Cornell / Interview
The Cornell interview
Optional interview, and it carries minor weight in the decision. Here is how it works and how to prepare.
Optional interview
Optional alumni interview via CAAN (Cornell Alumni Admissions Ambassador Network), ~30-45 min, virtual or in-person depending on alumni availability in your area; not guaranteed for all applicants
How to prepare for Cornell
- Cornell admits to specific undergraduate colleges, not the university at large , use the interview to articulate why your chosen college (e.g., ILR, Dyson, Engineering) is the right fit for your goals, not just why Cornell generally.
- Alumni interviewers are volunteers and do not have access to your application; treat this as a two-way conversation rather than a formal evaluation , asking thoughtful questions about the interviewer's own Cornell experience is expected and appreciated.
- Because the interview is informational and carries minor weight, skipping it if unavailable in your region won't hurt you , but if offered, attend: it signals demonstrated interest and gives Cornell a human touchpoint beyond your file.
- Avoid generic 'I love Cornell's resources' answers; ground your responses in the specific programs, faculty, or opportunities within your target college that align with your concrete academic or career plans.
Practice before the real thing
Rehearse real admissions-interview questions and get an honest read on your answers, what an interviewer hears, where you sound generic, and what to sharpen. We coach you; we never script you.
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