The hardest majors to get into at Cornell University are generally found within the College of Architecture, Art, and Planning (AAP). This college consistently stands out as one of the most selective, primarily due to its highly specialized programs and unique admissions criteria.
Why AAP Majors Are So Selective
The College of Architecture, Art, and Planning is known for its intense focus on design and creative disciplines, which contributes significantly to its competitive nature. Several key factors make admission to programs within AAP exceptionally challenging:
- Smallest Student Body: AAP boasts the smallest student enrollment among Cornell's colleges, meaning very limited spots are available each year. This inherent scarcity drives up competition.
- Low Admission Rate: Reflecting its small class sizes and high demand, AAP has a comparatively low admission rate, making it more difficult to secure a place than in many other Cornell colleges.
- Specialized Programs: The majors offered are highly specialized, attracting a specific pool of talented applicants. These include:
- Architecture (B.Arch): A demanding five-year professional program known for its rigorous curriculum and extensive studio work.
- Fine Arts (BFA): A program that requires a strong artistic portfolio demonstrating exceptional skill and creative potential.
- Urban and Regional Planning (BS in Urban and Regional Studies): While perhaps less portfolio-intensive than Architecture or Fine Arts, this program still seeks candidates with a keen interest in complex societal and environmental issues.
- Portfolio Requirements: For majors like Architecture and Fine Arts, applicants are typically required to submit a comprehensive portfolio of their creative work. This adds an extra layer of scrutiny to the application process, demanding not only strong academic performance but also demonstrated talent and artistic vision.
Factors Contributing to Overall Selectivity
Beyond the specific requirements of AAP, admission to any highly selective program at Cornell often hinges on a combination of factors:
- Exceptional Academic Record: This includes a strong GPA, challenging coursework (especially in relevant subjects like advanced math, physics, or art), and high standardized test scores (if submitted).
- Demonstrated Passion and Experience: For specialized majors, showing a genuine passion through extracurricular activities, personal projects, internships, or summer programs related to the field can be crucial.
- Strong Letters of Recommendation: Insightful recommendations from teachers or mentors who can speak to an applicant's abilities and potential are highly valued.
- Compelling Essays: Well-crafted essays that articulate goals, experiences, and why a particular program at Cornell is the right fit can significantly bolster an application.
While all colleges at Cornell are competitive, the unique combination of small class sizes, specialized program requirements, and the need for a strong creative portfolio makes the majors within the College of Architecture, Art, and Planning particularly challenging to gain admission to.
