Admissions

All applicants are required to schedule an on-campus or off-campus admissions interview through our admissions office.  Early decision applicants must complete their interview by November 15 and regular decision applicants must complete their interview by February 15. 

We hold the same high standards for academic excellence as the other admissions offices at Cornell. What makes our students unique is their demonstrated passion for pursuing a career in the hospitality industry. 

We look for applicants who have leadership experience, a strong work ethic, and an appreciation for the challenges of running a business in the service industry, typically demonstrated through work experience in the field.  

It is not required, but it is strongly recommended. In recent years about 85 percent of our admitted students have had experience working in the hospitality industry. Work experience will give you a better understanding of the industry and provide you with background knowledge to bring into our program.

No. First-year students from all seven undergraduate colleges and schools live together on north campus.  After your first year, you will have the choice of living on west campus or moving off campus.

Students can complete an associate's degree in culinary arts or baking and pastry arts from the CIA while earning a bachelor's degree in hotel administration. If academically eligible, you can apply to the program during your second or third year.

About two-thirds of your courses will be within the School of Hotel Administration (core courses and Hotel electives). You will also take elective courses outside of the School (distributive electives).  Part of your curriculum (free electives) can be from any division of Cornell.

A concentration is a series of electives along a specific area of study, like a minor. Courses that fulfill concentrations are defined by the academic areas.  It is optional - some students choose not to declare one.

Our Career Management advisors assist current students in finding internship opportunities. Our alumni network of over 11,000 members across the world is one of the best resources students can use to find part-time or full-time positions. Many students choose to work in the Statler Hotel on campus.

Our alumni pursue careers in all areas of the hospitality industry around the world and often start businesses of their own.

Only exceptional alternate candidates who have a serious intellectual passion for hospitality management will be considered for admission.  To be considered an exceptional alternate candidate, you must demonstrate a passion for the hospitality industry through work experience, academic achievement through rigorous coursework, and leadership skills through entrepreneurial endeavors and other organizations.

If you're unable to come to campus to complete your required admissions interview, we offer off-campus interviews around the world with Hotel School alumni.   All applicants are required to schedule an on-campus or off-campus Admissions interview through our admissions Office. 

Yes. If your transcript or any other materials are not in English, please submit an original copy and an official, certified English translation. 

Yes, but we encourage you to take every opportunity to learn more about the management of hospitality-related companies in your area. Some students choose to volunteer for a business where they can shadow employees and have informational interviews. First-hand experience will give you a better understanding of the industry and will provide you with some background knowledge to bring into our program.

You may apply to enroll in either the fall or spring semester. Spring semester transfer applications should be submitted between October 1 and November 1, and fall semester transfer applications should be submitted between February 15 and March 15. 

If you are an international transfer applicant applying for financial aid, you are only eligible for fall admission.

We expect you to have taken chemistry (one year in high school or one semester in college), but otherwise no specific courses are required.

We do not admit students who have previously earned a bachelor's degree for a second undergraduate degree. If you have completed a bachelor's degree or the equivalent in any field (including, but not limited to, hospitality management), we encourage you to apply to our Master of Management in Hospitality (MMH) degree.

All applicants are required to schedule an on-campus or off-campus admissions interview through our admissions Office.  Spring semester transfer applicants must complete their interview by November 15 and fall semester transfer applicants must complete their interview by March 30. 

Admission decision letters are mailed to the mailing address listed on your application and your decision status will be updated on your Application Self-Service account through Cornell's Undergraduate Admissions Office web site. Spring transfer applicants will be notified on a rolling basis in December and fall transfer applicants will be notified on a rolling basis to June 15.