Key differences on Getting in
- 1
Cornell's yield is 8 pts higher than Northwestern's
Yield rate - 2
Northwestern admits 7.7% vs. 8.4% at Cornell
Acceptance rate - 3
Northwestern's SAT midpoint is 5 points higher than Cornell's
SAT midpoint
Admissions
Getting in, fall 2024
Acceptance and yield, test score ranges, test policy, and what each college weighs.
The funnel
Quad's selectivity
- CornellUltra selective
- NorthwesternUltra selective
Men and women
Acceptance rate for men and women who applied, where a college reports admissions by sex.
Test scores
SAT total,
Axis runs 1400–1600. The dark tick marks the national median midpoint.
ACT composite,
Axis runs 29–36. The dark tick marks the national median midpoint.
Test policy
- CornellTest scores required
- NorthwesternTest-optional
How they read a record
Cornell
is very important; GPA and class rank are both important; tests are considered.
Northwestern
The high school record and a college-prep program are required; GPA and class rank are considered.
What they look at
| Factor | Cornell | Northwestern |
|---|---|---|
| High school GPA | Important | Considered |
| High school record | Required | Required |
| Class rank | Important | Considered |
| College-prep program | Considered | Required |
| Recommendations | Very important | Required |
| Essay | Very important | Required |
| Legacy status | Considered | Considered |
| Work experience | Considered | Considered |
| Demonstration of competencies | Considered | Not considered |
| English proficiency test | Required | Required |
| Other tests | Considered | Not considered |
Sources:Cornell University Common Data Set, 2025-26;IPEDS Admissions survey, Fall 2024;Cornell University Common Data Set 2025–26, Fall 2025;Cornell University Common Data Set 2025–26, Fall 2027 applicants;Cornell University Common Data Set 2025–26, Entered fall 2024;College Scorecard, most recent release;College Scorecard, Entered fall 2023About the data(retrieved 2026-10-12)
Figures are the newest each college has published; years can differ between colleges. Each value's ⓘ shows its source and year. Why