Cornell MIM Review: A Complete Guide to the CEMS-Backed Global Management Program

Applicants are required to submit a written statement (300–500 words) explaining how their background and experiences have influenced their decision and ability to pursue a graduate degree. They should also reflect on their potential to contribute to a community grounded in inclusion, belonging, and mutual respect—where scholars from diverse backgrounds, perspectives, abilities, and experiences can learn and work together productively and positively.

Successful applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. They are required to submit transcripts from all colleges or universities attended. While unofficial transcripts may be uploaded with the application, admitted candidates must provide official transcripts for verification prior to

matriculation.

Transcripts should clearly indicate the following:

• All courses taken

• Grades received in each course

• Name of the degree awarded and the date it was conferred

Applicants must upload transcripts as part of the application process. Any Social Security Numbers appearing on the transcript should be redacted before submission.

For applicants with international credentials: A bachelor’s degree or its equivalent from an accredited institution is required. Candidates whose degrees differ in title or duration from those listed in recognized equivalency guides are strongly encouraged to submit a credential evaluation with their application. Services such as World Education Services (WES) can provide this evaluation.

If transcripts are not in English, applicants must provide an official, certified English translation along with the original transcript. Admitted students must ensure official versions are submitted before enrollment.

After submitting the application, candidates will receive an email invitation to complete a video interview. This interview consists of short verbal responses to pre-recorded questions and is a mandatory part of the application process. The invitation is sent automatically upon application submission, and applicants are advised to monitor their inbox closely, as the application will not be considered complete without the video interview.

The purpose of the video interview is to evaluate the candidate’s fit for the program and their communication skills. It is recommended that applicants complete the interview using the most up-to-date version of Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge for optimal performance.

Two letters of recommendation are required. One should be provided by a former or current instructor who can speak to the applicant’s academic potential. The second should come from an advisor, mentor, coach, or supervisor who can attest to the applicant’s professional capabilities. These official recommendations play a critical role in the final evaluation process.

A non-refundable application fee of $105 is required. However, the fee is waived for current or former members of the United States military and for Cornell students or recent alumni (those who graduated within two years of the application date). Eligible applicants should contact gradadmissions@business.cornell.edu to request a fee waiver code before submitting their application, clearly stating their eligibility.

Payment must be submitted through the online application portal, using either an e-check in U.S. dollars drawn on a U.S. bank or a major credit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or Discover). Additional information about application fees is available on the Cornell University Graduate School website.

• A GMAT or GRE score is required for admission to the CEMS MIM program.

• These tests help demonstrate an applicant’s quantitative skills and English language proficiency.

• Minimum GMAT score: 600

• No minimum GRE score requirement, but the highest total score will be considered if taken multiple times.

• Accepted test formats for Fall 2024:

  • GMAT Online Exam

  • GMAT Focus Edition

  • GRE General Test at Home

• Scores must be valid as of the application round deadline (valid for five years).

• GMAT scores must be sent via mba.com using institution code 5811.

• GRE scores must be submitted through ets.org using institution code 2098 and the correct department/major field code.

• Unofficial score reports can be uploaded with the application for initial review.

• If admitted, official scores must be submitted by the enrollment deposit deadline.

• Offers of admission are not binding until verification of all academic records and test scores.

• It is the applicant’s responsibility to authorize the release of official score reports.

Waiver request information

• Candidates may request a GMAT/GRE waiver if they can demonstrate strong analytical and quantitative skills through academics or work experience.

• Waiver requests must be submitted via the grad school application before the application deadline.

• Responses to waiver requests are sent via email within 7 business days.

• Approved waivers do not disadvantage applicants in the admissions process.

• If a waiver is not approved, the application will remain incomplete until a test score is submitted.

  
  

Eligibility Criteria:

• Academic-based waivers: Transcripts must show quantitative coursework (e.g., microeconomics, finance, accounting, calculus, statistics with regression).

• Work-based waivers: Must include a detailed job description; one letter of recommendation must be from a current supervisor addressing the quantitative nature of the role.

• Other circumstances: Considered on a case-by-case basis.

• All international applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency via TOEFL or IELTS Academic scores sent directly by the testing center.

• Tests must have been taken within two years of the application deadline.

• The program does not accept TOEFL "My Best Score" reports; applicants must meet the minimum sub-scores (speaking, reading, listening, writing) set by the Cornell Graduate School.

• A writing benchmark may be required for international students.

• All courses are delivered in English and demand fluency in speaking, writing, reading, and group collaboration.

• In some cases, waivers may be granted. Criteria and details are available on the Cornell Graduate School website.

• If in-person testing is unavailable due to COVID-19, at-home test options are accepted.

  
  

  • IELTS Online

  • IELTS Indicator

  • TOEFL iBT Test at home

To apply for a private education loan, submit a loan application directly to the private lender of your choice using the lender’s online application process. Your private lender will then ask Cornell University to certify your eligibility electronically.

• Eligibility criteria, interest rates, repayment terms, borrowing limits vary.

• You are recommend exhausting your William D. Ford Direct Unsubsidized Loan eligibility, before considering federal Graduate PLUS Loans or private education loans.

• Evaluate your private education loan options carefully before applying – Cornell University does not recommend, prefer, or endorse any private lenders or loan products.