I am currently attending an institution that is on the quarter system. How does that affect my application?
CALS semester system awards transfer credit for quarter system credits by calculating .67 credits per credit of study at an institution on the quarter system. A 5-credit quarter system course is equivalent to a 3-credit semester course. Students required to complete a full-year of biology with labs and/or chemistry I …
How does CALS evaluate transfer applications?
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…
I am applying to Landscape Architecture and it requires a portfolio, what does that mean?
Information about the Landscape Architecture portfolio can be found here: [https://landscape.cals.cornell.edu/graduate/portfolio/.][1] While the deadline to mail would be your application deadline, note that we cannot complete the review of your application without it being received and reviewed. So, in order to ensur…
How do I select a major?
At CALS we expect you to dive into your major as soon as you set foot on campus. As a result, all students must apply to a specific CALS major and are chosen based upon their academic and personal fit for that course of study. We encourage you to take time to explore the [wide breadth of majors][1] that CALS offers, a…
How is New York State residency determined?
New York State (NYS) residency status is determined at the time of admission. To be eligible for NYS resident tuition, one must provide evidence of having a permanent residence in NYS for at least one year before attending Cornell. You can find more information on our [N.Y. State Residency][1] website. [1]: https:…
Can I still apply as an international student if I don’t meet all the admissions requirements?
At Cornell CALS, we read applications based on where you have attended school – so your application will be reviewed within the context of the school/curriculum/country where you are a student. While we list admissions requirements by major to share with students the foundational courses that the most prepared candida…
Do I need to submit standardized test scores?
Cornell CALS will be score-free for the 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024 Application Cycles. We _will not_ use test results as part of our admissions review. Instead, we will proceed with an increased emphasis on evidence of academic preparation in the other application materials for all applicants.
What is the curriculum like at CALS?
At CALS, students enjoy being able to dive right into their majors, which they have identified as academic areas they are excited to begin exploring and making connections in right away. At the same time, CALS builds in flexibility, requiring that only 55 of 120 credits to be taken in CALS and typically about 1/3 of c…
I’m interested in pre-med or pre-vet. How can I study that at CALS?
Students interested in pre-vet or pre-med complete the preparatory coursework for graduate programs in veterinary or human medicine while pursuing the academic discipline that interests them most as undergraduates. We encourage you to apply to the major that best fits your academic interests, knowing that you will rec…
Can I still apply if I don’t meet all the admissions requirements?
The CALS Selection Committee looks for key foundation courses that applicants need to have completed or have in progress at the time of their application. 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 …
