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AEM Undergraduate Admissions: Dyson Requirements
At the Charles H. Dyson School for Applied Economics and Management, our business is a better world.
Part of the SC Johnson College of Business and the Cornell College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS), our undergraduate program is interdisciplinary.
Finance, technology, consulting, agribusiness, consumer packaged goods, entrepreneurial ventures, and sustainable business are among our areas of expertise, and you’ll have plenty of opportunities to put learning into action through research, internships, leadership, study abroad, and other immersive experiences.
The first step toward joining this challenging, innovative, academic environment is learning more about our application process and the overall Cornell Dyson requirements for admission.
Your Dyson Application: What You Need to Know About Applying for a Dyson AEM Degree
Ready to apply to Dyson? Your specific AEM application requirements will vary slightly whether you’re joining us directly from high school, from another institution, or from another college within Cornell. You can explore your individual application needs in the next section. Watch our recorded information session before you apply and find answers to your questions about our programs and the admissions process.
What is common for all Dyson applicants, though, is that we want to know how your background and goals align with our “business for a better world” ethos.
First-Year Applicants
The Dyson admissions process is more than just ensuring transcripts and letters of recommendation are uploaded on your behalf. Your application—and especially your essay—is an incredible opportunity to showcase who you are, how your passions align with our better-world ethos, and where you want your applied economics education to take you. We can’t wait to learn more about you and your goals.
Apply by: November 1 for Early Decision or January 2 for Regular Decision.
Go to First-Year Requirements
International Applicants
International students bring valuable perspective and experience to our community. If you have a record of academic excellence and see yourself thriving in a challenging, hands-on, and innovative business environment, we welcome your application. Please check Cornell University’s policy regarding English Language Proficiency (ELP) Requirements to find out if you’re required to submit ELP test results.
Apply by: First-year or transfer application deadline as applicable
Go to International Requirements
Military Veteran Applicants
Cornell University has a rich military tradition. For generations, Cornellians have served in the US Armed Forces and, today, more than 200 military veterans are enrolled across our schools and colleges. We participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program, have an active undergraduate veterans association, and, in partnership with the Warrior-Scholar Project, offer a six-week Veterans Summer Bridge Program.
Apply by: First-year or transfer application deadline as applicable
Go to Military Veteran Requirements
External Transfer Applicants
Dyson welcomes collaborative, business-minded students who’ve started their academic journey elsewhere to apply for admission. If you’ve completed 12 or more credits—or you’re currently enrolled as a full-time student in good standing—at another accredited college or university, you’re eligible to apply as a Dyson Cornell transfer student.
Apply by: March 15
Go to External Transfer Requirements
First-Year Applicant Admission Requirements
Our holistic approach to admissions means we consider every aspect of your application—and every dimension of you. Along with your high school academic record, we’ll look at your extracurricular, community, and work experience. Your supplemental essay will give us deeper insight into what issues are important to you and what kind of business student you’ll be.
Ready to apply? Head to the Common App and select “Cornell SC Johnson College of Business–Dyson School” to get started.
FAQs for First-Year Applicants
Here’s a look at some of the most common “how to get into Cornell Dyson”-related questions first-year applicants ask during the admissions process. From a Dyson admissions perspective, we encourage applicants to instead ask themselves, “How can I put my best foot forward in the admissions process?”
What courses should I have taken in high school?
Your record should include at least the following units in these secondary school subject areas:
- English: 4 units
- Mathematics: 4 units, including calculus
- Science: 3 units
Does Dyson require SAT scores, ACT scores, or other standardized tests?
You do not need to submit SAT/ACT scores with your application for admission to Dyson. The Cornell SC Johnson College of Business is score-free through 2024. Any self-reported scores will not be reviewed.
Instead, we will proceed with a holistic review of every application—excluding the use of SAT/ACT test results—with an increased emphasis on evidence of academic preparation, creative exploration, and potential found in the other application materials. This will be true for both the Early Decision and Regular Decision rounds of review. Please refer to the Cornell University Undergraduate Admissions Standardized Testing Policies page for more information.
Will I receive credit for my AP courses?
Dyson will only accept a maximum of 15 advanced standing test credits. Review the Cornell University Registrar’s Advanced Placement and Advanced Standing information for a more comprehensive guide.
Note: Dyson does not accept advanced testing credit for calculus, statistics, microeconomics, or macroeconomics. Students applying to transfer to Dyson must take these courses in college* before enrolling in Dyson.
*College coursework taken in high school before receiving your high school diploma will not be considered as a requirement taken in college. If the course was taken in high school and counted toward high school degree requirements, it will not transfer to the Dyson School.
How can I make my application stand out?
Admission is highly selective, but academics aren’t the only contributing factor to the Cornell Dyson acceptance rate. We also consider your extracurriculars, community engagement, professional goals, and leadership potential. Additionally, your supplemental admissions essay gives you a chance to share your story in more detail. We suggest you get familiar with Dyson and Cornell, including our mission and student opportunities, as you prepare to write your essay; it’s important to connect your goals and interests to Dyson!
Will I be required to have an admissions interview?
Interviews are not offered as part of the Dyson School’s undergraduate admissions process.
Does Dyson offer application fee waivers?
Cornell University is committed to equity and access for all students. If the $80 application fee causes financial hardship for your family, you may be eligible for a fee waiver. Please follow the Common App instructions to apply for a fee waiver.
For more information explore the Cornell University Financial Aid website.
How and when will I receive my decision?
All decisions are released via an online notification system so it is important to keep your email address current. Visit the Application Timelines page for more information on deadlines and decisions.
What kind of previously earned college credits (non-test-based) will Cornell accept?
Academic credit from other accredited schools may be considered for transfer toward the Dyson B.S. requirements. Limitations and restrictions will be based on a case-by-case evaluation.
Cornell University does not accept college-level credit for courses physically taught in high schools or for courses where enrollment is limited to high school students, even if the sponsoring college provides a transcript of such work.
An official college transcript noting a letter grade of at least a “C” (excluding “C-“) is required for a course to be eligible for transfer credit.
International Applicant Admission Requirements
We value the perspective and experience students from around the world bring to Dyson and the greater Cornell community. As an international applicant, you’ll follow the same admissions process as other first-year and transfer students. For all first-year students, this includes demonstrating sufficient academic preparation and the potential to thrive in a collaborative, innovative environment. Specific to international students, there’s an additional requirement to demonstrate English language proficiency. We provide support to international applicants throughout the admissions process—and that support continues after you’re admitted and enrolled.
FAQs for International Applicants
We gathered some of the most frequently asked questions regarding Cornell Dyson requirements for international applicants.
How are international credentials evaluated at Dyson?
For information on how international credential credits may transfer to Cornell, please review the guidelines outlined on the university Courses of Study website.
Is there an English Language proficiency requirement?
International freshman and transfer applicants for whom English is not the first language must submit an English Language Proficiency Exam score.
The examinations that meet this requirement include:
- TOEFL iBT, minimum score of 100
- IELTS, minimum score of 7.5
- DuoLingo, minimum score of 120
- iTEP, minimum score of 5.5
- PTE Academic, minimum score of 70
- C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency, minimum score of 191
You may be eligible for a waiver if you meet certain criteria. For more detailed information on application instructions for international students, please visit the International Students page on the Cornell Undergraduate Admissions Office website.
Do all of my application materials need to be in English if I went to school in a different country?
Yes. If your transcript or any other materials are not in English, please submit an original copy and an official, certified English translation.
For more information refer to the Cornell University Office of Admissions.
Can international students apply for financial aid at Dyson?
International students interested in details about financial aid for international applicants should refer to the Cornell University Financial Aid website.
Military Veteran Applicant Admission Requirements
Veteran education benefits are available to eligible full- and part-time Cornell Dyson students who are veterans, on active duty, or who are reserve personnel (and, in some cases, their eligible dependents). If you haven’t yet attended college or have earned fewer than 12 credits at another school, you may apply as a first-year student. Otherwise, you can apply as a transfer student.
The first step for using your educational benefits at Cornell is to provide us with the Certificate of Eligibility (COE), which you can obtain from your VA benefits administrator.
FAQs for Military Veteran Applicants
Here are some of the most common questions we hear from our military veteran applicants:
Does Cornell accept the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill®?
Yes, Cornell welcomes applications from veterans and dependents who are eligible for education benefits offered by the Department of Veterans Affairs, including the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill® and the Yellow Ribbon Program.
What about costs not covered by the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill®?
Dyson participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program, the supplement to the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill® education benefit. Under the program, Cornell and the VA will combine to provide the difference between the student’s Cornell tuition and the national cap on the G.I. Bill benefit.
If I’m eligible for Yellow Ribbon, should I also apply for financial aid?
Students who are eligible for 9/11 and Yellow Ribbon benefits generally do not qualify for financial aid from Cornell. However, if you’re undecided about whether or not you want to use your VA benefits or if you have multiple students who will be sharing benefits, you may still want to complete the full financial aid application so we can determine your eligibility for financial aid.
All students who receive veteran’s education benefits are still eligible for federal aid programs, including loans and Pell Grants. If you wish to be considered for these aid sources, complete the FAFSA application.
How do I use my educational benefit at Cornell?
You may qualify for more than one type of VA education benefit. Because applying for a certain education benefit could affect your eligibility for others, you should consider your options before selecting a benefit program. The VA’s GI Bill Comparison Tool can help you see what’s available and make the best decision for you and your family.
Once you are admitted to Cornell, please submit a copy of your Certificate of Eligibility from the VA and, if applicable, your Yellow Ribbon application to the Office of the University Registrar.
How is my military training and experience considered during the admission process?
Military training and experience are among the many factors that we consider in our holistic admission review process. Applicants with appropriate academic preparation (either in high school or college) and the ability to articulate their intellectual interests as part of their admissions essay are often the most successful candidates.
Does Cornell offer credits for military training?
While all potential transfer credits are independently evaluated, we are not typically able to award credits for military training experiences.
Cornell University offers a range of residential options for undergraduate students; we also offer extensive off-campus housing resources to help students and their families find a place to live in or around Ithaca.
In 2021, Cornell opened a residential program house dedicated to student veterans. This house is a partnership with the Cornell Undergraduate Veterans Association (CUVA) and provides accommodations for about two dozen undergraduate and graduate students.
At Cornell, we believe families are essential allies in your academic success. Our Students with Families website offers a range of resources for students, their spouses/partners, and children.
Who can I contact for help?
For assistance during the AEM application process, you can reach out to the following contacts:
- Student Veterans Advisor: sva@cornell.edu
- Cornell VA Representative: vaedben@cornell.edu
- Financial Aid: finaid@cornell.edu
External Transfer Applicant Admission Requirements
Students who have completed 12 or more credits at another institution or have recently earned a two-year degree, might be considering the applied economics and management program at Dyson. To apply, start at the transfer Common App and select “Cornell SC Johnson College of Business–Dyson School.” For more details about how to get into Cornell Dyson as a transfer student, explore the following FAQs.
Note: You may only apply as a transfer student as a first-year, sophom*ore, or rising junior at your current school; if you’re currently a junior or senior, you are not eligible to apply.
FAQs for External Transfer Applicants
To help you through the AEM application process, we collected some of the top questions about Cornell Dyson transfer requirements.
What’s the difference between a transfer and a first-year applicant?
You can apply as a transfer student if you’ve graduated from high school and have earned 12 or more credits from another accredited institution or if you are enrolled as a full-time student at another college or university.
If you are coming directly from high school (or after a gap year), you’d be considered a first-year student.
Note: You may only apply as a transfer student as a first-year, sophom*ore, or rising junior at your current school; if you’re currently a junior or senior, you are not eligible to apply.
Is there a minimum GPA or enrollment status needed to apply as a transfer student?
If you’re interested in transferring to Dyson from another institution, you should have a minimum GPA of 3.5 and be in good academic standing during each of your previous semesters. If you are currently enrolled, you should be in good academic standing.
What college-level courses do I need to apply to Dyson?
You should have taken—and have earned a B or better in—calculus, microeconomics, statistics, and one college writing or English composition course while enrolled in a college or university.
While not required, taking macroeconomics, biology, and chemistry and/or physics can strengthen your application and prepare you for Dyson’s rigorous curriculum.
How many credits can I transfer to Dyson?
Up to 60 credits from another accredited college or university may be transferred to Dyson. If you’re admitted, we’ll conduct an official credit transfer evaluation to determine which courses will transfer in.
What is considered in an application to externally transfer to the Dyson?
Generally speaking, the Cornell SC Johnson College of Business has no preferences regarding the institution from which a student transfers. One point of note: About a quarter of our transfer students each year come from community colleges.
As applications are reviewed, the most important factors considered include:
- Ability to articulate your interests in the Dyson and why you feel you must depart your current institution to pursue these interests via the application essay (part of the Writing supplement)
- Academic credentials from applicant’s current institution
- Recommendations from applicant’s college/university professor(s)
Also reviewed:
- Involvement in extracurricular activities
- Academic credentials from high school
In the final analysis, college coursework and application essay(s) are the most important factor in the transfer admission decision. Admitted students generally have achieved at least a 3.5 university/college GPA. Please keep in mind that transfer admission is selective and highly competitive.
How and when will I receive my decision?
Transfer decisions for the fall semester are released on a rolling basis.
All decisions are released via an online notification system so it is important to keep your email address current. Visit the Application Timelines page for more information on deadlines and decisions.
Applying to Dyson: Next Steps
Get more details on the Dyson Cornell admissions process, including application checklists, key dates, and deadlines.
HOW TO APPLY
Connect With Admissions
Our admissions team is here for you throughout the entire application process. If you or a family member has a question, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Office of Admissions
289 Statler Hall, Ithaca, NY 14853
Phone: +1.607.254.4228
Email Admissions
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