- Outstanding academic record, including high GPA and standardized test scores
- Strong extracurricular activities and leadership experience
- Demonstrated financial need
Some notable merit-based scholarship recipients at Cornell University include:
- Presidential Scholars: Awarded to students with exceptional academic and extracurricular achievements.
- University Scholars: Awarded to students who demonstrate outstanding academic potential and intellectual curiosity.
- Dean’s Scholars: Awarded to students who have excelled in their chosen field of study.
- Cornell National Scholars: Awarded to students who have made significant contributions to their communities and demonstrated leadership potential.
Need-Based Scholarships
Cornell University offers a range of need-based scholarships to support students from diverse backgrounds and economic circumstances. The financial aid process at Cornell is designed to assess each applicant’s financial need and determine their eligibility for various forms of financial assistance, including scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study programs.
To determine financial need, Cornell considers several factors, including the applicant’s family income, assets, and expenses. The university uses a standardized methodology to calculate each applicant’s expected family contribution (EFC), which represents the amount of money the family is expected to contribute towards the student’s education.
