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. 

• an outstanding record of academic achievement in a rigorous curriculum that includes depth in core math and science courses throughout the high school career regardless of your choice of major.
• a strong, clearly articulated connection to the college mission and an understanding of how the academic programs will support your interests in addressing contemporary human challenges demonstrated through a thoughtful supplemental essay response and engaged participation in school and greater community. (Tip: Directly answer the College of Human Ecology's Cornell Supplemental Essay prompt!).
• active engagement in school and greater communities and testing of your academic/career interests through a variety of opportunities including extracurricular activities, meaningful service work, paid work positions, internships, shadowing, etc.
• volunteer and/or work experience.
• and an outwardly focused and observant perspective and point of view. 
• review our First-year Application Tips for more as you prepare your application.

Please note that interviews are not offered.

• In addition to the primary application materials, Design and Index supplements are required for the following majors. Carefully review the instructions and focus on showcasing your best creative thinking and problem-solving through this required component. 
  • Design & Environmental Analysis
  • Fashion Design & Management
  • Fiber Science