Eligibility

The program is open to

  • Undergraduate students who will complete their sophomore year or higher by June 2024
  • College graduates who wish to gain an accurate, comprehensive understanding of America's legal system

Program participants need not be Cornell students or U.S citizens.

To enroll, you must be in good academic standing and have the demonstrated intellectual interest and personal maturity to participate in the program.

Application deadline

The application deadline has passed.

Admission to the program is on a rolling basis. Because of the intensive and individualized nature of the program, enrollment is strictly limited. If you're considering applying, we urge you to do so as early as possible, especially if you're interested in being considered for an internship.

Applications will be accepted until the program is full. Only complete applications will be reviewed.

How to apply

The application system is now closed.

Required application materials (The 2024 application deadline has passed.)

The following documents must be submitted through the online application.

  1. A one-page resume listing all of your significant interests, activities, employment, or volunteer experiences.
  2. In 250 words or less, please provide a personal statement, which will help us to get to know you better. What distinguishes you from your classmates and peers?
  3. In 250 words or less, please tell us about your interest in this program. Why did you select it? What do you hope to gain from it? Tell us about any personal, work, or volunteer experience you've had related to it?
  4. All transcripts to date including current semester grades (black out or remove any social security and/or account numbers before uploading).
  5. A letter of recommendation from a professor who has had you in class.
  6. International students: You must also submit your TOEFL or IELTS test scores (see our International Students page for minimum required scores). In addition, you will be required to complete an I-20 Request Form and follow the steps to obtain an F-1 visa for study in the U.S.

Note: If, after completing your online application, you need to send us additional documents, please do so by creating a NextGen account and using that to upload materials. (We do not accept documents via email or fax.)

Questions about the application process can be sent to cusp@cornell.edu

Accepted students

  1. Please review and complete the steps on the Onboarding page.
  2. You must also submit a Domestic Travel Release of Liability Form through your Student Services account (NetID required).
  3. Non-Cornell students need to upload a photo upload a photo for the class list (NetID required).
  4. Complete the Term Checklist (NetID required)
    • Required
    • Deadline: As soon as your NetID is activated.
    • Once your NetID is active, you must log into Student Center for the first time for our system to recognize your NetID. Until you take this step, you will not be able to complete remaining requirements.
    • The Checklist will appear in your "To-Do List" in Student Center the day after you've fully activated your NetID by logging in the first time.

    Visit the Student Center and click on the “To Do List” menu. Here, you will find “Term Checklist.” Be sure to read the introduction on step 1 and advance through all nine steps.

    Notes:

    • Step 4: Click the “Opt In” button in the top right.
    • Step 5: Add at least one emergency contact.
    • Step 6: Click the “Accept” button in the top right to accept the agreement.
    • Step 7: Click “Agree” or “Decline” in the top right.
    • Step 8: Click the “Accept” button in the top right to accept the agreement.
    • Step 9: Click the “Submit” button in the top right to complete your checklist.

5. Disability Self-Disclosure and Request for Accommodations Form

  • Required only for students requesting disability services or accommodations (i.e., exam accommodations, materials in accessible formats) in order to equitably participate in this program.
  • Register at https://sds.cornell.edu/get-started.
  • Deadline: Advanced notice is needed to arrange the timely implementation of accommodations. Please try to submit the self-disclosure form at least three weeks before your course instruction begins.
  • Questions about disability services? Contact Student Disability Services.

Contact information

Phone: 607.255.7259
Email: cusp@cornell.edu