At the Charles H. Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management, application requirements vary slightly depending on your path to Cornell: first-year applicants, transfers from colleges and universities outside Cornell or transfers from another Cornell school. International students and military veteran applicants may also have additional requirements and considerations. Be sure to review the application requirements relevant to you and familiarize yourself with the admissions process before you begin. If you have questions along the way, we’re here to help. Learn more about the Dyson School’s application requirements below.
Ready to apply to the Dyson School? 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. 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.
We take a holistic approach to evaluating your application, looking beyond your academic achievements to understand your interests, experiences and potential to contribute to the Dyson School community. Whether you’re passionate about finance, entrepreneurship, food and agriculture, sustainability, technology or another area of applied economics and management, tell us in your application what excites you about studying at the Dyson School and how you hope to make a difference.
Apply by: November 1 for early decision and January 2 for regular decision
International students bring valuable perspectives, experiences and ideas to the Dyson School community. If you’re excited to explore applied economics and management in a collaborative, hands-on learning environment and are prepared for the academic rigor of Cornell, we welcome your application. Please review Cornell University’s English Language Proficiency (ELP) Requirements to determine whether you’re required to submit ELP test results.
Apply by: First-year or transfer application deadline as applicable
The Dyson School values the leadership, experience and perspective that military veterans bring to our community. We welcome veterans and active-duty service members who are interested in applying their experiences to the study of applied economics and management at Cornell. We look forward to reviewing your application and learning more about the contributions you could make to the Dyson School community.
Apply by: First-year or transfer application deadline as applicable
We welcome motivated, intellectually curious external transfer applicants who are interested in exploring the many ways economics and management shape business, society and the world. Successful transfer applicants come from a wide range of academic backgrounds, including two-year institutions and public and private colleges and universities across the country and around the world. Wherever you’re coming from, we encourage you to bring your experiences, perspectives and curiosity to the Dyson School.
Rising second- and third-year Cornell students who meet our eligibility requirements and are interested in transferring to the Dyson School from another Cornell college or school are welcome to apply. Before applying, we encourage students to explore Dyson’s curriculum and consider taking an AEM course to learn more about the school’s approach to applied economics and management.
Apply by: midnight EST at the end of the day on December 1st (for spring semester applicants) or midnight EST at the end of the day on May 1st (for fall semester applicants)
Ready to start your application?
Visit our How to Apply page for application deadlines, required materials and helpful admissions tips. You’ll also meet our admissions team and find a checklist and acceptance criteria to help you submit your strongest application.
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
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.
We consider all aspects of your application, from academic achievement to community engagement. Tell us how your background and goals align with the Dyson School’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. The Dyson School also has a storied history with agribusiness and a connection to the Cornell College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and our Land Grant Mission.
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 the Dyson School”-related questions first-year applicants ask during the admissions process. From a Dyson School 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?
Secondary-school subjects/requirements:
English: 4 units
Mathematics: 4 units (including calculus if offered at secondary school)
Science: 3 units (including biology and chemistry)
Secondary-school subjects/recommendations:
An additional unit of science
Advanced mathematics in grade 12 is preferred to AP statistics
Special requirements:
A resume submitted with your admissions application
Recommended additional preparation:
Rigorous high school curriculum and an outstanding record of academic achievement
Strong and demonstrated match with the school’s mission and opportunities
Note: The Dyson School does not accept advanced testing credit for calculus, statistics, microeconomics or macroeconomics. Students applying to transfer to the Dyson School 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 Dyson School 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 the Dyson School 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 the school!
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.
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 School 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 school 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.
We value the perspective and experience students from around the world bring to the Dyson School 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.
Cornell accepts academic credentials from institutions outside the US. Please familiarize yourself with our various international application requirements, including English language proficiency for non-native English speakers.
How will the Dyson School evaluate my international academic credentials?
Cornell has standard policies for the General Certificate of Education “A” level examinations (biology, chemistry, economics, English literature, further mathematics, mathematics, philosophy and physics) and International Baccalaureate higher level examinations (anthropology, biology, chemical and physical systems, chemistry, computer science, economics, English literature, mathematics, physical science or physics).
In addition, you can submit your results for the French Baccalaureate or German Abitur for possible credit, depending on the subject or specialization. If you hold other secondary-school credentials and have been admitted to Cornell, we encourage you to sit for the advanced placement examinations (College Entrance Examination Board) or for the departmental examinations given during Orientation Week.
Please contact the Cornell registrar for specific questions on any credentials.
Do I have to take an English language proficiency examination?
International Dyson School applicants must have a strong command of the English language, as all of our courses are taught in English. If any of the following conditions apply to you, you may not be required to submit test scores to demonstrate English language proficiency:
Your native language is English
You have attended high school in a country where English is an official language for the four years immediately before your expected enrollment at Cornell
You have a minimum score of 35 out of 40 on the SAT reading test or a minimum score of 30 on both the ACT reading and English sections
If none of these conditions apply to you, you most likely will be required to submit scores for an accepted English language proficiency examination.
What are your score requirements for English language proficiency tests?
If your native language is not English, you did not receive an acceptable minimum score on the SAT or ACT test, or you have not attended high school in a country that has English as an official language for four years prior to enrollment at Cornell, you will have to achieve certain test scores for English language proficiency. We consider many examinations and qualifications to meet the English language proficiency requirement. Some representative tests and passing scores include:
TOEFL iBT (100)
iTEP (5.5)
IELTS Academic (7.5)
Duolingo English test (120)
PTE Academic (70)
Cambridge English Scale C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency (191)
Initial View assessment
Vericant assessment
What services do you offer to help international students succeed at Cornell?
International students will find invaluable services, information and resources at Cornell’s Office of Global Learning — from obtaining a visa, OPT and CPT and getting to know other students, to registering for courses, shopping for groceries and finding a job. The Office of Global Learning also offers virtual advisement via Zoom or phone (in-person advisement has been suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic). Contact the office for more information: international@cornell.edu.
Must all of my application materials be in English?
Yes. If your transcript or any other materials are not in English, please submit an original copy and an official certified English translation.
Cornell is a strong supporter of our military students and proud partners with VetLink and the Warrior Scholar Project, and participants in the Yellow Ribbon Program. We look forward to reviewing your application and learning more about the contributions you could make to our program.
Apply by: First-year or transfer application deadline as applicable
Veteran education benefits are available to eligible full- and part-time Dyson School students who are veterans, on active duty or 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.
Here are some of the most common questions we hear from our military veteran applicants:
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.
The Dyson School 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 to the Dyson School as a Cornell transfer student. Transfer students must fulfill most of the same admissions requirements as first-years and should have at least a 3.5 GPA.
Whether the Dyson School wasn’t on your radar at first, or you needed a little more time to feel prepared for the school’s rigorous curriculum, the Dyson School community welcomes external transfer students. The Dyson School’s external transfer students bring their experience from other institutions into our community. This variety of backgrounds elevates the experience of all students on campus.
Apply by: March 15
Note: You may only apply as a transfer student as a first-year, sophomore,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 Dyson School 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, sophomore 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 the Dyson School from another institution, you should have a minimum 3.5 GPA 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 the Dyson School’s rigorous curriculum.
Note: the Dyson School does not accept advanced testing credit for calculus, statistics, microeconomics or macroeconomics. Students applying to transfer to the Dyson School must take these courses or a more advanced equivalent in college* before enrolling.
*College coursework taken in high school before receiving your high school diploma will not be considered 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 many credits can I transfer to Dyson?
Up to 60 credits from another accredited college or university may be transferred to the Dyson School. If you’re admitted, we’ll conduct an official credit transfer evaluation to determine which courses will transfer in.
Does the Dyson School accept AP and IB credits toward degree requirements?
Note: The Dyson School does not accept advanced testing credit for calculus, statistics, microeconomics or macroeconomics. Students applying to transfer to the Dyson School must take these courses or a more advanced equivalent in college* before enrolling
*College coursework taken in high school before receiving your high school diploma will not be considered 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.
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 School 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.
If you are a Cornell first- or second-year degree-seeking student currently enrolled outside the Cornell SC Johnson College of Business, you can apply in the spring to internally transfer to the Dyson School for the following fall semester. You must be in good standing with a strong academic record, have completed or be enrolled in the prerequisite courses and be able to thoughtfully articulate your reasons for transferring to the applied economics and management major.
As you consider which college or school is the best fit for you at Cornell and explore the possibility of Internal Transfer, please visit Cornell’s Internal Transfer website.
Admission to the Dyson School is competitive. Before applying, students should:
meet with their current college advisor to discuss their intended plans and to map out an alternative plan should they not be admitted to the Dyson School.
How to transfer internally
Application process and timeline
The Dyson School enrolls transfer students in the fall semester only. The application for fall transfer will be available in early March. The deadline to apply is May 1, at 11:59 p.m. ET. Applicants can expect to receive their admissions decision by late June.
What we look for
Internal transfer applicants should have a very strong academic record in their current program and complete all the course requirements listed below. In addition to coursework, your internal application to the Dyson School will be evaluated on qualitative factors such as work experience, volunteer activities, leadership positions, internships and your ability to explain in detail why the AEM major is a good fit for you.
Eligibility information
Current Cornell first- or second-year (i.e. rising second- and third-year) degree-seeking students currently enrolled outside the Cornell SC Johnson College of Business are eligible to apply for internal transfer.
Preference is given to current first-year applicants.
Students who are not eligible for internal transfer:
Current third year and fourth year students;
students who transferred to Cornell from another university or college;
Cornell students who have already internally transferred.
Nolan School students are discouraged from applying to the Dyson School and will likely not be admitted. The Nolan and Dyson Schools share academic options, resources and outcomes within the Cornell SC Johnson College of Business, making internal transfer between the schools nonessential.
Admission requirements
Internal transfer applicants must meet the following requirements (or complete during the semester in which they apply) to be considered for admission:
Minimum Cornell GPA of 3.0
GPA of 3.3 or higher is competitive
Full-time (12-credit-minimum) standing each semester, with few, if any, S/U graded courses
Good standing in current college
Successful completion of one First-Year Writing Seminar (FWS)
Successful completion of one of the following calculus courses:
MATH 1110
MATH 1120
MATH 1910
MATH 1920
MATH 2210
MATH 2220
MATH 2230
MATH 2240
MATH 2310
MATH 2940
Successful completion of one of the following statistics courses (students are encouraged take the statistics class housed within their current college or major):
AEM 2100
PUBPOL 2100 or 2101
ILRST 2100 (cross-listed as STSCI 2100)
MATH 1710
ENGRD 2700
BTRY 3010
STSCI 2150
STSCI 2200
SOC 3010
CRP 1200
CEE 3040
HADM 2011
PSYCH 2500
Please note that the Dyson School will not accept AP or IB credit for calculus, microeconomics or statistics. Students must take these courses at Cornell prior to enrolling in the Dyson School.
Current curriculum requirements are subject to change and internal transfers will be held to the major requirements for the year in which they matriculate to the Dyson School.
Course recommendations
Your internal transfer application is strengthened if you take at least one quantitative course each semester. Do not feel you must choose courses from this list; it is provided for your information only. Possible courses include the following:
AEM 3100: Business Statistics
ECON 3120: Applied Econometrics
AEM 4110: Introduction to Econometrics
BTRY 3080 – Probability Models and Inference (4 Credits)Crosslisted with STSCI 3080, ILRST 3080
ECON 3130: Probability and Statistics
ECON 3140: Econometrics
ECON 4020: Game Theory I
Courses available to first-year students that may fulfill AEM requirements and can inform your decision to transfer to the Dyson School include the following:
AEM 2300 (cross-listed as ECON 2300): International Trade and Finance
AEM 2350: Introduction to the Economics of Development
ECON 1120: Introductory Macroeconomics
Note: Management, marketing, accounting and finance courses offered as part of the university minor in business do not fulfill Dyson School major requirements and therefore should not be taken by students applying to transfer.
Essay guidance
The essay has a maximum 650 word count. Please consider elaborating on any or all of the questions below that help you explain why you are applying to internally transfer to the Dyson School:
How your interest in the AEM major or the SC Johnson College of Business has developed, and how you have explored it;
How the Dyson School provides you with the tools and instruction you desire to pursue at Cornell, compared to other options (i.e. minoring in business) you have considered;
Describe your professional goals/interests and why you feel the Dyson School will help you to attain these goals, compared to other academic paths.
Describe communities and formative activities that you engage in at Cornell (work/volunteer experiences, clubs, research) and how they have shaped you;
Share any additional information the Dyson School should know about you (e.g. personal/family situations, independent study, summer plans) that further clarifies your interest.
Further information and assistance
If you have questions, please register to attend our virtual information sessions and/or office hours. Walk-ins and special appointments are not available for internal transfer applicants.
Dates for information sessions and office hours will be posted on this page during the fall semester by the end of August, during the spring semester by the end of January.
There is no requirement to attend an information session or office hours. Further, attendance is not an evaluative part of the application process.
Our office does not review resumes or application materials prior to their official submission as part of your internal transfer application.
Internal transfer office hours
These office hours provide students an opportunity to meet one-on-one with an admissions officer to discuss questions pertaining to the internal transfer process. This is NOT a requirement.
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
248 Sage Hall, Ithaca, NY 14853
Phone: +1 (607) 254-4228
Get more details on the Dyson School admissions process, including application checklists, key dates and deadlines, or apply now.
