For the Class of 2028, Cornell University received 65,582 applications and admitted 5,516 students, yielding an overall acceptance rate of 8.41%. The Early Decision round had a higher acceptance rate of 11.64%, with 1,161 students admitted early, making up approximately 32.94% of the incoming class.
Standardized Testing
The academic credentials of admitted students were notably strong: 93.9% of students scored between 700–800 on the SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing section, and 97.09% achieved that range in SAT Math. Only a small fraction of admitted students scored below 600. ACT scores were similarly impressive, with 96.9% scoring between 30–36, and fewer than 3.1% falling below that range. These numbers underscore Cornell’s commitment to enrolling a high-achieving and competitive student body while maintaining a balanced and holistic admissions process.
| Class of 2028 | Overall Acceptance Rate | Early Decision Acceptance Rate | Total Number of Applications Received | Total Number of Applications Accepted | Number of Students Admitted Early Decision | Percentage of the Class Admitted Early Decision |
| Cornell | 8.41% | 11.64% | 65582 | 5516 | 1161 | 32.94% |
| SAT Score Ranges for First-Year Admitted Students | SAT Evidence-based reading and writing | SAT Math |
| 700-800 | 93.90% | 97.09% |
| 600-699 | 6.51% | 2.91% |
| 500-599 | 0.19% | 0 |
| ACT Composite Score Ranges for First-Year Admitted Students | |
| 30-36 | 96.90% |
| 24-29 | 2.70% |
| 18-23 | 0.40% |
