We consider 5 key factors when making admissions decisions: academic achievement, standardized test scores, academic interests, leadership accomplishments outside the classroom, and recommendations.

Because we want to make sure you are ready to handle the academic workload at Cornell University, academic achievement is our primary selection criterion. Have you taken the most rigorous courses at your high school and done well? For transfer students, have you performed well in your previous college coursework?

But that's not all. We want students who are leaders, team players, creative thinkers, and self-starters. We also want students who share our passion for business and applied economics. Do you dream of starting your own company? Have you set your sights on becoming a top executive at a Fortune 500 company? Are you eyeing a career in the public or nonprofit sectors?

Keep in mind, too, that many of our best candidates have academic interests in multiple academic disciplines.

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Wayne Meichner '79
President & COO
Polo Retail Group

Cornell’s Undergraduate Business Program was critical in providing me with a well-rounded, practical business education that has enabled me to be successful in the very dynamic profession of retailing.

My business degree and my entire Cornell experience have provided me with a quiet confidence that allows me to take on new challenges and to continue to strive for excellence.