How to Apply

Note that early decision is a binding commitment, which means that if you’re admitted to Cornell, you must withdraw any applications to other schools and send your enrollment deposit to Cornell by early January; however, you may be released from the commitment if you have applied for financial aid and do not receive a financial award sufficient to make the Cornell education affordable for you and your family. Your early decision application may be admitted, denied, or postponed to regular decision (in which case you are not subject to the binding ED commitment).

The Common App can be completed and submitted online. To apply to the Nolan School via the Common App, choose Cornell SC Johnson College of Business–Hotel School.

 Additional Nolan School Application Requirements and Reminders

• A resume: Highlight your experiences and exposure to activities, organizations, summer coursework, shadowing opportunities, etc. which make you unique and suited to our program
• Our Supplemental Essay: What kind of a business student are you? Using your personal, academic, or volunteer/work experiences, describe the topics or issues that you care about and why they are important to you. Your response should convey how your interests align with the school(s) to which you are applying within the Cornell SC Johnson College of Business
• The Cornell SC Johnson College of Business is score-free through 2025. Any self-reported scores will not be reviewed. For students applying to enroll for fall 2026 or beyond, applicants to all Cornell undergraduate colleges and schools will be required to submit standardized test scores.

A rigorous curriculum and outstanding record of academic achievement, demonstrated through a minimum of 16 units which must include the following:

• Secondary-School Subjects/Requirements:
  • 16 units, including 4 of English, 4 of mathematics (including 1 of pre-calculus), 2 of science (including 1 of chemistry),  and 3 of one foreign language (successful completion of level 3)

  Secondary-School Subjects/Recommendations:

  • Calculus is strongly recommended, unless precalculus is completed in grade 12
  • Calculus is preferred to AP statistics
  • An additional unit of science

  Special Requirements:

  • A resume submitted with your admissions application

  Recommended additional preparation:

  • Rigorous high school curriculum and an outstanding record of academic achievement
  • Initiative, curiosity, teamwork, ingenuity
  • Hospitality or service-industry exposure
  • Applicants are encouraged to explore our virtual visit options
  • Interviews are not offered

• Give yourself plenty of time to complete your application
• Review the requirements carefully
• Spend time researching the Nolan School and Cornell before writing your essay
• Notify your guidance counselor and teachers that you plan to apply to Cornell
• Include your full name and date of birth as it appears on your application in all application-related correspondence
• Save copies of your application for your records
• When you submit your application online, be sure to click “submit/send” for both the application and the supplement

At the Nolan School, we don’t require or conduct formal interviews. However, some applicants may hear from a local alum to talk about Cornell. Remember that this is not required—it’s just a way for you to get to know Cornell better. Not all applicants will be contacted, and your application won’t be adversely affected if you’re not contacted or are unable to speak with the alum.

We have the same exacting standards for academic excellence as the other Cornell schools, but we also look for students who have a passion for working in hospitality, and who have leadership experience, a strong work ethic, and an appreciation for working in the service industry. Many of our applicants have work experience in the field.

When applying to the SC Johnson College of Business, students must choose to apply directly to either the Nolan School or the Dyson School. However, they also have the option to choose the other school as an alternate. Most students have a clear path and should apply to whichever school they believe is the right fit for them based on the curricular and extra-curricular offerings of the school. This alternate option should only be used by students who can clearly articulate their academic path in both schools, and they will need to fully explain those interests in their supplemental essay. Choosing both schools will not increase a student’s chances of admission, as application review remains highly selective for all academic programs at Cornell. Please note that during Early Decision application review, students will only be considered for admission to their primary choice.

Work experience isn’t required, but we do like to see some exposure to the hospitality industry, which gives you a better understanding of business, hospitality, and service. Keep in mind, too, that you may have relevant exposure to hospitality through your volunteer experience and school extracurricular activities. We read applications carefully and holistically and carefully look at all of your high school experiences.

Nolan School graduates build careers in a wide range of industries and disciplines, from investing in real estate, to owning and operating hotels and restaurants, to innovating new apps for retail and hospitality consumers. They work for Fortune 500 companies like Amazon and the Four Seasons, midsize and small enterprises, family businesses, and their own startups—all over the world.

EXPLORE HOSPITALITY CAREERS