Cornell Northern California Alumni Association upcoming events

Navigating College Admissions in 2026 (Thu, September 10, 2026)

Fri, 11 Sep 2026 01:00:00 GMT

Join Cornell NorCal for an insider’s perspective on today’s highly competitive college admissions landscape - including what selective colleges look for, how students can differentiate themselves, and common myths families should avoid.

William Wang, founder of Lux Admissions and a Yale graduate, will draw on his experience advising students through the admissions process. Lux Admissions has worked with students admitted to leading universities across the country, including 14 students currently attending Cornell or matriculating this year.

During the session, William will walk through key elements of a strong college application. He'll also share examples from real student admissions files at a few Ivy League Universities, providing a rare look at how admission officers at top colleges evaluate applicants. These files will show how admission officers really think about essays, letters of recommendation, testing, and other parts of a student's narrative.

Topics will include:

What selective colleges are really looking for in 2026
How students can build a compelling application narrative
Academics, extracurriculars, essays, and recommendations
Common admissions myths and mistakes
Examples from real student admissions files
Practical steps students can take now to strengthen their applications

This session is designed for high school students, parents, and Cornell alumni interested in gaining a clearer and more strategic understanding of the modern college admissions process.

Registration: Please register through Cornell NorCal. The Zoom link will be distributed to registered attendees.

WHEN

Thursday, September 10, 2026 | 6:00–7:00 PM

LOCATION

Online

REGISTRATION

Cornell NorCal dues paying members: Free

Questions? Contact Angshuman Rudra '15

Join Cornell NorCal here, and donate here.

Event proceeds go towards operating costs and supporting Cornell students from the SF Bay Area. We are a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization, and we receive no funding from Cornell University.

By registering for and/or participating in this event, you agree that you will adhere to the Cornell University guidelines in regard to COVID-19. Stay informed at covid.cornell.edu. If you are sick or showing symptoms of COVID-19, please stay home. Cornell University is not liable in the event of a COVID-19 outbreak. Attendees will participate at their own risk.

September Multi-School Picnic Mixer @ Golden Gate Park (Sun, September 20, 2026)

Sun, 20 Sep 2026 19:00:00 GMT

This event is hosted by South Bay Stanford Alumni

Join us as we embrace the sunny weather with an alumni happy hour to reconnect and celebrate together.

Whether you're looking to catch up with old friends, make new connections, strengthen your local alumni network, or simply enjoy a casual evening out, this event is for you. With delicious food, drinks, and a welcoming atmosphere, it's the perfect way to unwind and engage with the vibrant multi-school alumni community in SF.

Feel free to bring plus ones from other schools — all are welcome!

Register at https://luma.com/wp91l85m

Following alumni clubs will be attending this event:

South Bay Stanford Alumni
MIT Club of Northern California
Georgia Tech Alumni Association San Francisco Bay Area
Kellogg Alumni Club of San Francisco and Silicon Valley
Cambridge Alumni of Northern California
Cornell Northern California Alumni Association
Cal Alumni of San Francisco
Harvard Club of San Francisco
NYU Alumni Club in the Bay Area

Remember to wear your Cornell red!

WHEN

Sep 20th, 2026, 12-6pm

LOCATION

Golden Gate Park (exact address will be provided to registrants to the email used during registration).

QUESTIONS?

Contact the Stanford Young Alumni - Bay Area (Ling Li) directly at lingli6@alumni.stanford.edu or Paris Hsu at paris.hsu88@gmail.com

Join Cornell NorCal here, and donate here.

Event proceeds go towards operating costs and supporting Cornell students from the SF Bay Area. We are a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization, and we receive no funding from Cornell University.

Ivy+ Happy Hour at Gott's Ferry Plaza (Wed, September 30, 2026)

Thu, 01 Oct 2026 00:30:00 GMT

Hosted by The Brown Club of Greater San Francisco, join us for happy hour with fellow Ivy League & Stanford alumni friends at regional favorite and James Beard award-winning restaurant, Gott's Roadside Ferry Building, SF.

Thanks to Brown alum Clay Walker '92, president of Gott's, for offering his venue as a spot to meet and greet!

Since 2004, set against the iconic backdrop of the San Francisco Bay, Gott’s Ferry Building has been a perfect spot to take in the flavors—and views—of the City.

Come on by to order food and drink from Gott's full menu; guests will pay for their own meals and drinks. Each school will have an outside table for a home base. Look for the Cornell banner!

Menu here: https://www.gotts.com/menus/

This event will be co-hosted by the following organizations:

Brown Club of Greater San Francisco
Cornell NorCal
Columbia Club of Northern California
Dartmouth Club of Greater San Francisco
Harvard Club of San Francisco
Princeton Club of Northern California
Stanford Club of San Francisco
Yale Club of San Francisco

REGISTRATION

Cornell NorCal dues-paying members: Free

If you are not able to make it after registration, please contact Kerstin Frailey '16 so that someone else can take your spot!

What's included:

Meet and greet with fellow Ivy+ and Stanford friends
Gott's Roadside full menu to order from (guests will pay for their own meals and drinks)

Remember to wear your Cornell red!

LOCATION

Gott's Roadside SF Ferry Building

Marketplace 1, Ferry Building, Ferry Plaza Building #6, San Francisco, CA 94111

TRANSPORTATION

8 min walk from Embarcadero (Bart).

Parking lots available within walking distance; please allow for ample time to park!

Questions? Please contact Kerstin Frailey '16

Join Cornell NorCal here, and donate here.

Event proceeds go towards operating costs and supporting Cornell students from the SF Bay Area. We are a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization, and we receive no funding from Cornell University.