How to Get Into Cornell College

Complete admissions guide with requirements, stats, and insider tips

Mount Vernon, IA Private Less Competitive

Admissions Overview

Cornell College is a private university located in Mount Vernon, IA. Cornell College has an acceptance rate of 80.7%, making it less competitive.

Cornell College is a private nonprofit liberal arts college in Mount Vernon, Iowa, founded in 1853. It is distinct from Cornell University in New York and awards bachelor’s degrees rather than the bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD combination recorded in the supplied database. Cornell organizes undergra...

80.7%
Acceptance Rate
1.1K
Students
1246
Avg SAT
N/A
Avg GPA

Acceptance Rate & Statistics

Competitiveness

Acceptance Rate 80.7%
Open admissions - most qualified applicants accepted
Classification
Less Competitive
Student Population
1,074
Retention Rate
74.2%
Graduation Rate
67.6%

Academic Profile of Admitted Students

SAT Scores 1246
Middle 50%: 1150–1318
ACT Scores 27
Middle 50%: 23–30

Application Requirements

Required Materials

  • Common Application or School Application

    Complete the application with personal information and essays

  • High School Transcript

    Official transcripts showing all coursework and grades

  • Standardized Test Scores

    SAT or ACT scores (check if test-optional for recent years)

  • Letters of Recommendation

    Usually 2-3 letters from teachers, counselors, or mentors

  • Personal Essays

    Application essays and supplemental questions

Additional Considerations

  • Application Deadlines

    Early Decision/Action typically November 1-15, Regular Decision January 1-15

  • Application Fee

    Most universities charge $50-100 application fee (fee waivers available)

  • Processing Time

    Decisions typically released in March-April for fall admission

  • International Students

    May require TOEFL/IELTS scores and additional documentation

Tips for Getting Into Cornell College

Academic Excellence

  • • Aim for SAT scores above 1246 (current average)
  • • Take challenging coursework (AP, IB, honors courses)
  • • Show consistent academic improvement over time
  • • Excel in your intended major's prerequisite courses

Stand Out from the Crowd

  • • Develop unique extracurricular activities and leadership roles
  • • Write compelling essays that showcase your personality
  • • Demonstrate genuine interest in the university and program
  • • Get strong letters of recommendation from teachers who know you well
  • • Consider applying Early Decision/Action if the school is your top choice

Pro Tip for Cornell College

Cornell College has a 80.7% acceptance rate. Focus on meeting their academic standards and demonstrating fit with their programs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Cornell College?

Cornell College has an acceptance rate of 80.7%, making it less competitive.

What SAT score do I need for Cornell College?

The average SAT score at Cornell College is 1246. The middle 50% range is 1150-1318. Aim for scores above the average to be competitive.

How much does it cost to attend Cornell College?

Tuition at Cornell College is $50,634 for in-state studentsand $50,634 for international students. Additional costs include room and board, books, and personal expenses.

What GPA do I need for Cornell College?

GPA requirements for Cornell College vary by program. Strong academic performance with challenging coursework is always recommended.

When is the application deadline for Cornell College?

Application deadlines for Cornell College vary by program and application type. Early Decision/Action deadlines are typically November 1-15, while Regular Decision deadlines are usually January 1-15. Check the official admissions website for specific dates.

Ready to apply to Cornell College?

Get personalized guidance and see how you match up against other applicants with our AI-powered admission assessment.

Start your assessment — Free