Prospective First-Year Students
The College of Human Ecology (CHE) Undergraduate Admissions Team practices selective admissions and takes a mission-focused approach to the comprehensive review of our deep, diverse, and talented applicant pool.
We consider a range of selection criteria linked to the College of Human Ecology's mission and education, as well as the value an applicant will bring to the College of Human Ecology and broader University communities. In addition to applicants' academic readiness and rigor, perspective, and life and other out-of-classroom experiences, we consider the characteristics and skills that our successful students, community members, and alumni have demonstrated.
Applicants interested in the College of Human Ecology will apply to Cornell University and then select CHE as their college of interest.
A Thoughtful College Search
Knowing yourself is one of the most important steps as you begin your college search. This will help you thoughtfully consider your choices and find an undergraduate experience, not just an undergraduate education. Create a moment of reflection and personal assessment to learn more about.
- your strengths and areas for growth;
- what engages you and why;
- what environments stretch you;
- what skills will support your goals regardless of where you land;
- how those skills connect to the majors in the College of Human Ecology.
Being well informed regarding the institutions on your list is also important. Learn about what makes the Human Ecology experience so meaningful and how to best prepare for the possibilities ahead.
- Review our CHE major-specific information, including an overview, sample classes, experiential learning opportunities and research, and career path examples. You can learn more about our approach to career preparation, along with how students spend their summers.
- Visit the College of Human Ecology: Our on-demand and seasonally offered Zoom-based and in-person information/Q&A sessions and student panels will help you better understand your interests in the context of CHE. Also consider Cornell University's collection of visit opportunities.
- Understand CHE's first-year admissions requirements and the application process.
- Find out about Cornell Financial Aid including the cost of attendance, Cornell’s commitment to access and affordability, and the financial aid process.
- Sign up to receive emails, invitations to programs, and important admissions updates. Select “Human Ecology” in the "College or School Interest(s)" section near the bottom of the form.
- Contacting faculty and academic departments directly is strongly discouraged. Those interested in Design + Environmental Analysis can email the D+EA Academic Program Coordinator with questions about the major/design supplement requirement; those interested in Fashion Design & Management can email the department with questions about the major/design supplement requirement. The design departments are not offering tours of their spaces, nor are they offering design supplement consultations at this time.
