Cornell received the highest number of early decision applications in its history for its Class of 2020 — a total of 4,882 applications, three hundred more than last year — according to Jason Locke, associate vice provost of enrollment.

Of Cornell’s early applicants, 27.4 percent were admitted and 23.6 percent were deferred to regular decision, Locke said. This acceptance rate also represents an increases from last year, when 26.1 percent of early applicants were admitted and 20 percent were deferred for the Class of 2019.

Athletes comprised 14.4 percent of all admitted early decision students this year at Cornell. According to Locke, the high number is due to the fact that the university accepts most of its athletes early.“Cornell recruits and admits athletes for all of its Division I teams every year, including women’s and men’s ice hockey,” Locke said. “Approximately 80 percent of all athletes in any given class will be admitted through early decision.”

Legacy applicants, who have a parent or grandparent who attended Cornell, make up 22.8 percent of admitted students, according to Locke.

Admissions statistics so far represent a diverse student community — 52.5 percent of admitted students are women, 33 percent are students of color, and 14.5 percent are international, Locke said.

source: Cornell University