A “likely letter” is a letter from admissions that you will “likely” be granted admissions once official decisions come out. Ivy admissions can send out likely letters beginning 10/1 but you have to have your entire application submitted in full before the likely letter is sent. Basically it’s an early notification of “likely” acceptance provided you don’t royally screw up. Typically used primarily for athletic recruits as the Ivy’s don’t participate in NLI’s. My friend who’s an athletic recruit got one and I think her letter came out early November - although she committed to Cornell for her sport 9/1 of her junior year so she knew she was going to Cornell for a really long time. They are also used for highly sought out academic applicants. I’m assuming likely letters for academic applicants may be limited to RD?
@v73631902 i would! i’m making a facebook just for this lol
To all of those who have been accepted, y’all know about that swim test we have to pass before we can graduate? It doesn’t sound too exciting especially if you’re like me who can’t swim at all.
Yeah, does anyone know what the test entails? I’ve heard a couple different things about it
“The test consists of a feet-first entry into the deep end of the pool and a continuous 75-yard swim using front, back, and optional strokes. Any student who cannot pass the swim test is required to register for PE 1100 - Beginning Swimming as his or her physical education course”
“Students unable to meet the swim requirement because of medical reasons should contact the Office of Student Disability Services. Students who have religious or other reasons must petition the Faculty Advisory Committee on Athletics and Physical Education for a waiver of the requirement. When a waiver is granted by the Faculty Committee on Physical Education, an alternate requirement is imposed. The alternate requirement substitutes the following courses: PE 1626 - Wilderness First Responder for the original swimming requirement.”
http://courses.cornell.edu/content.php?catoid=31&navoid=7939
@galaxygirl My older son is not a strong swimmer and he had no problem passing this test. Definitely get it over with at Orientation.
If you were denied or deferred, what were your stats?? Thanks for sharing…
So I was accepted Ed and have had perfect grades all my high school career. But during finals last week, I was sick with the flu and completely distracted and thrilled from my acceptance, so many of my grades slipped to B’s. So I will be submitting a mid year report of mostly B’s. I sent them an email explaining my situation and promised that I will do better second semester. I am currently waiting for their email response since it’s the holidays. Should I even be as worried as I am?
@crnlenginr lol nah, Bs aren’t too bad, most prob you’ll be fine, dont worry bout it too much
-Cornellian Class of 2023
@galaxygirl @v73631902 Yeh I took the test this fall, its 3 laps (one-way) in the pool, even if you’re not super athletic you get as much time as you need so you can go slow 
it is tiring ill give it that, but just push through
-Cornellian class of 2023
Is there a Cornell RD thread? Haven’t found it?would be grateful for help on this.
Hey everyone,
I noticed on Cornell’s websites that certain awards such as the Tanner Dean’s Scholars and the Rawling Research Scholars will be granted by the admissions office directly to incoming freshmen who are still in high school. I wonder when we will hear if we get into such programs. Will they do this after both ED & RD decisions are released? Or have they already notified some of the ED-accepted students of this news?
Would appreciate if anyone who has already received such awards could reply to this comment!
Does anyone know when Cornell might send out STEM likely letters to RD applicants?
I just answered my own questions about likely letters. Last year CoE issued likely letters on March 15, so earlier then Ivy Day but much later than some of the similar schools.
Did you hear back from Cornell regarding your message?
Is anyone planning to attend Cornell Days? When do they announce the dates? Do you think the COVID-19 situation might impact this event? We were planning a visit to attend this from the West Coast but I am reluctant to book air travel right now.
I got in ED and I was just notified two days ago that I was selected as a Tradition Fellow. I’m not sure about the other programs you listed, but presumably people were notified recently or will be soon.
would you mind sharing your stats? - class of 2025