Before applying, it's necessary to learn about Cornell University admissions requirements. Cornell University admissions reflect the status of the university as one of the most prestigious and as such highly selective. Nearly 20,000 students apply for 3,000 places annually.

The application to Cornell University consists of the Common Application and the Supplement to the Common Application, which includes specific information and essays required. It is possible to apply either on paper or online. The latter method is widely popular within the university. Such additional materials as school records, recommendations and financial aid applications must be sent to the Application Processing Center. Students may choose among the seven undergraduate colleges of the university: College of Architecture, Art and Planning, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, School of Hotel Administration, College of Engineering, College of Human Ecology and School of Industrial and Labor Relations.

It should be mentioned, though, that Cornell University admissions may vary depending on the college. For this reason it is advisable to contact the college for the specific information. The common application should be submitted as soon as possible. As the university receives more than 24,000 applications annually, it takes sometimes several weeks to process each application and send it to the committee. Once the Common Application is received, the university may redirect the name of an applicant to a member of the local alumni committee of Cornell University. In this way the university provides the applicant with the opportunity to learn more about its colleges and schools. An application fee of $65.00 is required with the Common Application. Students applying on-line are required to pay on-line. Those who submit via paper application should pay by check or international money order. It is also possible to apply for an application fee waiver.
The supplement to the Common Application is required as a means to provide the university with information concerning the academic interests of an applicant, and helps to determine the relationship between a student's intellectual goals and the level required by the Cornell College to which he is applying.

In order to enter into the Graduate School program at Cornell University, a student must have earned a Bachelor's degree. One application is required for each given term. In case a student is not offered admission, he may contact another graduate field and ask to have his application reviewed. Again, the easiest way is to submit the application via the Internet. The degrees awarded by the Graduate School include Cornell MBA, MS, MS and Ph.D.

Cornell University admissions are evidence of the university's support for equal opportunity, showing unbiased attitude towards all the students, irrespective of the national or ethnic origin, race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age or disability.

However, it's not easy to become the student of the university. As of 2004 the number of applicants totaled 24,000, students -- each of which were competing for a scant 3,050 places and even fewer spaces for a Cornell MBA.