Course Enrollment
Course enrollment is the process of getting your classes. As a new student, your college will review your transcript and determine how many credits are accepted, and how they will be applied to your course of study at Cornell. Each college manages the course enrollment process for new students differently. Some colleges may ask you to pre-enroll in courses before arrival; some or all of your courses may be added to your schedule for you and you may not be able to change (drop) them.
Placement Exams
Some students will be required to take placement exams online over the summer or during Orientation. These exams help the university know where to place you for certain course requirements. You may also wish to take optional exams to increase your academic flexibility. More information about placement exams will be provided by your college either before or during January Orientation.
AP/IB and Transfer Credits
If you have taken AP or IB exams, or courses at another college or university, you will want to know if you get credit for them, and how it will impact your academic requirements. Please send all transcripts from test scores and other institutions to your college registrar, if you did not already submit them during the admission process. This will give the university time to process them so that you can resolve any questions regarding transfer credit when you arrive on campus. Detailed information on AP and IB credit is provided in Courses of Study on a subject-specific basis.
Textbooks and Materials
Lists of required textbooks and supplies are compiled each semester by The Cornell Store. After edition numbers and availability from publishers are confirmed, the lists are available online several weeks before classes start. Sufficient quantities of all books, many in both new and used copies, are stocked at the store so you do not need to buy them before you arrive on campus. In many cases it's recommended that you go to class first to determine which books you really need to purchase. The Cornell Store also provides kits for art and architecture courses and stocks art supplies year-round.