Apply for the Leading Undergraduate Hotel Administration Program

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We look for students who are intellectually curious and challenge themselves in the classroom, and who are honest, collaborative, open-minded, and passionate. We also seek students who get involved with their community, demonstrate entrepreneurship and leadership, and have an interest in the business and the business of hospitality—about half of our first-year students have work experience, whether in a restaurant, supermarket, family business, or startup. If you excel academically, are a service-oriented leader, and want to be on the cutting edge of business and attend the #1 school for hospitality in the country, we invite you to apply to the Cornell Peter and Stephanie Nolan School of Hotel Administration.


What to Expect: The Nolan School Undergraduate Application Process

We accept the Common App and are SAT/ACT score-free in our review process through 2025. You’ll want to select Cornell SC Johnson College of Business–Hotel School as your program, and indicate whether you wish to be considered for early- or regular-decision admission. Our admissions office expects to see a rigorous high school curriculum (preferably including calculus and an additional unit of science), outstanding academic achievement, demonstrated meaningful engagement outside the classroom, and exposure to people and service-centered business. We encourage you to explore our virtual visit options.

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Key Admissions Deadlines

Mark these application deadlines and announcement dates on your calendar.

Application Type Application Deadline
Early Decision November 1
Regular Decision January 2
External Transfer (Spring) October 15
External Transfer (Fall) March 15

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The Essentials of Your Nolan School Application

Applying to the Nolan School is an exciting decision. We want to ensure your application is a reflection of all the hard work you’ve put into your education thus far and a chance for you to demonstrate your unique fit for our specialized hospitality management business program. Be sure to put your best foot forward in your application and complete all aspects of the required materials. We look forward to getting to know you through your application.


How to Apply: The Nolan School Application Explained


Application Checklist

Use our checklist to ensure you’re on track with your application:

Online application iconFill out your application on the Common App (CA).

Clipboard IconSubmit your School Report.

Star IconSubmit your school counselor recommendation.

Two pieces of paper and a magnifying glass iconSubmit two teacher evaluations.

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Submit your Midyear Report, when your mid-year grades are available.

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Submit your official secondary/high school transcript.

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Pay your $80 application fee or submit your fee waiver.

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Submit your Cornell University Questions and Writing Supplement (CA).


Admissions Requirements by Applicant Type

Ready to get started on your Nolan School application? Explore the advice compiled below regarding application requirements based on your personal experience. Whether you’re a first-year student, interested in transferring to the Nolan School, joining our community internationally, or leaving military service to pursue a degree, we want to help you find your way.

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First-Year Student Applicants

We look at all the components of your application to see whether you’re a high academic achiever with leadership and entrepreneurial qualities and a passion for hospitality. We also want to ensure that you’ll fit with our Hotelie community, so whether you’re interested in finance, real estate, food and beverage, sales and marketing, or data analytics, let us know that you’re excited to experience it all. Browse additional first-year application tips, requirements, and FAQs.

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External Transfer Student Applicants

If you wish to transfer to the Nolan School from a non-Cornell university or college, you must fulfill most of the same admissions standards as a first-year applicant. You are eligible to transfer if you have earned 12 or more credits at another accredited college or university, or are enrolled as a full-time student in good standing at another institution. In general, successful applicants have at least a 3.3 GPA with no grade lower than a B. Explore FAQs and other external transfer applicant admissions requirements.

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Internal Transfer Student Applicants

If you’re a current Cornell student, you can transfer in either the fall or spring semester. You must be a first- or second-year student in good standing with a strong academic record, have completed ECON 1110 or an equivalent microeconomics course, and be able to thoughtfully articulate your reasons for moving to the Nolan School. Access application when available, and explore FAQs and other internal transfer applicant admissions requirements.

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International Student Applicants

We welcome students from outside the US, who follow the same application process as our first-year or transfer students. Cornell takes applicants’ and their families’ ability to pay for education under consideration, but expects applicants to apply for financial aid when applying for admission. You must complete our application materials without paid agents or credentialing services. If you are not a native speaker of English, you must demonstrate proficiency in the English language, e.g., with acceptable test scores for TOEFL, iTEP, IELTS, or other standardized test. Browse more application requirements and information for international students.

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Military Veteran Applicants

Cornell is a strong supporter of our military families and participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program, which provides financial aid to veterans and their families. If you have graduated high school, you can choose to apply as a first-year student. Those that have earned fewer than 12 credits at a college or university may also apply as first-year students. Transfer students include applicants who have earned 12 or more credits at a college or university (or are currently enrolled). You may be selected to participate in our Veterans Summer Bridge program. Access military veteran application requirements and important FAQs.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Nolan School Admissions


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Meet the Nolan School Admissions Team

Our friendly, knowledgeable admissions professionals are happy to help you with your application and address any questions you may have about the process. The admissions team can be reached at 607.254.4228 or via email below.

CONTACT ADMISSIONS

See Where the Nolan School Can Take You

Ready to join the Nolan School? Start your application today.