Cornell University The Johnson School at Cornell University

Application Guide

General Information

Overview
Dual Degree Program Applicants
Software Requirements
Application Deadlines
Interviews
Transcripts
Resumé
Letters of Evaluation
Essay Questions
GMAT (Graduate Management Admissions Test)
Application Fee
Application Status Check
Reapplication Instructions
Deferred Admission Policy

Additional Information for International Applicants
English Language Proficiency Assessment
Declaration of Finances Form

Information for all MBA/AMBA applicants

Overview
This application is designed to be completed during many sessions; you do not need to complete any particular section at one time. By using your username and password, you may return at any time before the application deadline to continue your work (be sure to 'save' your work promptly or risk data loss due to time-out). When you apply online with electronically submitted transcripts, letters of evaluation, and essays, you will be able to track the status of your application through your account on our website. You will use your application account long after submitting your application to us; all status updates are made online.
back
Dual Degree Program Applicants
To be considered for a Cornell dual degree program, the applicant should complete both the MBA application and an application from the Cornell school or college to which he or she plans to enroll as a dual degree candidate. Please keep in mind that each school or college has a separate application and process as well as deadlines that may differ from those of the Johnson School. Each school makes its admissions decisions independently. The Johnson School is not responsible for credentials needed by the other school or college nor do we have access to information pertaining to the applicant's file at the other unit.
United States Social Security Number: If you do not have a U.S. social security number, leave that question blank. If you obtain a number after submitting the application, send documentation of your social security number to our office as soon as possible.
back
Software Requirements
The online application has been tested on most of the newest browsers: Opera, Mozilla, FireFox, IE and Netscape. If you encounter problems, we recommend downloading the latest version of your browser. If this fails, please contact us for further assistance.
In addition to a compatible browser, you will need the free Adobe Acrobat Reader to access certain documents. If you wish to use the Transcript Template to speed processing of your application, you will also need to have access to at least Microsoft Excel 2000.
back
Application Deadlines
For Application deadlines, please refer to the Important Dates page.
back
Interviews
An invitation to interview will be offered to select candidates after a complete review of the written application. The decision to grant an interview is at the discretion of the admissions committee and may not be arranged by the candidate. Trained students, alumni, staff, and faculty conduct interviews. All interviews are conducted in English regardless of the interviewer's or applicant's native language.
back
Transcripts
You have two options for providing us with records of your academic work. You can submit unofficial transcripts of your academic work using the Microsoft Excel 97 Transcript Template in the online application. This option may be used only for studies undertaken in U.S. institutions. This option requires that you have access to Microsoft Excel 97 and that you use a Web browser (such as Netscape Navigator 4.05 or Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.01) that supports form-based file uploads. Using the Transcript Template substantially accelerates application processing. Alternatively, you can have your academic records sent to us from the institutions at which you studied. You may download and use our Transcript Request Form. This option must be used for non-U.S. institutions.
If you use the Transcript Template and are offered admission, you will be required to provide official transcripts of all previous academic work to verify the information provided in the Template. If there are discrepancies between the self-reported academic work and official records, the offer of admission will be withdrawn. Offers of admission are not binding until academic records are verified.
All international transcripts require an official translation into English by a certified translator. Photocopies of transcripts are not acceptable. International candidates must submit a certified copy of their diploma indicating the degree received.
back
Resumé
The admissions committee requires a copy of your current resumé. You may upload your resumé via the online application, mail your resumé or email it as an attachment to mba@cornell.edu. The mailing address is: The Johnson School, Office of Admissions and Financial Aid, 111 Sage Hall, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853-6201.
back
Letters of Evaluation
The Admissions Committee requires two letters of evaluation. These evaluations should address the range of questions asked on our Letter of Evaluation Form. We prefer evaluations from people who are well acquainted with you and your professional capabilities. We recommend at least one letter be from an immediate supervisor. If you are unable to obtain an evaluation from an immediate supervisor, use your best judgment in supplying a substitute. Indicate why you selected an alternate to your supervisor in the optional essay.
MBA - There are two options for submitting letters of evaluation: online or hard-copy. Evaluators with Internet access and a valid email address can submit evaluations electronically. After you have contacted your evaluators about providing a recommendation on your behalf, enter their title, name and e-mail address on the Letters of Evaluation page and check the "Send" button beneath each evaluator you wish us to contact. An email is immediately sent to the specified evaluator with instructions for completing your evaluation online. You will be notified by email when we receive each letter of evaluation. For recommenders providing a paper based evaluation, download a copy of the two page Letter of Evaluation Form (in Adobe Acrobat format). Your evaluators must then complete and return the form directly to you in a signed, sealed envelope or mail it directly to us at the address provided on the form. If you choose this option, fill out only the titles and names of your evaluators in the online recommendation page(s) and do not include e-mail information.
back
Essay Questions
To ensure the depth and dynamism of the Johnson School education, we seek to enroll a class composed of students whose insights are distinct and whose actions are penetrating. The essay portion of your application gives you the opportunity to candidly demonstrate your attributes and your compatibility with our rich and vibrant program.
MBA/AMBA - Essays 1, 2 and 3 are required essays. Essay 4 is optional. All re-applicants are required to complete essay 5. Please observe the 400 word maximum limit for each essay.
back
GMAT (Graduate Management Admissions Test)
In January 2007, Pearson VUE and ACT, Inc., assumed the responsibilities of development and administration of the GMAT® exam for the Graduate Management Admission Council® (GMAC®).

To schedule a GMAT® appointment and to have GMAT® results sent directly from Pearson VUE, candidates should call +1-800-717-GMAT (4628) or visit mba.com.

There is a variety of resources available to help candidates prepare for the GMAT® exam. The GMATPrep® software is offered in two forms: a CD-ROM or a downloadable file to anyone who registers at mba.com. For more information, candidates can visit www.mba.com/gmatprep. Cornell's School Code for the GMAT is 5JW-BM-96 (2-year MBA program) and 5JW-BM-11 (Accelerated MBA program).

Candidates can search for a test center near them by visiting mba.com and clicking on "Check Seat Availability."

back
Application Fee
A non-refundable application fee of $200 USD for the MBA/AMBA Program paid by credit card must accompany this application. Credit card payments made with American Express, Discover, Visa or MasterCard, are processed through the Johnson School's secure server using VeriSign. The VeriSign form will appear once you have selected "Submit Application" from the "Online MBA Application" menu. Once you submit your application, you will not be able to access it for editing. We do not grant application fee waivers.
back
Application Status Check
Once you have submitted your application, you can track your status by returning to this site. Log in using your username and password at any time and follow the "Application Status" link.
back
Reapplication Instructions
Applicants must submit a new application and fee with all supporting materials. Applications from previous years do not remain on file. Application requirements vary from year to year. The new application is typically available mid-August for the new application cycle.
back
Deferred Admission Policy
The Johnson School does not offer deferred admission. If admitted to the program in a year in which you choose not to enroll, you may reapply to the program the following year.
back

Additional Information for International Applicants
We no longer make a downloadable version of the application available. All applicants must apply online.

English Language Proficiency Assessment
The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS, academic module) is required of all applicants whose native language is not English. Exceptions: 1) Those who hold a four-year undergraduate degree (and completed all four years) from a university in which the curriculum is taught exclusively in English in a country which has English as an official language are exempt from taking the test; and 2) those who have been working full time in a country whose native language is English for the past consecutive three or more years may request a waiver from taking the test by contacting the admissions office.
TOEFL scores must be sent directly to the Johnson School (code 2098) by ETS. Check the TOEFL website for information regarding this exam. IELTS, managed by University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations, British Council, and IDP: IELTS Australia requires test takers to request the test center where they were examined to send a test report from directly to the receiving institution. Check the IELTS website for information on this exam. Results of both tests are valid for two years.
On the TOEFL, a minimum score of 250 on the CBT (600 paper) is required, with recommended sectional scores of minimum 25 and 5 on the TWE. On the new the internet-based version (iBT) of the TOEFL we require a minimum total score of 100 with recommended sectional scores of minimum 25. On the IELTS, a minimum score band of 7 is required with preferred minimal scores of 7 on the speaking and writing modules.
back
Declaration of Finances Form
International students who enroll must submit a form outlining the financial resources available to them for their studies in the United States. No immigration documents can be issued until an enrollment fee has been paid and a Declaration of Finances Form has been submitted. The Declaration of Finances Form confirms adequate financial resources (reflected in U.S. dollars) necessary for the duration of your program study. You will be sent a Declaration of Finances Form upon admission. In the meanwhile, you will be asked to confirm that you have adequate funding for the MBA program. For those applying in the latest recommended round we advise that the Declaration of Finances be completed and returned immediately with supporting documentation to our office for processing to ensure being able to secure a visa in a timely manner.
back