Foundational coursework prep
For students who received conditional admission, note that the courses and resources below do not satisfy the conditional admission offer, and you are required to complete the coursework outlined in your offer letter.
Accounting and finance prep
This prep work is highly recommended for MPS Management students. You’ll be provided a free MBA Math account, and access to material designed to give graduate business students a quantitative foundation in anticipation of their degree programs, and get familiar with the business terms and concepts found in your program. At a minimum, all incoming MPS-Management students should at least complete the MBA Math modules on accounting and finance.
Excel prep
Strongly recommended for MPS-Management and MPS Accounting students. Strong Excel skills will be a necessary tool for success in the master’s program. MBA Math provides modules on Excel, along LinkedIn Learning. Suggested LinkedIn Learning courses on Excel include:
To access your LinkedIn Learning account
- Confirm your enrollment
- Submit your deposit for processing
- Receive and follow email instructions to activate your Cornell NetID
Login via Cornell’s portal to LinkedIn Learning to begin taking classes
Enrollment Checklist
Accept your offer
Accept your offer of admission via the ApplyWeb account. Click the button labeled “Complete your Decision Form,” and follow the instructions. Decisions submissions must be submitted in the outlined timeframe. A non-refundable deposit of $1,500 is required when you accept your offer online.
Conditional Admissions: Carefully review your offer letter and complete your requirements by the stated deadline. Email documentation of completion to the SC Johnson College of Business Graduate Admission’s Office.
Submit transcripts
Official college transcript indicating conferral of their undergraduate degree, as well as official test score reports are required.
Admitted students are required to submit official electronic transcripts (e-transcripts) directly to the Graduate School Admissions Office after accepting the offer of admission and before October 1 for summer and fall admits, and before March 1 for spring admits.
Still have questions? Please see the Graduate School’s Admissions and Admitted Student FAQs.
Complete university new student forms
Review and complete the To Do List for graduate and professional students on Cornell’s New Students website. It is particularly important to complete the Health History & Immunization Compliance and the Student ID Card Request in a timely manner.
Review health plan
Students will automatically be enrolled in Cornell’s Student Health Plan (SHP). Partners and dependents are eligible to be enrolled as well, with options for dental/vision coverage.
SHP requirements can be waived if certain criteria are met. Review waiver eligibility and submit an application via the Student Health Benefits website.
Questions about health insurance or coverage should be directed to Student Health Benefits.
Accommodation registration
If you will need disability accommodations or services at Cornell, please register with Cornell’s Student Disability Services office before you arrive on campus. If you have any questions about this, please contact us.
Academic preparation work
Complete the finance, accounting, and Excel prep work noted above.
Finance planning
Your degree is a strategic investment in your future. Familiarize yourself with financial aid opportunities and policies, research your financing options, and make a plan.
Housing
The housing and rental markets in Ithaca are fast-moving and competitive. Start your housing search early and explore your options.
Visa application (international students)
The Admission Supplement is available each year starting in early February (for fall 2022 applicants). After you accept your offer of admission, you will receive an email from the Graduate School Admissions Office with a link to the online form and a list of documents to prepare.
The email will indicate your estimated costs of attendance and the total funds you will need to certify. If you plan to attend Cornell on a student visa, you must complete and submit the online form before Cornell can issue your Certificate of Eligibility (Form I-20 or DS-2019) for your visa application. We recommend that you submit the form as soon as possible and at least six weeks before you plan to arrive in Ithaca.
Please review these pages for additional information:
Coming from another U.S. university? Please see these directions for F-1 Transfer Students.
Technology
Computer Requirements
Personal Laptop
- You must have a laptop that is less than two years old.
- It should have a minimum 8GB of RAM and at least an Intel i5 processor.
- Choose a Solid-State Drive (SSD) instead of a traditional hard drive.
- Ensure that it has wireless capability of 802.11 b/g/n.
PC or Mac?
- Many Johnson courses require software that is only available on Windows.
- If you choose to use a Mac, you will likely need to install Parallels along with MS Windows as a workaround.
Operating System
- Latest version of Windows or Mac OS.
Purchasing Options
Software
- Microsoft Office is required. Download it for free.
- Cornell requires all students to install virus protection on their computers.
Important dates
Students are advised to review the academic calendar in detail before the start of each semester for information on instruction, breaks, and beyond.
August 18 thru 21, 2026
Orientation
August 24, 2026
First day of course instruction