Temporary CALS Seasonal Admissions Readers (Office of Academic Programs); Ithaca, New York

About the College

The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) is a pioneer of purpose-driven science and Cornell University's second largest college. We work across disciplines to tackle the challenges of our time through world-renowned research, education, and outreach. The questions we probe and the answers we seek focus on three overlapping concerns: We believe that achieving next-generation scientific breakthroughs requires an understanding of the world's complex, interlocking systems. We believe that access to nutritious food and a healthy environment is a fundamental human right. We believe that ensuring a prosperous global future depends on the ability to support local people and communities everywhere. By working in and across multiple scientific areas, CALS can address challenges and opportunities of the greatest relevance, here in New York, across the nation, and around the world.

What We Need

Cornell University's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences is seeking temporary seasonal admissions readers for the 2026-2027 undergraduate admissions season. Seasonal readers will be trained by the College of Agriculture & Life Sciences admissions staff to evaluate first-year applications, including the review of high school transcripts, essays, recommendation letters, and other application components. The admissions review is comprehensive, taking into consideration each applicant's personal background, academic preparation, and extracurricular experiences, across a broad range of high school contexts and within a highly selective admissions process.

Key Responsibilities

• Support admissions staff by serving as the initial reader of application files from prospective first-year students.
• Independently review high school transcripts, essays, recommendation letters, and other application materials.
• Provide organized, clear and thorough notations consistent with training.
• Manage personal schedule to prioritize reading the expected weekly volume of applications.
• Maintain communication with the CALS Admissions staff.
• Be receptive to guidance and feedback from CALS Admissions staff.

All applications are read online. Candidates must have a recent computer (preferably fewer than 5 years old) with a reliable, high-speed internet connection, and must have access to a private, secure location in which to work. In most cases, we cannot consider candidates who are the parents/guardians of a high school junior or senior. We cannot consider candidates who currently work with high school students or college admission professionals, including high school guidance counselors and independent consultants. Additional situational guidelines may also apply.

Education

We are looking for a talented individual with an excellent work ethic who appreciates the higher education admissions process. Specifically, we need someone who has the following:

• Bachelor's Degree.
• New York State resident (and all work must be conducted in New York State).
• Well-developed computer skills and the ability to quickly adapt to new technology.
• Strong ability to manage time independently.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to exercise sound judgment.
• Willingness and ability to apply institutional priorities in accordance with training.
• Ability to internalize feedback and quickly adapt to suggested modifications.
• Ability to maintain the strictest levels of discretion and confidentiality.
• Ability to spend long periods of time reading from a computer screen and typing on a keyboard.

Qualifications

If you possess these experiences and skills, this may be the role for you! There are a few other qualifications that we would view as incredibly helpful in this role, including:

• Prior experience in selective college admissions and/or attendance at, or previous employment at, a highly selective university.
• Understanding of the value of higher education.
• Experience handling a high-volume workload and a track record of meeting deadlines.

Pay & Schedule

• This is a six-month temporary, part-time position at 19 hours/week that is contingent upon available work, funding, and performance.
• This is a remote position located within New York State.
• Seasonal readers are expected to commit to working up to 19 hours per week during early decision online application review, beginning with Zoom training sessions (October through mid-December 2026) and up to 19 hours per week during regular decision application review (mid-December through mid-March 2027, with the exception of the last week of December).
• There may be an occasional opportunity to work up to 25 hours per week (if a reader chooses to do so).
• Readers will conduct a comprehensive online review of around 40-45 applications per 19-hour week once training is completed.
• All training and work will be conducted remotely.
• Compensation is $20.00/hour.
• No visa sponsorship or relocation assistance are provided for this temporary position.

How To Apply

You must submit both a resume/CV and cover letter. The application deadline is August 21, 2026.