Your handy guide to Cornell University campus life

About Cornell University

Cornell University is a private research university and a partner of the State University of New York. As the federal land-grant institution in New York State, it has a unique responsibility within the Ivy League to make contributions in all fields of knowledge that prioritize public engagement in order to help improve the quality of life in the state, nation, and world. This blog further discusses Cornell University campus life.

Cornell University | A brief overview

Established in 1865, Cornell is a private university. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 15,503 students (fall 2021), a rural setting, and a campus size of 745 acres. The academic calendar for Cornell is semester-based. Cornell University has the 17th position among National Universities in the Best Colleges 2022-2023 edition. The total tuition and other fees of Cornell University are $63,200.

Cornell University in Ithaca, New York, has over 1,000 student organizations ranging from the Big Red Marching Band to the International Affairs Society. First-year students live together on the north campus, and upperclassmen and graduate students have housing options, though many choose to live off campus. Cornell has a vibrant Greek community, with over 60 fraternity and sorority chapters. Cornell has 35 varsity NCAA Division I teams that compete in the Ivy League. Cornell’s men’s lacrosse and men’s wrestling teams are very popular, and the school also has a strong ice hockey program.

Despite the fact that every graduate receives a degree from Cornell University, each of Cornell’s seven undergraduate colleges and schools admits its own students and provides its own faculty. The College of Arts and Sciences and the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences are Cornell’s two largest undergraduate colleges. The highly ranked S.C. Johnson Graduate School of Management, College of Engineering, Law School, and Weill Cornell Medical College are among its graduate schools. Cornell is also famous for its highly regarded College of Veterinary Medicine and School of Hotel Administration.

Dragon Day, during which a dragon built by first-year architecture students is paraded through campus, is one of Cornell’s oldest traditions. Among its notable alumni are U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, author E.B. White, and ‘Science Guy’ Bill Nye.

Campus life

Student & Campus Life serves all Cornell students- undergraduate, graduate, and professional, and works to foster an educational environment in which students can thrive in pursuit of their academic and personal goals.

Cornell has a world-renowned faculty, passionate students, dedicated staff, an abundance of clubs and organizations, and many other resources to help students make this experience uniquely their own. It is up to the students to use their imagination, creativity, and the trial-and-error process to design an educational experience that works for them. The Division of Student & Campus Life will be available to them with programs and opportunities that will inspire their journey and transformation.

Through Cornell Health’s holistic wellness approach and Athletics & Physical Education’s intramural sports, PE courses, and recreation, the university promotes the well-being of the entire campus community.

On campus, Cornell fosters community through residential programs, cheering on its varsity sports teams, and bringing people together in its numerous dining establishments.

Whether students are looking for leadership and volunteer opportunities through campus and community engagement, trying to figure out and plan for their career with Cornell Career Services, or need help to develop their identity with the Dean of Students. The Student & Campus Life at Cornell University has the resources that students need.

Athletics and recreation

From NCAA Division I athletics and intramural leagues to the Cornell Botanic Gardens and scenic overlooks, the campus and surrounding area provide various indoor and outdoor activities all year.

Arts and culture

Cornell serves as a catalyst for creative exploration and discovery, whether students want to see an art exhibit or start a dance troupe.

Health and safety

Cornell strives to create an environment where all Cornellians can thrive, from focusing on individual health and well-being to fostering a sense of belonging and protecting its campus community.

New York campus 

Located in New York’s Finger Lakes region, Cornell’s Ithaca campus is a one-of-a-kind setting that will stimulate students’ senses and pique their curiosity regardless of their interests. Residents and students consider Ithaca as one of the best places to live, work, and study.

Housing

Cornell works hard to create environments where students can live, learn, and grow together. Living on campus gives students access to a built-in support system of faculty, staff, and student leaders, as well as dining and recreational facilities. Beyond campus, the region offers the best of both worlds, whether a student chooses to live in downtown Ithaca or in the country.

Dining

Cornell and Ithaca’s dining options will exceed students’ expectations, catering to all tastes, diets, and cravings. Dining at Cornell is a culinary experience rarely found on a college campus, with a focus on diverse, healthy, and sustainable cuisine.

Work

Cornell is one of New York State’s largest employers, employing nearly 18,000 people across three campuses in Ithaca, Geneva, and New York City. It dedicates itself to building a diverse, inclusive, and egalitarian community and has national recognition for its initiatives in health, well-being, sustainability, and diversity.

Travel

Cornell provides a variety of transportation options, including free, unlimited travel on any TCAT bus within Tompkins County for first-year students, faculty, and full- or part-time staff.

Student life

Students at Cornell can experience a community that values critical thinking, encourages self-discovery, and welcomes people from all walks of life — all while being surrounded by the natural beauty that will inspire their creativity and deepen their focus.

Its student body is as diverse as its organizations, clubs, groups, and activities. Life at Cornell provides numerous opportunities for students to connect with others and grow as a leader.

Whether a parent is looking for ways to help their ward adjust to college life or simply wants to stay up to date on the latest news and athletics scores, Cornell has a variety of resources to assist parents and guardians.

Key takeaways

• Cornell University is a private research university that has a unique responsibility within the Ivy League to make contributions in all fields of knowledge that prioritize public engagement. 
• Student & Campus Life serves all Cornell students, including undergraduate, graduate, and professional, and works to create an educational environment for students to help them thrive in pursuit of their academic and personal goals.
• Students at Cornell can experience a community that values critical thinking and encourages self-discovery. It welcomes people from all walks of life and inspires their creativity as well as deepens their focus.

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FAQs

Q1. What GPA do you need to get admission to Cornell?

Ans- You should have a GPA of 4.07 or higher. If your GPA is lower, you must make up the difference with a higher SAT/ACT score. You’ll also need to impress the selection committee with the rest of your application to get admission to a school like Cornell.

Q2. What is the acceptance rate at Cornell University?

Ans- The acceptance rate of Cornell is 10%

Q3. What SAT score is required to get admission to Cornell?

Ans- Students admitted to Cornell University have an SAT score between 1400 and 1560 or an ACT score between 33 and 35.