Complete your high school education, making sure to take the courses that Cornell requires for admission. Specifically, you'll need four English, three math and two science courses, at least one of which is chemistry. Although not required, the school recommends taking additional math and science courses, as well as three years of study of a second language.
Get work experience and internships at hotels and restaurants in your area. According to Cornell's first-year statistics for the School of Hotel Administration, 87 percent of applicants accepted in 2009 had hospitality industry work experience.
Study for and take the general SAT, as well as the SAT subject test in math (either Level 1 or 2 is acceptable). According to College Board's website, most students take the SAT twice to ensure the best possible scores for college applications--once during the spring of junior year and again in the fall of senior year.
Take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) if you're an international student. These tests evaluate your proficiency in the English language.
Request an interview with an admissions official from Cornell's School of Hotel Administration. You can complete your interview before filing your application, and Cornell recommends that you schedule as early as possible to avoid disappointment. Bring your resume to the interview and be prepared to discuss how your interests and career goals relate to the program.
Submit your application package to Cornell University, either by mail or online. As of September 2010, you need to pay a $70 application fee for your application to be processed. You'll complete a Common Application, which includes your personal identifying information, as well as a Cornell University Supplement designed to help admissions officials understand your academic and professional interests. You'll also need to submit an official transcript of your high school grades, two high school teacher references and standardized test scores. These materials are usually due around Nov. 1, but check Cornell's website for deadlines specific to your application year.
Send Cornell an official mid-year report of your grades in early January (again, see Cornell's website for year-specific dates). This report shows the admissions committee that you're continuing to stay on track in your senior year.