FAQs

We look for candidates with strong leadership skills and managerial potential. Baker students have typically had some work experience, but it is not required. Experience adds value to one’s contributions in class, provides a stronger context for learning, and most importantly, puts you in a better position toward achieving your post-Baker career goals.

While GMAT or GRE scores are *required in your application package, there are no minimum required scores these exams. Applications are evaluated holistically and are not dependent on standardized test scores; however, successful applicants will most likely have competitive scores.

*The Baker Program in Real Estate is test optional for the GMAT/GRE for the fall 2023 admission cycle. When considering whether or not to submit the GMAT/GRE, please consider the following:

• Compelling applicants to the program will demonstrate strong quantitative skills and English language proficiency.
• Our admissions committee uses a holistic approach to review applications, and will seek evidence of quantitative exposure through your resume, academic transcript, essay, and letters of recommendation. The GMAT/GRE is one way to demonstrate quantitative competency and English language proficiency to the admissions committee. Unless your transcript clearly demonstrates quantitative ability, you should strongly consider taking the GMAT/GRE. Examples of quantitative classes include microeconomics, finance, accounting, calculus, and statistics with regression.
• If your secondary school transcript includes examples of quantitative coursework you are welcome to include that in your application as well.
• All applications will be considered “complete” without GMAT/GRE test scores. If you plan to submit test scores, please schedule them to be sent to us well in advance of the application deadline so they can be reviewed with your application.

We do not recommend off-campus work as you complete the program. The Baker Program in Real Estate is an intensive academic program and will often require your participation in on-site visits and industry immersions, sometimes internationally. Our most successful students give the Baker program their full attention.

Graduate students usually live in university or off-campus housing within walking distance or on the TCAT bus route. You can learn more about Cornell and Ithaca housing options for graduate students on the Graduate School website.

Your Baker cohort will be culturally and professionally diverse and you’ll get to know them well. You’ll benefit not only from the relationships that develop among this tight-knit group, but also from the broad, endless opportunities that Cornell University offers. As a Baker student, you’ll be part of the Cornell Graduate School, the School of Hotel Administration, the College of Architecture, Art, and Planning, and the Cornell SC Johnson College of Business. Each offers a valuable network and community of colleagues and alumni. You can join and lead student clubs and partner with MBA students and undergraduates in entrepreneurial pursuits, hackathons, case competitions, and more.

Students finance their degree using student loans, veterans education benefits, fellowships, and more. The Baker program offers need-based scholarships to qualified candidates. You can read more about tuition and financing here.

No, the Baker Program in Real Estate is an intensive residential program intended to facilitate interaction among students, faculty, and industry leaders. There is not an online option or a substitute for the hands-on experiences you’ll gain.

No, the Baker application must be completed in full and all required components must be included. We do not make exemptions based on work or academic experience.

A summer internship is a requirement of the Baker Program in Real Estate. Our career management team can help you find a good fit as you work toward defining your career goals.

Yes, Cornell University’s International Services Office of Global Learning can assist international students with visa applications.

Deferrals are rarely granted. In most cases, requests to defer enrollment result in an invitation for a candidate to reapply.

• If you are not an applicant: postpone applying to the program until the application year you intend to enroll
• If you are an applicant: withdraw your application from consideration and apply again in the application year you intend to enroll
• If you have been admitted: Do not submit the non-refundable enrollment deposit and notify the Admissions Office that you are not able to accept the offer of admission

We do not publish admit rates for our master’s program as this figure changes from year to year and is not indicative of an individual’s competitiveness for our program.

Employment statistics can be found on our Job Outcomes page: https://baker.realestate.cornell.edu/your-career/job-outcomes/