FAQ
How do I request to be considered for EOP/HEOP?
Applicant may request to be considered for H/EOP by checking off the box corresponding to “New York State/Cornell Opportunity Programs” in the second page of the Cornell Supplement Application.
What is the difference between EOP and HEOP?
Both are New York State programs and they provide the same services.
EOP is for state-contract colleges (HE, ILR, AG at Cornell) and is also available at SUNY and CUNY institutions.
HEOP is for endowed colleges and universities in New York State (HO, EN, AAP, AS at Cornell).
How do applicants become financially eligible for H/EOP?
The applicants that are identified eligible for H/EOP are asked to provide documentation to verify their economic eligibility. Eligibility for H/EOP is independent from admission by the University.
How do applicants submit their economic verification information to confirm eligibility for EOP/HEOP?
Applicants will receive a letter from the State Programs office requesting to submit their information.
What is required academically to be eligibigle for H/EOP?
Academic eligibility for H/EOP is determined by the college the student applied to and depends on many factors, including high school performance, courses taken, SATs, area of interest, quality of grades, and any particular circumstances of the student’s background. There are seven Colleges at Cornell University and each one has different guidelines. it is recommended that every applicant review the criteria for the college of their interest in their particular web site. Visit our “Useful Links” in the home page.
Is the SAT II (or subject test) required for EOP/HEOP applicants?
Applicants to The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences are recommended to take the SAT II (or subject test). All other colleges at Cornell require applicants to take the SAT II. H/EOP eligibility can not be determined unless SATs are received by the Undergraduate Admissions Office.
What else is needed to be admitted as an H/EOP student?
Must be a NYS resident, meet academic profile and economic criteria. Click here to see the current economic guidelines.
Will I still be considered an H/EOP student if my parents move out of the State of New York during my school year?
Yes. Once the student is accepted as H/EOP, eligibility will continue until graduation.
Do H/EOP students get financial aid for books and supplies for the four years of college?
Only freshmen students will receive financial aid for books and supplies, housing, gym class, medical charges and necessary educational expenses or programs. For the subsequent years, students will receive a financial aid package consisting of federal, state, Cornell University grants, and self-help (parent contribution, work-study, loans).
How many credits are H/EOP students entitled to take? Is there a minimum/maximum of credits required?
The number of credits varies for every student. The College Associate and SPO Counselor will consider the student’s academic plan in order to recommend, or if it is the case, approve the number of credits per semester.
Recommended credit hours:
Freshmen: 12-15
Upperclassmen: 15 +
How much federal work-study (FWS) should I work?
H/EOP freshmen are required not to work but to concentrate on academic achievement and adjustment to Cornell; therefore, federal work-study is replaced with a Cornell grant in their financial aid package in their first year. Upperclassmen are allowed to work up to twenty hours per week, but are strongly recommended to limit their work schedule to ten.
Do SPO cover for winter/summer sessions?
Upperclassmen may be eligible to take courses during these sessions by applying for the LSC scholarship.
How many students are in the entire program and where do they hail from?
Numbers vary every year, but about 55 students of the economically eligible applicants are accepted in the freshman class. There are between 140 and 175 students in H/EOP at metro areas of NYC, Albany, Syracuse, Buffalo, Binghamton, Long Island, Rochester, Utica, and many suburban and rural areas in between.
How can transfer students get into H/EOP at Cornell?
Transfer applicants must be, or have been a participant in H/EOP (or a similar program such as SEEK or College Discovery) at their previous institution. They must also complete the regular Cornell transfer application process and notify the Cornell State Programs Office that they have applied.