Are admissions interviews required at Dyson?

Interviews are not required or offered as part of Dyson’s undergraduate admissions requirements. We DO encourage you to visit campus to get a feel for Cornell and Ithaca. You may also experience campus from home.

Does Dyson’s selection process differ from the rest of Cornell’s?

We’re selective, but our criteria go beyond grades. Our holistic approach means we consider every aspect of your application: how you’re challenging yourself academically, how you’re making a difference in your school and community, and how your passions and experiences align with Dyson’s programs.

How to Apply

Admissions

Application Requirements

Careers

A Dyson student in the foreground speaks passionately with her hands while two other Dyson students listen in the background.

How to Apply to Cornell Dyson: Joining Our Students

Our students are passionate problem-solvers who use their curiosity, creativity, and business acumen to address society’s most pressing issues.

They’re thinkers, leaders, and collaborators who arrive at Charles H. Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management with a solid foundation in math and science, strong analytical skills, and rich extracurricular experiences. If this sounds like you—and you’re ready to use business for the greater good—we invite you to apply to Dyson.

What to Expect: A Dyson School Admissions Overview

Wondering how to get into Cornell Dyson? Outstanding academic achievement in high school is part of it—and so is your desire and potential to make the world a better place.

Apply to Dyson online through the Common App; simply select “Cornell SC Johnson College of Business—Dyson School” to get started. Choose whether you want to be considered for early- or regular-decision admission. From there, you’ll see our application requirements, including where and how to submit supplemental materials. Of note, Dyson is score-free through 2025; no need to send your SAT/ACTs.

When to Submit: Dyson Admissions Deadlines

Take note of these key dates, including application deadlines and decision announcements:

Application Type	Application Deadline
Early Decision	November 1
Regular Decision	January 2
External Transfer (Fall)	March 15
External Transfer (Spring)	N/A

For more details on Dyson admissions deadlines, please refer to the Cornell University Undergraduate Admissions Application Timelines.

Early Decision vs. Regular Admission: What’s the Difference?

Early decision is a binding commitment, which means that if you’re admitted to Cornell, you must withdraw any applications to other schools and send your enrollment deposit to Cornell by early January. (You may be released from the commitment if you have applied for financial aid and do not receive an award sufficient to make the Cornell education affordable for you and your family.)

Your early decision application may be admitted, denied, or postponed to a regular decision (in which case you are not subject to the binding early decision commitment).

Four Dyson students pose with a “#CornellDyson” sign.

Dyson Application Essentials: Getting to Know You

Applying to Cornell is a big step, and we want you to be as prepared as possible. The admissions process is more than uploading transcripts and letters of recommendation. Your application—and especially your admission essay—is an incredible opportunity to showcase who you are, how you’ll fit in and contribute to Dyson, what our “business for a better world” ethos means to you, and where you want your applied economics education to take you. We can’t wait to hear your story.

A Closer Look at the Application Process

Apply online using the Common App. Choose Cornell SC Johnson College of Business—Dyson School. You’ll also submit:

Resume: Highlight your academic, extracurricular, community, and professional experiences.

Supplemental Essay: Discuss the topics and issues that matter to you. Explain how your personal and school experiences align with your future goals and with Dyson’s vision of making the world a better place.

You do not need to submit SAT/ACT scores. The Cornell SC Johnson College of Business is score-free through 2024; self-reported scores will not be reviewed.

To prepare for the rigor of Cornell, your record should demonstrate outstanding academic achievement through a minimum of 16 units, including the following areas:

English: 4
Mathematics: 4, including calculus
Science: 3
Additional units of advanced math and science are recommended

Your application will be further strengthened by evidence of initiative, leadership, and entrepreneurship. This can be illustrated through your additional courses, extracurriculars, honors/awards, and work/volunteer experience.

Give yourself plenty of time to complete, review, and double-check your application. Here are some tips:

Review the requirements and instructions carefully; the Common App website offers excellent tutorials and guides to help.
Notify your school counselors/teachers of your intent to apply to Cornell; request any required letters of recommendation with plenty of lead time.
Get familiar with our programs; in your essay, it’s vital to connect your goals and interests to Dyson!
Consider your summer and school-year activities—are they in alignment with your business goals?

Application Checklist: What to Submit

Here are the materials you’ll need to submit throughout the Dyson admissions process:

Completed Common App (CA)

School Report (a counselor or school official will help you complete this)

School counselor recommendation

Two teacher evaluations

Mid-year report, once grades are available

Official high school transcript

$80 application fee or fee waiver

Cornell Questions & Writing Supplement (CA)

Finding Your Path: Admissions Requirements by Student Type

Whether you’re a first-year student coming directly from high school or a transfer student joining the Cornell community from another Cornell college or other university, we want to ensure you have what you need to complete the application process. Explore the specific requirements and information based on your education and experience, here:

First-Year Student Applicants

We consider all aspects of your application, from academic achievement to community engagement. Tell us how your background and goals align with Dyson’s mission of business for a better world. Let us know what industries interest you the most; finance, technology, consulting, and consumer packaged goods are among our areas of expertise. Dyson also has a storied history with agribusiness and a connection to the Cornell College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and our Land Grant Mission.

EXPLORE MORE FIRST-YEAR APPLICATION DETAILS AND FAQ

External Transfer Student Applicants

Whether Dyson wasn’t on your radar at first, or you needed a little more time to feel prepared for Dyson’s rigorous curriculum, the Dyson community welcomes external transfer students. Dyson’s external transfer students bring their experience from other institutions into the Dyson community. This variety of backgrounds elevates the experience of all students on campus. You are eligible to transfer to Dyson from a non-Cornell institution 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. Transfer students must fulfill most of the same admissions requirements as first-years and should have at least a 3.5 GPA.

GET MORE DETAILS ON TRANSFERRING TO DYSON

Internal Transfer Student Applicants

If you’re a first- or second-year student at Cornell, you can apply in the spring to internally transfer to Dyson for the following fall semester. You must be in good standing with a strong academic record, have completed the prerequisite courses, and be able to thoughtfully articulate your reasons for transferring to the applied economics and management major.

International Student Applicants

Domestic and international students follow the same application process. The international student financial aid deadline is the same as the application deadline. You may be asked to demonstrate English language proficiency, such as providing acceptable TOEFL (or other standardized tests) scores

SEE ALL DYSON ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

Military Veteran Student Applicants

Cornell proudly participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program, which provides financial assistance to former and current service members and their families. 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. (Cornell also has an active undergraduate veterans association.)

GET MORE DETAILS ABOUT VETERAN EDUCATION BENEFITS AT DYSON

More Application Requirements

Connect With the Dyson Admissions Team

During the application process, it’s natural to have a question or two. If you or a family member need help, the dedicated Dyson admissions team is just a phone call or email away.

Contact Admissions

Make a Difference at Dyson and Beyond: Apply Now

Innovators and academic high achievers thrive at the Charles H. Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management.

START YOUR APPLICATION