Is Cornell or Notre Dame harder to get into?

Cornell is typically harder to get into overall, although the difference is not so large that either school should be treated as a likely admission for a competitive applicant. Both Cornell and Notre Dame use highly selective, holistic review, and strong grades, rigorous coursework, meaningful involvement, and well-supported recommendations matter at each.

Cornell’s applicant pool is especially large, and its admissions process varies by undergraduate college. Applicants must apply to a particular undergraduate college, making academic direction an important part of the application.

Notre Dame is also exceptionally selective, but its review tends to place distinctive emphasis on character, community contribution, service, and alignment with its Catholic mission and campus culture, alongside academic strength.

For planning purposes, place both schools in the reach category unless your record is outstanding relative to each school’s applicant pool. The practical question is whether your coursework, interests, essays, and activities make a specific case for Cornell’s chosen college or for Notre Dame’s community.