The 2024 Consider Cornell: Experience application is now closed!
To apply, please click the application link here or at the bottom of the page, provide the requested information, and press the submit button.
This two-day, all-expenses-paid Consider Cornell: Experience program is an immersive on-campus experience that gives participants an in-depth introduction to the graduate application process and specific application components. It provides curated, discipline-specific connections with Cornell faculty, graduate students, and program leadership and is the ultimate opportunity for prospective PhD students to learn about graduate education at Cornell!
Please note that this application is not intended for any degree-granting program at Cornell University. To apply to a graduate degree program, visit the main website of the program you are interested in and find the Graduate School application link there.
This program invites applications from prospective students interested in Ph.D. programs. It is NOT intended for those interested in master’s or professional degree programs. Applications from students interested in these degree programs will not be accepted.
Application Overview:
Please answer all questions on the application and submit your application ahead of the deadline noted above. Incomplete applications, as well as those received after the deadline, will not be accepted.
The application allows you to move back and forth within the application interface. If you are unable to finish your application, you will be able to return to it at a later time by using the same link. Once submitted, your application will no longer be accessible to make any changes.
Upon successful submission of your application, you will receive a confirmation message, stating that your application has been received. If you have not received a confirmation message, please check your spam folder. If you are still unable to find it, contact our office as soon as possible to confirm the submission of your application.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Why should I apply to Consider Cornell: Experience?
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 field.
Who should apply to Consider Cornell: Experience?
This program is intended for scholars residing in the United States, who are preparing to apply to a Ph.D. program at Cornell University for the upcoming application cycle.
Open to scholars from all backgrounds, this program has a particular focus on engaging scholars who have demonstrated commitment and potential to significantly contribute Cornell’s core value to provide a community of inclusion, belonging, and respect where scholars representing diverse backgrounds, perspectives, abilities, and experiences can learn and work productively and positively together.
Please note that this program does not accept applications from current Cornell undergraduate and graduate students, alumni, employees and other affiliates.
Are international students and domestic students residing abroad eligible to apply for Consider Cornell: Experience?
This program accepts applications from U.S. citizens, Lawful Permanent Residents, DACA, Refugees, TPS or Asylees and Canadian-born Native Americans who meet specific criteria under the Jay Treaty of 1794.
If you are an international student currently residing within the U.S., we encourage you to apply for consideration.
There is no travel funding available for scholars, who meet the above eligibility criteria, but reside abroad (including U.S. overseas military bases) during the time of the program. In consideration of this, the Cornell University Graduate School will be hosting a Virtual Graduate School Fair on Friday, October 4. Please visit the virtual fair website for more information and to register for the fair.
If I am interested in pursuing master's program, should I apply to Consider Cornell: Experience?
This program is intended for domestic scholars, currently residing in the United States, who are preparing to apply to a Ph.D. program at Cornell University for the upcoming (Fall 2025) application cycle. Therefore, it is not intended for those interested in masters and professional degree programs.
What is the format of the Consider Cornell: Experience program?
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 25-26, with travel to Ithaca on October 24 and departure on October 27. Please ensure that you are available on all four days: October 24-27 to be able to take full advantage of the program.
What are the application requirements?
As part of the online application, you will be asked to enter background information, respond to four short essay questions (100-250 words) and provide the following documents and items:
- Resume/CV: A brief document (two pages maximum) that highlights your qualifications, including education, employment history, research experience, relevant skills/certifications, presentations, additional training, awards, and volunteer service.
- Academic Transcripts (official/unofficial): Include transcripts from all academic institutions you have attended. Official and unofficial transcripts are accepted, but unofficial versions are preferred.
- Cornell Graduate Program Selection: From the list of Cornell’s graduate academic fields, you will select the field you are most interested in. It is important that you select only one field of your interest.
- A ranked list of five Cornell faculty whose research is most closely aligned with yours and who you would like to interact with if chosen for the program. You will be asked to list them in order of relevance to your research interest. To identify the faculty, visit and review the respective faculty webpages on your field of interest’s website.
All documents should be submitted in PDF format.
What is the cost of participation in the Consider Cornell: Experience program?
Costs associated with participating in this two-day program, including travel, lodging and meals will be paid by Cornell University.
If I apply to Consider Cornell: Experience, will my PhD application fee be waived?
If you apply, are accepted and participate in Consider Cornell: Experience, the Cornell Graduate School will waive your PhD application fee.
When and how will I be notified of my application status?
Applicants will begin receiving notifications about their application status no later than August 31st, 2024.
What are the next steps, if I am accepted to the Consider Cornell: Experience program?
Applicants who are accepted to the Consider Cornell: Experience program will be asked to confirm their acceptance no later than September 4th, 2024, after which we will arrange travel and other logistical necessities.
Accepted applicants will also be asked to submit a draft of your graduate school Academic Statement of Purpose by Sunday, October 6, 2024. This will be used exclusively for the one-on-one feedback session and is not intended to be a final version for submission to a graduate program.
If your questions have not been answered in the above FAQ, please contact us at considergrad@cornell.edu.
