Cornell University, known for its academic excellence and diverse community, holds its applicants to high standards. In this article, we’ll explore how those standards relate to Cornell SAT scores and requirements. Make sure to also check out our articles on Cornell’s ACT stats and requirements!
What is the average SAT score at Cornell University?
Cornell SAT scores are highly competitive. The average SAT score at Cornell hovers around 1530, out of a maximum score of 1600. The 25th percentile for SAT scores at Cornell University is 1470, while the 75th percentile is 1570. This means that 25% of Cornell students scored below a 1470, 25% scored above a 1570, and the remaining 50% scored within that range. While these numbers reflect the high standards of the institution, there isn’t a specific score requirement that applicants must meet for admission.
What is the average SAT English score at Cornell?
The SAT comprises two sections: English (reading and writing) and math, each scored out of 800 for a total of 1600.
Cornell’s average SAT English score is 750, with the 25th percentile score at 710 and the 75th percentile score at 770. Therefore, an SAT English score below 710 would place you in the lowest 25% of scorers, while a score above 770 would place you in the highest quarter of Cornell’s SAT English scores.
What is the average SAT Math score at Cornell?
The average SAT Math score at Cornell University is 780, thirty points higher than the average English section score. The 25th percentile of scores falls at 760, and the 75th percentile at 800. This means that the upper quarter of SAT Math scores at Cornell are perfect. However, the majority of scores fall below this mark. In other words, there isn’t a strict expectation for applicants to achieve a perfect score.
What are Cornell’s SAT requirements?
Cornell does not currently require first-year applicants to submit SAT or ACT exam scores, but applicants to the Class of 2026 will need to submit standardized test scores.
Applicants to Cornell’s schools for Agriculture and Life Sciences; Architecture, Art, and Planning; and the Cornell SC Johnson College of Business are not expected to submit standardized test scores. Students applying to Cornell’s schools for Arts & Sciences; Engineering; Human Ecology; Jeb E. Brooks School of Public Policy; and the School of Industrial and Labor Relations may optionally submit standardized test scores.
Applicants are welcome to self-report their SAT scores on their applications. However, those who are admitted and plan to enroll are required to submit official score records. In addition, because the College Board no longer offers the optional essay portion of the SAT, Cornell does not require the essay section. The situation is the same for the SAT Subject Tests, which have similarly been terminated by the College Board. More information regarding Cornell’s ACT requirements can be found on their Application Requirements webpage.
What percentage of Cornell applicants submit the SAT?
Among admitted applicants, 37% submitted SAT scores. An additional 14% submitted ACT scores, and the remaining 49% did not submit standardized test scores with their application. While the SAT remains a popular standardized test for admitted Cornell applicants, there is no benefit or advantage to taking one test over the other apart from individual circumstances and preferences.
Should I go test-optional?
Submitting a high SAT or ACT score can enhance an applicant’s chances for admission to a competitive university like Cornell. We recommend that any student with the means to do so takes the SAT or ACT because of this. If the test goes well and you achieve a competitive score, it will boost your application. If not, you can choose to omit the score on your Cornell application. Giving yourself a chance to perform well will only help, and poor scores can always be left off of a Cornell application without penalty.
Once you have received your scores, consider them in the context of the school’s average scores to decide whether to submit to a test-optional school like Cornell. Cornell’s SAT score statistics are detailed above. If your scores fall within or above the 25th to 75th percentile ranges, they may be worth submitting. Again, sending in a strong score will boost your application, but choosing not to do so will not hurt your chances. Ultimately, this is a personal decision.
Does Cornell superscore the SAT?
Cornell creates superscores for its applicants. In other words, Cornell will take into account the highest scores in each section of the SAT across test dates. That being said, their Score Choice policy is “All Scores,” so applicants must submit all test results.
What’s a good SAT score for Cornell?
Cornell does not have specific SAT score requirements or cutoffs. There is no one score requirement that applicants must meet to have their application considered, because applicants are reviewed contextually. Still, most admitted Cornell students have high standardized testing scores. The statistics mentioned above show that the average score is around a 1530. Thus, shooting for a score around the average would put you in a good position. The upper 25% of Cornell students scored a 1570 or higher—with a considerable number of perfect scorers among them. As expected, a “good” SAT score for Cornell is quite high.
| Section | 25th | 50th | 75th |
|---|---|---|---|
| Composite | 1470 | 1530 | 1570 |
| English | 710 | 750 | 770 |
| Math | 760 | 780 | 800 |
Can I get into Cornell with a low SAT score?
Getting into Cornell with a low SAT score is difficult, but possible. “Low” is a relative term: below-average scores for Cornell are still quite high compared to the national average. The lower quartile SAT score at Cornell is a 1470. This means that Cornell students in the lowest 25% scored at or below a 1470. With this in mind, it’s in the applicant’s best interest to aim for the lower quartile, and ideally higher.
However, it is still possible to get into Cornell with an SAT score below these measurements. Applicants who demonstrate strong academic and extracurricular performance can stand out in other ways. While scores are important, they are not the only thing an upcoming college applicant should devote their time to. Extracurricular passions and projects, as well as classes and supplemental essays, are just as important, if not more so.
When should I take the SAT for Cornell?
For students who plan to submit applications during their senior year, the best time to take the SAT for Cornell is generally during the preceding junior spring semester. However, students applying via Early Decision can take the SAT the early fall of their senior year and still submit their scores for evaluation by Cornell. Students applying Regular Decision can submit scores from tests as late as the December SAT, but if an applicant does not submit any scores at the time of their application, they can still choose to do so later.
What is Cornell’s SAT code?
Cornell’s SAT code for submitting official test scores is 2098.
While Cornell no longer requires its applicants to submit standardized test scores, those who do and gain admission to this prestigious university are often high scorers. However, choosing not to submit scores will not harm an applicant. Ultimately, whether or not to take and submit the SAT is a personal decision for each student to make based on their strengths, priorities, and goals. If you are instead considering taking the ACT, check out our article about Cornell ACT scores!
