Transfer Applicants

External Transfer Applicants

External transfer is an option for a student who begins their studies at an institution and then applies to transfer into another institution to complete their degree. 

*Cornell University will not be accepting external applications for spring 2026. We encourage you to apply for fall 2026. Please reach out to aap-admissions@cornell.edu with any questions. 

  • External transfer portfolio deadline: March 15
  • Application deadline: March 15 

Internal Transfer Applicants

  • Spring transfer deadline: December 1
  • Fall transfer deadline: May 1  

Internal transfer is an option for current Cornell students who wish to transfer between schools or colleges at Cornell.  Current AAP students who wish to explore the option of internally transferring to another college or school should contact the internal transfer coordinator of the target college or school. 

Students interested in transferring into an AAP program must follow a college-specific internal transfer application process. To find out more about the undergraduate programs within AAP, and the process for transferring, you should meet with AAP Admissions. Please email aap-admissions@cornell.edu to set up a meeting.

Change of Major

If you are an AAP student looking to transfer into another AAP major, please fill out the Application to Change Major form. 

Transfer Eligibility

Are you a transfer applicant? Visit Cornell Office of Undergraduate Admissions for more information.

  • You must be in good academic standing in your home college with a cumulative GPA of 2.7.
  • First-Year Students: The first opportunity to apply is at the end of your second semester. Applications submitted at the end of your first semester will be denied.
  • External transfers to Cornell can apply during their second semester at Cornell.
  • Students on a leave of absence: If you are on a required leave of absence from your home college, you must get permission to apply.

Transfer Application Process

  • Internal transfers fill out the online internal transfer application.
  • External transfers will fill out the Common Application. 
  • College of AAP personal statement
    • Your AAP internal transfer application should include the following:
      • Your interest in AAP, how it developed, and how you have tested it
      • Possible professional goals/interests you are considering, and how will AAP help you attain your goals
      • Describe how you have been involved at Cornell (work/volunteer experiences, clubs, research, etc.)
      • Any other pertinent factors regarding your candidacy
  • Required portfolio submission when applying to the B.Arch. or B.F.A. programs
  • You can include a variety of mediums, including, but not limited to: photography, watercolor, jewelry or furniture design, sculpture, and painting.
  • Applicants applying to the B.Arch. program are not required to submit architectural models or drawings. If you have architecture experience or have attended an architecture summer program or internship, please feel free to include this work.
  • Required letters of recommendation
  • Applicants are required to request and submit at least one letter of recommendation.
  • If you are an internal transfer, letters of recommendation can be emailed to aap-admissions@cornell.edu.
    • Applicants are required to request and submit at least one letter of recommendation.
    • Letters of recommendation can be emailed to aap-admissions@cornell.edu.

Admissions Decisions

Internal transfer decisions are made after final grades for the current semester have been received. Admission decisions letters will be emailed to the address noted in your application.

Evaluation of Transfer Credit

AAP does not evaluate transfer credit until after an offer of admission has been made.

Admitted students will have two weeks from the date of admission to submit all transfer credit materials for consideration:

  • Syllabi
  • Sample coursework (or portfolio for studio and visual representation courses)
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