Application Process Overview

The entire application process has four parts. Once you complete the (1) Application Form, you will receive access to parts (2), (3), (4), and (5).

 

(1) Application Form (required)

The online application must be submitted once, and in its entirety. You can save your progress and come back to the application later ONLY if you are using the same computer.

We suggest looking through the application preview, gathering any items you will need ahead of time, and submitting everything at once. We only accept online applications.

The application includes an essay with three prompts. We recommend writing your essay in a word processing application and copy/pasting it into the application.

1. How has your personal journey shaped your interest in STEM/Engineering? (max 250 words)
2. What are your goals for the future with respect to STEM/Engineering, and how will participating in the Cornell Engineering High School Outreach Program support you in achieving those goals? (max 250 words)
3. Highlight one of your unique lived experiences and how it will contribute to our diverse scholarly community (max 250 words). Some topics to consider:
   – having experienced educational, socio-cultural, economic, personal, and/or identity-related barriers to your academic progress.
   – having experienced situations or conditions that impacted your advancement or ability to advance in a STEM field.
   – having demonstrated a commitment to addressing the barriers that prevent participation of historically underrepresented groups in STEM.
   – having demonstrated leadership potential to address issues of underrepresentation in STEM.

After you submit the (1) Application Form, you will be taken to a “thank you for your submission” page. You will also receive an email confirming receipt of the (1) Application Form. In both of these locations, there will be links available to upload your transcript, to upload your financial assistance form, and to share with your recommender. You must submit these additional supporting documents by the application deadline for your application to be considered.

Tips: Review a preview of the application to prepare.

 

(2) High School Transcript (required)

Upload a current transcript (official or unofficial) that includes your current in-progress coursework and most recent grades from the past semesters (e.g., fall 2023 semester).  If you are unsure about where to obtain your transcript, ask your guidance counselor! This must be uploaded by February 15.

The link to upload your transcript will be made available once you have submitted your (1) Application Form. 

 

(3) Recommendation Form (required)– completed by teacher or counselor

The online recommendation form must be completed by February 15 by a math teacher, science teacher, or high school counselor.

The link to share with your recommender will be made available once you have submitted your (1) Application Form.

 

(4) High School Profile (required)

Upload by February 15. You can find your high school’s profile on your school’s website OR by contacting your school’s guidance office.

The link to upload your high school profile will be made available once you have submitted your (1) Application Form.

 

(5) Financial Assistance Form (optional)

The Financial Assistance Form is optional. Submit by February 15 if you have demonstrated financial need and wish to be considered for tuition and/or travel assistance. A parent or guardian will need to complete the Financial Assistance Form and upload income verification such as a W-2 Form, Federal Tax Return or Pay Stub(s). Remember to remove all social security numbers and bank account numbers on the documents.

The link to upload your optional financial assistance form will be made available once you have submitted your (1) Application Form. 

 

Questions?

If you have questions about the application, please review our frequently asked questions page on applying.