Cornell Applicants Are Drawn to Its Prestige. Will They Now Think Twice?

Some prospective students and Cornell alumni say they’re reconsidering their relationship with Cornell amid fallout from an explosive lawsuit alleging multiple fraternity rapes, which raised questions about how authorities responded. The article describes what families and admissions professionals say is a growing hesitancy, including at Stuyvesant High School in New York City, where counselors report students telling them they may “count me out” of applying to Cornell. The story notes that the men named in the allegations have not been charged and that lawyers for at least three issued denials. Separately, at least 600 alumni pledged to halt donations until the university provides a full accounting, and others are pushing for action through a letter to the campus newspaper. Admissions experts argue Cornell’s elite “halo” still drives applications, with more than 67,000 applying last year and about 9% admitted, though counseling offices say trust concerns are rising.