For a list of Frequently Asked Questions click here

The Field of Comparative Literature at Cornell University offers a Ph.D. in all major areas of literary study.  The application and additional information about graduate study at Cornell is available through the University Graduate School's Websites.

Cornell University expects all applicants to complete their application materials without the use of paid agents, credentials services, or other paid professional assistance. The use of such services violates University policy, and may lead to the rejection of application materials, the revocation of an admissions offer, cancellation of admission, or involuntary withdrawal from the University.

The application must be submitted on-line. All supporting materials (including the writing sample of 15-20 pages) must be uploaded to your application.  Recommendation letters should be uploaded by the recommenders, but letters received in the mail will be accepted.

Transcripts:
Upload a PDF copy of transcripts (either official or unofficial) from the institution at which you are currently enrolled and/or from any institution from which you have received or will receive a degree. All transcripts must be combined into one document and uploaded. If it is against an institution’s policy to send official transcripts to you, please request an unofficial copy for yourself and scan that document. Paper copies will be accepted only if the first two options are not available to you. If you are subsequently admitted and accept the offer of admission, we will require a formal and official paper transcript prior to matriculation.

Tips for uploading transcripts that may also be helpful for the list:

• Scan at the lowest dpi that results in a legible document (we recommend to use under 200 dpi whenever possible)
• Ensure that the institution name and other identifying marks are not missed during the scanning process and that your scanned copy is clearly legible and can print on letter size paper (8.5" x 11")
• Save your document as a PDF file
• Scanning in “gray scale” or black and white may produce the best results
• If the scanned file is too large then make a photocopy first (experiment with different settings until you find one that results in the most legible output) then scan the photocopy

Data may be saved and edited until the application is submitted, at which time no changes may be made.   The deadline for submitting your complete application is January 10. 

Candidates should take the GRE's. Cornell's code is: 2098, Department code is: 2902. Foreign students who are not native speakers of English must take the TOEFL examination as indicated on the Graduate School website. Non-native speakers are also encouraged to take the GRE's although the department does not require them to do so.

The Department of Comparative Literature
Graduate Application
240 Goldwin Smith Hall
Ithaca, NY 14853-3201

Applications must be completed by January 10.

Offers of admission and financial aid are made by April 1.
The Field of Comparative Literature normally admits only students intending to take the Ph.D.