The Cornell curriculum is flexible, and students can fine-tune their schedules to have the educational experiences they are looking for. That said, each of the undergraduate colleges and schools has its own academic requirements. In addition, all first-year students participate in Cornell’s award-winning First-Year Writing Seminar (FWS) program. To learn more about these offerings, please visit the John S.
Students who are interested in pursuing a health career find great opportunities at Cornell. In fact, nearly one out of every six Cornell undergraduates intends to pursue a career in medicine. Students may study in any of Cornell's undergraduate schools and colleges and graduate well prepared for further medical career studies and options. The resources available in the Health Professions Advising Center (HPAC) are accessible to all pre-Health students across the university.
Cornell is home to eight undergraduate colleges and schools offering 80 majors and more than 4,000 courses of study across 100 academic departments. The most popular majors change from one year to the next. Applicants are encouraged to explore each college/school with the goal of identifying the one that is the best fit for their academic interests and talents, rather than looking for what might be the most popular major at any given time. The Cornell selection committees evaluate the "match" between a candidate's interests and the college/school to which they apply.
Cornell offers a communication major in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. For more information, please visit the Department of Communication.
Attending Cornell as an undergraduate is a great option for students who are interested in going to law school. Although Cornell does not offer a pre-law major, law schools are looking for good minds: any major at Cornell can prepare students well for a legal career. Students planning to go to law school may study in any of Cornell's undergraduate colleges and schools.
Cornell undergraduates can get to know their professors well with a student-to-faculty ratio of 9:1.
Cornell undergraduates get to know their professors during their time on campus. In fact, 67% of Cornell classes have fewer than 30 students; 80% have fewer than 50, and only 19% of classes have 50 or more students enrolled. All first-year students take two writing seminars from Cornell's nationally recognized first-year writing program. These classes are capped at 17 students.
At this time, we are not able to offer an opportunity to meet with professors individually. We encourage new students to connect with their college community through CUontheHill.
NetIDs are issued by IT@Cornell to newly admitted enrolling students starting in early April. You will receive information and instructions via email on how to activate your NetID.
After you submit your enrollment deposit and receive your Cornell NetID, you can sign up for housing through the Housing Portal. The deadline is Thursday, May 15, 2026. More information will be coming from our Housing Office, so please be sure to check your email. Housing is guaranteed for first-year students.
