Cornell’s commitment to diversity, access, and inclusion begins with recruitment. Consider Cornell: Experience provides an excellent opportunity for scholars (see eligibility criteria below) to gain an insider look at the graduate admissions process and take the steps to create a top-quality graduate school application package. The unique features of this program include one-on-one reviewing of application components, advice on strategies for effective interactions with key stakeholders from academic departments and the Graduate School, and individual meetings with potential faculty advisors. You will also immerse yourself in campus culture through campus and lab tours as well as individualized engagements with your intended fields of study.

This program is intended for scholars, currently residing in the United States, who are preparing to apply to a Ph.D. program at Cornell University for the upcoming application cycle. We highly encourage applicants from/with the following backgrounds, identities and lived experiences: 

• Seniors, recent graduates, and others who are preparing to apply for  Ph.D. programs 
• First-generation/low-income college students (neither parent/guardian has completed a baccalaureate degree)
• Members of ethnic and/or racial groups historically excluded from and underrepresented in graduate education – Black, Indigenous (Native American, Alaskan Native, Native Hawaiian, Native Pacific Islanders, other Indigenous peoples), Hispanic/Latina/o/x, and/or South and Southeast Asian
• Other identities and/or experiences historically underrepresented and/or marginalized within graduate education including but not limited to the following:
  • Those who manage a disability
  • Having a gender and/or sexual orientation identity historically underrepresented in your field of study
  • Those who are active duty, reservists or veterans of the US Armed Forces
  • Holding DACA, TPS, refugee, or asylee status
  • Those who have experienced housing and/or food insecurity
  • Single parents

Although this program does not have travel funds for international scholars residing abroad, international students who are currently residing in the U.S. are encouraged to apply for consideration.

We also encourage you to attend the Cornell Virtual Graduate School Fair, which will be held on Friday, October 6, 2023, where prospective graduate students can learn about Cornell’s graduate programs and interact with current students, faculty and staff.

This program is intended for scholars, currently residing in the United States, who are preparing to apply to a Ph.D. program at Cornell University for the upcoming (Fall 2024) application cycle. Therefore, it is not intended for those interested in masters and professional degree programs. However, we encourage you to attend the Cornell Virtual Graduate School Fair, which will be held on Friday, October 6, 2023, where prospective graduate students can learn about Cornell’s graduate programs and interact with current students, faculty and staff.

The Consider Cornell: Experience is a two-day, immersive on-campus program that will take place on the Cornell University campus in New York, October 13-14, with travel to Ithaca on October 12 and departure on October 15. Please ensure that you are available on all four days: October 12-15 to be able to take full advantage of the program.

As part of the online application, you will be asked to enter background information, respond to a series of four short essay questions (100-200 words) and provide the following documents and items: 

1. Resume/CV: 1-2 pages in length. This can contain information including but not limited to, work experience, research experience, education, special skills/certifications, presentations, additional training, awards, and leadership/volunteer service. 
2. Academic Transcripts (official/unofficial): Include transcripts from all institutions you have attended. Unofficial transcripts are accepted.
3. A ranked list of five Cornell faculty who you would be interested in meeting if chosen for the program. We recommend you visit the faculty page on your field of interest’s website to identify the faculty, whose academic and/or research interests are most closely aligned with yours.

All documents should be submitted in PDF format.

All costs associated with participating in this two-day program, including travel, lodging and meals will be paid by Cornell University. 

If you apply, are accepted and participate in Consider Cornell: Experience, Cornell Graduate School will waive your PhD application fee.

Applicants will begin receiving notifications in early October via email. 

Applicants who are accepted to the Consider Cornell: Experience program will be contacted to make travel arrangements and provide important information about accessibilities and other logistical necessities. 

You will also be asked to submit a draft of your graduate school Academic Statement of Purpose ahead of your travel. This will be used exclusively for the one-on-one feedback sessions and is not intended to be a final version for submission to a graduate program.

We can offer some flexibility to applicants affected by extreme conditions such as a natural disaster, an epidemic, or extensive internet or power outages. Please contact us at considergrad@cornell.edu to discuss your situation and possible accommodations.

At this time, invited participants will not be required to show proof of vaccination, submit a negative COVID-19 test prior to arrival, or wear a mask while on campus. However, we will monitor the situation closely and comply with campus and local regulations and protocols. Participants will be notified of any changes.  Cornell’s current COVID-19 visitor and events policies can be found here.