SAT (400-1600)
ACT (1-36)
Test Optional / No Score
Average (Standard curriculum)
Above Average (Some AP/Honors)
High (Many APs/IB)
Exceptional (Most rigorous available)
1: Low Involvement10: National/Intl Awards
1: Weak10: Compelling/Unique
Regular Decision
Early Decision (Binding)
No Legacy
Yes (Parent/Grandparent Alum)
Estimated Acceptance Probability
–%
* This calculator is for informational purposes only. The Cornell admissions process is holistic, and no calculator can guarantee admission. Results are based on historical statistical trends.
Understanding Your Cornell Admission Chances
Gaining admission to Cornell University is highly competitive. As a member of the Ivy League, Cornell attracts thousands of top-tier applicants annually. This calculator estimates your probability of acceptance based on academic metrics (GPA, SAT/ACT), extracurricular involvement, and application strategy (Early Decision vs. Regular Decision).
Cornell Admissions Fast Facts:
Overall Acceptance Rate: Approximately 7-9% in recent years.
Early Decision Acceptance Rate: Typically between 19-24%.
Median SAT Range: 1470 – 1550
Median ACT Range: 33 – 35
How the Calculator Works
Our algorithm breaks down the Cornell admissions criteria into weighted categories:
1. Academic Performance (GPA & Rigor)
Your GPA is the most significant factor. However, Cornell looks at the "Unweighted GPA" in the context of your school's difficulty. A 4.0 in standard classes is often viewed less favorably than a 3.8 with a full load of AP or IB courses. The calculator assumes a standard 4.0 scale.
2. Standardized Test Scores
While Cornell has adopted test-optional policies for certain colleges within the university, submitting a high SAT or ACT score remains a strong differentiator. Scores above the 75th percentile (1540+ SAT or 35+ ACT) significantly boost the statistical probability of admission.
3. Extracurriculars & Essays (Holistic Review)
Ivy League schools practice holistic review. High stats alone are not enough.
Extracurriculars: Rated on a scale of 1-10. A "10" represents national leadership or international awards, while a "5" represents standard club membership.
Essays: Your "Why Cornell?" essay is crucial. It must demonstrate a specific fit with the college you are applying to (e.g., College of Engineering vs. Hotel Administration).
4. Early Decision (ED) Advantage
Cornell offers a binding Early Decision option. Historically, the acceptance rate for ED is significantly higher than Regular Decision. This demonstrates demonstrated interest and fills a large portion of the class early. Our calculator applies a multiplier for ED applicants, though this boost is most effective for candidates who are already academically qualified.
5. Legacy Status
Like many private universities, Cornell considers legacy status (children or grandchildren of alumni) as a positive factor in the review process, particularly in the Early Decision round.
Improving Your Odds
If your estimated probability is lower than you hoped, focus on the "soft" factors. You cannot change your GPA significantly in senior year, but you can craft compelling essays that highlight your unique perspective. Additionally, demonstrating a specific passion ("spike") rather than being well-rounded often appeals to Cornell admissions officers.
function toggleTestInput() {
var type = document.getElementById("testType").value;
var satGroup = document.getElementById("satInputGroup");
var actGroup = document.getElementById("actInputGroup");
if (type === "sat") {
satGroup.style.display = "block";
actGroup.style.display = "none";
} else if (type === "act") {
satGroup.style.display = "none";
actGroup.style.display = "block";
} else {
satGroup.style.display = "none";
actGroup.style.display = "none";
}
}
function calculateCornellAdmission() {
// 1. Get Inputs
var gpa = parseFloat(document.getElementById("unweightedGPA").value);
var testType = document.getElementById("testType").value;
var satScore = parseFloat(document.getElementById("satScore").value);
var actScore = parseFloat(document.getElementById("actScore").value);
var rigor = parseFloat(document.getElementById("courseRigor").value);
var ecRating = parseFloat(document.getElementById("extracurriculars").value);
var essayRating = parseFloat(document.getElementById("essayQuality").value);
var decisionType = document.getElementById("decisionType").value;
var legacy = document.getElementById("legacyStatus").value;
// Validation
if (isNaN(gpa) || gpa 4.0) {
alert("Please enter a valid GPA between 0.0 and 4.0.");
return;
}
if (isNaN(ecRating) || ecRating 10) {
alert("Please rate Extracurriculars between 1 and 10.");
return;
}
if (isNaN(essayRating) || essayRating 10) {
alert("Please rate Essays between 1 and 10.");
return;
}
// 2. Algorithm Logic
// Base Score (0-100 scale representing profile strength, not probability)
var profileScore = 0;
// A. GPA Logic (Max 40 points)
// Cornell avg is approx 3.9 unweighted.
// 4.0 -> 40 pts
// 3.5 -> 20 pts
// 0 pts
if (gpa >= 4.0) profileScore += 40;
else if (gpa >= 3.9) profileScore += 38;
else if (gpa >= 3.7) profileScore += 30;
else if (gpa >= 3.5) profileScore += 20;
else if (gpa >= 3.0) profileScore += 10;
else profileScore += 0;
// B. Rigor (Max 10 points)
// Value is already 2, 5, 8, or 10
profileScore += rigor;
// C. Test Scores (Max 20 points)
var testPoints = 0;
if (testType === "sat" && !isNaN(satScore)) {
if (satScore >= 1550) testPoints = 20;
else if (satScore >= 1500) testPoints = 17;
else if (satScore >= 1450) testPoints = 12;
else if (satScore >= 1400) testPoints = 8;
else if (satScore >= 1300) testPoints = 4;
else testPoints = 0;
} else if (testType === "act" && !isNaN(actScore)) {
if (actScore >= 35) testPoints = 20;
else if (actScore >= 34) testPoints = 18;
else if (actScore >= 33) testPoints = 15;
else if (actScore >= 31) testPoints = 10;
else if (actScore >= 29) testPoints = 5;
else testPoints = 0;
} else {
// Test Optional Penalty/Adjustment
// If GPA is very high (3.9+), penalty is low. If GPA low, penalty high.
if (gpa >= 3.9) testPoints = 12; // Assume average score equivalent
else testPoints = 5;
}
profileScore += testPoints;
// D. Extracurriculars (Max 20 points)
// Input is 1-10. Multiply by 2.
profileScore += (ecRating * 2);
// E. Essays/Recs (Max 10 points)
profileScore += essayRating;
// 3. Convert Profile Score to Base Probability
// Profile Score is out of 100.
// Max theoretical probability for unhooked applicant ~30-40% (RD).
var probability = 0;
// Exponential curve simulation
if (profileScore < 50) {
probability = 1; // <1% chance
} else if (profileScore < 70) {
probability = 2 + ((profileScore – 50) * 0.2); // 2% to 6%
} else if (profileScore 70) {
probability = probability * 2.2;
} else {
probability = probability * 1.2; // Small boost if stats aren't there
}
}
// 5. Caps and Formatting
// Cap at 95% (nobody is a sure thing)
if (probability > 95) probability = 95;
// Cap floor at 1%
if (probability 75) probability = 75;
// Round to 1 decimal
var finalPercentage = Math.round(probability * 10) / 10;
// Result Text Logic
var resultText = "";
if (finalPercentage < 5) {
resultText = "Reach (High Difficulty)";
} else if (finalPercentage < 15) {
resultText = "Reach";
} else if (finalPercentage < 30) {
resultText = "Target / Competitive";
} else {
resultText = "Strong Candidate";
}
// 6. Display Result
document.getElementById("result-container").style.display = "block";
document.getElementById("resultPercentage").innerText = finalPercentage + "%";
document.getElementById("resultText").innerText = resultText;
}