Application Guide for the Program in Real Estate
The following Application Guide for the Cornell Program in Real Estate provides step-by-step instructions and advice on submitting your application.
Application Checklist 
| Official Application |
Apply to the Cornell Program in Real Estate through the Cornell Graduate on-line application by clicking
 . |
| Supporting documents in addition to the Official Application required to complete your admissions process are as follows: |
| Statement of Purpose |
| Resume |
| Transcripts |
| Two (2) letters of recommendation |
| Graduate Management Aptitude Test (GMAT) |
| Interviews |
| Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)* |
| * Only required of foreign students for whom English is a second language |
These supporting documents can either be submitted as part of the on-line application or sent directly to the Program in Real Estate at:
| Program in Real Estate |
| Cornell University |
| 114 W. Sibley Hall |
| Ithaca, NY 14853-6701 |
| Phone: (607) 255-7110 |
| e-mail: |
Official Application
The application for the Cornell Program in Real Estate is only available via the Cornell graduate school’s on-line application system found at Apply Now. The application can be completed in one setting, or can be saved and returned in follow-sessions to complete statement of purpose and other supporting documents. By using your username and password (it is helpful to write this down as you will be referring to both your username & password throughout the application process) you may return at any time before the application deadline to continue your work. When you apply online with electronically submitted supporting documents you will be able to track the status of your application through your account on our website. A $70 non-refundable fee is required to complete the application. The official application is only available on-line; however, you can submit all or some of your supporting application documents, discussed below, directly to the Program in Real Estate as one packet or in separate mailings. If you have questions about completing the on-line application or need assistance, contact the Program in Real Estate Coordinator of Admissions at (607) 255-7110.
Statement of Purpose
The statement of purpose provides the opportunity to discuss your motivations, background, character, personal goals and other personal insights that you wish the admissions committee to consider in evaluating your application. There is no format, defined set of questions, or length, although many applicants submit concise statements of 750 words or less. The admissions committee reads the statement of purpose with a particular emphasis on applicant’s passion for real estate, leadership potential for the real estate Industry, and ability to contribute to one’s colleagues and in the classroom. Questions the committee hopes to finds answers to within the statement of purpose include Are you someone that positively impacts the people and organizations around you? What experiences do you share that point to your character and integrity. Do you have the traits that will inspire a legacy at the organization you serve throughout your future real estate career?
Resume
Provide an up-to-date resume at time of application. If you have updates to your resume after you have applied, you are welcome to submit an updated resume at any time during the admissions process.
Transcripts
Official transcripts from all academic institutions attended are required. Transcripts should be in signed and sealed envelopes. If you are an international student that attended an institution outside of the U.S. please see our International Applicants section for additional transcript information.
Letters of Recommendation
Two letters of reference are required for your application. Applicants may submit letters of reference directly to the Program on appropriate letterhead, or may have references submit their evaluations directly through the on-line application process. You are encouraged to request recommendations from people who are well acquainted with you and your professional capabilities.
GMAT (Graduate Management Admissions Test)
A GMAT test score is required, and can be taken at a time convenient to you. You should request the Educational Testing Service (ETS) to report your GMAT score to the Cornell University Program of Real Estate (Department Code 2102).
You should include a photocopy of your GMAT test score report (unofficial score) in your application packet, which the admissions committee will use in the admissions process. The official score must arrive in order to validate your admissions decision. Applicants that take the GMAT more than once benefit from having only their highest score considered in the admissions process. If you plan to retake the GMAT after applying, please inform the Coordinator of Admissions of the date you intend to take the test. Many applicants have found it helpful to properly study and prepare for the GMAT. In addition to the many test-prep courses, books and materials available, the Graduate Admission Management Council (GMAC) offers tools to help you prepare at MBA.com.
Interviews
Interviews, either in person or via telephone, are considered an important part of the Cornell Program in Real Estate application process. Telephone interviews with international and US applicants at a distance from Ithaca will be scheduled following completion of an application. Applicants that are able to visit campus will typically have an interview with a real estate faculty member as well as a member of the student interview team.
Additional information for Dual Degree and International Applicants is available here: