Applying to the Cornell MBA: What You Need to Know

Ready to turn ambition into impact? Here’s everything you need to know about Cornell MBA admissions. 

Applying to graduate school can be daunting: multiple programs to research, lots of information to sift through, and a myriad of requirements and deadlines to be aware of. If you’re planning to apply to the Samuel Curtis Johnson Graduate School of Management at Cornell University, we’ll help you make sense of it all. 

This page outlines the overall MBA admissions process and connects you to all of the information and resources you need, including deadlines and decision dates.


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Finding Your Fit: Choosing the Right Cornell MBA Program

The Johnson School offers two full-time MBA programs: the two-year residential program in Ithaca, NY, and the one-year Johnson Cornell Tech MBA based in New York City. You may only apply to one, so before you begin the application process, we encourage you to research your options and determine which one is the best fit for your background and career goals.

Beyond exploring our program websites, you can also attend an admissions event, take an in-person campus tour, or connect directly with an admissions counselor.


Cornell MBA Application Tips: Guiding You through the Process

Eddie Asbie, executive director of admissions, shares what we’re looking for in MBA candidates—and their application materials. Watch this brief video for a glimpse inside the application process and a few bits of advice that might be helpful along your journey.

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Two-Year MBA: Cornell MBA Admissions Process and Application Guide

As you prepare to apply to the two-year program, we encourage you to review our Cornell MBA admissions guide, which includes everything from eligibility requirements to the individual components you’ll need to submit with your application.

View Admission Requirements
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Applying to the Johnson Cornell Tech MBA

If you’re a tech-savvy professional with an entrepreneurial spirit, the one-year tech MBA might be the right choice for you—especially if you’re already working full-time. Admission to this MBA program is handled directly through Cornell Tech.

Find information about the Johnson Cornell Tech MBA application process and get details about upcoming admissions events at the Cornell Tech website or by emailing admissions@tech.cornell.edu.

Apply to Johnson Cornell Tech

Application Requirements: What You Need to Apply

Before you begin the application process, you’ll need to gather your resume, your undergraduate academic records, your goals statement, and your admissions essay. The Johnson School’s MBA Admissions Guide outlines everything you’ll need from application materials to timelines.

SEE ADMISSIONS CHECKLIST


MBA Admissions Dates and Deadlines: When to Apply

As you gather your admissions materials, seek out letters of recommendation, and work on your goals statement, it’s important to keep Cornell MBA application deadlines in mind. Both full-time MBA programs offer several rounds of application review.

In addition to submitting an application through the Cornell Admissions website, eligible candidates may apply through the Consortium for Graduate Studies in Management.

Two-Year MBA Application Deadlines

The Two-Year MBA has several rounds of deadlines; the earlier you apply, the earlier you’ll receive an admissions decision. Take note of these key dates:

  • September 18, 2024 Round 1
  • Oct 15, 2024 & Jan 5, 2025 CGSM Early Application & Traditional Application
  • January 9, 2025 Round 2
  • April 10, 2025 Round 3 (final deadline)*

Johnson Cornell Tech MBA Application Deadlines

The Johnson Cornell Tech MBA has several rounds of admissions; you can find more specific details about admissions to this program on the Cornell Tech website. Key dates to consider:

  • October 11, 2023 Round 1 (Priority)
  • January 10, 2024 Round 2
  • March 6, 2024 Round 3 (Rolling/final deadline)*
  • May 2024 Term Starts

MBA Admissions Events

One of the best ways to determine if one of our full-time MBAs is the right fit is to attend an admissions event. We offer an array of options including virtual information sessions, in-person coffee chats, and recruiting events around the country. 

Many of these events allow you to hear not only from our admissions team, but also current students, alumni, and faculty members. We hope to see you at one soon!

Upcoming US and International Events

Ready to learn more? Here’s a look at where you can meet up with our admissions team.


Connect with Cornell: Meet Our Community

Close-knit cohorts, engaged faculty members, and an active alumni network all contribute to our thriving, collaborative learning community. When you connect with us at an in-person or online admissions event, you’ll have a chance to see this community and its people in action—and get a feel for what you can be part of as an MBA student at the Johnson School.

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Online Opportunities: Connect from Wherever You Are

No matter where you are, you can connect with the Cornell admissions team as well as MBA student ambassadors. We host virtual admissions events throughout the year, including Ask Admissions online chats and webinars hosted by partner organizations.

SEE UPCOMING VIRTUAL EVENTS

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Explore Our Campus

See where you’ll grow professionally and personally. Explore our campuses from wherever you are. Take a look inside Sage Hall, the Breazzano Family Center for Business Education, and other learning spaces at the Johnson School in Ithaca, NY. Or, explore the high-tech environment at Cornell Tech on New York City’s Roosevelt Island.

EXPERIENCE CAMPUS

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On-Campus Opportunities: Attend an Event in Ithaca

The Johnson School hosts a variety of admissions events on campus in Ithaca, NY. Prospective students are also welcome at networking and social events throughout the year. We encourage you to explore the list of upcoming opportunities.

If you’re interested in the Johnson Cornell Tech MBA, check out the schedule of upcoming New York City admissions events at Cornell Tech.

SEE UPCOMING ON-CAMPUS EVENTS

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Visit Us: Touring Our Ithaca Campus

Our Two-Year MBA is a residential program, and that means you’ll get to live and learn on Cornell University’s beautiful, historic campus in Ithaca, NY. We invite you to experience life at the Johnson School through an in-person campus visit.

In addition to arranging a walking tour, depending on your timing, you might also be able to sit in on an engaging class, connect with students and faculty at a Sage Social, or participate in a Coffee & Convos event.


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Need More Details? Get Info in Your Inbox.

Do you want more details about the Johnson School’s full-time MBA programs before applying? Submit a brief request for information to start a conversation with our admissions team. After you submit the form, we’ll contact you soon.

Request Info

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Cornell MBA Tuition: Costs and Expenses

Choosing to pursue an MBA is a big decision and a major investment in yourself and your future. Learn more about the estimated cost of attendance, including tuition, books, supplies, and living expenses. 

Plus, find information about payment options and financial aid for MBA students, including student loans, merit scholarships, and fellowships. (About 35 percent of Johnson School students receive scholarship assistance.)

Explore MBA Tuition & Financial Aid

Ready to Take the Next Step? Start Your Application Today

If you’ve done the research and feel confident that our innovative curriculum, immersive learning experiences, and tight-knit community are right for you, we encourage you to apply to the Two-Year MBA or the Johnson Cornell Tech MBA. We can’t wait to learn more about you and your goals.

The Two-Year MBA application process begins with registering for an application account with Cornell Admissions

Still Have Questions? Contact the MBA Admissions Team

If you still have questions about our full-time MBA programs or the overall application process, the admissions team is here to help. Here’s how to contact us: