Cornell Admission Requirements
For those interested in admission to Cornell’s Master’s in Data Science and Applied Statistics (MPS) program, please note the following requirements.
Bachelor’s Degree
A quantitatively oriented bachelor's degree must be obtained before beginning the MPS program. While applicants with an advanced mathematical background are encouraged to apply, your bachelor’s degree can be from a variety of fields:
- Statistics
- Mathematics
- Engineering
- Physical science
- Agriculture
- Biological science
- Social science
- Computer science
Applied Statistics and Data Science Master’s Prerequisites
The following prerequisites are required to demonstrate that you meet the minimum mathematical background. Courses must be listed on an official transcript from an accredited college or university:
- Two semesters of calculus
- One elementary non-calculus-based statistics
- One course in matrix algebra
Cornell GRE Requirement
Official GRE scores are required for admission to the MPS program, however, at-home GRE scores are accepted when accepted by the Graduate School.
Cornell TOEFL Requirement
International applicants must demonstrate proficiency in the English language by taking a TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS (International English Language Testing System) exam. The following minimum scores must be met and submitted to be considered for admission:
- Listening - 15
- Writing - 20
- Reading - 20
- Speaking - 22
For more information on the English Language Proficiency Requirement, including eligibility for exemption and institution code, please visit the Cornell Graduate School page.
Note About TOEFL/IELTS
The Graduate School at Cornell can offer English language proficiency waivers for students who meet specific criteria. Waivers are applied manually for each student during application review, and scores are matched with applications by the graduate school.
If your application status shows as "Pending" on the checklist but your scores were submitted before the February 1 deadline, there is no need to worry. We will consider your self-reported scores, and if your application advances to the next stage, we will coordinate with the Graduate School to verify official scores*.
*Please note that the application process concludes on February 1, after which we will begin processing applications and verifying official scores.
Application Materials
Visit the Cornell Graduate School's Apply page to start your application for the MPS in Data Science and Applied Statistics.
To be considered for admission, you must submit the following materials with your application:
- Academic statement of purpose*
- Personal statement*
- Two academic letters of recommendation
- One professional letter of recommendation (optional)
- Official transcripts
- Official GRE scores**
- Official TOEFL or IELTS scores
- Resume
*Please note that the academic statement of purpose and the personal statement each have a unique focus. For additional information on these essays, please click here.
**Official GRE scores should be reported directly to Cornell University with the GRE institutional code 2098.
Note About Transcripts
Transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate-level studies undertaken at all schools are required.
- You must scan your official transcripts (online printouts are not accepted) and upload them into the online application system
- If you are admitted, an official paper version of your transcripts must be sent to the Cornell Graduate School
If your transcripts are in a language other than English, you must:
- Translate all transcripts into English.
- Provide both the original version and the translated copy with your application.
MPS Early Admit Option
If you are a Cornell undergraduate applying for the MPS Early Admit Option*, please download and complete the petition form. The completed form should be uploaded to the online application system along with your other application materials.
*Please note that the Early Admit Option is open only to Cornell undergraduates.
Cornell University Graduate Application Deadline
There are two admissions deadlines for the MPS in Data Science and Applied Statistics:
Fall Admissions Deadline: February 1.
Spring* Admissions Deadline: October 1
*A limited number of Spring term admissions are available for currently enrolled Cornell undergraduates or exceptional non-Cornell applicants. Students who enter in the Spring generally take three semesters to complete the MPS degree. If you wish to apply for the Spring semester or have questions, please email the MPS Program Director, Dr. Xiolong Yang.
Note About Application Communications
All communications and notifications from our MPS program and the Cornell Graduate School will be sent to the email address provided on your application.
When communicating with our MPS program, you must:
- Use the email address provided in your application.
- Use your official name in the body of your email. This name must be the same as the name in your application, transcript(s), GRE, passport (if applicable), and any other official documents.
Admission Decisions and Acceptance
First-round admission decisions for Cornell Master’s in Data Science and Applied Statistics are made in early April, though decisions may not be finalized until late May or early June.
Deposit for Admission Acceptance
To ensure that we reserve our limited space for serious applicants, we collect a deposit when you accept an admission offer for the MPS in Data Science and Applied Statistics
When accepting our admission offer, you must pay a deposit of $1,000. The deposit will be refunded after enrollment in our MPS program at the beginning of your graduate study. The deposit is not refundable for those who choose not to enroll and attend.
Disclaimer
Do not send transcripts, credit card numbers, or any other information regarding your application via e-mail or fax to the Field of Statistics. The Field of Statistics will not accept any materials sent using these methods. In addition, the Department of Statistics and Data Science assumes no liability for any information sent via e-mail or fax.
For other important application policies, please click here.