Student Disability
OPEN MINDS Free expression is essential to this mission, and Services, Center for Learning and Teaching, Cornell University, 420
provocative ideas lawfully presented are an expected result. An Computing and Communications Center, Ithaca, NY 14853-2601
enlightened academic community, however, connects freedom (telephone: 607 254-4545; TDD: 607 255-7665).
with responsibility. Cornell stands for civil discourse, reasoned Cornell University’s publication Campus Watch contains crime-
thought, sustained discussion, and constructive engagement reporting information in compliance with federal and state laws.
without degrading, abusing, harassing, or silencing others. Cornell Copies are available from Cornell Police, G2 Barton Hall, Ithaca, NY
is committed to act responsibly and forthrightly to maintain an 14853-1701 (telephone: 607 255-7404) or see the web site www.
environment that opens doors, opens hearts, and opens minds. cupolice.cornell.edu.
For information about multicultural programs on campus, visit:
admissions.cornell.edu/resources/multiculture.cfm.
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Cornell is an equal-opportunity, affirmative-action educator and employer.
Photographs by Cornell University Photography.
Printed on recycled paper 35
Produced by the Office of Publications and Marketing at Cornell University.
5/10 20M EL 100308
Cornell University
Undergraduate Transfer Admissions
349 Pine Tree Road
Ithaca, New York 14850-2820
admissions.cornell.edu
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