It's time to rethink college tours
Traditional campus tours feel impersonal and can leave you with more questions than answers. You’re just a face in the crowd following a scripted tour led by a random guide. Is this really the best way to make one of the biggest decisions of your life?
SchoolScoops is the smarter, more personal way to tour colleges
Private and personalized tours
With traditional tours you’re just a number in a big group, making it hard to ask the questions that matter most. With SchoolScoops 1-on-1 tours and video chats you can ask all the questions that are important to you.
Choose your own guide
On a typical college tour, the school assigns you a guide. SchoolScoops lets you pick a guide who matches your academic interests, hobbies, and personality. You'll get authentic insights and advice from someone who truly gets you.
No scripts, just scoops
Traditional campus tours are essentially a sales pitch—the guide works for the school and their job is to show you the highlights. SchoolScoops guides don’t work for their school, so there’s no sales pitch—just genuine advice to determine if the school is a good fit.
Find the school for you
Choosing where to go to college is a major decision and a huge investment. SchoolScoops 1-on-1 tours and video chats go beyond the basics to help you make a well-informed college decision.
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Get to know Cornell University
Cornell University is a prestigious Ivy League institution that fosters academic excellence across sciences, business, arts, and humanities, grounded in a commitment to research, innovation, and public engagement.
Overview
Founded in 1865, Cornell University is a private Ivy League research university located in Ithaca, New York. It offers a diverse range of programs across its 16 colleges and schools, emphasizing a strong research focus, vibrant campus life, and competitive athletic teams.
Size
As of fall 2023, Cornell University has a total enrollment of 26,278 students, with 16,071 undergraduates and 10,207 graduate students.
Acceptance rate
Cornell University has an acceptance rate of approximately 8%. Half of the admitted students who submitted test scores have an SAT score between 1480 and 1560 or an ACT score between 33 and 35.
Cost
For the 2023–2024 academic year, Cornell University's tuition and fees are $69,314. As a private institution, Cornell charges the same tuition for both in-state and out-of-state students. Approximately 50% of undergraduates receive financial aid, with an average aid package of $49,000.
Ranking
According to U.S. News & World Report, Cornell University is ranked #11 out of 436 National Universities.
Academics
Cornell offers over 100 fields of study. The most popular undergraduate majors include Computer and Information Sciences, Business, Engineering, Agricultural Sciences, and Biological Sciences. The university maintains a 9:1 student-to-faculty ratio.
Traditions
Cornell University's traditions include Dragon Day, the Chimes Concerts at McGraw Tower, the celebratory Slope Day, the midnight Pumpkin Prank atop the clocktower, and the cherished Homecoming Weekend, filled with school spirit and reunions.
Campus landmarks
Cornell University's best landmarks include McGraw Tower and the iconic Cornell Chimes, the picturesque Libe Slope, the Cascadilla Gorge trail, Sage Chapel, Beebe Lake, and the Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art, blending natural beauty with architectural splendor.
Student body
Over 60% of Cornell University students come from outside New York State, with large numbers hailing from California, Texas, New Jersey, Massachusetts, and Florida, as well as a significant international student population from over 120 countries.
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Become a guideYour Cornell University questions, answered
What GPA do you need for Cornell University?
Cornell’s minimum GPA requirement is 3.0, but admitted students typically have an average GPA of 4.15. To be competitive, aim for nearly straight A’s, take challenging courses, and rank in the top 10% of your class.
What is Cornell University known for?
Cornell specializes in engineering, biology, agriculture, architecture, and hotel administration. It also excels in computer science, public policy, human ecology, and atmospheric science.
How much is tuition at Cornell University?
For the 2023–24 academic year, Cornell’s undergraduate tuition is $66,014, with total annual expenses estimated at $88,140. Four years at Cornell costs approximately $264,056, not accounting for tuition increases.
Why is Cornell University famous?
Cornell is renowned for its leadership in research and innovation, being one of the first U.S. campuses to use electricity in 1883 and pioneering the world’s first electrical engineering courses.
What are Cornell students called?
Cornell students are called Cornellians, a name that connects them to the university’s long-standing community and history.
What is Cornell’s campus vibe like?
Cornell has a dynamic academic atmosphere, with students studying everywhere—from cozy library nooks and busy cafés to quiet classrooms and the scenic Slope. The campus offers diverse study spots, each with its own unique charm.
How can I tour Cornell University?
You can tour Cornell by registering online for a guided campus tour led by student guides or exploring on your own with a self-guided tour. Virtual tour options are also available on Cornell’s admissions website.
What kind of student does Cornell look for?
Cornell seeks students with leadership, empathy, and perseverance, valuing well-rounded individuals who demonstrate these qualities in their academics and extracurricular activities.
What is the male-to-female ratio at Cornell University?
Cornell’s undergraduate student body is 45.5% male and 54.5% female as of fall 2023.
Does Cornell offer private campus tours?
Yes, using SchoolScoops you can take a private campus tour of Cornell with a student of your choosing.
Interested in other schools?
SchoolScoops also offers tours and video chats at many other schools
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