Computer Science at Cornell University: A College Apps Strategy Guide

As one of the top programs in the Ivy League, Cornell University’s Computer Science (CS) department is a powerhouse of research, academic excellence, and powerful industry connections both on the East Coast and in Silicon Valley.

With a unique structure that spans the College of Engineering and the College of Arts and Sciences, Cornell offers greater flexibility in shaping a CS education vs. other top programs. Situated in Ithaca, New York, by Cayuga and the finger lakes, Cornell provides a rigorous curriculum, world-class faculty, and a thriving tech ecosystem that prepares students for success whether they’re seeking a lucrative career-track job upon graduation, or wish to pursue their own entrepreneurial ideas. 

Computer Science at Cornell

Due to the program’s prestige and the ballooning demand for tech talent, admission to the CS major is highly competitive. Within the College of Engineering, students are directly admitted into the major, while those in the College of Arts and Sciences declare CS after meeting prerequisites. In either case, students benefit from an interdisciplinary approach that merges theory with hands-on applications in fields like artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and data science. In addition, students will find a wealth of opportunities to participate in professional research opportunities and gain exposure to thinking at the forefront of technological innovation.

Admission Insights & Strategic Application Tips

Cornell’s CS acceptance rates vary between the two colleges, with the College of Engineering being notably more selective. However, both amit students at rates in the single digits percentage-wise. As such, prospective students should demonstrate immaculate math and programming skills, a passion for problem-solving, and a strong suite of CS-related extracurriculars that demonstrates leadership, vision, and social impact. 

Essays should emphasize creativity, innovation, and a forward-thinking approach to technological design and implementation. Specifically, qualified applicants will have showcased a healthy variety of research and/or passion projects, hackathon participation, and internship experiences between their admissions materials.

Looking to get a competitive edge? By far the best way to increase your chances of admission at Cornell are to apply Early Decision. By committing to attend if accepted, you help Cornell increase its yield rate—a key metric in determining the ranking of top schools. In return, your chances of admission almost triple: the latest admissions data indicated an overall acceptance rate of 6.9% at Cornell, but an ED admittance of 19.2%!

Alternative Majors to Computer Science at Cornell

In the process of working towards developing a successful college application, competitive students will often find that they have needed to differentiate themselves through some level of specialized interest in a subfield of CS/tech. Students may be interested in exploring alternative majors given the unique strengths they offer in these spaces. To that end, Cornell offers several interdisciplinary programs that integrate technology with other fields:

1. Information Science (College of Arts & Sciences and College of Agriculture & Life Sciences): Focuses on human-centered computing, UX design, and data ethics. This track likely confers the biggest improvement on admissions chances vs. a traditional CS application.
   
   Note that there is also a BS in Information Science through the College of Engineering that heavily emphasizes and leverages an objective, analytical, strongly-mathematical approach to information science, though this is likely to be slightly more selective. 
2. Electrical & Computer Engineering (College of Engineering): Merges hardware and software engineering, covering topics like embedded systems and digital signal processing. If you’re interested in robotics, especially from the standpoint of hardware, this is a viable option.
3. Operations Research & Information Engineering (College of Engineering): Applies computing and analytics to business, logistics, and decision-making.
4. Cognitive Science (College of Arts & Sciences): Explores the intersection of CS, psychology, and linguistics in AI and human-computer interaction.
5. Applied Economics & Management - Business Analytics (SC Johnson College of Business): Merges computing with business decision-making and data science. Students who are interested in working in fields like quantitative finance/financial analysis, or wish to focus on their entrepreneurial endeavors, may find this program attractive. 

Why Choose Cornell for CS?

Aspiring computer scientists will benefit from Cornell’s name recognition and exceptional contacts in industry, whether business or academic. Individuals with a strong knack for interpersonal skills such as networking and collaborative research will thrive in this environment. Future software engineers and tech researchers will gain access to a strong alumni network, cutting-edge resources, and prime career opportunities in Silicon Valley, New York City, and beyond.

Of course such a boundless world of opportunities is likely to entice many people to choose Cornell as a preferred destination for their undergraduate studies. Getting accepted is another matter altogether.

At PathIvy, we’re here to help guide you through the strenuous Cornell admissions process. Whether you're aiming for CS or exploring related fields, we can help you craft a standout application and find the best academic path for your goals. Connect with us to see how we can help you gain admission to top colleges and universities across the country.