Does Cornell prefer ACT or SAT?

Cornell accepts both the SAT and ACT equally, with no preference for one over the other; the key is to submit strong scores if you choose to, as they are required for Fall 2026 applicants and complement the holistic review, with admitted students generally scoring in the top percentiles for either test. For Fall 2026 and beyond, standardized scores (SAT or ACT) are a required part of the application for first-year students.

Does Cornell take the SAT or ACT?

First-year Applicants

For the SAT, Cornell considers the highest section scores across test dates, and participates in the College Board Score Choice program. For the ACT, Cornell can consider the ACT-provided superscore and your highest section scores across all dates.

Do Ivy Leagues prefer ACT or SAT?

The ACT and SAT are both equally accepted and considered at ALL US colleges and universities, including the Ivy Leagues.

Is 1480 SAT good for Cornell?

If you're aiming for Cornell, it's a good idea to aim for at least the 25th percentile (1480) to be competitive, and ideally, you should aim to score in the higher range (1550) if possible.

Can I get into Cornell with 1470 SAT?

This means that Cornell students in the lowest 25% scored at or below a 1470. With this in mind, it's in the applicant's best interest to aim for the lower quartile, and ideally higher. However, it is still possible to get into Cornell with an SAT score below these measurements.

how I got into cornell (stats, gpa, ecs, more)

What was Mark Zuckerberg's SAT score?

Mark Zuckerberg reportedly scored a perfect 1600 on the SAT, achieving the maximum possible score before attending Harvard University. This high score reflects his exceptional academic performance, matching other tech leaders like Bill Gates and Will Smith who also attained near-perfect or perfect scores, according to various reports.
 

Is 1490 good enough for Cornell?

Yes, a 1490 SAT score is very strong and competitive for Cornell University, generally falling within or just above the typical range (around 1480-1560), meaning it won't hold you back but strong essays, extracurriculars, and GPA are crucial for acceptance due to Cornell's selectivity. It places you well above the 25th percentile and into the middle 50% of admitted students, but aiming for higher scores (like 1540+) can significantly boost your chances, notes PrepScholar. 

What was Taylor Swift's SAT score?

Taylor Swift's SAT score is not publicly known because she left high school early to pursue her music career and never officially took the SATs for college admission, though she was academically successful in high school, graduating early with a 4.0 GPA before focusing on music. She famously called out a practice test for misquoting her lyrics, highlighting her strong grasp of grammar despite not needing the test.
 

What was Bill Clinton's SAT score?

Bill Clinton

The 42nd president of the United States scored a 1032—12 points above average—on his SAT. Still, Clinton excelled at Georgetown University, where he majored in Foreign Service and was elected to Phi Beta Kappa. Later, Clinton attended Yale Law School and earned a Juris Doctor in 1973.

Which ivy has the lowest SAT?

While all Ivies are highly competitive, Cornell and Dartmouth generally have slightly lower middle 50% SAT score ranges compared to schools like Harvard or Princeton, with Cornell often showing the most flexibility (e.g., 1430-1550 range), but scores around 1440-1500 (25th percentile) are typical for the lower end of admitted students across the league, with some exceptional admits getting in with lower scores due to other strengths, according to Prep Expert and PrepScholar. 

Is a 33 ACT or 1450 SAT better?

A 33 on the ACT and a 1450 on the SAT are considered roughly equivalent, both falling in a high percentile range, with official concordance tables placing the 33 ACT in the 1450-1480 SAT range, making them essentially equal in college admissions, though individual section scores might favor one test over the other. Neither score is definitively "better," but you should submit the one that better showcases your strengths for your intended major. 

What is the top 1% SAT score?

A top 1% SAT score generally starts around 1530 and above, with scores like 1530-1600 placing you in the 99th percentile, indicating exceptional performance, though exact thresholds shift slightly year to year with the test takers. A score of 1450+ is often cited as the top 10% or so, while 1500+ firmly puts you in the top 1-2% for college admissions, with scores like 1560+ often seen as competitive for top universities. 

Did Will Smith get a 1600 on the SAT?

Yes, reports widely state that Will Smith scored a perfect 1600 on the SAT, though it's often mentioned he didn't attend college, choosing music and acting instead, despite being admitted to programs like MIT's. While some sources list it as a "rumored" perfect score, many reliable outlets confirm the 1600, making him one of the few celebrities with a top score.
 

How can I increase my chances at Cornell?

How can you increase your chances of getting into Cornell?

1. Apply Early. Cornell offers an Early Decision application option. ...
2. Take Rigorous Courses & Score Well. ...
3. Submit your SAT/ACT Scores. ...
4. Demonstrate leadership and community involvement. ...
5. Helpful resources. ...
6. Write a strong personal essay.

Is Cornell the easiest Ivy League to get into?

Yes, Cornell University is generally considered the "easiest" Ivy League school to get into, primarily due to its higher admission rates compared to other Ivies, stemming from its large size, diverse colleges, and broader program offerings, though it's still extremely competitive. While its acceptance rate hovers around 7-10% (varying by year), making it less selective than Harvard or Yale, it's still a top-tier, highly selective institution. 

What is the average SAT score for Cornell 2025?

Average SAT: 1540

The average SAT score composite at Cornell is a 1540.

What was Elon Musk's SAT score?

Elon Musk scored a 1400 on the SAT in the late 1980s, according to biographer Walter Isaacson, a score that would correlate to an IQ in the mid-130s, suggesting above-average intelligence but not necessarily genius-level, though his massive accomplishments spur ongoing debate about his true cognitive abilities. He took the test twice, getting 670 verbal and 730 math on his second attempt, with scores calibrated for that era. 

Did Mark Zuckerberg get a 1600 on SAT?

Yes, reports widely state that Mark Zuckerberg scored a perfect 1600 (or sometimes a near-perfect 1590) on his SAT, achieving top marks before attending Harvard University, consistent with his reputation as a gifted student and programmer.
 

What was Kobe Bryant's SAT score?

Kobe Bryant scored a 1080 on the SAT, a respectable score that, along with his high school grades, would have qualified him for many top universities, but he chose to go directly to the NBA from high school, becoming one of the first players to do so in the 90s.
 

How many times has Kim Kardashian SAT for the bar?

Kim Kardashian has taken the official California Bar Exam once (July 2025) and failed, but she previously passed the "baby bar" (First-Year Law Students' Exam) on her fourth attempt in 2021 after failing it three times, demonstrating her persistence in her legal studies. She's continuing her law journey, aiming to pass the main exam in future attempts, as California law allows multiple tries, notes Life & Style. 

What extracurriculars impress Cornell admissions?

Suggested Extracurriculars and Clubs

• Cornell University Research Board (CURB) ...
• Cornell Tech Policy Lab. ...
• Cornell AppDev. ...
• Cornell Public Service Center (PSC) ...
• Cornell Certificate in Engaged Leadership. ...
• Cornell Rural Humanities "Dark Laboratory" ...
• XR Collaboratory (XRC) ...
• Woman in Computing at Cornell (WICC)

What is a perfect SAT score in 2025?

According to the College Board's most recent data, the average 2025 SAT score was 1029 (out of a possible 1600). A score of 1350 and above is generally considered to be a very good SAT score as it puts you in the top 10% of test takers.