Generally speaking, Cornell has no preferences regarding the institution from which a student transfers. With that noted, about a quarter of the transfer students come from community colleges. 

As applications are reviewed, the most important factors considered include:
 

• ability to articulate interest in a particular program at Cornell via the application essay (part of the Writing Supplement)
• academic credentials from the applicant's current institution
• recommendations from the applicant's college/university professor(s)

Also reviewed:

• involvement in extracurricular activities and academic credentials from high school

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In the final analysis, college coursework and application essay(s) are the most important factors in the transfer admission decision. SAT and/or ACT scores are not required or expected of transfer applicants to Cornell. Admitted students generally have achieved a 3.3 or better college/university GPA. Please keep in mind that transfer admission is selective and highly competitive. For more information, see the How to Apply: Transfer Applicants webpage.