As Cornell University faces scrutiny over its response to sexual assault allegations, college admissions consultants report a decline in early applications. Christopher Rim, CEO of Command Education, noted that none of his students are applying early to Cornell, down from nine.
The allegations stem from a lawsuit filed by a former student, Jane Doe, who claims she was assaulted at a fraternity house in October 2024. In response, Cornell has initiated an independent review of its policies and suspended fraternity events for the academic year. President Michael Kotlikoff emphasized the need for meaningful change.
While some applicants may feel committed to their applications, others are reconsidering due to concerns about campus safety and culture. Jamie Beaton, co-founder of Crimson Education, indicated that while immediate application numbers may fluctuate, long-term impacts on enrollment are less likely, as the university's strong brand and outcomes typically mitigate lasting effects from scandals.
Cornell, with an acceptance rate below 10%, recently admitted 5,776 students to the Class of 2030, making it the largest Ivy League institution by undergraduate enrollment