Preparing your application

How can I apply?
You can fill out your application online.

Do I need to send multiple copies of my transcript or any other document?
No, you don't, we'll make copies here if we have to.

Is it sufficient for my recommenders to simply return the recommendation form without a letter?
No it is not sufficient. A letter should accompany the form. However, we will accept a letter or recommendation without the form itself.

Will you accept my CV or any other supporting documents you don't require but might help my application?
Yes, we will be glad to accept your cv. Other supporting documents may also be included provided they are applicable.

Is the TOEFL score really required in my case?
TOEFL scores are a requirement by the Graduate School (not just by the field) for all international students. Please check the TOEFL Guidelines for clarification.

Do I really need to take the GRE's?
Yes, GRE scores are required. In exceptional circumstances - and if your proposed degree program is not going to have much of a research component - you may request to waive the GRE requirement by sending an email to the graduate field assistant.

What are the institution and department codes?
TOEFL - Cornell University = 2098, department code = 30
GRE - Cornell University = 2098, department code = 0109

Should I call the Graduate School for anything directly?
No, please contact the field for all questions, preferably via email (hortgrad@cornell.edu). If the field assistant cannot resolve your questions, the field will contact the Graduate School on your behalf.

Is my current degree equivalent to a Bachelor of Science degree?
If you are an international student, check here: Degree Equivalences

When can I expect an answer?
See the timeline below.

I am not sure if I want to come to Cornell, would it help if I came to visit?
Yes, we encourage prospective applicants to come and visit if they are in a position to do so. Come see the campus and meet some faculty. To set up a visit, contact the graduate field assistant via email (hortgrad@cornell.edu) and give a possible date and time frame of your visit, and any faculty you particularly would like to meet with. Meetings are not scheduled over the weekend.

Submitting your application

When is the application deadline?
Your application needs to be completed online on or before the 5th of January for Fall admission / 15th of August for Spring admission.
Supporting documents should be mailed directly to:

Graduate Field Assistant
Field of Horticulture
134A Plant Science
Cornell University
Ithaca NY 14853

I don't think I can afford the application fee, what can be done?
Applicants with extreme financial need may request an applicaton fee waiver. Applicants may request a fee waiver for the online application by contacting the Graduate school and providing documentation of financial need, such as an email from a financial aid counselor. You will be notified by the graduate school via email that your application waiver has been approved. If you go into the system and still can't complete your application without paying, wait another few days and try again before contacting the field. However, don't wait more than a couple of weeks to complete your application, or the fee waiver will expire.

Application time line for Fall / Spring admissions:
The dates given here are approximate and will not be exactly the same each year.

Jan 5 / Aug 15 - The field assistant will wait for a week after the deadline for all supporting materials to come in to the field office. All supporting documents will be matched to each application and prepared for review by the faculty. If one or two supporting documents are missing, you will be notified via email to complete your application. If however the bulk of your application has not been received on or about the deadline, your application may be rejected.

Feb, 1st week / Sept 10 - Once all applications have been processed, the graduate applications committee (4 faculty) will meet and review all applications and make general recommendations to the rest of the field, as well as rate the applicant pool. We receive over 80 applications annually, most are for the Fall semester.

Feb 15 / Sept 20 - All applications are released for review by all 45 faculty in the field and everyone has a chance to comment, rate, and review all components of your application.

Mar 1 - April 15 / Oct 15 - Nov 15 - Acceptances are based on a multitude of factors including all application components; matching faculty and applicant research interest; either internal or external funding; whether there is room in the program; relative ranking of applicants, availability of research funding, etc.

Review process

What do faculty look for in my application?
There are many criteria we consider in evaluating a student for acceptance in the Field of Horticulture. A strong background in life sciences is important; as evidenced by grades, coursework, and research projects undertaken. A high motivation for graduate study in horticulture is essential. We look carefully at the student’s statement of purpose and experiences in horticulture or plant sciences. The more in-depth the experiences, the better. We welcome applications from non-traditional students with significant life experiences and a strong desire to study in the field of horticulture, as well as students coming directly from their undergraduate degrees. Letters of recommendation are also extremely important. We are interested in getting all the information we can about the students’ motivation and aptitude for graduate research.

How important are my test scores?
The Graduate Record Exam (GRE) is required but is just one of many criteria we use in ranking applications. We do not have a minimum composite GRE score for successful admission. For all non-native English speaking students, the TOEFL exam is also required and official scores must be submitted directly to the Graduate School by the Educational Testing Services (ETS). Applicant scores must meet the minimum set by the Graduate School of writing: 20, listening: 15, reading: 20, speaking: 22. A cumulative score is not a correct measure and is not sufficient for an offer of admission.

Is a B.S. degree in horticulture a requirement?
Students are not required to have an undergraduate degree in horticulture to apply; however, a strong background in life sciences is essential for success in our graduate program. Students considering graduate school as a means to change career paths but lacking extensive background in life sciences, are encouraged to consider our Master of Professional Studies (MPS) degree instead of the MS or Ph.D. degrees. Alternatively, change-of-career students may wish to complete the basic life science course sequence (i.e. physics, math, chemistry, botany, ecology and biology) elsewhere before applying for a graduate degree program in horticulture.

Acceptance rate and notification

How many students do you accept?
We typically receive 80 applications annually. Acceptance rate varies depending on funding, availability, etc. We have been able to accept as many as 15 per year although sometimes fewer. About half of those accepted are awarded a Graduate Research Assistantship through the field; some have secured a Fellowship or government funding from outside the university; while a small percentage are self-supporting.
 
How will I be notified whether or not I have been accepted?
Accepted applicants will receive an acceptance letter with a welcome packet and may also be contacted via email by the faculty advisor assigned to you.

What if my application has been rejected?
Applicants will be notified by letter anytime between Feb 1 - April 15. We treat each application on an individual basis and we make every effort to match as many students as possible with a faculty advisor, possible funding, and research project. Sometimes this is very time consuming and while we understand you would like to hear from us as soon as possible, your patience is appreciated.

If you find all your questions haven't been answered yet, please do feel free to contact the graduate field assistant via email: hortgrad@cornell.edu or by phone 607-255-1789.