We conduct a holistic admissions process for all applicants. During our review, we are considering whether candidates have the academic backgrounds (rigor, coursework and grades) to be successful at Cornell CALS; whether the personal attributes and extracurricular experiences shared demonstrate a solid connection with the CALS approach and mission; and that thoughtful fit is expressed for the candidate’s desired major, within Cornell CALS). 

As you start to look at criteria and requirements for admission to CALS, the First-Year Applicants page of the website is a good place to begin. If you scroll down to “High School Courses,” you’ll see a list of coursework we look for during the admissions process. From an academics standpoint, we find that students who have pursued the coursework on that list are optimally prepared to hit the ground running. While the most competitive applicants are those who have met the CALS admissions requirements, we review every application to CALS to determine your individual fit and readiness for our programs here.