Is Cornell Test Optional? Requirements + Tips

Cornell University is test-optional, but not for long. For Fall 2025 applicants, Cornell remains test-optional, giving students the choice to submit SAT or ACT scores. However, this policy will change for Fall 2026 admissions, when standardized test scores will once again be required.

Understanding Cornell’s shifting test policies is crucial for applicants. In this guide, we’ll break down which colleges within Cornell still recommend scores, how optional test submissions can impact your application, and what you need to know to maximize your chances of admission.

• Cornell Standardized Testing Policy
• Cornell SAT Requirements
• Cornell ACT Requirements
• Should You Submit Your Test Scores?
• Cornell Application Checklist: What You Need to Submit
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Takeaways

Cornell Standardized Testing Policy

Whether you need to submit test scores to Cornell depends on when you’re applying. Their latest testing policy is this:

• For Fall 2025 applicants, Cornell is still test-optional, meaning you can submit scores, but you don’t have to.
• However, starting with Fall 2026 admissions, standardized test scores will once again be required for all applicants.

So, what does that mean for you? If you’re applying for Fall 2025, submitting a strong SAT or ACT score could give your application an edge especially if you’re aiming for one of Cornell’s test-recommended colleges. If you’re applying for Fall 2026 or later, you’ll need to plan, take the SAT or ACT, and submit your best scores.

One more thing to keep in mind: not all Cornell colleges treat standardized tests the same way. Some still recommend submitting scores, while others won’t even look at them. So, check if the Cornell school you’re applying to is test-recommended or test-free. 

Test-recommended colleges for Fall 2025

If you’re applying to one of these schools, Cornell recommends submitting your SAT or ACT scores. While they’re not required, a strong score could help boost your chances.

• College of Arts & Sciences
• College of Engineering
• College of Human Ecology
• Cornell Jeb E. Brooks School of Public Policy
• School of Industrial and Labor Relations

If you’re a strong test taker, submitting your scores here could work in your favor. But if your scores aren’t great, you can still apply without them. Cornell will just focus more on your GPA, coursework, extracurriculars, and essays.

Score-free colleges for Fall 2025

Applying to one of these schools? Don’t stress about the SAT or ACT. Cornell won’t even look at your scores.

• College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
• College of Architecture, Art, and Planning
• Cornell SC Johnson College of Business (including Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management & Nolan School of Hotel Administration)

Since these schools are completely score-free, they’ll focus entirely on other aspects of your application, like your grades, extracurriculars, recommendations, and essays.

Fall 2026 and beyond

For Fall 2026 and future applicants, Cornell is bringing back standardized test requirements.

That means all applicants to all Cornell colleges will be required to submit SAT or ACT scores. The university made this decision after a multi-year study found that test scores when considered alongside other factors help provide a clearer picture of an applicant’s potential.

If you’re in the Class of 2026 or younger, it’s time to start planning. Make sure you register for the SAT or ACT in time to take (and retake) it before applications are due.

Pro tip: Cornell superscores the SAT and ACT, meaning they’ll combine your highest section scores across multiple test dates. So if you don’t get your best score on the first try, don’t worry taking the test again could work in your favor.

Cornell SAT Requirements

Okay, so let’s say you do decide to submit your scores (or you’re applying in 2026 and have no choice). What kind of SAT score should you aim for?

There’s actually no minimum SAT score required, but here’s the breakdown of Cornell’s average SAT scores:

Translation? Aiming for a 1550+ puts you in the strongest position. But don’t stress if your scores aren’t perfect. Cornell looks at your entire application, including your GPA, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations.

Cornell ACT Requirements

Cornell doesn’t have an official minimum ACT score, but here’s what admitted students typically score:

If you’re taking the ACT, a 35+ makes you a highly competitive applicant. But again, if your score isn’t sky-high, your other application materials can make up for it.

Should You Submit Your Test Scores?

If you’re applying for Fall 2025, you’re probably wondering: should I submit my SAT or ACT scores?

Here’s a simple rule of thumb:

• If your score is at or above Cornell’s 50th percentile (SAT 1520+ or ACT 34+), submit it! A high score will reinforce your application and make you a stronger candidate.
• If your score is below the 25th percentile (SAT 1480 or ACT 33), you might want to skip it. In this case, it’s better to focus on other strengths in your application—like your GPA, essays, and extracurriculars.
• If your score is somewhere in between, it really depends on the rest of your application. Do you have a stellar GPA? Strong leadership roles? Unique extracurriculars? If your application is already impressive without test scores, skipping them won’t hurt you. But if your GPA is on the lower side or you feel like you need an extra boost, a decent test score could work in your favor.

When submitting your scores makes sense

Still unsure? Here are a few scenarios where submitting your scores might be a good move:

• You’re applying to a test-recommended college. If you’re aiming for the College of Arts & Sciences, Engineering, Human Ecology, Public Policy, or ILR, submitting a solid score could give you an edge.
• Your GPA isn’t as high as you’d like. A strong SAT or ACT score can help offset a slightly lower GPA and show you’re academically capable.
• You’re a strong test taker. If standardized tests are your thing, why not let that work in your favor? A high score can make you stand out.
• Your extracurriculars are solid but do not stand out. If you don’t have national awards, unique internships, or leadership roles, a strong test score can add another impressive element to your application.

When skipping your scores might be the better option

On the flip side, if your scores aren’t great and they don’t reflect your true academic potential, it’s okay to leave them out. If you have an impressive GPA, great letters of recommendation, strong essays, and solid extracurriculars, you don’t need test scores to get in.

Bottom line? Submitting a strong test score can only help you, but it’s not the end-all, be-all. If your scores are great, send them. If they’re not, focus on the other pieces of your application and make them shine.

When applying for Fall 2026

And if you’re applying for Fall 2026 or beyond? Well, there’s no debate: you’ll need to take the SAT or ACT. So start preparing now and aim for your best possible score.

Cornell Application Checklist: What You Need to Submit

If you’re applying to Cornell, there are a few things you must submit no matter what. If you’re applying through Early Decision (which is binding) or Regular Decision (which isn’t), you have a checklist to follow. Don’t stress, though: let’s break it all down so you know exactly what to do.

The basics

Here’s the stuff every single applicant has to submit, no matter what major or college you’re applying to:

• Common Application. This is your main application, where you’ll provide all your key info grades, activities, achievements, and more. Be thoughtful with your responses, and don’t rush through them at the last minute. A well-prepared application always stands out!
• $80 application fee (or fee waiver). Yeah, applying to college isn’t cheap. But if the fee is a problem, you can request a fee waiver in the Common App. Just make sure you get that sorted out early so it doesn’t slow down your submission.
• High school transcript. Think of this as your academic report card for the last few years. It includes your grades from 9th through 11th grade, plus your in-progress 12th-grade courses. Cornell doesn’t have a strict minimum GPA, but the average for admitted students is around 4.1, with about 82% ranking in the top 10% of their class. That means strong grades, especially in AP, IB, or honors courses, can give you a big boost.
• Counselor recommendation. This is a letter from your school counselor (or equivalent school official). If you don’t know your counselor well, start building that relationship now they’ll write about what kind of student you are, so it’s a good idea to check in with them and share your goals.
• School report. Your school takes care of this one for you, so no stress on your end. Just make sure they send it in on time.
• Two teacher evaluations. These need to be from teachers who know you well academically. Choose teachers who can speak to your strengths especially in subjects related to your major (if you have one in mind). If you’re torn between teachers, go for the ones who can talk about how you’ve grown as a student.
• Mid-year report transcript. This is an updated version of your transcript with your first-semester senior year grades. Your school will send this automatically, but it’s a good idea to follow up and make sure it gets done.

Extra requirements for specific majors

If you’re applying to certain programs, you must submit some additional materials. These aren’t optional, so don’t skip them!

• Architecture, Art, and Landscape Architecture. You’ll need to submit a portfolio showcasing your best work. This is a huge part of your application, so take your time to make it strong.
• Architecture. In addition to a portfolio, you’ll also need to complete a video interview. This helps the admissions team understand your creative process and passion for architecture.
• Design & Environmental Analysis + Fashion Design & Management. You’ll need to submit a design supplement. This is your chance to prove you have an eye for design and innovation.

If you’re applying to one of these programs, don’t wait until the last minute to prepare your portfolio or supplement! These take time, and you want to make sure you’re submitting your best work.

Important deadlines

Now that you know what to submit, let’s talk about when you need to submit it:

Early Decision (ED)

• Apply by: November 1
• Supporting materials due by: November 15
• Decisions released: Mid-December
• If accepted, you must reply by: January 16

ED is binding, which means if you get in, you’re committed to Cornell (unless financial aid doesn’t work out for you). If Cornell is your absolute top choice, this might be the way to go!

Regular Decision (RD)

• Apply by: January 2
• Financial aid materials due by: February 15
• Decisions released: Late March
• If accepted, you must reply by: May 1

RD is non-binding, so you can apply to multiple schools and make your decision later. If you’re not 100% sure about Cornell yet, this is probably the better option for you.

Now that you know what’s required and when to submit everything, stay organized, plan, and give yourself plenty of time to put together the best application possible. You got this! 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is Cornell currently test-optional?

Yes! If you’re applying for Fall 2025, you get to choose to submit your SAT or ACT scores. But heads up: starting in Fall 2026, Cornell will require standardized test scores again. So if you’re in the class of 2026 or younger, it’s time to start prepping!

2. What’s the deadline to apply to Cornell?

Cornell has two application deadlines. November 1 for Early Decision and January 2 for Regular Decision. If you apply Early Decision, it’s binding, meaning you’re committing to attend if accepted. Regular Decision gives you more flexibility to compare schools before making a final choice.

3. What SAT/ACT scores do I need for Cornell?

There’s no official minimum, but most admitted students score 1480–1550 on the SAT or 33–35 on the ACT. If your scores are on the higher end, definitely submit them! If they’re on the lower side, you might be better off skipping them (if you’re applying for Fall 2025).

4. If Cornell is test-optional, should I still send my scores?

If your SAT is 1520+ or ACT is 34+, sending your scores can give you an edge. But if your scores aren’t as strong, don’t stress. Cornell also values your GPA, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations. It’s all about showing them the best version of you!

Takeaways

• If you’re applying for Fall 2025, you can choose to submit your SAT or ACT scores, but for Fall 2026 and beyond, Cornell will require them again.
• Some Cornell colleges still recommend submitting test scores, so if you’re aiming for one of those, a strong SAT or ACT score could give you an edge.
• If your scores are high (SAT 1520+ or ACT 34+), submitting them can help your application. If they’re low, focusing on your GPA, essays, and extracurriculars might be a better move.
• If you’re applying in 2026 or later, start preparing now because Cornell will require SAT or ACT scores, and retaking the test to improve your superscore can work in your favor.
• No matter what, having a solid application strategy is key, and AdmissionSight’s Private Consulting Program can help you maximize your chances of getting into Cornell.