When do I need to apply?

Applications are accepted any time during the year and students can matriculate in August or January. However, applicants planning to start during Fall semester typically apply by mid-January. Applicants planning to matriculate at the start of Spring semester typically apply by May 1.

What are the criteria used in admissions?

Given the diversity of the Field of Natural Resources, it is difficult to provide specific admissions criteria beyond: (1) a student's academic record and work experience, and (2) the extent to which a faculty member shares common research and professional interests, plus is willing to supervise an additional graduate student. Thus, it is essential that you not only have excellent academic credentials, but also have corresponded with faculty members to discuss your interests. Students are reviewed for admission by the Admissions Committee after a faculty member has expressed an interest in working with that student and has proposed them for admission.

Below are typcial expectations for applicants into our graduate program. However, additional considerations regarding your credentials should be discussed with faculty members who are considering you for admission.

• Undergraduate major We accept students with a range of undergraduate majors in the natural and social sciences, as well as math and humanities.

• GREs Suggested minimum scores for students who have attended a US undergraduate program are 600 Math, Verbal, Subject and Analytical for Ph.D students, or 550 Math, Verbal, Subject and Analytical for M.S. candidates.

• Letters of recommendation At least one of your letters of recommendation should be from a university faculty member. Others can be from employers.

• Statement of purpose Provide a clear and concise statement of your research or MPS project and coursework interests, and any relevant past experiences that have led you to these interests.

• Work experience Most of our students have several years of relevant work experience after completing their undergraduate degree.

How should I go about applying?

It is important to identify a prospective faculty advisor who shares your interests and is willing to make a committment to working with you.

Suggested steps in applying to Cornell:

1. Determine what degree is most appropriate and what subject area within the Field of Natural Resources is of most interest to you.

2. Identify faculty who have interests similar to your own. Remember, we do not accept students without a faculty advisor, so if our program is going to work for you, you must have a faculty sponsor who shares your interests. You also may want to look at the web sites of related graduate fields at Cornell, including Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Soil and Crop Sciences, Development Sociology, and International Agriculture. Each field has different admissions protocols, therefore the application process will be different in each program.

3. Communicate with prospective faculty advisors who share your interests. The best way to initiate communication is through email. Send a concise message explaining your interests, academic background and a resume.

4. If you receive a positive response from a faculty member, work with them to schedule a visit to meet with faculty and current graduate students. Generally, you will want to set up appointments with other faculty throughout the university who may share your interests. Try to make appointments before you arrive, though you may learn about additional faculty during your campus visit.

   You should also meet with current graduate students of faculty member with whom you are considering working, as well as other students in the graduate field. The faculty member who is sponsoring your visit can provide assistance in contacting other graduate students.

   Generally, you do not need to meet with the Director of Graduate Studies during a campus visit, unless you have specific questions that have not been addressed. If you have questions about application procedures or your application status, you can contact the Graduate Field Assistant, Lisa Bishop Oltz( lbo1@cornell.edu). If you have questions about the overall graduate program that are not answered through the website or by faculty who share your interests, email the Director of Graduate Studies, Cliff Kraft( cek7@cornell.edu).

   If you are not able to visit campus, schedule a phone interview with prospective faculty advisors.

5. If you would like to be considered for admission, submit your formal application -- even if you have not yet established a particular faculty advisor. Applicant admissions folders are regularly reviewed by faculty, particularly during the January through March time period when most candidates are admitted.