![supplemental essay for cornell university PrepScholar](https://www.prepscholar.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/PrepScholar-Logo-Colored.png)
![](http://rss3.fun/777/templates/cheerup/res/banner1.gif)
Choose Your Test
- Search Blogs By Category
- College Admissions
- AP and IB Exams
- GPA and Coursework
3 Top Tips for a Stand-Out Cornell Essay
![supplemental essay for cornell university author image](https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/360031/hayley.jpg)
College Essays
![supplemental essay for cornell university body-cornell-cc0](https://blog.prepscholar.com/hs-fs/hubfs/body-cornell-cc0.jpg?width=584&height=438&name=body-cornell-cc0.jpg)
For the 2022–2023 admission cycle, Cornell admitted less than 8% of their total applicant pool. To be one of the students who gets accepted, you need to write amazing essays as part of your Cornell University application.
In this article, we'll outline the different types of essays you need to write for your Cornell University application and teach you how to write a Cornell supplemental essay that will help you stand out from the thousands of other applicants.
What Are the Cornell Essay Prompts?
Most students applying to Cornell only need to answer one Cornell supplemental essay prompt as part of their application (engineering students are the exception).
Don't get too excited though, because this one essay carries a lot of weight. The word limit is on the longer side (usually around 650 words), and the topic depends on which school within the university that you're applying to.
Cornell University consists of many smaller colleges, each with their own required Cornell writing supplement.
Your Cornell essay prompt will correspond to the school that you plan to study at, so give your future as a Cornell student some thought before you start writing. Be sure to write about the subject or area of study that you are currently interested in, even if that may change when you get to college. As with all college admissions essays, authenticity is key. You may have myriad scholastic interests, but for this essay, stick with what you know best and are most passionate about. Your potential topic must correspond with the areas of study at the college too.
The Cornell essay prompts give ample space for you to express yourself and reveal a more complete portrait of who you are as a student and human simply because of the word limit. You can say a lot in 650 words, so take advantage of it!
![supplemental essay for cornell university Want to build the best possible college application? We can help. PrepScholar Admissions combines world-class admissions counselors with our data-driven, proprietary admissions strategies. We've guided thousands of students to get into their top choice schools, from state colleges to the Ivy League. We know what kinds of students colleges want to admit and are driven to get you admitted to your dream schools. Learn more about PrepScholar Admissions to maximize your chance of getting in:](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/360031/interactive-151896378675.png)
2023–2024 Cornell Supplement Essay Questions
Here are the essays and instructions as shown on the Cornell University admissions website :
College Interest Essays
The primary focus of your college interest essay should be what you intend to study at Cornell. In the online Common Application Writing Supplement, please respond to the essay question below (maximum of 650 words) that corresponds to the undergraduate college or school to which you are applying. Note that the College of Engineering is the only college that requires multiple shorter essays, and the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences lists one required and two optional essays.
Here are this year's prompts:
- Brooks School of Public Policy: Why are you drawn to studying public policy? Drawing on your experiences, tell us about why you are interested in your chosen major and how attending the Brooks School will help you achieve your life goals.
- Required: Why are you drawn to studying the major you have selected? Please discuss how your interests and related experiences have influenced your choice. How will an education from the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) at Cornell University specifically serve to support your learning, growth, and the pursuit of your goals?
- Optional: At Cornell CALS, we aim to leave the world better than we found it, so we seek out those who are not simply driven to master their discipline, but who are also passionate about doing so to serve the public good. Please elaborate on an experience where you had a meaningful mpact on people, a community, and/or an environment of importance to you (200-word limit).
- A primary source of income for my parent/guardian(s) comes from ownership of or employment by an agricultural entity.
- My extended family owns or operates an agricultural entity.
- I have experience working in an agricultural entity.
- I have interest in pursuing a career in an agricultural entity.
Please feel free to share additional details (optional) (100-word limit).
- College of Architecture, Art, and Planning: How do your interests directly connect with your intended major at the College of Architecture, Art, and Planning (AAP)? Why architecture (B.Arch), art (BFA), or urban and regional studies (URS)? B. Arch applicants, please provide an example of how a creative project or passion sparks your motivation to pursue a 5-year professional degree program. BFA applicants may want to to consider how they could integrate a range of interests and available resources at Cornell into a coherent art practice. URS students may want to emphasize their enthusiasm and depth of interest in the study of urban and regional issues.
- College of Arts and Sciences: At the College of Arts and Sciences, curiosity will be your guide. Discuss how your passion for learning is shaping your academic journey, and what areas of study or majors excite you and why. Your response should convey how your interests align with the College, and how you would take advantage of the opportunities and curriculum in Arts and Sciences. .
- Cornell SC Johnson College of Business: What kind of a business student are you? Using your personal, academic, or volunteer/work experiences, describe the topics or issues that you care about and why they are important to you. Your response should convey how your interests align with the school to which you are applying within the Cornell SC Johnson College of Business (Charles H. Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management or the Peter and Stephanie Nolan School of Hotel Administration).
- Essay 1 (Required response): How do your interests directly connect with Cornell Engineering? If you have an intended major, what draws you to that department at Cornell Engineering? If you are unsure what specific engineering field you would like to study, describe how your general interest in engineering most directly connects with Cornell Engineering. It may be helpful to concentrate on one or two things that you are most excited about.
- Question A: Describe an engineering problem that impacts your local community. This could be your school, neighborhood, town, region, or a group you identify with. Describe one to three things you might do as an engineer to solve the problem.
- Question B: Diversity in all forms is intrinsic to excellence in engineering. Engineering the best solutions to complex problems is often achieved by drawing from the diverse ingenuity of people from different backgrounds, lived experiences, and identities. How do you see yourself contributing to the diversity and/or the inclusion of the Cornell Engineering community? What is the unique voice you would bring to the Cornell Engineering community?
- College of Human Ecology: How have your related experiences influenced your decision to apply to the College of Human Ecology (CHE)? How will your choice of major impact your goals and plans for the future? Your response should show us that your interests and aspirations align with CHE and your choice of major. (Refer to our essay application tips before you begin.)
- School of Industrial and Labor Relations: Using your personal, academic, or volunteer/work experiences, describe the topics or issues that you care about and why they are important to you. Your response should show us that your interests align with the ILR School.
![supplemental essay for cornell university body-library-cc0-2](https://blog.prepscholar.com/hs-fs/hubfs/body-library-cc0-2.jpg?width=517&height=345&name=body-library-cc0-2.jpg)
Cornell Supplement Essays Analyzed
In this section, we'll take a look at each Cornell supplemental essay prompt in depth.
Remember, you may only answer one prompt for your application.
We'll also give tips for how to best approach answering the individual essay questions. Some tips will apply to all of the questions, but we will highlight the important differences for each program.
Brooks School of Public Policy
Why are you drawn to studying public policy? Drawing on your experiences, tell us about why you are interested in your chosen major and how attending the Brooks School will help you achieve your life goals.
To apply to the Brooks School of Public Policy, you'll need to select a specific major . Be specific about what you want to study and why, and make sure that you clearly state why the Brooks School in particular is the best option for you.
Don't panic if you don't have a lot of experience with your chosen major yet! Instead, think about why you're interested in this field and what experiences led you to it . Maybe you're inspired by something you personally experienced, by research you conducted, or by a documentary or article you read.
You should also research the history of the Brooks School and its different programs. Choose the one that best aligns with your goals , and look to see whether any notable faculty or alumni might further inspire you.
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
Applicants must answer one required essay, but also have the option to answer two optional essays. We'll break down your options below.
Required: Why are you drawn to studying the major you have selected? Please discuss how your interests and related experiences have influenced your choice. How will an education from the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) at Cornell University specifically serve to support your learning, growth, and the pursuit of your goals ?
The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences asks you to have an idea of your major as you apply. In your essay, you should commit to one major and be specific about why it's important to you. Choose a topic of genuine interest to you and that you have a personal connection with, even if that personal connection consists solely of articles you've read and documentaries you've seen.
Do your research about the topic and the school. Dedicate some time to reading about CALS—its history, its current faculty, and its notable alumni. Is there anyone from your research who you can relate to or who you think of as inspiring? Are there professors whom you are looking forward to working with?
Lean into the school's reputation, and choose something specific to write about that has a personal connection to you. For example, instead of writing about homesteading trends across the country, write about a local farm in your area that you visited as a child or how you got interested in food science.
You could also write about your personal connection to a specific project of a professor who teaches in the Cornell College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.
Optional: At Cornell CALS, we aim to leave the world better than we found it, so we seek out those who are not simply driven to master their discipline, but who are also passionate about doing so to serve the public good. Please elaborate on an experience where you had a meaningful impact on people, a community, and/or an environment of importance to you. (200-word limit)
This is a great opportunity for you to show how you want to use your passion for the greater good . Because the prompt tells you to define your impact "on people, a community" broadly, you have a lot of leeway here. Think about your local neighborhood, your family and friends, any trips you may have taken through school or service organizations—anything that shows your commitment to serving others.
Optional: Cornell CALS is dedicated to purpose-driven study of the agricultural, life, environmental, and social sciences and welcomes students with interests that span a wide variety of disciplines. Given our agricultural history and commitment to educating the next generation of agriculturalists, please share if you have a background or interest in agriculture, regardless of your intended major. An "agricultural entity" for the purpose of this question is defined as cultivating soil, growing crops, and raising livestock (e.g., farm, ranch, greenhouse, vineyard, etc.). Select all that apply: A primary source of income for my parent/guardian(s) comes from ownership of or employment by an agricultural entity . My extended family owns or operates an agricultural entity. I have experience working in an agricultural entity. I have interest in pursuing a career in an agricultural entity. Please feel free to share additional details (optional). (100-word limit)
This isn't an essay prompt so much as a way for you to self-identify . If any of these options apply to you, make sure to check them!
College of Architecture, Art, and Planning
How do your interests directly connect with your intended major at the College of Architecture, Art, and Planning (AAP)? Why architecture (B.Arch), art (BFA), or urban and regional studies (URS)? B. Arch applicants, please provide an example of how a creative project or passion sparks your motivation to pursue a 5-year professional degree program. BFA applicants may want to consider how they could integrate a range of interests and available resources at Cornell into a coherent art practice. URS students may want to emphasize their enthusiasm and depth of interest in the study of urban and regional issues.
The College of Architecture, Art, and Planning wants to know how you connect your creative passions with your scholastic interests here. Think about what you learn about or engage with of your own volition, not just because you're required to. In other words, when you fall down an Internet rabbit hole, what are you often researching?
For example, what design trends fascinate you? Which artists, photographers, or architects do you gravitate toward? What sort of urban planning projects would you be inspired to pursue? What transportation, housing, or infrastructure issues in your community or region do you want to work toward solving? Keep in mind that you'll want to not just describe who or what motivates you but also why .
Note also that the question asks you to describe either a "passion" or a "creative project," so if you've already had the opportunity to work on an art installation or design project that has inspired you to pursue your degree at Cornell, then describe that project and explain why it motivates you. Remember, the prompt asks about passions, as well as quirks. Don't feel embarrassed! Share something personal about yourself. Maybe you love watching old cinema or make your own pop-up cards for your family. Maybe you watch hundreds of hours of videos from YouTube photographers. Maybe you visit the City Hall of whatever new town you visit.
Whatever you choose, make sure you elaborate on why you're interested in it and how it's affected your life.
![supplemental essay for cornell university body_urban](https://blog.prepscholar.com/hs-fs/hubfs/body_urban.jpg?width=395&height=263&name=body_urban.jpg)
College of Arts and Sciences
At the College of Arts and Sciences, curiosity will be your guide. Discuss how your passion for learning is shaping your academic journey, and what areas of study or majors excite you and why. Your response should convey how your interests align with the College, and how you would take advantage of the opportunities and curriculum in Arts and Sciences .
The College of Arts and Sciences is the most generalized school of study at Cornell University, and the admissions essay reflects that. If you know that you love to learn but aren't sure what your career will look like after college, it's likely you'll be applying here.
Don't be fooled! Just because the question is broad, you don't have to write a broad essay in response. Don't feel like you have to demonstrate an interest in both Russian literature and molecular biology. Rather, describe your real intellectual pursuits with honesty and sincerity .
You don't have to have huge aspirations or a fancy reason for your intellectual pursuits. Stay true to yourself. If you're interested in Tudor history because of some historical fiction novels you read as a child, that's fine! You can say that. Just be sure to always tie it back to how Cornell's academics will let you study your passion.
If you have multiple areas of study that you are passionate about, you may write about them—but don't write about more than two or three at the most. Otherwise, your essay will feel more like a list rather than an in-depth exploration of your actual interests.
If you do choose to write about multiple interests, be sure to connect them back to you and your individual experience as a Cornell student and community member.
![supplemental essay for cornell university body-cornell-university-maeshima-hiroki](https://blog.prepscholar.com/hs-fs/hubfs/body-cornell-university-maeshima-hiroki.jpg?width=516&height=387&name=body-cornell-university-maeshima-hiroki.jpg)
Cornell SC Johnson College of Business
What kind of a business student are you? Using your personal, academic, or volunteer/work experiences, describe the topics or issues that you care about and why they are important to you. Your response should convey how your interests align with the school to which you are applying within the Cornell SC Johnson College of Business (Charles H. Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management or the Peter and Stephanie Nolan School of Hotel Administration).
For the Johnson College of Business, the first part of the essay question asks you to think about the business-related topics or issues you are interested in; how they're connected with your life, academic, volunteer, or work experiences; and why. The next part of the prompt invites you to discuss your interests in terms of what's on offer at the business school.
Your best approach, then, is to r esearch the programs so that you know exactly what their approach to business, management, economics, and hospitality is. What topics do they offer classes on? What specific research areas do their professors study? Then, think about what you most often find yourself thinking, reading, or talking about that relates to two or three of these topics. Those connections should be the core of your essay.
For example, did a history class inspire you to research the evolution of print advertising to digital marketing? Did moving from abroad get you interested in international development? Did you grow up in a family of entrepreneurs and want to further explore how to build your own business?
As you build your response, keep in mind that your essay should also indicate why you want to attend Cornell's College of Business rather than any other and how you'll take advantage of the resources it offers. So do some research on what makes the college stand out from others. You can list specific classes you'd like to take or professors you'd like to study with. Doing so will show that you're interested in Cornell, not just any old business school.
If you're specifically interested in the School of Hotel Adminitration and you're having trouble coming up with a topic, use the list of global hospitality industry topics as a jumping-off point. Which are you interested in? How did you become interested in them? Why do you care so much about these topics? What type of career do you want in this industry?
When writing about the experiences that define you and your passions as a future business major, don't generalize. Instead, use stories, anecdotes, and details that actually happened and that show your personality traits and motivations. Follow that old grade-school writing rule: show; don't tell.
College of Engineering
All applicants are required to write two supplemental essays. Each has a limit of 250 words. Essay 1 is required of all applicants. For Essay 2, you must choose between Question A and Question B.
Essay 1 (Required): How do your interests directly connect with Cornell Engineering? If you have an intended major, what draws you to that department at Cornell Engineering? If you are unsure what specific engineering field you would like to study, describe how your general interest in engineering most directly connects with Cornell Engineering. It may be helpful to concentrate on one or two things that you are most excited about.
Essay 2 (Required):
And now for something a little different. Instead of writing one long essay, College of Engineering applicants have to write two shorter essays, and they get to choose from three prompts.
Each of the prompts seeks to understand why you want to study engineering and why you believe you'd excel at engineering. For all prompts, be sure to go beyond the surface level with your answers. Don't just say that you want a steady job after graduation. Cornell's College of Engineering wants to see that you have both ambition and interesting ideas.
The first prompt is required and is the most similar to the prompts for the other colleges. It's a basic "why us?" prompt, in which you explain to Cornell what it is about their College of Engineering that made you want to apply. Again, the more specific you can be here, the better. Mention things such as specific professors, classes, or internship opportunities to strengthen your essay.
The second prompt is a chance for you to put your thinking cap on! This is a great place for you to shine. Your job here is to choose a problem that is important to you —and say a little about why before diving into the prompt itself. If you know what type of engineering you want to study, make sure the problem you're addressing can be solved through that subfield. If you're not decided, you have a little more leeway.
For the third prompt, you're focusing on diversity and how you'll add to it. This doesn't just need to be racial diversity; think about what your unique life experiences can bring to Cornell's College of Engineering and how that would contribute to its diversity.
![supplemental essay for cornell university body_engineering](https://blog.prepscholar.com/hs-fs/hubfs/body_engineering.jpg?width=248&height=203&name=body_engineering.jpg)
College of Human Ecology
How have your related experiences influenced your decision to apply to the College of Human Ecology (CHE)? How will your choice of major impact your goals and plans for the future? Your response should show us that your interests and aspirations align with CHE and your choice of major. (Refer to our essay application tips before you begin.)
This essay prompt gives you lots of room for creativity. That being said, heed this caveat: don't get carried away in stating your grandiose mission for solving the world's problems. As with the other essay prompts, specificity is key.
For the first question, choose an example from your life to illustrate your answer. Pick something that has truly been formative in your educational and professional goals , dive in deep, and write from the heart.
For example, if you're interested in studying policy analysis and management, you could talk about how your experience with social welfare programs has affected your life. Or if you're looking to be part of the fiber science and apparel design program, you could talk about why clothing has played such an important part in your life and your passion for fashion design.
Be sure to include your future goals in your answer. The College of Human Ecology has a very specific focus—you'll want to reflect that as you discuss your career and life aspirations.
School of Industrial and Labor Relations
Using your personal, academic, or volunteer/work experiences, describe the topics or issues that you care about and why they are important to you. Your response should show us that your interests align with the ILR School.
This essay is a great opportunity to show off your academic side. You get to write about your topics of study and describe how you will continue to make it a part of your life in your college career and beyond.
You don't have to limit your answer to school experiences. Academic pursuits can grow from hobbies, travels, or personal experiences. Do you take on leadership roles in your religious community? Have you had a particularly influential summer job? As long as you relate the experience back to academics, you are golden.
You should also specify why ILR is the right college at Cornell for you to pursue these interests. What can you study at ILR that you can't study in Cornell's other colleges, such as the College of Arts and Sciences? It can be helpful to list specific courses or tracks of study at ILR that reflect your intellectual interests. Remember, the prompt specifically asks why ILR is your Cornell college of choice.
![supplemental essay for cornell university cornell-university-cc0](https://blog.prepscholar.com/hs-fs/hubfs/cornell-university-1178565_640.jpg?width=560&name=cornell-university-1178565_640.jpg)
How to Write a Great Cornell Essay
Regardless of which Cornell essay prompt you're responding to, you should keep in mind the following tips for how to write a great Cornell essay.
#1: Use Your Own Voice
The point of a college essay is to give the admissions committee a chance to get to know you beyond your test scores, grades, and honors.
Your admissions essays are your opportunity to make yourself come alive for the essay readers and to present yourself as a fully fleshed-out person.
You should, then, make sure that the person you're presenting in your college essays is yourself. Don't try to emulate what you think the committee wants to hear or try to act like someone you're not.
If you lie or exaggerate, your essay will come across as insincere, which will diminish its effectiveness. Stick to telling real stories about the person you really are, not who you think Cornell wants you to be.
#2: Avoid Clichés and Overused Phrases
When writing your Cornell essay, try to avoid using clichés or overused quotes or phrases.
These include quotations that have been quoted to death and phrases or idioms that are overused in daily life. The college admissions committee has probably seen numerous essays from students who have grand plans to change the world. Only talk about changing the world if you have legitimate interests to back it up.
Strive for originality and avoid using clichés, which take away from the strength and sincerity of your work.
#3: Check Your Work
It should almost go without saying, but you want to make sure your Cornell essay is the strongest example of your work possible. Before you turn in your Cornell application, make sure to edit and proofread your essays.
Your work should be free of spelling and grammar errors. Make sure to run your essays through a spelling and grammar check before you submit.
It's a good idea to have someone else read your Cornell essay too. You can seek a second opinion on your work from a parent, teacher, or friend. Ask them whether your work represents you as a student and person. Have them check to make sure you haven't missed any small writing errors. Having a second opinion will help your work be the best it possibly can be.
Recap: Writing a Stellar Cornell Essay
The Cornell essay prompts give you a chance to really show the admissions committee who you are. Regardless of the question you're answering, remember to follow these basic dos and don'ts as you're writing:
- Be authentic and honest.
- Be specific when citing people, places, and things.
- Strive for brevity and clarity; less is more!
- Be yourself, and do your research—both will shine through in your essays!
- Base your essays on what you think the Cornell application committee wants to hear.
- Use clichés or broad sweeping statements.
- Try too hard to be funny and original. Be genuine and your positive attributes will be visible to the committee.
What's Next?
Are you working on the Common App essay as part of your application? Read our breakdown of the Common App prompts and our guide to picking the best prompt for you .
If you're planning to take the SAT or ACT as part of your application , try out some of our famous test prep guides, like " How to Get a Perfect Score on the SAT " and " 15 Key ACT Test Day Tips ."
![supplemental essay for cornell university Want to write the perfect college application essay? We can help. Your dedicated PrepScholar Admissions counselor will help you craft your perfect college essay, from the ground up. We learn your background and interests, brainstorm essay topics, and walk you through the essay drafting process, step-by-step. At the end, you'll have a unique essay to proudly submit to colleges. Don't leave your college application to chance. Find out more about PrepScholar Admissions now:](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/360031/interactive-151898325568.png)
Trending Now
How to Get Into Harvard and the Ivy League
How to Get a Perfect 4.0 GPA
How to Write an Amazing College Essay
What Exactly Are Colleges Looking For?
ACT vs. SAT: Which Test Should You Take?
When should you take the SAT or ACT?
Get Your Free
![supplemental essay for cornell university PrepScholar](https://www.prepscholar.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/PrepScholar-Logo-Colored.png)
Find Your Target SAT Score
Free Complete Official SAT Practice Tests
How to Get a Perfect SAT Score, by an Expert Full Scorer
Score 800 on SAT Math
Score 800 on SAT Reading and Writing
How to Improve Your Low SAT Score
Score 600 on SAT Math
Score 600 on SAT Reading and Writing
Find Your Target ACT Score
Complete Official Free ACT Practice Tests
How to Get a Perfect ACT Score, by a 36 Full Scorer
Get a 36 on ACT English
Get a 36 on ACT Math
Get a 36 on ACT Reading
Get a 36 on ACT Science
How to Improve Your Low ACT Score
Get a 24 on ACT English
Get a 24 on ACT Math
Get a 24 on ACT Reading
Get a 24 on ACT Science
Stay Informed
Get the latest articles and test prep tips!
![supplemental essay for cornell university Follow us on Facebook (icon)](https://360031.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/360031/facebook_logo.png)
Hayley Milliman is a former teacher turned writer who blogs about education, history, and technology. When she was a teacher, Hayley's students regularly scored in the 99th percentile thanks to her passion for making topics digestible and accessible. In addition to her work for PrepScholar, Hayley is the author of Museum Hack's Guide to History's Fiercest Females.
Ask a Question Below
Have any questions about this article or other topics? Ask below and we'll reply!
![supplemental essay for cornell university supplemental essay for cornell university](https://www.ivywise.com/core/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/ivywise-logo-larger@2x.png?x52954)
- Get Started
- Join Our Team
- (212) 262-3500
- Initial Consultation
- IvyWise Roundtable
- School Placement
- Test Prep & Tutoring
- Early College Guidance
- College Admissions Counseling
- Academic Tutoring
- Test Prep Tutoring
- Research Mentorship
- Academic Advising
- Transfer Admissions
- Graduate Admissions
- School Partnerships
- Webinars and Events
- IvyWise By The Numbers
- Testimonials
- Dr. Kat Cohen
- IvyWise In The News
- IvyWise Gives Back
- IvyWise Blog
- Just Admit It! Podcast
- Admission Statistics
![supplemental essay for cornell university High school student preparing for college considers how to choose a major](https://www.ivywise.com/core/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/adobestock_577558430-800x480.jpeg?x52954)
2023-24 Cornell University Supplemental Essay Prompt Guide
![supplemental essay for cornell university High school student preparing for college considers how to choose a major](https://www.ivywise.com/cdn-cgi/image/fit=scale-down,sharpen=1,quality=60,format=jpeg,width=800/core/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/adobestock_577558430-1024x683.jpeg?x52954)
Is Cornell University on your college list? Because it’s an Ivy League institution with a low admissions rate, your application needs to be extremely competitive. Your responses to Cornell’s supplemental essay prompts can help set you apart if they are compelling, thoughtful, and authentic. Keep reading for some insights into Cornell’s 2023-24 supplemental essays.
What to Consider Before You Write
Before you begin writing, it’s important to ask yourself what stories you can tell in your essays that aren’t already mentioned in your application. The admissions committee wants a complete picture of who you are, what interests you, and how you think — this helps them determine how you will contribute to campus life.
Are the Common App and College Supplemental Essays Really Important During a College Admission Decision?
You apply for admission to Cornell University through the Common App, which includes supplemental essays. Your application will undergo a holistic review, meaning that the admissions committee will look at both hard and soft factors. Hard factors are indicators of your academic performance, such as GPA, course rigor, and test scores. The supplemental essays are one of the most important soft factors, which also include your extracurriculars, counselor recommendations, and teacher evaluations.
How Many Hours to Put into Writing Your Supplemental Essay for Cornell University?
While there isn’t a specific number of hours you should devote to writing your supplemental essays, it is well worth taking your time with the entire writing process. This includes researching Cornell University to include specific details in your essay, such as professors you want to work with, classes you want to take, and clubs you would like to join. The process of writing a strong essay includes getting feedback from people you trust, revising, and proofreading. Our college essay guide is also a helpful resource.
Does Cornell Look More at Essays and Letters of Recommendation or GPAs and SAT/ACT Scores?
Even though applications go through a holistic review, the hard factors of the application are still more important than the soft factors — after all, the admissions committee wants to make sure you are capable of college-level work. If your GPA and level of course rigor demonstrate your ability to perform at the college level, admissions officers will then look at the other factors that indicate how you will integrate into campus life.
Cornell is currently test-optional, meaning you do not have to submit SAT or ACT scores — however, they will be considered if you submit them. That said, the following colleges and schools do not consider test scores at all in the admissions process:
- College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS)
- College of Architecture, Art & Planning
- Cornell SC Johnson College of Business: Nolan School of Hotel Administration
- Cornell SC Johnson College of Business: Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management
If you are applying to other colleges at Cornell, test scores will be evaluated if you submit them. Cornell has low college admission rates , so submitting high test scores may give you an edge over other applicants with comparable transcripts.
How to Write the Cornell Supplemental Essays 2023-24
In addition to the personal statement in the Common Application, you are also required to respond to the Cornell University essay question and the essay prompt(s) for the undergraduate school or college to which you are applying.
It’s important to note that many of Cornell’s undergraduate school and college supplements can be broken down into two simple questions:
- Why the major?
- Why Cornell [undergraduate college/school]?
The “Why This College?” essay is a common theme for supplemental essay prompts. Though in this case, you will want to address why you’re interested in the specific undergraduate college or school at Cornell, rather than the university as a whole.
The following strategies and examples can help you respond to these essay prompts.
Table of Contents
- Cornell University Essay Question
- College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
- College of Architecture, Art, and Planning
- College of Arts & Sciences
- Cornell Jeb E. Brooks School of Public Policy
- Cornell SC Johnson College of Business
- College of Engineering
- College of Human Ecology
- School of Industrial and Labor Relations
Cornell University Essay Question
In the aftermath of the U.S. Civil War, Ezra Cornell wrote, “I would found an institution where any person can find instruction in any study.” For over 150 years, Cornell University has remained deeply committed to Ezra’s vision. Explain how your life experiences will help inform your contributions to a learning community devoted to “… any person … any study.” We encourage you to think broadly about your life experiences, including how local (e.g., family, school, neighborhood) or global communities you’ve been part of have helped shape your perspective. (350-word limit)
This prompt is new, and it’s a lot like other college essays that ask you to describe community and/or diversity in the wake of the Supreme Court’s ruling on race-conscious college admissions. It might help you to brainstorm the different aspects of your identity and the different communities that influence you — whether that community is your neighborhood, a place of worship, or a club or organization. Then, think about how any of these influences might demonstrate how you can fit in and contribute to the Cornell community. Here’s an example of what that might look like:
The cultures and histories behind my Indo-Jamaican identity transcend geographical boundaries and shape my perspective. My dual heritage has provided me with invaluable lessons about diversity, resilience, and harmony. I hope to continue learning and sharing these lessons at Cornell as a history major and migration studies minor.
One of the most profound lessons from my dual heritage is the importance of resilience. The histories of both India and Jamaica are marked by struggles for independence. The tales of my ancestors’ resilience under colonial rule in both countries, and my Indian ancestors’ fight against indentureship, have instilled in me a passion to delve deeper into the history of colonization and migration. This is why I am drawn to Cornell’s strong Caribbean and Asian history curriculum, in addition to the migration studies minor. Not only will I gain a better understanding of the events and influences that informed my identity, but I can participate in opportunities like the Migrations Global Grand Challenge to learn how to address the challenges that migrant populations face.
My homeland, Jamaica, is a union of diverse cultural influences. Not only was I immersed in my mother’s Hindu community, I experienced the African and European influences on the language, art, food, music, and religion that are part of my father’s Jamaican heritage. The festivals and celebrations of my childhood embody the spirit of communal joy, emphasizing the significance of unity despite differences—Diwali lights illuminate the darkness, while Junkanoo parades infuse the streets with vibrant colors. In this spirit of unity, I hope to volunteer with the Einaudi Center’s Foreign Language Introduction Program to share my knowledge of Hindu and Jamaican languages and culture with schools in the community.
Cornell’s commitment to “any person… any study” aligns perfectly with my values of acceptance and inclusiveness. I see myself as a bridge between cultures, and I’m eager to learn from my peers and share my knowledge with them. I am excited to embrace Ezra Cornell’s vision and be part of a university that values the unique experiences and perspectives that every student brings to the table.
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
Prompt 1 (required) .
Why are you drawn to studying the major you have selected? Please discuss how your interests and related experiences have influenced your choice. How will an education from the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) at Cornell University specifically serve to support your learning, growth, and the pursuit of your goals? (650-word limit)
If you examine this prompt closely, you’ll see that it asks the two “Why?” questions mentioned above. You have 650 words to tell the story of how you developed an interest in the field you want to study, how you expanded that interest over time, and why Cornell CALS is the right place for you to cultivate that interest into a career. This is illustrated in the following example.
I have always been fascinated by the natural world and the complex relationships that exist between living organisms and their environment. As a child, I loved spending time outdoors, exploring the woods behind my house, and collecting bugs and rocks. I was also intrigued by my family’s vegetable garden, and I enjoyed learning about how to grow plants and care for animals.
As I got older, my interest in agriculture and life sciences continued to grow. I took several biology and environmental science courses in high school, and I participated in several extracurricular activities related to these subjects, such as the science club and the environmental club. I also volunteered at a local farm, where I learned about sustainable farming practices and the challenges that farmers face.
My experiences in high school and in the community have solidified my desire to study agriculture and life sciences at Cornell University. Cornell’s CALS program offers a wide range of courses and research opportunities that align with my interests. I am particularly interested in majoring in Plant Sciences and minoring in Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems.
I believe that an education from Cornell CALS will specifically serve to support my learning, growth, and the pursuit of my goals in the following ways:
- Access to world-class faculty and resources: Cornell CALS has a world-renowned faculty who are experts in their fields. I am excited to learn from these professors and conduct research with them. Cornell also has state-of-the-art facilities and resources that will support my learning, such as its research farms and greenhouses.
- Opportunities to learn from and collaborate with a diverse student body: Cornell CALS is a diverse community of students from all over the world. I am eager to learn from my classmates and collaborate with them on projects. I believe that this exposure to different perspectives will make me a more well-rounded and informed student.
- Preparation for a rewarding career in agriculture and life sciences: Cornell CALS offers a rigorous academic program that will prepare me for a successful career in agriculture and life sciences. I am confident that the skills and knowledge I gain at Cornell will enable me to make a positive impact on the world.
After graduating from Cornell, I plan to pursue a career in agricultural research. I am interested in developing new sustainable farming practices and crop varieties that can help feed the world’s growing population. I believe that my education at Cornell CALS will give me the tools and knowledge I need to achieve this goal, and I look forward to applying what I learn to make a difference in the world.
Optional Prompts
It can be tempting to skip these optional prompts, but the more information you can provide to the admissions committee for their holistic review, the better. Think about what you can add that hasn’t already been mentioned elsewhere in your application — keep it short but impactful, like these examples.
Prompt 2: At Cornell CALS, we aim to leave the world better than we found it, so we seek out those who are not simply driven to master their discipline, but who are also passionate about doing so to serve the public good. Please elaborate on an experience where you had a meaningful impact on people, a community, and/or an environment of importance to you. (200-word limit)
During my high school journey, I’ve strived to embody Cornell CALS’ mission of leaving the world better than I found it. One experience that truly reflects this commitment was my involvement in organizing a community clean-up initiative. Witnessing our local park’s deterioration saddened me, so I rallied a group of volunteers to act.
We dedicated weekends to restoring the park’s beauty, picking up litter, planting trees, and repairing playground equipment. Our efforts not only transformed the park but also fostered a sense of pride and unity among community members. Children now have a safe, vibrant space to play, and families regularly gather for picnics and events.
This experience taught me that meaningful change begins at the grassroots level. It’s not enough to master academic disciplines; we must apply our knowledge to benefit society. At Cornell CALS, I aspire to continue this journey, using my education to address larger issues and make a positive impact on the world.
Prompt 3: Cornell CALS is dedicated to purpose-driven study of the agricultural, life, environmental, and social sciences and welcomes students with interests that span a wide variety of disciplines. Given our agricultural history and commitment to educating the next generation of agriculturalists, please share if you have a background or interest in agriculture, regardless of your intended major. An “agricultural entity” for the purpose of this question is defined as cultivating soil, growing crops, and raising livestock (e.g., farm, ranch, greenhouse, vineyard, etc.).
Select all that apply:
- A primary source of income for my parent/guardian(s) comes from ownership of or employment by an agricultural entity.
- My extended family owns or operates an agricultural entity.
- I have experience working in an agricultural entity.
- I have interest pursuing a career in an agricultural entity.
Please feel free to share additional details (optional). (100-word limit)
I have experience working in an agricultural entity, specifically helping out on my family’s farm during summer breaks. This experience has given me a deep appreciation for the agricultural industry and its importance in our society. While my intended major may not be directly related to agriculture, I believe that understanding the agricultural sciences is crucial for addressing global challenges related to food security and sustainability. I am open to exploring how my education at Cornell CALS can contribute to the advancement of agriculture and its intersection with other disciplines.
College of Architecture, Art, and Planning
How do your interests directly connect with your intended major at the College of Architecture, Art, and Planning (AAP)? Why architecture (B.Arch), art (BFA), or urban and regional studies (URS)? B. Arch applicants, please provide an example of how a creative project or passion sparks your motivation to pursue a 5-year professional degree program. BFA applicants may want to consider how they could integrate a range of interests and available resources at Cornell into a coherent art practice. URS students may want to emphasize their enthusiasm and depth of interest in the study of urban and regional issues. (650-word limit)
This is a lengthy prompt, but on close inspection, you’ll see that it’s the classic “Why?” essay question. How do you envision your future in art, architecture, and/or planning, and how can Cornell help you turn your current passions into practice? These are questions to consider as you craft your response. Check out this example for some inspiration.
My passion for art and design has been a guiding force throughout my life, and I am excited to channel this passion into my intended major at the College of Architecture, Art, and Planning (AAP). The intersection of my interests and AAP’s renowned programs presents unique academic opportunities that will help me develop a coherent and impactful art practice.
From a young age, I’ve been captivated by the power of visual expression. I remember spending hours sketching, experimenting with colors, and observing the world through an artistic lens. This early fascination has evolved into a profound interest in art forms and expression, which is why I intend to pursue an art major at AAP.
One of the key aspects of AAP that aligns with my interests is its multidisciplinary approach. The college encourages students to explore various art forms and design disciplines, which resonates with my belief that creativity knows no boundaries. I see my artistic practice as an ever-evolving journey that can be enriched by drawing from diverse influences and techniques. AAP’s emphasis on cross-disciplinary collaboration will allow me to incorporate elements from different artistic fields into my work, creating a richer and more nuanced body of art.
Moreover, my passion extends beyond traditional visual arts into art history, theory and criticism. I am especially interested in spending a semester at Cornell in Rome to immerse myself in art history and expand my knowledge of the art world. Not only will this enhance my undergraduate experience at Cornell, but it will allow me to explore new methods of artistic expression that will profoundly impact my work.
Additionally, AAP offers access to world-class faculty and resources that will be instrumental in honing my skills and fostering my artistic growth. I look forward to learning from professors who are experts in their respective fields, benefiting from their guidance, and engaging in meaningful discussions about art and design. The diverse range of resources, from art studios to fabrication shops, are ideal for me to experiment with new techniques and materials.
One of the aspects of AAP that particularly excites me is the emphasis on real-world application. I see art as a powerful medium for addressing contemporary issues and sparking meaningful conversations. AAP’s commitment to engaging with real-world challenges through art and design aligns with my desire to use my artistic practice as a platform for social and cultural commentary. I believe that art has the potential to raise awareness, inspire change, and promote dialogue, and I am eager to take advantage of the resources and opportunities at AAP to create art that has a lasting impact.
Furthermore, Cornell’s location offers a wealth of inspiration for my artistic practice, from the vibrant arts scene in Ithaca to the natural beauty of the surrounding area. Exploring these environments will undoubtedly inform and enrich my art, allowing me to draw inspiration from the world around me.
My interests are intricately connected with my intended major at AAP. I am excited to embark on this journey to further develop my artistic practice, drawing from a multidisciplinary approach, engaging with world-class faculty and resources, and using art as a means to address contemporary issues. AAP’s commitment to fostering creativity and innovation aligns perfectly with my aspirations as an artist, and I am eager to contribute to the vibrant artistic community at Cornell while continuing to pursue my passion for art and design.
College of Arts & Sciences
At the College of Arts and Sciences, curiosity will be your guide. Discuss how your passion for learning is shaping your academic journey, and what areas of study or majors excite you and why. Your response should convey how your interests align with the College, and how you would take advantage of the opportunities and curriculum in Arts and Sciences. (650-word limit)
Since the College of Arts and Sciences offers cross-disciplinary programs, it’s important to demonstrate that you’re a well-rounded student who can benefit from the College’s diverse offerings. As you will see in this essay, the student is interested in the comparative literature and creative writing programs specifically but also explains how studying other disciplines like history and philosophy will enhance their primary areas of study. Do your research into the College’s values and offerings as you craft your response so you can include specific details that resonate with you.
I have always been driven by an insatiable curiosity that has shaped my academic journey and fueled my aspiration to study Comparative Literature and Creative Writing at Cornell University’s College of Arts and Sciences. This innate curiosity has been the driving force behind my quest to understand the complexities of human expression and the power of storytelling. It is this passion that has led me to embrace a diverse range of academic interests and fields, all of which find a home in the liberal arts education offered at Cornell.
One area of study that excites me the most is Comparative Literature because of the exploration of universal themes, human experiences, and cultural nuances. Through this field, I hope to delve into the depth of human storytelling, examining how it transcends borders and connects people across the globe. I look forward to dissecting the works of authors like Gabriel García Márquez, Haruki Murakami, and Chinua Achebe, and exploring how their narratives capture the essence of their respective cultures while also resonating with a global audience. Comparative Literature offers a unique lens through which I can explore the intricacies of language, culture, and the human condition.
Storytelling is the quintessential human art, a means of expression that spans millennia. Through Creative Writing, I aim to not only hone my own writing skills but also explore the diversity of voices and narratives that exist in the world. I am particularly drawn to fiction writing, where I can create characters and worlds, breathe life into them, and invite readers to walk alongside them on their journeys. The Creative Writing program at Cornell offers a nurturing and intellectually stimulating environment that encourages experimentation and creativity. I am eager to work with accomplished faculty and collaborate with fellow students who share my passion for the written word. Cornell’s strong emphasis on a liberal arts education will allow me to explore various genres and styles, from fiction to poetry to creative nonfiction, further enhancing my writing repertoire.
My curiosity extends beyond the realms of literature and creative writing. I am drawn to the interdisciplinary nature of Cornell’s College of Arts and Sciences. The opportunity to take courses in diverse fields such as history, philosophy, psychology, and anthropology excites me immensely. These subjects provide valuable perspectives that can enrich my understanding of literature and storytelling.
As a prospective Comparative Literature and Creative Writing student, I am eager to engage in research projects that allow me to delve deeper into my areas of interest. Whether it’s analyzing the impact of postcolonial literature on contemporary society or exploring innovative narrative techniques in fiction writing, I see Cornell as a place where I can expand my knowledge and contribute to academic discourse.
The College of Arts and Sciences’ emphasis on critical thinking and problem-solving resonates with my goal of becoming a well-rounded scholar and writer. I believe that a comprehensive education that encourages intellectual curiosity and fosters a sense of global awareness is essential for addressing the complex challenges of our world. I am excited about the opportunities to engage in meaningful discussions and debates, both inside and outside the classroom, as I believe that these interactions are crucial for personal growth and the development of well-rounded individuals.
My passion for learning and love for literature and writing has been the driving force behind my academic journey. The academic opportunities and curriculum offered by The College of Arts and Sciences align perfectly with my interests and aspirations, and I am eager to take advantage of them to further my education and contribute to the academic community. My curiosity knows no bounds, and I am confident that Cornell will be the ideal place for me to continue my quest for knowledge, growth, and creativity.
Cornell Jeb E. Brooks School of Public Policy
Why are you drawn to studying public policy? Drawing on your experiences, tell us about why you are interested in your chosen major and how attending the Brooks School will help you achieve your life goals. (650-word limit)
Here they are again — the “Why?” questions. As you’ll see in the example below, the student explains how their interest in public policy started, how they nurtured that interest through volunteering and interning, and why they believe the Brooks School will help them achieve their goals. This student demonstrated a lot of thought behind their decision to major in public policy and provided details about Cornell’s program that appealed to them.
Studying public policy is not just an academic pursuit for me; it’s a passionate commitment driven by my experiences, values, and a deep desire to make a positive impact on society. As a prospective student at Cornell University, I am drawn to the field of public policy because of its potential to effect meaningful change. The Brooks School of Public Policy offers the resources and opportunities to help me achieve my future goals.
My interest in public policy was ignited by a series of personal and community experiences. One of these experiences resulted from volunteering at a local homeless shelter. Interacting with individuals experiencing homelessness opened my eyes to the harsh realities faced by marginalized communities. It became clear to me that systemic issues, such as housing affordability and healthcare access, played a significant role in perpetuating homelessness. This experience motivated me to explore the role of government policies in addressing homelessness and related social challenges.
I also had the privilege of interning with a local nonprofit organization that focused on education reform. Through this internship, I gained valuable insights into the complexities of education policy and its impact on underserved communities. I was inspired by the potential of well-crafted policies to narrow educational gaps and provide every child with an equal opportunity to succeed. This experience affirmed my belief in the power of public policy to make a positive impact on people.
As a prospective student at the Brooks School of Public Policy at Cornell, I see the unique advantages of pursuing my passion for public policy at this renowned institution. Cornell’s commitment to academic excellence, research, and public engagement aligns perfectly with my goals. The interdisciplinary nature of the program, which combines social sciences, economics, and law, will equip me with a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted challenges faced by society and the tools to address them effectively.
The Brooks School’s emphasis on experiential learning is particularly appealing to me. I look forward to participating in internships, research projects, and policy analysis initiatives that will allow me to apply classroom knowledge to real-world problems.
One of my long-term goals is to work in a government agency or nonprofit organization dedicated to policy research and advocacy. I believe that the Brooks School’s emphasis on policy analysis and research methods will provide me with the necessary skills to conduct evidence-based research and make informed policy recommendations. Whether it’s conducting research on affordable housing solutions or analyzing the impact of healthcare policies, I am excited about the prospect of contributing to the development of effective public policies.
I am drawn to the Brooks School’s commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive community because I believe that diversity of perspectives is essential for crafting equitable and effective policies. Cornell’s emphasis on creating a supportive and inclusive learning environment aligns with my personal values of equity and social justice.
My passion for studying public policy is deeply rooted in my experiences, values, and a genuine desire to make a meaningful impact on society. Attending the Brooks School of Public Policy at Cornell University represents an opportunity to gain the knowledge, skills, and experiences necessary to achieve my career goals. I am eager to immerse myself in the world of public policy, learn from renowned faculty, engage in meaningful research, and collaborate with fellow students who share my commitment to effecting positive change in the world. Cornell’s rich tradition of academic excellence and public service makes it the perfect place for me to pursue my studies in public policy and work toward a future where equitable policies lead to a more just and inclusive society.
Cornell SC Johnson College of Business
What kind of a business student are you? Using your personal, academic, or volunteer/work experiences, describe the topics or issues that you care about and why they are important to you. Your response should convey how your interests align with the school to which you are applying within the Cornell SC Johnson College of Business (Charles H. Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management or the Peter and Stephanie Nolan School of Hotel Administration). (650-word limit)
Since you’re an aspiring business student, you have an opportunity here to write a value proposition — that is, you’re promoting yourself and the value you can offer to the Johnson College of Business. Demonstrate how the value you offer differentiates you from other applicants and aligns with what the college offers. In the example below, the student is applying to the world-renowned Nolan School of Hotel Administration. She has already developed many important business skills that she can bring to the table, and she describes how her interests and career goals align with the Nolan School’s program.
I am passionate about learning business and leadership skills that I can use to make a positive impact on the world. Additionally, I have always been drawn to the hospitality industry. The managerial leadership specialization at the Cornell Peter and Stephanie Nolan School of Hotel Administration is an ideal way for me to combine these interests and develop the skills I need to manage employees and guests with empathy and professionalism.
I love creating memorable experiences for guests and making them feel welcome and at home. In high school, I worked part-time as a hostess at a local restaurant. This experience gave me a firsthand look at the day-to-day operations of a hospitality business and the importance of teamwork and customer service.
In addition to my work experience, I have also been involved in several extracurricular activities related to hospitality and leadership. I am the VP of Hospitality for my school’s DECA chapter, as well as a member of the National Honor Society and the student council. In these roles, I have developed skills in leadership, public speaking, project management, networking, and event planning. I also learned how to work effectively with others to achieve common goals.
One of the things that I most admire about the Nolan School of Hotel Administration is the focus on developing emotional intelligence and teaching students “how to be service-oriented leaders who make the world a better place.” This aligns closely with my own values and goals. I believe businesses have a responsibility to make a positive impact on the people they serve and the communities in which they operate.
I am particularly interested in the managerial leadership specialization because it will give me the skills and knowledge I need to become an innovative and creative leader in the hospitality industry. I am eager to learn about the latest trends and challenges in the industry, and I am excited to develop my leadership skills so I can make a positive impact on the world.
Several topics and issues I care deeply about align with the managerial leadership specialization. For example, I am passionate about sustainability and believe that it is essential for the long-term success of the hospitality industry. I also believe that creating a diverse and inclusive environment is necessary for the comfort and enjoyment of guests and employees alike. It’s also important for the success of any business for employees to stay engaged. So, I am especially interested in learning more about how to develop and implement sustainable practices, promote diversity and inclusion, and create a workplace culture that fosters employee engagement and productivity.
I am confident that my skills, experience, and values make me a strong candidate for the managerial leadership specialization at the Cornell School of Hotel Administration. I am eager to learn from the world-class faculty at Cornell and to network with my fellow students. I am confident that Cornell will give me the knowledge and skills I need to become a successful and socially responsible leader in the hospitality industry.
College of Engineering
Essay 1 (required) .
How do your interests directly connect with Cornell Engineering? If you have an intended major, what draws you to that department at Cornell Engineering? If you are unsure what specific engineering field you would like to study, describe how your general interest in engineering most directly connects with Cornell Engineering. It may be helpful to concentrate on one or two things that you are most excited about. (250-word limit)
You might recognize this as a “why us?” essay, though feel free to answer the “why major?” question if you know what engineering major you’re pursuing. It’s important to be specific here and demonstrate that you’ve done your research about Cornell Engineering. Check out this example for inspiration.
My passion for engineering is deeply intertwined with Cornell Engineering’s ethos of innovation and collaboration. While I’m still exploring the various engineering disciplines, I am particularly drawn to the School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering.
One of my primary interests is robotics and automation. I am captivated by the potential of robotics to solve complex problems and enhance our daily lives. Cornell’s world-class faculty and research opportunities in this field are incredibly appealing to me. I am excited about the prospect of working alongside professors and fellow students to develop cutting-edge robotic systems that can revolutionize industries from healthcare to manufacturing.
I believe that the most significant breakthroughs often occur at the intersection of different fields. The university’s emphasis on cross-disciplinary projects and its close ties to other departments provide an ideal environment for me to explore diverse engineering interests and contribute to innovative solutions.
Furthermore, I appreciate Cornell Engineering’s dedication to sustainability. As someone concerned about the environmental impact of technology, I am eager to explore ways in which engineering can contribute to a greener future. Whether through renewable energy systems or eco-friendly design principles, I see my interests aligning perfectly with Cornell’s focus on sustainable engineering practices.
While I may not have a fixed major yet, I am excited about the prospect of pursuing my interests within the Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering department and leveraging Cornell’s resources to make a positive impact on the world through engineering innovation.
Essay 2 (Choose either A or B)
Question A: Describe an engineering problem that impacts your local community. This could be your school, neighborhood, town, region, or a group you identify with. Describe one to three things you might do as an engineer to solve the problem. (250-word limit)
Since this has a smaller word count, focus on a specific problem — nothing too broad. To make your essay stand out, focus on a problem that is unique to your community, like the student does in this example. Through this essay, this student is also demonstrating that they value problem solving, community engagement, and sustainability.
The charm of my small town often comes with a cost—a significant disconnect from modern amenities, notably the lack of a robust public transportation system. The solitary bridge connecting the two halves of our community is a rusty testament to bygone days, often becoming a bottleneck during peak hours. The absence of alternative routes exacerbates the daily commuting ordeal, reflecting an engineering predicament crying for resolution.
The prospect of alleviating such foundational issues stirs enthusiasm within me. My primary initiative would be to design a modern, durable bridge to supplement the existing one. By employing cutting-edge materials and innovative design, the new structure would ensure smoother traffic flow and longer lifespan. Furthermore, I would incorporate pedestrian walkways and bicycle lanes to promote greener commuting alternatives, aligning with modern urban planning principles.
Exploring the feasibility of a small-scale public transit system, like electric buses or shared bicycle programs, could be a game-changer. This initiative would not only ease the traffic load on the bridge but also provide a sustainable commuting option for the residents. By engaging with local authorities and gathering community feedback, I aim to tailor solutions that resonate with the unique needs and preferences of my town.
The blend of practical engineering solutions and community engagement excites me as I envision leveraging my education from Cornell Engineering to bridge the infrastructural gaps in my community, paving the way for a better-connected tomorrow.
Question B: Diversity in all forms is intrinsic to excellence in engineering. Engineering the best solutions to complex problems is often achieved by drawing from the diverse ingenuity of people from different backgrounds, lived experiences, and identities. How do you see yourself contributing to the diversity and/or inclusion of the Cornell Engineering community? What is the unique voice you would bring to the Cornell Engineering community? (250-word limit)
Diversity questions are becoming increasingly common, but this question wants you to focus on diversity in the engineering field specifically. Everyone is shaped by the various communities they are part of and the experiences they have had — think about this and the perspectives you have gained that you can contribute to Cornell Engineering. The student in this example has a distinct and creative approach to engineering.
Engineering thrives on uniting unique perspectives, channeling disparate ideas into a harmonized solution. My journey into engineering began in an unconventional manner—through the strings of a guitar. As a self-taught musician, I spent my early teenage years tinkering with sound equipment, constantly chasing the perfect tone. This endeavor led me down a rabbit hole of electrical engineering principles, amplifying my appreciation for the science that orchestrates our world. The blend of creativity and technical understanding I have honed through music is my contribution to the collective symphony of ideas at Cornell Engineering.
The art of engineering, like music, thrives on a variety of tones and rhythms. My self-driven exploration into the world of music has nurtured an innovative mindset and a knack for out-of-the-box thinking. When confronting an engineering challenge, I often find myself strumming my guitar, letting the strings guide my thought process and weave a rhythm of creative and logical solutions.
I am excited about the prospect of collaborative learning and working with peers from varied backgrounds, each bringing a unique narrative and approach to engineering challenges. My musical journey has honed a distinct lens through which I perceive and tackle engineering problems, a lens that I am eager to share and intertwine with the diverse intellectual tunes at Cornell Engineering, creating a harmony of innovative solutions for the complex challenges of tomorrow.
College of Human Ecology
How have your related experiences influenced your decision to apply to the College of Human Ecology (CHE)? How will your choice of major impact your goals and plans for the future? Your response should show us that your interests and aspirations align with CHE and your choice of major. (Refer to our essay application tips before you begin.) (650-word limit)
Once again, this is a combination of the “Why?” questions we already mentioned. Focus on the final part of this prompt — ensure that your response nicely ties your interests and goals into CHE’s offerings and your specific major, as the example below demonstrates.
Growing up with parents who are social workers really opened my eyes to the importance of helping others. The idea of giving back wasn’t just something nice to do; it was a part of our daily life. Seeing my parents work tirelessly to help those in need showed me the real impact that individuals can have on their community. Their actions shaped my interests, leading me towards wanting to understand more about how people interact and how society affects individuals.
When I came across Cornell University’s College of Human Ecology, everything clicked. It felt like finding the right place where my interests could grow and make a difference. CHE’s mix of social sciences with real-world solutions seemed like the perfect fit for what I wanted to study. I am excited about the idea of learning in an environment that encourages practical solutions to human-centered issues.
Choosing Human Development as my major was an easy decision because it lined up with everything I was curious about. The range of courses offered, from developmental psychology to social networks, seemed like a pathway to really understanding the challenges people face. I am especially looking forward to courses on social and personality development and getting involved in community outreach projects.
I see this major as a stepping stone to my future goals, combining what I learn with hands-on work in the community, maybe in organizational consulting or community development. I believe the education from CHE will not only develop my understanding but also equip me with the practical skills needed to make a real difference.
I love that public service is part of Cornell University’s mission. In fact, I already have my eye on a few student groups that are devoted to community service, such as the Cornell chapter of Habitat for Humanity and Rotaract. I am also keen on finding opportunities to get involved with the David M. Einhorn Center for Community Engagement. These activities seem like great ways to apply what I learn in class to real-world situations.
The thought of merging my academic interests with community service has always motivated me. CHE, with its focus on addressing human needs and challenges, seems like the perfect place for me to expand my knowledge and give back to the community at the same time.
I am thrilled at the idea of joining a community that values using knowledge to engage with societal issues. CHE’s vibrant environment is the ideal place to merge my passion with purpose and apply what I learn to helping communities and people in need. I am eagerly looking forward to starting this new chapter of my academic journey at the College of Human Ecology—the ideal platform for me to grow, thrive, and contribute.
School of Industrial and Labor Relations
Using your personal, academic, or volunteer/work experiences, describe the topics or issues that you care about and why they are important to you. Your response should show us that your interests align with the ILR School. (650-word limit)
Again, you can break this down into the “Why major?” and “Why us?” questions. The example below is a great narrative about how the student’s personal experience at their family’s small grocery store led to an exploration of business ethics and labor practices. The student then aligns this interest with the ILR School’s curriculum.
In a world that’s rapidly evolving, the workplace is a microcosm reflecting societal trends, advancements, and challenges. My journey into industrial and labor relations commenced not in a classroom, but within the bustling aisles of my family’s small grocery store. It was here, amid the clang of cash registers and the soft hum of daily commerce, that I observed the nuanced dynamics between employer and employee, union and management, work and worth.
From a young age, I was privy to the myriad interactions of our family-run business. I witnessed the respect with which my parents treated each employee, regardless of rank, and the open dialogue they maintained with the small union that represented our workers. They believed in fair wages, reasonable hours, and a conducive work environment. This ethos of fairness and open communication wasn’t just good ethics; it was good business. The loyalty and dedication of our staff were testaments to the symbiotic bond that blossomed in an atmosphere of respect and understanding.
However, as I grew older and my gaze broadened beyond our family business, I realized that this ethos was not a common narrative. News stories about unfair labor practices, wage disparities, and unsavory working conditions flooded the media. The contrast between the principles I saw upheld in our family business and the injustices pervading the modern labor landscape was stark and unsettling.
My curiosity piqued, I dug into research and engaged in community discussions about labor rights, gradually understanding the complex challenges facing today’s work environment. It was during a summer internship with a local labor union that my theoretical understanding morphed into a tangible passion. I was no longer a passive observer but an active participant in dialogues that sought to bridge the gap between labor and management. Each negotiation session, every grievance addressed, painted a larger picture of the intricate yet fascinating world of industrial and labor relations.
The School of Industrial and Labor Relations at Cornell University emerges as the quintessential arena for nurturing my burgeoning interest. The school’s focus on labor relations, organizational behavior, and human resources aligns seamlessly with my interests and the experiences. The interdisciplinary curriculum, melding together law, economics, and social sciences, will equip me with the multifaceted understanding required to make meaningful contributions to the labor relations domain.
I am particularly excited about the prospect of engaging in discourse with a diverse cohort of individuals. The opportunity to learn under the mentorship of a distinguished faculty, whose research and contributions to the field resonate with my own aspirations, is thrilling.
In the long term, I envision myself utilizing the knowledge and experience garnered from Cornell to advocate for fair labor practices, whether it be through policymaking, consulting, or on-the-ground engagement with labor unions and organizations. I am driven by the vision of contributing to a landscape where the dignity, rights, and welfare of workers are upheld as sacrosanct.
The narrative of work is a narrative of society, an intertwining tale of aspirations, efforts, and the quest for equity. It’s a narrative I am keen on not just understanding but influencing. Through Cornell ILR’s undergraduate program, I see a path leading towards not just a fulfilling career, but a journey of making a difference in the fabric of work and society.
Are you considering college counseling services ? Watch the video below to see what you will get out of working with a counselor — including help with your college essays.
Related Topics
Related posts.
- How to Answer the “Why This College?” Essay Prompt
- How to Write Princeton Supplemental Essays
- Harvard University Supplemental Essay 2023-24 Prompt Guide
- What Vanderbilt Admissions Officers Look for in Essays
- ChatGPT in College Admissions
- Admission Rates
- Choosing a College
- College Admission Advice
- College Planning
- In the Press
- Just Admit It Podcast
- Student Life
![supplemental essay for cornell university wechat qr code](https://www.ivywise.com/core/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/qrcode-ivywise.png?x52954)
Home » IvyWise College Admissions Blog » College Admission Advice » College Essays » 2023-24 Cornell University Supplemental Essay Prompt Guide
Are you seeking one-on-one college counseling and/or essay support? Limited spots are now available. Click here to learn more.
Cornell Supplemental Essays 2024-25 – Prompts and Advice
July 15, 2024
The 7.3% acceptance rate for Cornell’s Class of 2027 was just a touch higher than last year’s 6.9%. However, as late as 2003, the school still had as high as a 31% acceptance rate. Clearly, getting into Cornell in 2024-25 is a vastly different enterprise than earlier in the millennium. Even if you earned a 1450+ on the SAT and maintained straight A’s throughout a high school career littered with AP and honors courses, you still need to find a way to distinguish yourself from other high school superstars. Fortunately, Cornell’s supplemental essays present applicants with just the opportunity they need to showcase their unique personality, writing ability, passions, and talents.
(Want to learn more about How to Get Into Cornell University? Visit our blog entitled: How to Get Into Cornell: Admissions Data and Strategies for all of the most recent admissions data as well as tips for gaining acceptance.)
In addition to the required supplemental response for all applicants, each college within Cornell has its own essay requirement(s). Below, we examine the Cornell supplemental essays for the 2024-25 admissions cycle.
Cornell Supplemental Essays 2024-25
Required for all applicants:
We all contribute to, and are influenced by, the communities that are meaningful to us. Share how you’ve been shaped by one of the communities you belong to.
Remember that this essay is about you and your lived experience. Define community in the way that is most meaningful to you. Some examples of community you might choose from are: family, school, shared interest, virtual, local, global, cultural. (350 word limit)
Most applicants to Cornell are involved in at least one “community,” whether it is an ethnic, religious, or neighborhood community or a group of individuals who gather for a club, sport, or service project. Moreover, you may hold a leadership role within your community of choice—be it the captain of a team, the editor-in-chief of your school paper, or the president of a club. Whichever community you choose, bring your involvement to life. Use your writing ability to show what type of community member you are rather than merely telling .
How do you accomplish that? Discuss how you have engaged with your community of choice, and what you have learned from those interactions. How have they shaped you or impacted your perspective? The admissions officer reading your essay is hoping to connect with you through your written words, so—within your essay’s reflection—be open, humble, thoughtful, inquisitive, emotionally honest, mature, and/or insightful about what you learned and how you grew.
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
By applying to Cornell’s College of Agriculture of Life Sciences (CALS), you are also applying for direct entry into one of our 20+ majors. From here, you would be part of a community dedicated to purpose-driven science; working within your major and across disciplines to tackle the complex challenges of our time.
Why are you drawn to studying the major you have selected and specifically, why do you want to pursue this major at Cornell CALS? You should share how your current interests, related experiences, and/or goals influenced your choice. (500-word limit)
There are 22 undergraduate majors and more than 40 minors within the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. Obviously, the content of this essay is going to be quite different for a prospective American Indian Indigenous Studies major versus someone looking to study biomedical engineering. Firstly, you’ll need to discuss your motivations and past experiences related to your major of choice—how have you engaged with the subject, formally and/or informally? What drives you to pursue this course of study in college? Moreover, you’ll need to clearly lay out your academic and career goals, providing explicit evidence of why CALS is the ideal place to help you achieve them. For instance, this may involve researching the professors, courses , study abroad programs , undergraduate research opportunities , and student-run organizations relevant to your major of choice.
Cornell Supplemental Essays (Continued)
There are also two optional essays for CALS:
- At Cornell CALS, we aim to leave the world better than we found it, so we seek out those who are passionate about serving the public good. Please elaborate on an experience where you were able to have a meaningful impact on people, a community, and/or an environment of importance to you. (100-word limit)
- A primary source of income for my parent/guardian(s) comes from ownership of or employment by an agricultural entity.
- My extended family owns or operates an agricultural entity.
- I have experience working in an agricultural entity.
- I have interest in pursuing a career in an agricultural entity.
Please feel free to share additional details (optional). (100-word limit)
College of Architecture, Art, and Planning
How do your interests directly connect with your intended major at the College of Architecture, Art, and Planning (AAP)? Why architecture (B.Arch), art (BFA), or urban and regional studies (URS)? B. Arch applicants, please provide an example of how a creative project or passion sparks your motivation to pursue a 5-year professional degree program. BFA applicants may want to consider how they could integrate a range of interests and available resources at Cornell into a coherent art practice. URS students may want to emphasize their enthusiasm and depth of interest in the study of urban and regional issues. (650 word limit)
There are five departments within the College of Architecture, Art, and Planning : Architecture. Art, City and Regional Planning, Real Estate, and Design Tech. Firstly, discuss your motivations and past experiences related to your major of choice. How have you engaged with the subject, formally and/or informally? What drives you to pursue this course of study in college? Moreover, you’ll need to clearly lay out your academic and career goals, providing explicit evidence of why Cornell AAP is the ideal place to help you achieve them. For instance, this may involve researching the professors , courses, study abroad programs , undergraduate research opportunities , and student-run organizations relevant to your major of choice. Note that the prompt provides specific guidance on what exactly should be addressed in the response depending on prospective major, so be sure to integrate that guidance into your essay.
College of Arts and Sciences – Cornell Supplemental Essays
At the College of Arts and Sciences, curiosity will be your guide. Discuss how your passion for learning is shaping your academic journey, and what areas of study or majors excite you and why. Your response should convey how your interests align with the College, and how you would take advantage of the opportunities and curriculum in Arts and Sciences. (650 words)
With 78 different majors and minors , the College of Arts and Sciences offers myriad opportunities for any student. As such, Cornell wants to see evidence of your drive, passion, and intellectual ambition. They also want to hear your specific plans for continuing to be academically engaged while in college. What are your current interests? How have you explored them inside and outside the classroom? How do you hope to continue pursuing them as an undergraduate? Great things to highlight here include:
- Departmental offerings , curriculum attributes , and/or specific courses offered in your discipline(s) of interest at Cornell.
- Undergraduate research opportunities in the summer or during the school year. You can also mention independent research you would like to conduct under faculty supervision.
- Cornell professors whose work/research/writings you find fascinating and how you might want to connect with them as an undergraduate.
- Last, explore academically focused student organizations at Cornell.
Cornell SC Johnson College of Business
What kind of a business student are you? Using your personal, academic, or volunteer/work experiences, describe the topics or issues that you care about and why they are important to you. Your response should convey how your interests align with the school to which you are applying within the Cornell SC Johnson College of Business (the Charles H. Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management or the Cornell Peter and Stephanie Nolan School of Hotel Administration). (650 words)
To stand out as an applicant to Dyson or the School of Hotel Administration , applicants need to show that they have availed themselves of every opportunity to dive into the business world during their high school years. Of course, not everyone has parents who hand them money to invest in the stock market or hook them up with a Goldman Sachs internship in ninth grade. Relevant experiences can include high school investing clubs, participation in activities like FBLA, summer programs/courses in business/finance/economics, running your own local small business or e-business (Etsy, landscaping, etc.), or just a regular old retail job. From there, and as a result of your experiences, what topics or issues are you interested in? How do you plan to explore said issues or topics at Cornell? You might consider citing departmental/curricular attributes , specific courses, research opportunities , and/or experiential learning opportunities, among others.
College of Engineering – Cornell Supplemental Essays
Instructions: All engineering applicants are required to write two long essays and four short essays.
Long Essay Responses (200 word limit)
Question 1: Fundamentally, engineering is the application of math, science, and technology to solve complex problems. Why do you want to study engineering?
Here, Cornell wants to understand your motivation for studying engineering. Where did this desire originate? How has it grown, changed, and flourished over the years? What specific experiences have you had—academic or extracurricular–that made you realize that engineering was the career path for you?
Question 2: Why do you think you would love to study at Cornell Engineering?
For the “Why Cornell Engineering?” prompt, refer to our recommendation above for the College of Arts & Sciences essay. Do your homework. Tell Cornell about the departments , courses , professors , facilities , research opportunities , and unique programs that make their College of Engineering your top choice. Since you don’t have a ton of space, consider focusing on two to three things that you are most excited about vs. trying to squeeze in a laundry list of offerings.
Short Answer Responses (100 word limit)
- Question 1: What brings you joy?
- Question 2: What do you believe you will contribute to the Cornell Engineering community beyond what you’ve already detailed in your application? What unique voice will you bring?
- Question 3: What is one activity, club, team, organization, work/volunteer experience or family responsibility that is especially meaningful to you? Please briefly tell us about its significance for you.
- Question 4: What is one award you have received or achievement you have attained that has meant the most to you? Please briefly describe its importance to you.
College of Human Ecology
How has your decision to apply to the College of Human Ecology (CHE) been shaped and informed by your related experiences? How will what you learn through CHE and your chosen major impact your goals and plans for the future? Your response should demonstrate how your interests and aspirations align with CHE’s programs and mission. (Refer to our essay application tips before you begin.) (650 word limit)
The direction of your essay will be guided by your choice of major within the College of Human Ecology . For example, the content will look substantively different for a Fashion Design and Management major versus a Nutritional Sciences applicant. Regardless of your area of study, the prompt seeks to get the heart of why you’re interested in your particular field and where you see your education/career moving forward. In summary, speak honestly about your goals for the future and how your major will help you achieve them. Along the way, be sure to cite specific CHE offerings like courses , professors , research initiatives , student organizations , and/or special programs.
School of Industrial and Labor Relations
Using your personal, academic, or volunteer/work experiences, describe the topics or issues that you care about and why they are important to you. Your response should show us that your interests align with the ILR School. (650 words)
Labor relations is not exactly the most common topic for a 17-year-old to fall in love with. Therefore, there is probably a pretty interesting story behind your desire to pursue the ILR path. Given that this major is an intersection of areas like business, economics, government, history, law, and public policy, among others—your interest in Cornell’s ILR program may have been sparked by traditional classroom learning. Or, on the other hand, perhaps the spark was the experience of a friend or relative. Perhaps it was even something you have been following in the news (e.g., Starbucks workers trying to unionize). Above all, let your passion and commitment to this field shine through in your composition. Finally, be sure to cite ILR offerings that will allow you to pursue your interests even more deeply, such as the curriculum structure , research opportunities , internships , or student organizations , among others.
Brooks School of Public Policy
Why are you drawn to studying public policy? Drawing on your experiences, tell us about why you are interested in your chosen major and how attending the Brooks School will help you achieve your life goals. (650 words)
At Brooks, you can pursue one of two majors: Public Policy or Health Care Policy . As such, in this essay, you’ll want to be sure to communicate why you’re interested in your major of choice. What related experiences have you had? How have you explored your interests and curiosities inside and outside the classroom? Most importantly, how do you hope to continue pursuing them as an undergraduate? Great things to highlight here include departmental offerings , specific courses, research opportunities , faculty members , student life , and/or experiential learning opportunities of interest.
Want personalized coaching for your Cornell supplemental essays?
Interested in working with one of College Transitions’ experienced and knowledgeable essay coaches as you craft your Cornell supplemental essays? We encourage you to get a quote today.
Need additional essay writing resources? Consider checking out the following:
- Common App Essay Prompts
- 10 Instructive Common App Essay Examples
- College Application Essay Topics to Avoid
- Should I Complete Optional College Essays?
- How to Brainstorm a College Essay
- 25 Inspiring College Essay Topics
- “Why This College?” Essay Examples
- How to Write the Community Essay
- College Essay
Andrew Belasco
A licensed counselor and published researcher, Andrew's experience in the field of college admissions and transition spans two decades. He has previously served as a high school counselor, consultant and author for Kaplan Test Prep, and advisor to U.S. Congress, reporting on issues related to college admissions and financial aid.
- 2-Year Colleges
- Application Strategies
- Best Colleges by Major
- Best Colleges by State
- Big Picture
- Career & Personality Assessment
- College Search/Knowledge
- College Success
- Costs & Financial Aid
- Data Visualizations
- Dental School Admissions
- Extracurricular Activities
- Graduate School Admissions
- High School Success
- High Schools
- Homeschool Resources
- Law School Admissions
- Medical School Admissions
- Navigating the Admissions Process
- Online Learning
- Outdoor Adventure
- Private High School Spotlight
- Research Programs
- Summer Program Spotlight
- Summer Programs
- Teacher Tools
- Test Prep Provider Spotlight
“Innovative and invaluable…use this book as your college lifeline.”
— Lynn O'Shaughnessy
Nationally Recognized College Expert
College Planning in Your Inbox
Join our information-packed monthly newsletter.
![supplemental essay for cornell university Facebook](https://www.collegeessayadvisors.com/wp-content/themes/cea/images/social/white/facebook.png)
Cornell University 2023-24 Supplemental Essay Prompt Guide
Early Decision: Nov 1
Regular Decision Deadline: Jan 2
Cornell University 2023-24 Application Essay Question Explanations
The Requirements: 1 school-specific essay of 650 words or 2 essays of 250 words each
Supplemental Essay Type(s): Why , Community
In the online Common Application Writing Supplement, please respond to both the Cornell University essay question and the essay prompt that corresponds to the undergraduate college or school to which you are applying.
In the aftermath of the u.s. civil war, ezra cornell wrote, “i would found an institution where any person can find instruction in any study.” for over 150 years, cornell university has remained deeply committed to ezra’s vision. explain how your life experiences will help inform your contributions to a learning community devoted to “… any person … any study.” we encourage you to think broadly about your life experiences, including how local (e.g., family, school, neighborhood) or global communities you’ve been part of have helped shape your perspective. (350 word limit).
Admissions wants to know what has made you into the person you are today and how those experiences will affect the way you engage with and contribute to the Cornell community. Start by thinking about the kinds of experiences you’ve had in the communities you’ve been a part of thus far. Then, think about how those meaningful encounters will affect your time at Cornell. Maybe you had to fill in as head camp counselor when your team lead was sick—did that teach you the importance of stepping up when unexpected opportunities arise? Remember: admissions wants to invite students to campus who are excited about the chance to meet people from all walks of life and won’t shy away from newness and difference. So, tell a story about an experience that has shaped you and connect the lessons you learned to the ways in which you will contribute to inclusivity on campus next fall. (And though it’s tempting to mention how excited you are to join the a capella group “Here Comes Treble,” let’s leave The Office references in the drafts folder.)
In the online Common Application Writing Supplement, please respond to the essay question below (maximum of 650 words) that corresponds to the undergraduate college or school to which you are applying.
Brooks school of public policy: why are you drawn to studying public policy drawing on your experiences, tell us about why you are interested in your chosen major and how attending the brooks school will help you achieve your life goals..
This prompt is very simple: Why do you want to study Public Policy and how will the Brooks School help you to realize your dreams? If you’re pursuing a degree in Health Care Policy or Policy Analysis and Management as an undergraduate, it’s likely that you have a very personal tie to social issues and other systemic problems that impact the public domain. This is your opportunity to share your story with admissions. Maybe you are passionate about using your persuasive writing and critical thinking skills to implement policies that will benefit the earth (and all its inhabitants). Perhaps you’re eager to take action to close the gender wage gap or reimagine the U.S. healthcare system. Whatever your reasoning may be, show admissions that you have thought carefully about your decision to not only pursue public policy, but pursue it at Cornell.
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences : Why are you drawn to studying the major you have selected? Please discuss how your interests and related experiences have influenced your choice. How will an education from the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) at Cornell University specifically serve to support your learning, growth, and the pursuit of your goals? (Required)
With such a specific professional focus, the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences is asking for an equally specific commitment from you. Make sure you have concrete reasons and practical experiences to back up your chosen course of study. Why couldn’t you pursue your interests in a more general liberal arts environment? Be specific.
Optional: At Cornell CALS, we aim to leave the world better than we found it, so we seek out those who are not simply driven to master their discipline, but who are also passionate about doing so to serve the public good. Please elaborate on an activity or experience you have had that made an impact on a community that is important to you. (200-word limit)
Cornell wants to hear about an experience you engaged in that made a positive impact on a community close to your heart. Your answer doesn’t have to be connected to Agriculture and Life Sciences in any way, so let your mind wander. Maybe you bring your therapy dog to your local hospital once a month and you love watching everyone’s eyes light up the moment Spunky enters the room. Perhaps you challenged your fear of public speaking to deliver an address at a town hall to advocate for greener public transportation options. When have you gotten involved for the greater good? This essay is optional, but why would you pass up the opportunity to provide admissions with more information about yourself and your motivations?
Optional: Cornell CALS is dedicated to purpose-driven study of the agricultural, life, environmental, and social sciences and welcomes students with interests that span a wide variety of disciplines. Given our agricultural history and commitment to educating the next generation of agriculturalists, please share if you have a background or interest in agriculture, regardless of your intended major. An “agricultural entity” for the purpose of this question is defined as cultivating soil, growing crops, and raising livestock (ex. farm, ranch, greenhouse, vineyard, etc.).
Select all that apply:, a primary source of income for my parent/guardian(s) comes from ownership of or employment by an agricultural entity., my extended family owns or operates an agricultural entity., i have experience working in an agricultural entity., i have interest in pursuing a career in an agricultural entity., please feel free to share additional details (optional)..
If there’s any information that you didn’t include in the two previous optional short essays, this is the place for you to expand as you wish.
College of Architecture, Art, and Planning : How do your interests directly connect with your intended major at the College of Architecture, Art, and Planning (AAP)? Why architecture (B.Arch), art (BFA), or urban and regional studies (URS)? B. Arch applicants, please provide an example of how a creative project or passion sparks your motivation to pursue a 5-year professional degree program. BFA applicants may want to consider how they could integrate a range of interests and available resources at Cornell into a coherent art practice. URS students may want to emphasize their enthusiasm and depth of interest in the study of urban and regional issues.
This is a simple Why Essay , even if the prompt is verbose. Applicants need to write an essay explaining why they want to study their major, specifically, at AAP. Admissions is looking for evidence of previous interest/experience in your major of choice, confirmation that you’ve taken the time to explore Cornell’s resources and programs thoroughly, and (if you’re hoping to pursue a 5-year professional degree program) an indication that you’ve already started putting your passions into practice with a project. You’d be wise to write an essay that weaves together your interest in architecture, art, and/or urban planning with your vision for the future, hopefully one that includes graduating from AAP.
College of Arts and Sciences : At the College of Arts and Sciences, curiosity will be your guide. Discuss how your passion for learning is shaping your academic journey, and what areas of study or majors excite you and why. Your response should convey how your interests align with the College, and how you would take advantage of the opportunities and curriculum in Arts and Sciences.
You’re never going to guess what we’re about to recommend! (Okay, maybe you will). Before you even put pen to paper, do some research. Spend a little time on the school website, campus, or at local Cornell events to learn everything you can about the academic offerings, opportunities, and curriculum. Cornell’s College of Arts and Sciences is the most generalized of Cornell’s colleges, so take this opportunity to show your well-rounded worth. Why have you chosen not to pursue a more specific or vocation-oriented pathway at this point? What will you gain from having access to a diverse array of academic departments? Is there departmental cross-pollination that excites you? What about an Arts and Sciences education at Cornell compels you, specifically? Finally, don’t forget to weave your “passion for learning” into your response in order to address both questions.
College of Business : What kind of a business student are you? Using your personal, academic, or volunteer/work experiences, describe the topics or issues that you care about and why they are important to you. Your response should convey how your interests align with the school to which you are applying within the Cornell SC Johnson College of Business (Charles H. Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management or the Peter and Stephanie Nolan School of Hotel Administration).
Business College hopefuls have also been tasked with writing a why essay , but in this case, it’s more about your fit than the schools’ offerings. Show how your own goals and interests align with the school’s programs and opportunities. But more importantly, demonstrate how your background and pathway to business school sets you apart from your peers. You’ll need to learn how to write a good value proposition eventually, so consider this essay your first foray into marketing—what issues do you care about when it comes to business, why are they important to you, and which Cornell program will help you both address them and achieve your goals?
College of Engineering
Instructions: all applicants are required to write two supplemental essays. each has a limit of 250 words. essay 1 is required of all applicants. for essay 2, you must choose between question a and question b., essay 1: how do your interests directly connect with cornell engineering if you have an intended major, what draws you to that department at cornell engineering if you are unsure what specific engineering field you would like to study, describe how your general interest in engineering most directly connects with cornell engineering. it may be helpful to concentrate on one or two things that you are most excited about. .
You can get an Engineering degree at thousands of schools across the country, so why are you so keen to study at Cornell, specifically? Remember that your choices here aren’t set in stone, so don’t stress over your vision; just show that you’ve done your research. Maybe Cornell’s Environmental Engineering program will propel you toward your dream career in city planning and hazardous waste management. Maybe there’s an alum who is doing what you aspire to do, and you want to follow in their footsteps! Whatever it is that draws you to Cornell (besides Andy’s school spirit in The Office ), admissions wants you to describe that interest and then connect it to your aspirations.
Essay 2: Choose either Question A and Question B. (250 word limit)
Question a: describe an engineering problem that impacts your local community. this could be your school, neighborhood, town, region, or a group you identify with. describe one to three things you might do as an engineer to solve the problem..
This is your opportunity to not only show admissions that you’re paying attention to the world around you, but also demonstrate your creativity and vision. Start by brainstorming a few problems or challenges—big and small—that bother you or impact your life in some capacity. Maybe it’s rampant wildfires or accessibility issues in your community. Although the scope and scale of your problem can vary, remember that Cornell is looking to accept applicants who want to be a part of the solution. Show that you’re not only informed and concerned, but also actively engaged in addressing the problem head on (in one to three innovative ways).
Question B: Diversity in all forms is intrinsic to excellence in engineering. Engineering the best solutions to complex problems is often achieved by drawing from the diverse ingenuity of people from different backgrounds, lived experiences, and identities. How do you see yourself contributing to the diversity and/or the inclusion of the Cornell Engineering community? What is the unique voice you would bring to the Cornell Engineering community?
This is a classic community essay, through and through. Admissions officers want to know not only that you value diversity, but which diverse perspectives you, specifically, will bring to the Cornell community. Where do you come from? What has shaped you as a person and how has that made your perspective unique? What you address can be reflective of larger cultural constructs or a trait specific to you and only you. Consider why your particular background or experience will be useful in an academic setting. How will it help inspire and/or inform others? Were you raised in an indigenous community? Do you identify as nonbinary? Have you lived on three different continents? What has influenced your identity? What do you believe and how will your worldview bring something of value to the engineering community at Cornell?
College of Human Ecology: How have your related experiences influenced your decision to apply to the College of Human Ecology (CHE)? How will your choice of major impact your goals and plans for the future? Your response should show us that your interests and aspirations align with CHE and your choice of major.
Admissions wants you to build a bridge between your past experiences and your decision to apply to CHE. Then they want you to kick it up a notch and build a (more theoretical) bridge from CHE to your future aspirations. Unlike many of Cornell’s specific schools, this one doesn’t necessarily flow directly into a particular career path, so it’s important for you to demonstrate that you have a plan before committing to such a focused course of study. The more you can demonstrate a deep familiarity with CHE and your vision for your future, the better!
College of Industrial and Labor Relations: Using your personal, academic, or volunteer/work experiences, describe the topics or issues that you care about and why they are important to you. Your response should show us that your interests align with the ILR School.
What subject could you talk about for hours on end with your friends, family, or even a complete stranger? Maybe it’s the need for legislation on regulating toxic chemicals in everything from our cosmetics to our food and water sources. Perhaps it’s the impending water crisis, and the public policy that you believe would change the way Americans use and think about water. With this prompt, it’s a good idea that you touch on when or where your passion first began, how it developed over time, and how you are planning to pursue this issue or interest at Cornell. This prompt gives you a wonderful opportunity to reveal something new about yourself through discussing your enthusiastic engagement with a given issue; in the process, you will showcase your curious, well-rounded nature to admissions — and huzzah for that!
About Kat Stubing
View all posts by Kat Stubing »
![supplemental essay for cornell university Ivy Divider](https://www.collegeessayadvisors.com/wp-content/themes/cea/images/ivy.png)
Give our tutorials a try.
Contact us for information on rates and more!
- I am a * Student Parent Potential Partner School Counselor Private College Counselor
- Name * First Last
- Phone Type Mobile Landline
- Street Address
- Address City State / Province / Region Afghanistan Albania Algeria American Samoa Andorra Angola Anguilla Antarctica Antigua and Barbuda Argentina Armenia Aruba Australia Austria Azerbaijan Bahamas Bahrain Bangladesh Barbados Belarus Belgium Belize Benin Bermuda Bhutan Bolivia Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana Bouvet Island Brazil British Indian Ocean Territory Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria Burkina Faso Burundi Cabo Verde Cambodia Cameroon Canada Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad Chile China Christmas Island Cocos Islands Colombia Comoros Congo Congo, Democratic Republic of the Cook Islands Costa Rica Croatia Cuba Curaçao Cyprus Czechia Côte d'Ivoire Denmark Djibouti Dominica Dominican Republic Ecuador Egypt El Salvador Equatorial Guinea Eritrea Estonia Eswatini Ethiopia Falkland Islands Faroe Islands Fiji Finland France French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon Gambia Georgia Germany Ghana Gibraltar Greece Greenland Grenada Guadeloupe Guam Guatemala Guernsey Guinea Guinea-Bissau Guyana Haiti Heard Island and McDonald Islands Holy See Honduras Hong Kong Hungary Iceland India Indonesia Iran Iraq Ireland Isle of Man Israel Italy Jamaica Japan Jersey Jordan Kazakhstan Kenya Kiribati Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait Kyrgyzstan Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon Lesotho Liberia Libya Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg Macao Madagascar Malawi Malaysia Maldives Mali Malta Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania Mauritius Mayotte Mexico Micronesia Moldova Monaco Mongolia Montenegro Montserrat Morocco Mozambique Myanmar Namibia Nauru Nepal Netherlands New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua Niger Nigeria Niue Norfolk Island North Macedonia Northern Mariana Islands Norway Oman Pakistan Palau Palestine, State of Panama Papua New Guinea Paraguay Peru Philippines Pitcairn Poland Portugal Puerto Rico Qatar Romania Russian Federation Rwanda Réunion Saint Barthélemy Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha Saint Kitts and Nevis Saint Lucia Saint Martin Saint Pierre and Miquelon Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Samoa San Marino Sao Tome and Principe Saudi Arabia Senegal Serbia Seychelles Sierra Leone Singapore Sint Maarten Slovakia Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia South Africa South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands South Sudan Spain Sri Lanka Sudan Suriname Svalbard and Jan Mayen Sweden Switzerland Syria Arab Republic Taiwan Tajikistan Tanzania, the United Republic of Thailand Timor-Leste Togo Tokelau Tonga Trinidad and Tobago Tunisia Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Türkiye US Minor Outlying Islands Uganda Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom United States Uruguay Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela Viet Nam Virgin Islands, British Virgin Islands, U.S. Wallis and Futuna Western Sahara Yemen Zambia Zimbabwe Åland Islands Country
- Which best describes you (or your child)? High school senior High school junior College student College grad Other
- How did you find CEA? Internet Search New York Times Guidance counselor/school Social Media YouTube Friend Special Event Delehey College Consulting Other
- Common App and Coalition Essays
- Supplemental Essays
- University of California Essays
- University of Texas Essays
- Resume Review
- Post-Grad Essays
- Specialized Services
- Waitlist Letters
- Private School Essays
- General College Counseling
- School list with priorities noted:
- Anything else we should know?
- Phone This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
School Stats:
- Agnes Scott College
- Alvernia University
- American University
- Amherst College
- Babson College
- Bard College
- Barnard College
- Baylor University
- Bennington College
- Bentley University
- Berry College
- Bethany College
- Bishop’s University
- Boston College
- Boston University (BU)
- Bowdoin College
- Brandeis University
- Brown University
- Bryn Mawr College
- Bucknell University
- Butler University
- California Institute of Technology (Caltech)
- California Lutheran University
- Capitol Technology University
- Carleton College
- Carnegie Mellon University
- Catawba College
- Centre College
- Chapman University
- Claremont McKenna College
- Clark University
- College of Mount Saint Vincent
- College of William and Mary
- College of Wooster
- Colorado College
- Colorado School of Mines
- Columbia University
- Culver-Stockton College
- D'Youville University
- Dartmouth College
- Davidson College
- Drexel University
- Duke University
- Earlham College
- Elon University
- Emerson College
- Emory University
- Flagler College
- Fordham University
- George Mason University
- Georgetown University
- Georgia State University
- Georgia Tech
- Gonzaga University
- Harvard University
- Harvey Mudd College
- Haverford College
- Hillsdale College
- Hofstra University
- Illinois Institute of Technology
- Illinois Wesleyan University
- Indiana University Bloomington
- Ithaca College
- Johns Hopkins University
- Kalamazoo College
- Lafayette College
- Lehigh University
- Lewis and Clark College
- Linfield University
- Loyola Marymount University (LMU)
- Lynn University
- Macalester College
- Malone University
- Manchester University
- Marist College
- Mary Baldwin University
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
- Meredith College
- Monmouth College
- Moravian University
- Morehouse College
- Mount Holyoke College
- New York University (NYU)
- North Park University
- Northwestern University
- Occidental College
- Oklahoma City University
- Olin College of Engineering
- Pepperdine University
- Pitzer College
- Pomona College
- Princeton University
- Providence College
- Purdue University
- Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
- Rice University
- Saint Elizabeth University
- Santa Clara University
- Sarah Lawrence College
- Scripps College
- Seattle Pacific University
- Smith College
- Soka University of America
- Southern Methodist University
- St. John’s College
- Stanford University
- Stonehill College
- Swarthmore College
- Syracuse University
- Texas A&M University
- Texas Christian University
- The College of Idaho
- The George Washington University
- The New School
- Trinity College
- Tufts University
- Tulane University
- University of California
- University of Central Florida (UCF)
- University of Chicago
- University of Cincinnati
- University of Colorado Boulder
- University of Florida
- University of Georgia (UGA)
- University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
- University of Maryland
- University of Massachusetts Amherst
- University of Miami
- University of Michigan
- University of Minnesota
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC)
- University of North Carolina at Charlotte
- University of North Carolina at Greensboro
- University of Notre Dame
- University of Oklahoma
- University of Oregon
- University of Pennsylvania
- University of Pittsburgh
- University of Richmond
- University of San Diego
- University of San Francisco
- University of Southern California (USC)
- University of Texas at Austin
- University of Tulsa
- University of Vermont
- University of Virginia (UVA)
- University of Washington
- University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Vanderbilt University
- Vassar College
- Villanova University
- Virginia Tech
- Wake Forest University
- Washington and Lee University
- Washington University in St. Louis
- Wellesley College
- Williams College
- Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI)
- Yale University
![supplemental essay for cornell university Email](https://www.collegeessayadvisors.com/wp-content/themes/cea/images/social/email.png)
Want free stuff?
We thought so. Sign up for free instructional videos, guides, worksheets and more!
![supplemental essay for cornell university supplemental essay for cornell university](https://www.collegeessayadvisors.com/wp-content/themes/cea/images/AdvisorsLogo.png)
One-On-One Advising
![supplemental essay for cornell university Common App Essay Guide](https://www.collegeessayadvisors.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/CommonAppGuideIcon.png)
Common App Essay Prompt Guide
![supplemental essay for cornell university Common App Essay Guide](https://www.collegeessayadvisors.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/SupplementalGuides2.png)
Supplemental Essay Prompt Guide
![supplemental essay for cornell university YouTube Tutorials](https://www.collegeessayadvisors.com/wp-content/themes/cea/images/youtube-icon.png)
- YouTube Tutorials
- Our Approach & Team
- Undergraduate Testimonials
- Postgraduate Testimonials
- Where Our Students Get In
- CEA Gives Back
- Undergraduate Admissions
- Graduate Admissions
- Private School Admissions
- International Student Admissions
- Common App Essay Guide
- Supplemental Essay Guide
- Coalition App Guide
- The CEA Podcast
- Admissions Stats
- Notification Trackers
- Deadline Databases
- College Essay Examples
- Academy and Worksheets
- Waitlist Guides
- Get Started
![supplemental essay for cornell university Next Admit logo](https://nextadmit.com/assets/images/logo-medium.png)
How to Write the Cornell Supplemental Essays 2023-2024
Subscribe to our newsletter for college app advice!
Cornell’s recognizable motto hinges on the idea of “any person… any study” and as a university comprising several schools each focused in one broad area of study, it lives up to its mission through rich academic and extracurricular offerings, not to mention its gorgeous campus in upstate New York. However, you may only apply to one specific college at Cornell, with little flexibility for changes down the line. This requires you to think deeply about what it is you seek from your college experience. Asking yourself concrete questions (what draws you to the particular field you’ve chosen? what do you hope to accomplish with the specialized education you’ll gain?) before embarking on the application process will prove to be helpful when it’s time to write your Cornell supplemental essays .
![supplemental essay for cornell university](https://nextadmit.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/emily-xie-h8tNZrQG-kU-unsplash-1.jpg)
Once you’ve chosen which school you wish to apply to, you’ll need to extensively research it and its courses, professors, and areas of research to define not only where you’ll belong, but what you’ll bring to this school. Try to craft a unique angle in your essay(s), not in the sense of creating a gimmick for the admissions reader, but rather showcasing an understanding of what you as an individual will contribute to the Cornell community and vice versa. Strive to be specific and tie in anecdotal experiences with your research on Cornell.
Cornell’s 2023-2024 Prompts
General essay prompt.
- In the aftermath of the U.S. Civil War, Ezra Cornell wrote, “I would found an institution where any person can find instruction in any study.” For over 150 years, Cornell University has remained deeply committed to Ezra’s vision. Explain how your life experiences will help inform your contributions to a learning community devoted to “… any person … any study.” We encourage you to think broadly about your life experiences, including how local (e.g., family, school, neighborhood) or global communities you’ve been part of have helped shape your perspective. (350 words)
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Essays
- Why are you drawn to studying the major you have selected? Please discuss how your interests and related experiences have influenced your choice. How will an education from the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) at Cornell University specifically serve to support your learning, growth, and the pursuit of your goals? (650 words)
- Optional: At Cornell CALS, we aim to leave the world better than we found it, so we seek out those who are not simply driven to master their discipline, but who are also passionate about doing so to serve the public good. Please elaborate on an experience where you had a meaningful impact on people, a community, and/or an environment of importance to you. (200 words)
- Optional: Cornell CALS is dedicated to purpose-driven study of the agricultural, life, environmental, and social sciences and welcomes students with interests that span a wide variety of disciplines. Given our agricultural history and commitment to educating the next generation of agriculturalists, please share if you have a background or interest in agriculture, regardless of your intended major. An “agricultural entity” for the purpose of this question is defined as cultivating soil, growing crops, and raising livestock (e.g., farm, ranch, greenhouse, vineyard, etc.). (100 words)
College of Architecture, Art, and Planning Essay
- How do your interests directly connect with your intended major at the College of Architecture, Art, and Planning (AAP)? Why architecture (B.Arch), art (BFA), or urban and regional studies (URS)? B. Arch applicants, please provide an example of how a creative project or passion sparks your motivation to pursue a 5-year professional degree program. BFA applicants may want to to [sic] consider how they could integrate a range of interests and available resources at Cornell into a coherent art practice. URS students may want to emphasize their enthusiasm and depth of interest in the study of urban and regional issues. (650 words)
College of Arts and Sciences Essay
- At the College of Arts and Sciences, curiosity will be your guide. Discuss how your passion for learning is shaping your academic journey, and what areas of study or majors excite you and why. Your response should convey how your interests align with the College, and how you would take advantage of the opportunities and curriculum in Arts and Sciences. (650 words)
Brooks School of Public Policy Essay
- Why are you drawn to studying public policy? Drawing on your experiences, tell us about why you are interested in your chosen major and how attending the Brooks School will help you achieve your life goals. (650 words)
SC Johnson College of Business Essay
- What kind of a business student are you? Using your personal, academic, or volunteer/work experiences, describe the topics or issues that you care about and why they are important to you. Your response should convey how your interests align with the school to which you are applying within the Cornell SC Johnson College of Business (Charles H. Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management or the Peter and Stephanie Nolan School of Hotel Administration). (650 words)
College of Engineering Essays
- How do your interests directly connect with Cornell Engineering? If you have an intended major, what draws you to that department at Cornell Engineering? If you are unsure what specific engineering field you would like to study, describe how your general interest in engineering most directly connects with Cornell Engineering. It may be helpful to concentrate on one or two things that you are most excited about. (250 words)
- Describe an engineering problem that impacts your local community. This could be your school, neighborhood, town, region, or a group you identify with. Describe one to three things you might do as an engineer to solve the problem.
- Diversity in all forms is intrinsic to excellence in engineering. Engineering the best solutions to complex problems is often achieved by drawing from the diverse ingenuity of people from different backgrounds, lived experiences, and identities. How do you see yourself contributing to the diversity and/or the inclusion of the Cornell Engineering community? What is the unique voice you would bring to the Cornell Engineering community?
College of Human Ecology Essay
- How have your related experiences influenced your decision to apply to the College of Human Ecology (CHE)? How will your choice of major impact your goals and plans for the future? Your response should show us that your interests and aspirations align with CHE and your choice of major. (650 words)
School of Industrial and Labor Relations Essays
- Using your personal, academic, or volunteer/work experiences, describe the topics or issues that you care about and why they are important to you. Your response should show us that your interests align with the ILR School. (650 words)
![supplemental essay for cornell university Next Admit Essay Review promotion](https://nextadmit.com/assets/images/blog-ad-dark-no-shadow-unrounded-resized-compressed.png)
In the aftermath of the U.S. Civil War, Ezra Cornell wrote, “I would found an institution where any person can find instruction in any study.” For over 150 years, Cornell University has remained deeply committed to Ezra’s vision. Explain how your life experiences will help inform your contributions to a learning community devoted to “… any person … any study.” We encourage you to think broadly about your life experiences, including how local (e.g., family, school, neighborhood) or global communities you’ve been part of have helped shape your perspective. (350-word limit)
This essay prompt is your best opportunity to tell admissions officers why you are a great fit for Cornell, and why Cornell is a great fit for you. Specifically, you’re being asked to describe your “life experiences” in the various communities you have belonged or still belong to. In this essay, you can discuss the influence of your family members on your worldview, how reading the newspaper has changed your perspective, how your state politics have impacted your life, and so on.
Because this essay prompt is relatively open-ended, try to pick just a few communities (perhaps 1-3), if you can, and focus on them in great detail. In order for your essay to stand out from the crowd, you need to make your essay personal to you and your unique experiences in communities. In addition, Cornell’s admissions officers are looking for students who will provide a wide array of perspectives, ways of learning, and backgrounds to the University. If your essay in any way sounds like it could be written by someone else, then what you can add to the Cornell community won’t be as clear. Focus on the details of your story, and what’s unique about you will shine through.
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
Why are you drawn to studying the major you have selected please discuss how your interests and related experiences have influenced your choice. how will an education from the college of agriculture and life sciences (cals) at cornell university specifically serve to support your learning, growth, and the pursuit of your goals (650-word limit).
If you’re passionate about ecosystems, food systems, agriculture, and human interactions with nature, there’s probably a cool story behind that. The key here is to match the school’s emphasis on real-world commitments: how will you apply your education beyond the theoretical? What steps will you take outside of the classroom to reinforce your knowledge and community contribution?
Couple that with your learning, growth, and pursuit of your goals. Your “learning” can refer to your academic goals or educational goals more broadly; you can bring in your personal development goals as well. This relates to your growth. Consider giving the reader a glimpse into your growth before college before describing the growth you’d like to achieve through college, specifically at CALS. Lastly, refer to your career and life goals and how CALS has unique programs, courses, and/or opportunities that will bring you closer to achieving those goals.
In sum, you’ll want to make sure you weave a narrative about your interests and goals as they relate to this college.
Optional: At Cornell CALS, we aim to leave the world better than we found it, so we seek out those who are not simply driven to master their discipline, but who are also passionate about doing so to serve the public good. Please elaborate on an experience where you had a meaningful impact on people, a community, and/or an environment of importance to you. (200-word limit)
This Cornell supplemental essay prompt is essentially asking you to describe a community service activity you’ve participated in. Note that it is even better if you can come up with a service activity connected to the agricultural sector. There’s also no pressure here to list something wildly impressive —even just showing care toward a community, and how you’ve taken steps to be a good member of it, will go a long way toward showing your values.
Remember, show don’t tell . Don’t just tell the reader your experience of service impacted the community, but describe the results of your service, such as the number of people you helped, the amount of money you raised, etc.
Optional: Cornell CALS is dedicated to purpose-driven study of the agricultural, life, environmental, and social sciences and welcomes students with interests that span a wide variety of disciplines. Given our agricultural history and commitment to educating the next generation of agriculturalists, please share if you have a background or interest in agriculture, regardless of your intended major. (100-word limit)
In this optional question, you have the opportunity to indicate your family and/or personal history in agriculture. Select the options that apply to you, if any, and then offer as many as 100 words of clarifying details if you did select any of the options.
Although the clarifying details are a completely optional portion of this completely optional question, it’s advisable to provide some additional information if you did select any of the answers available.
Even though it’s only 100 words, it’s an opportunity for you to describe an extracurricular activity of great relevance to your application if you have worked in agriculture yourself before. If you have family who have worked in agriculture, then you can describe the influence of that background on your decision to apply to CALS. Any opportunity to further display your interest in CALS will help your application!
College of Architecture, Art, and Planning
How do your interests directly connect with your intended major at the college of architecture, art, and planning (aap) why architecture (b.arch), art (bfa), or urban and regional studies (urs) (650-word limit).
This question asks you to describe how your past experiences have driven you to aim for your chosen future path, but it’s a complicated question just to look at. Let’s break it down:
- How do your interests directly connect with your intended major at the College of Architecture, Art, and Planning (AAP)? This question asks you to list some of your interests. Then, you should display some research skills and interest in the school by naming a few programs, courses, professors, or other aspects of AAP that are directly linked to your interests.
- B. Arch applicants, please vide an example of how a creative project or passion sparks your motivation to pursue a 5-year professional degree program. This question is particularly for students interested in Cornell’s B. Arch degree, and it provides you an opportunity to describe some of the high school experiences which you might not have been able to discuss elsewhere in your application. For example, you could describe a moment when you were working on a creative project and realized that this project was the beginning of your future career. Alternatively, you could describe how you realized your passion for architecture would become your career or was something you could enjoy doing all day everyday.
- BFA applicants may want to to [sic] consider how they could integrate a range of interests and available resources at Cornell into a coherent art practice. This question, which is particularly for students interested in Cornell’s BFA degree, expects you to do a little more research into the “available resources at Cornell.” Mention the resources most of interest to you when responding to this question and describe how you might utilize those resources while a student at Cornell. Consider describing how you could use those resources to create a specific proposed art series. What does a “coherent art practice” look like for you, and how would Cornell’s resources facilitate one for you?
- URS students may want to emphasize their enthusiasm and depth of interest in the study of urban and regional issues. This question is particularly for students interested in the URS program at Cornell. If you have past experience with urban or regional issues, now is the time to discuss them. For instance, if you grew up in an urban environment, have worked a summer job in regional politicals, or completed a research project in urban studies, then this essay prompt is a great opportunity for you to provide more nuance regarding those experiences.
College of Arts and Sciences
At the college of arts and sciences, curiosity will be your guide. discuss how your passion for learning is shaping your academic journey, and what areas of study or majors excite you and why. your response should convey how your interests align with the college, and how you would take advantage of the opportunities and curriculum in arts and sciences. (650-word limit).
The College of Arts and Sciences at Cornell offers the broadest liberal arts education, and that’s certainly reflected in the multidisciplinary interests of the students they admit. In this essay, it’s helpful to describe a few (no more than two or three) of the topics that interest you and why they’re all related and relevant.
Then, you’ll want to discuss how you’ll take advantage of these opportunities and curricula. What energy will you bring to class? What kind of learner will you be? How will you approach your studies? What past experiences of learning and joy in your education will you bring with you?
Bear in mind that the biggest thing you should be accomplishing with this essay is explaining reasons why Cornell would be the place for you to combine said interests. For instance, you can do this by describing programs you’ve researched, alumni you admire, and/or classes you couldn’t take anywhere else.
Why are you drawn to studying public policy? Drawing on your experiences, tell us about why you are interested in your chosen major and how attending the Brooks School will help you achieve your life goals. (650-word limit)
Public policy is rooted in a desire to improve our conditions, and with the Brooks School’s goal of making “positive change in the world,” you’ll want to explain where you too developed this goal. How did your interest begin, and how have you fostered this interest since its inception?
This is a good space to expand, perhaps, on an initiative you’ve taken for your community, a political campaign or volunteer center you’ve worked for, or even what gets you thinking about ways to better the world. Whatever it is, heed the prompt’s request that you talk about your experiences: it’s also always easier to be compelling when writing what you know, especially when it comes to applying to a school whose teachings will (hopefully) yield concrete benefits to society.
Lastly, you’ll want to touch on your life goals and how specific programs, courses, professors, or other aspects of the Brooks School of Public Policy at Cornell connects to your life goals and will facilitate you in achieving them.
SC Johnson College of Business
What kind of a business student are you using your personal, academic, or volunteer/work experiences, describe the topics or issues that you care about and why they are important to you. your response should convey how your interests align with the school to which you are applying within the cornell sc johnson college of business (charles h. dyson school of applied economics and management or the peter and stephanie nolan school of hotel administration). (650-word limit).
As business schools on the whole tend to be more professionally-minded, this is a good space to reflect on the real-world impact you wish your business school education to give you. Pay special attention to how the prompt asks you to explain how what you want to achieve aligns with the specific school you’re applying to. For instance, if you’re applying to Dyson, perhaps focus on the marketing skills and business savvy you’ve been building up throughout your life, but if you’re applying to be a Hotelier, use this essay to communicate what it is about the hotel, food, and administration industry that intrigues you.
Like the personal statement, this essay provides you an opportunity to talk about yourself. You’ll want to use personal details, experiences, and/or anecdotes in order to build out your essay and support your claims of interest in business. Bring in aspects of your personality that might not have been able to come through in your personal statement or other parts of your application if you can!
College of Engineering
How do your interests directly connect with cornell engineering if you have an intended major, what draws you to that department at cornell engineering if you are unsure what specific engineering field you would like to study, describe how your general interest in engineering most directly connects with cornell engineering. it may be helpful to concentrate on one or two things that you are most excited about. (250-word limit).
As you only have 250 words to fulfill this prompt, you must be concise about your interests and how they connect to Cornell Engineering. Don’t hesitate to show you’ve done research on the school by name-dropping classes, professors, or areas of research you would ideally pursue should you be admitted.
A great exercise to get you started is to visualize yourself as a student there — what classes would you be taking? What major would you eventually choose? Which professors would you elect to work with? Imagine yourself at Cornell: not only will help drum up your excitement for applying, but it will also help you craft a more compelling picture of your reasons to the admissions reader.
Question A: Describe an engineering problem that impacts your local community. This could be your school, neighborhood, town, region, or a group you identify with. Describe one to three things you might do as an engineer to solve the problem. (250-word limit)
This has the potential to be a very fun question as you reason through a problem with an engineering mindset. In a question like this, think about the structure of your essay: describe and introduce your problem, and why it’s important to your community/to you, then detail the steps you would take to solve it, and follow through those steps with reflection on how they would work.
This question is two-fold in the sense that it asks not only to see how you think through issues as an engineer, but also how you seek to apply your engineering skills to the world. Essentially, the Cornell admissions officers want to see that you think about how those engineering skills will help better the world (and that they won’t just live in a vacuum).
Question B: Diversity in all forms is intrinsic to excellence in engineering. Engineering the best solutions to complex problems is often achieved by drawing from the diverse ingenuity of people from different backgrounds, lived experiences, and identities. How do you see yourself contributing to the diversity and/or the inclusion of the Cornell Engineering community? What is the unique voice you would bring to the Cornell Engineering community? (250 word limit)
Increasingly, as marginalized peoples continue calling out the disparities in access to opportunity within the field of engineering, diversity has become an essential factor in engineering education. Consider the following guiding questions:
- Beyond being an aspiring engineer, who are you ?
- What experiences make you you , and why do they contribute to your study of engineering?
- How would you contribute to the humanistic side of engineering?
Understanding the role that your lived experiences and identity play into your Cornell engineering focus will help build your voice in that community, and this essay is an occasion for you to use that voice.
College of Human Ecology
How have your related experiences influenced your decision to apply to the college of human ecology (che) how will your choice of major impact your goals and plans for the future your response should show us that your interests and aspirations align with che and your choice of major. (650-word limit).
Unlike some of the other schools’ more clear-cut questions, this one asks for a more big-picture approach for how you will apply your education to a real-world setting. The College of Human Ecology is rooted in its mission to improve the human connection to nature in all kinds of ways, as evidenced by its multidisciplinary approach.
You’ll want to talk about your own big-picture goals in this question. What is the difference you hope to achieve in the world? What’s your goal career? You might not know the answers to these questions yet, but you can still broach the topic in this essay response.
Lastly, don’t forget to still include the specific details of this vision: which classes you’ll take, professors you admire, etc. Working some of the details of the four years you’ll spend at Cornell into your broader vision will help you write a cohesive essay.
School of Industrial and Labor Relations
Using your personal, academic, or volunteer/work experiences, describe the topics or issues that you care about and why they are important to you. your response should show us that your interests align with the ilr school. (650-word limit).
The ILR school leads in all things labor relations, economics, human resources, and management. Some of the most pressing problems it seeks to tackle are labor negotiations, conflicts among employers and employees, and the social sciences (in diversity, statistics, etc) surrounding labor and employment.
These topics seem to be in the news all the time, and are certainly relevant to a large number of people—what makes them relevant to you? Why have you taken an interest in labor relations? How have you demonstrated this interest through your actions?
This prompt is also a personal question. While you’ll still want to write about how the school and its programs will help you accomplish your goals in labor relations, don’t hesitate to get personal about the motivations behind your decision to apply to this school, as there are few like it.
If you need help polishing up your Cornell University supplemental essays, check out our College Essay Review service. You can receive detailed feedback from Ivy League consultants in as little as 24 hours.
![supplemental essay for cornell university Email icon](https://nextadmit.com/blog/wp-content/themes/next-admit/custom/images/email_icon-minified.png)
Sign Up for More College App Tips
Subscribe to the Next Admit newsletter, a weekly newsletter where you'll receive our best college essay and college app advice. You can unsubscribe at any time!
Students Also Read
![supplemental essay for cornell university How to Write the Wake Forest Supplemental Essays 2023–2024](https://nextadmit.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/bob-shea-5AxBg71K-A8-unsplash-260x156.jpg)
The Ivy Coach Daily
- College Admissions
- College Essays
- Early Decision / Early Action
- Extracurricular Activities
- Standardized Testing
- The Rankings
August 9, 2023
2023-2024 Cornell University Supplemental Essay Prompts
![supplemental essay for cornell university An aerial view of Cornell University's campus, featuring red-bricked buildings and greenery.](https://www.ivycoach.com/wp-content/uploads/imported-files/2023-2024-Cornell-University-Supplemental-Essays-700x524.jpeg)
Cornell University has released its 2023-2024 supplemental admissions essays for applicants to the Class of 2028 . For years, Cornell asked applicants to respond to an essay of up to 650 words in length that essentially asked, “ Why Cornell ?” But this year, the Ivy League institution has changed things up, creating essays specific to the individual school to which a student is applying within Cornell. So what supplemental admissions essays will applicants to Cornell’s Class of 2028 be asked to write? Let’s dive in!
2023-2024 Cornell Essay Topics and Questions
Essay for all applicants .
In 350-words or less, all applicants to Cornell University are asked to answer the following prompt:
In the aftermath of the U.S. Civil War, Ezra Cornell wrote, “I would found an institution where any person can find instruction in any study.” For over 150 years, Cornell University has remained deeply committed to Ezra’s vision. Explain how your life experiences will help inform your contributions to a learning community devoted to “…any person…any study.” We encourage you to think broadly about your life experiences, including how local (e.g., family, school, neighborhood) or global communities you’ve been part of have helped shape your perspective.
It’s difficult not to view this new essay prompt as Cornell’s direct response to the SCOTUS ruling outlawing Affirmative Action . While colleges can no longer directly consider race as a factor in the highly selective college admissions process, Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts wrote a legal loophole in the majority opinion .
Chief Justice Roberts wrote, “Nothing in this opinion should be construed as prohibiting universities from considering an applicant’s discussion of how race affected his or her life, be it through discrimination, inspiration, or otherwise.”
While Cornell’s admissions committee explicitly cited family, school, and neighborhood or global communities in the question, students can write about their race, faith, gender, sexuality, or just about anything else in response to this prompt. After all, Cornell’s admissions committee seeks to build a diverse incoming class, and no Supreme Court decision will get in their way. While the Ivy League school wasn’t nearly as bold as Johns Hopkins University in citing race in its supplemental essay prompt, it’s very much implied that race is on the table.
School-Specific Essays
College of agriculture and life sciences.
CALS asks applicants to respond to a required essay of up to 650 words in length followed by optional essays of up to 200 words and 100 words. Of course, no optional essay should ever be considered optional in Cornell’s admissions process. Write it!
Required Essay Prompt
Why are you drawn to studying the major you have selected? Please discuss how your interests and related experiences have influenced your choice. How will an education from the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) at Cornell University specifically serve to support your learning, growth, and the pursuit of your goals? (650-word limit)
This is a hybrid prompt: Why Major and Why School at Cornell? More so than any Ivy League school, Cornell cares about school fit . Cornell’s admissions committee not only wants to know why you wish to attend Cornell but why you wish to attend the school within the school at Cornell.
After all, Cornell’s admissions committee wasn’t born yesterday. They, too, know that getting into certain schools at Cornell is easier than others. So if a student is genuinely interested in computer science yet is applying to the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, simply writing they enjoy farming won’t pass the sniff test.
In this essay, applicants should avoid name-dropping professors at CALS who may or may not even be there next year or classes that may or may not even be offered next year and instead focus on the enduring aspects of the school within a school. Cornell’s admissions committee wants to see how applicants hope to leave a mark in agriculture and life sciences during their lifetime.
By thoroughly examining specific programs, institutes, culture, traditions, and activities at CALS, applicants can show rather than tell why they wish to attend.
Optional Essay Prompts
CALS applicants have up to 200 words and 100 words, respectively, to answer the following two optional essay prompts:
Instructions: The optional short-answer questions invite you to share additional information about your background, interests, and experiences as they relate to aspects of the Cornell CALS mission. The content of any responses submitted will be included in the holistic review of your application (which is also the case for any optional additional information submitted as part of your Common Application or uploaded through your Cornell Application Portal once you’ve applied).
1. At Cornell CALS, we aim to leave the world better than we found it, so we seek out those who are not simply driven to master their discipline, but who are also passionate about doing so to serve the public good. Please elaborate on an experience where you had a meaningful impact on people, a community, and/or an environment of importance to you.
CALS applicants would be wise to choose an experience that relates to agriculture or life sciences for this prompt. Ideally, the experience the student writes about will also be reflected in their extracurricular pursuits listed on The Common Application. Applicants should tell a small story. Too often, applicants try to accomplish too much by telling grandiose stories. And applicants should be sure to leave out the self-congratulatory sentences. There’s no need to brag in elite college admissions — ever!
2. Cornell CALS is dedicated to purpose-driven study of the agricultural, life, environmental, and social sciences and welcomes students with interests that span a wide variety of disciplines. Given our agricultural history and commitment to educating the next generation of agriculturalists, please share if you have a background or interest in agriculture, regardless of your intended major. An “agricultural entity” for the purpose of this question is defined as cultivating soil, growing crops, and raising livestock (e.g., farm, ranch, greenhouse, vineyard, etc.).
Select all that apply:
- A primary source of income for my parent/guardian(s) comes from ownership of or employment by an agricultural entity.
- My extended family owns or operates an agricultural entity.
- I have experience working in an agricultural entity.
- I have interest in pursuing a career in an agricultural entity.
Please feel free to share additional details.
This prompt allows applicants to write a more detailed portrait of their family’s farm or their experience working as, say, a farmhand. It’s another chance for students to show rather than tell why they hope to contribute to the field of agriculture.
College of Architecture, Art, and Planning
Students have up to 650 words to respond to the below essay prompt:
How do your interests directly connect with your intended major at the College of Architecture, Art, and Planning (AAP)? Why architecture (B.Arch), art (BFA), or urban and regional studies (URS)? B. Arch applicants, please provide an example of how a creative project or passion sparks your motivation to pursue a 5-year professional degree program. BFA applicants may want to to consider how they could integrate a range of interests and available resources at Cornell into a coherent art practice. URS students may want to emphasize their enthusiasm and depth of interest in the study of urban and regional issues.
It’s a hybrid essay prompt as Cornell’s admissions committee not only wants to know why applicants want to study architecture, art, and planning, but they want to hear a specific example of an instance that inspires their interest in the field. Of course, we always encourage our students at Ivy Coach to share such anecdotes when asked why they’re interested in a discipline — whether they’re asked to cite an example or not — since showing rather than telling is always the way to go.
And then the third component of this hybrid essay prompt is a Why College of Architecture, Art, and Planning. This component of an applicant’s answer should be filled with genuine specifics about the school within a school. And, no, name-dropping professors and regurgitating classes listed in a course catalog do not count. Applicants should aim to capture enduring aspects of the school within a school at Cornell.
College of Arts & Sciences
At the College of Arts and Sciences, curiosity will be your guide. Discuss how your passion for learning is shaping your academic journey, and what areas of study or majors excite you and why. Your response should convey how your interests align with the College, and how you would take advantage of the opportunities and curriculum in Arts and Sciences.
It’s a hybrid essay prompt: Why Major and Why School within a School. Cornell wants to understand the origin story of your interest in studying your intended major through a specific narrative — always as a high schooler rather than a child. And they also want to know why Cornell’s College of Arts & Sciences. The second part of this essay’s answer should be filled with specifics that only apply to Cornell’s College of Arts & Sciences. If a sentence can apply to another university, delete it.
Cornell Jeb E. Brooks School of Public Policy
Why are you drawn to studying public policy? Drawing on your experiences, tell us about why you are interested in your chosen major and how attending the Brooks School will help you achieve your life goals.
It’s a straight-up-the-middle hybrid essay prompt: Why Major and Why Brooks? Cornell wants to hear a narrative about a student’s interest in studying public policy. It could be through their coursework, their activities, or even their reading for pleasure. And then Cornell wants to hear that an applicant has done their homework on the Brooks School of Public Policy. As such, applicants should cite specifics about the school within a school at Cornell that do not apply to any other school at Cornell or any other university.
Cornell SC Johnson College of Business
What kind of a business student are you? Using your personal, academic, or volunteer/work experiences, describe the topics or issues that you care about and why they are important to you. Your response should convey how your interests align with the school to which you are applying within the Cornell SC Johnson College of Business (Charles H. Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management or the Peter and Stephanie Nolan School of Hotel Administration).
It’s a hybrid essay prompt: Why Business and Why SC Johnson? Applicants should share a story or stories about their interest in business — ideally as evidenced in their extracurricular pursuits listed in the activities section of their Common Applications.
And then, applicants should transition to demonstrating how they can best pursue their interests at SC Johnson. To do so, applicants should cite specifics about the school within a school at Cornell that don’t apply to any other undergraduate business school. And, no, name-dropping professors and listing classes do not count as genuine specifics. Instead, applicants should cite enduring specifics about the school within a school to show rather than tell why they wish to attend.
College of Engineering
College of Engineering applicants must write two supplemental essays, each of up to 250 words in length. The first essay is required of all College of Engineering applicants. For the second essay, applicants have the choice of responding to the first or second essay prompt option.
How do your interests directly connect with Cornell Engineering? If you have an intended major, what draws you to that department at Cornell Engineering? If you are unsure what specific engineering field you would like to study, describe how your general interest in engineering most directly connects with Cornell Engineering. It may be helpful to concentrate on one or two things that you are most excited about.
Cornell’s College of Engineering wants applicants to narrow their engineering focus. If a student is interested in mechanical engineering, their essay response should focus on mechanical engineering. Likewise, if it’s environmental engineering, the student should get specific on their interest in environmental engineering.
To do so, applicants should focus on the curriculum design and the programs and institutes Cornell boasts that tackle research in these areas. And they’d be wise to avoid writing about classes. It’s a Why College essay and Why College essays should not be approached like a game of Mad Libs where a student can insert a class name for one university and change it to another name for another university. It’s all about capturing the enduring specifics of the College of Engineering, and the specific engineering track a student intends to pursue.
Describe an engineering problem that impacts your local community. This could be your school, neighborhood, town, region, or a group you identify with. Describe one to three things you might do as an engineer to solve the problem.
This prompt presents a fantastic opportunity for engineering applicants to showcase how they think and want to change the world in a specific way. Applicants should be sure to pick a small problem in their local community that they encounter — and it need not be a sexy problem. Maybe it’s potholes. Whatever it is, applicants should showcase how they’ll leverage the power of engineering to make the problem better for locals.
Diversity in all forms is intrinsic to excellence in engineering. Engineering the best solutions to complex problems is often achieved by drawing from the diverse ingenuity of people from different backgrounds, lived experiences, and identities. How do you see yourself contributing to the diversity and/or the inclusion of the Cornell Engineering community? What is the unique voice you would bring to the Cornell Engineering community?
While the Supreme Court outlawed Affirmative Action, Cornell’s admissions committee still wishes to admit a diverse class. And diversity doesn’t only mean racial diversity. It also means diversity of faiths, geography, gender, sexual orientation, and thought. So the question is wide open for an applicant to showcase what life experience or perspective they’ll bring to the College of Engineering.
College of Human Ecology
Students have up to 650 words to respond to the below essay prompt. Students are also asked to check out these essay application tips before beginning.
How have your related experiences influenced your decision to apply to the College of Human Ecology (CHE)? How will your choice of major impact your goals and plans for the future? Your response should show us that your interests and aspirations align with CHE and your choice of major.
It’s a three-part question. Cornell’s admissions committee wants to know why students are interested in studying a discipline within the College of Human Ecology, how they hope to influence this field during their lifetime, and why the College of Human Ecology is the right fit for them. As such, students should share a narrative that demonstrates the origin of their interest in the field — always as a high schooler instead of as a child — before transitioning to their hopes and dreams for shaping the field in their own small but meaningful way during their lifetimes, and then citing specifics about CHE that only apply to this school within a school at Cornell.
School of Industrial and Labor Relations
Using your personal, academic, or volunteer/work experiences, describe the topics or issues that you care about and why they are important to you. Your response should show us that your interests align with the ILR School.
It’s a hybrid essay prompt: Why Labor Relations and Why ILR? Students should thus begin by writing a narrative that details their interest in studying labor relations — always as a high schooler rather than as a child — which is ideally evidenced in their activities listed in The Common Application.
Applicants should then transition to the Why ILR component of the prompt. And, no, citing that ILR is the most prestigious school to study labor relations sure doesn’t count. Students need to detail specific after specific about ILR — without stooping to naming professors or listing classes — that do not apply to another other university.
Ivy Coach’s Assistance with Cornell Essays
If you’re interested in optimizing your case for admission to Cornell University by submitting powerful admissions essays, fill out Ivy Coach ’s consultation form , and we’ll be in touch to outline our college counseling services for seniors .
You are permitted to use www.ivycoach.com (including the content of the Blog) for your personal, non-commercial use only. You must not copy, download, print, or otherwise distribute the content on our site without the prior written consent of Ivy Coach, Inc.
Related Articles
![supplemental essay for cornell university This is a view of Dartmouth College's Green at sunset.](https://www.ivycoach.com/wp-content/uploads/imported-files/Dartmouth-College-Essay-Prompts.jpeg)
2024-2025 Dartmouth College Supplemental Essay Prompts
July 21, 2024
![supplemental essay for cornell university A columned building is featured at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.](https://www.ivycoach.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Why-Applicants-Should-Avoid-Name-Dropping-In-College-Essays.png)
Why Applicants Should Avoid Name Dropping in College Essays
![supplemental essay for cornell university A view from under a tree on a lawn at Duke University.](https://www.ivycoach.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Why-You-Should-Avoid-Writing-About-Travel-In-College-Essays.png)
Why You Should Avoid Writing About Travel in College Essays
July 13, 2024
![supplemental essay for cornell university The outside of Sanborn Library is pictured at Dartmouth College.](https://www.ivycoach.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/Should-English-Teachers-Review-College-Essays-scaled.jpg)
Should English Teachers Review College Essays?
June 13, 2024
![supplemental essay for cornell university A statue of a person filled with numbers is featured at MIT.](https://www.ivycoach.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Using-Impressive-Vocabulary-In-College-Essays-scaled.jpg)
Using ‘Impressive’ Vocabulary in College Essays
June 6, 2024
![supplemental essay for cornell university Students walk across Harvard Yard under a blue sky.](https://www.ivycoach.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/The-Consequences-Of-Plagiarism-In-College-Essays-scaled.jpg)
What Are the Consequences of College Essay Plagiarism?
May 16, 2024
TOWARD THE CONQUEST OF ADMISSION
If you’re interested in Ivy Coach’s college counseling, fill out our complimentary consultation form and we’ll be in touch.
Fill out our short form for a 20-minute consultation to learn about Ivy Coach’s services.
Cornell Supplemental Essays 2023-2024
Cornell University is one of the most competitive schools in both New York and the nation. In recent years, the Cornell acceptance rate has only gotten lower . When considering how to get into Cornell , there’s no room to slack off on any part of your Cornell application. Simply meeting the Cornell University requirements will not be enough to gain admission. That’s where your Cornell supplemental essays come in.
In fact, these essays are a key part of your application. Your Cornell essays allow you to highlight who you are beyond your grades, test scores, and recommendations. This means that you should approach each of the Cornell essay prompts with thought, consideration, and attention to detail.
If you’re feeling stuck when approaching the Cornell University requirements—and particularly the Cornell supplemental essays—then you’re in luck. This guide to the Cornell supplemental essays includes expert guidance on how to approach each prompt. You’ll find a breakdown of how to approach each Cornell essay and tips for creating an application narrative that will stand out to admissions.
Cornell Essay Guide Quick Facts:
- Cornell acceptance rate: 9% – U.S. News ranks Cornell as a most selective school.
- 1-2 school-specific essays (varies depending on school)
- Cornell application note: The prompts and word counts for the Cornell supplemental essays vary depending on the college to which students apply. All students will complete the Cornell University requirements via the Common App .
- #1 Cornell essay tip: We strongly recommend answering all Cornell supplemental essays—including the optional Cornell essay prompts—comprehensively and thoughtfully. Well-written Cornell supplemental essays give your readers a deeper look into your personality and passions, which can significantly increase your chances of admission.
Please note that essay requirements are subject to change each admissions cycle, and portions of this article may have been written before the final publication of the most recent guidelines. For the most up-to-date information on essay requirements, check the university’s admissions website.
How many supplemental essays does Cornell require?
You must complete one or two of the Cornell supplemental essays listed on the 2023-2024 Common App. The number of Cornell supplemental essays and the prompt you answer, however, depends on the school to which you apply.
Each of the Cornell essay prompts corresponds to one of eight undergraduate colleges/schools at Cornell. While there are eight Cornell supplemental essays to choose from—and we’ll cover them in this Cornell supplemental essays guide—you will only answer one or two Cornell essay prompts.
What are the Cornell supplemental essays?
The Cornell supplemental essays are accessible through your Common Application. Additionally, you can visit the main Cornell site for a full checklist of first-year application requirements (including the Cornell essay prompts).
In addition to your Common Application Personal Statement , you will select one of eight Cornell essay prompts to answer. Each of the Cornell essay prompts corresponds to the undergraduate college or school at Cornell to which you are applying (including the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences; College of Architecture, Art, and Planning; College of Arts and Sciences; Cornell SC Johnson College of Business; Brooks School of Public Policy; College of Engineering; College of Human Ecology; or the School of Industrial and Labor Relations). So, choosing which Cornell majors interest you is a key first step as you approach the Cornell supplemental essays. We’ll dig into each prompt later in this article.
Although there are several Cornell essay prompts to choose from, you will only answer the prompt that corresponds to the undergraduate school at Cornell to which you apply. For example, those interested in engineering should only answer the prompt(s) for the College of Engineering . This means that every applicant will write only one to two Cornell writing supplements.
Remember that no matter which Cornell majors interest you, all applicants must also write the personal statement essay found on the Common App. Need some help writing your Common App essay? Get great tips from our latest Common App essay guide to build your college application with confidence.
Cornell Supplemental Essays – College Interest Essays
The Cornell supplemental essays may seem more intimidating than other college essays—Cornell is an Ivy League school, after all. However, you’ll notice many similarities. It may seem as though the Cornell essay prompts vary greatly based on the college to which you apply. However, that’s not necessarily the case.
The majority of the prompts for the Cornell supplemental essays pose the same questions. Why this major? And why at Cornell? So, essentially these Cornell supplemental essays are like a why major essay and a why school essay .
Cornell College Interest Essay Prompts
College of arts and sciences:, at the college of arts and sciences , curiosity will be your guide. discuss how your passion for learning is shaping your academic journey, and what areas of study or majors excite you and why. your response should convey how your interests align with the college, and how you would take advantage of the opportunities and curriculum in arts and sciences. , college of architecture, art, and planning:, how do your interests directly connect with your intended major at the college of architecture, art, and planning (aap) why architecture (b.arch), art (bfa), or urban and regional studies (urs), b. arch applicants, please provide an example of how a creative project or passion sparks your motivation to pursue a 5-year professional degree program. bfa applicants may want to consider how they could integrate a range of interests and available resources at cornell into a coherent art practice. urs students may want to emphasize their enthusiasm and depth of interest in the study of urban and regional issues., brooks school of public policy:, why are you drawn to studying public policy drawing on your experiences, tell us about why you are interested in your chosen major and how attending the brooks school will help you achieve your life goals., college of architecture and life sciences:, why are you drawn to studying the major you have selected please discuss how your interests and related experiences have influenced your choice. how will an education from the college of agriculture and life sciences (cals) at cornell university specifically serve to support your learning, growth, and the pursuit of your goals, s.c. johnson college of business:, what kind of a business student are you using your personal, academic, or volunteer/work experiences, describe the topics or issues that you care about and why they are important to you. your response should convey how your interests align with the school to which you are applying within the cornell sc johnson college of business (the charles h. dyson school of applied economics and management or the cornell peter and stephanie nolan school of hotel administration)., college of engineering:, how do your interests directly connect with cornell engineering if you have an intended major, what draws you to that department at cornell engineering if you are unsure what specific engineering field you would like to study, describe how your general interest in engineering most directly connects with cornell engineering. it may be helpful to concentrate on one or two things that you are most excited about., choose question a or b to respond to..
- A: Describe an engineering problem that impacts your local community. This could be your school, neighborhood, town, region, or a group you identify with. Describe one to three things you might do as an engineer to solve the problem.
- B: Diversity in all forms is intrinsic to excellence in engineering. Engineering the best solutions to complex problems is often achieved by drawing from the diverse ingenuity of people from different backgrounds, lived experiences, and identities. How do you see yourself contributing to the diversity and/or the inclusion of the Cornell Engineering community? What is the unique voice you would bring to the Cornell Engineering community?
College of Human Ecology:
How have your related experiences influenced your decision to apply to the college of human ecology how will your choice of major impact your goals and plans for the future your response should show us that your interests and aspirations align with che and your choice of major., school of industrial and labor relations:, using your personal, academic, or volunteer/work experiences, describe the topics or issues that you care about and why they are important to you. your response should show us that your interests align with the ilr school..
Note that some of the Cornell supplemental essays are optional. We’ll take a closer look at these optional prompts later in this guide.
Each of these prompts is slightly different. However, you’ll notice that the general essence of the questions stays the same. Your Cornell supplemental essays will vary greatly based on your unique experiences, academic interests , and future goals. There will be no one-size-fits-all way to complete the Cornell supplemental essays. Still, there are certain things that can help you craft the best Cornell University essay possible.
Keep in mind that the most important part of answering a why major essay and a why school essay is being specific. You cannot give generic responses in your Cornell supplemental essay.
Cornell Essay- Choosing a college
Before we break down each of the Cornell essay prompts, let’s take a look at all of the colleges to which you could apply at Cornell. Each one has its own set of Cornell majors available. However, don’t be intimidated if you aren’t certain of your major just yet. Applicants are by no means locked into these colleges should they reassess their academic and career goals if accepted to Cornell.
Academic Colleges at Cornell University:
Brooks School of Public Policy . Applicants who complete the Cornell supplemental essay for Brooks will have two undergraduate majors to choose from. Brooks students can study Policy Analysis and Management or Health Care Policy.
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) . Students who choose to study at CALS during their time at Cornell have a wide range of undergraduate degrees to choose from. Some options include Marine Biology, Plant Breeding, Food Science, Horticulture, and many more.
College of Architecture, Art, and Planning (AAP) . Students who study at Cornell AAP can choose to study Urban and Regional Planning, Fine Arts (BFA), Architecture, or Real Estate.
College of Arts and Sciences . This is likely the college to apply to if you are undecided on your major as it offers a liberal arts education. Students in this college can choose from many different majors such as Economics, English, Feminist, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, or Linguistics.
SC Johnson College of Business . Students who hope to study business at Cornell will choose from two undergraduate programs: Applied Economics and Management or Hotel Administration.
College of Engineering . Applicants interested in the engineering program at Cornell will have to write two Cornell supplemental essays. Students accepted to the program will have 14 majors and 22 minors to choose from.
College of Human Ecology . Cornell’s College of Human Ecology offers three different majors: Human Centered Design, Psychology, and Nutritional Sciences.
School of Industrial and Labor Relations (ILR) . There is only one major for undergraduates to study within ILR at Cornell. However, it’s an interdisciplinary program that studies urgent issues affecting society, organizations, the economy, and international affairs.
Before reading all about the college-specific Cornell supplemental essays, take a look at an example of a successful why school essay for some tips. Of course, your Cornell University essay will be quite different. However, it should share the same goal: convincing admissions that you belong on campus.
When writing a “why this college” essay, it is important to write passionately. If you’re waiting to take a tour of campus until after you’ve received your acceptance letter , then why not take one virtually ? Envisioning yourself on campus will help you find motivation and inspiration for the Cornell supplemental essays. So, no matter which of the Cornell supplemental essays you choose, admissions officers should be able to envision you enriching the college community.
Now, let’s dive into how to write the Cornell supplemental essays for each college.
Cornell Essay: College of Arts and Sciences
Students who are undecided on their major will likely write a Cornell supplemental essay to this college—unless, of course, a major within a different discipline has captured their interest. The College of Arts and Sciences focuses on an interdisciplinary education. This college is “curiosity-driven” and the perfect place for academic “exploration and discovery.”
Let’s look at the prompt.
At the College of Arts and Sciences, curiosity will be your guide. Discuss how your passion for learning is shaping your academic journey, and what areas of study or majors excite you and why. Your response should convey how your interests align with the College, and how you would take advantage of the opportunities and curriculum in Arts and Sciences.
You’ll notice that this is a somewhat typical why school essay and essentially a why major essay as well. So, you’ll need to choose an area of academic interest in order to complete this Cornell University essay prompt. However, as the prompt states, you can mention multiple Cornell majors. You’ll have 650 words in which you can respond to this Cornell supplemental essay prompt.
You can choose various areas of study interest to write about. However, you want to make sure that they connect. You should also highlight how they’ll help you to achieve your future goals. For example, don’t just state that you’re interested in studying Economics and Feminist, Gender, and Sexuality studies without giving any context. Maybe you’d like to explore the earning differences between different groups and find solutions to bridge those gaps. Whatever your current interests are, use this Cornell supplemental essay to logically link them to you and your future goals.
Keep in mind
When responding to the Cornell essay prompts, reference specific opportunities only offered at Cornell. Get specific when writing about your academic interests as well as the Cornell community. How will studying at Cornell impact your education and future career?
Additionally, your Cornell supplemental essays should highlight your passion for the subject matter. However, this specific Cornell essay prompt asks applicants to “discuss how your passion for learning is shaping your academic journey.” What makes you a curious learner? How have those interests played a part in your education up until now? And, essentially, how will your intellectual curiosity help you when studying in the College of Arts and Sciences?
Still struggling to identify some majors to write about? Check out our article on how to choose a major for some guidance.
How to Choose a Major
Cornell Supplemental Essays: College of Architecture, Art, and Planning
The College of Architecture, Art, and Planning offers three distinct majors. If you’re applying to this college, you likely know yours—if not, you’ll need to choose one before responding to this Cornell essay prompt.
Here’s the AAP Cornell University essay prompt for hopeful applicants:
How do your interests directly connect with your intended major at the College of Architecture, Art, and Planning (AAP)? Why architecture (B.Arch), art (BFA), or urban and regional studies (URS)? B. Arch applicants, please provide an example of how a creative project or passion sparks your motivation to pursue a 5-year professional degree program. BFA applicants may want to consider how they could integrate a range of interests and available resources at Cornell into a coherent art practice. URS students may want to emphasize their enthusiasm and depth of interest in the study of urban and regional issues.
This Cornell supplemental essay prompt is essentially another why school essay and why major essay combined. However, successful Cornell supplemental essays will link applicants’ interests with their intended area of study.
What do we mean by that? Well, let’s say you plan on studying architecture . Rather than writing about your obsession with baking the perfect cupcake, instead, focus on your love of old buildings. Was there a moment, an experience, or a trip that made you begin to notice every little detail of the buildings you step into? Strong Cornell supplemental essays should take the reader into these moments.
Don’t shy away from using personal anecdotes. However, make sure that it connects back to the Cornell College of Architecture, Art, and Planning. After reading this Cornell supplemental essay, Cornell admissions should know just why you’ve chosen your intended major. Additionally, this Cornell essay prompt asks applicants to specify their interests even further within the school. That means Cornell supplemental essays to AAP should clearly state which area within that college is of interest to you. The anecdotes, interests, and experiences you describe in this Cornell University supplemental essay should relate to your intended area of study. As with every why school and why major essay, students should use specific examples of program offerings, faculty, or internships that they’d take advantage of.
Keep in mind that applying to an Ivy League school is always a reach. So, it’s important to have other options in mind. Check out some of the best architecture schools to round out your college list.
Cornell Essay: Brooks School of Public Policy
While our other two Cornell supplemental essays were nuanced versions of the why major essay and the why school essay, the Cornell essay for Brooks is pretty upfront in its intentions. Let’s look at the prompt.
Clearly a why school and why major essay, applicants to the Brooks School of Public Policy will use their Cornell supplemental essay to tell Cornell admissions why they want to study Public Policy and why at Brooks. So, you’re likely familiar with this kind of college essay. However, this doesn’t mean your Cornell University essay should read as a list.
Feel free to get creative with this Cornell supplemental essay. You can use an anecdote to make your why major essay uniquely yours. Remember that successful Cornell supplemental essays will be specific. Generic Cornell supplemental essays will do applicants no favors when it comes to impressing Cornell admissions. Think about your reasons for choosing this major, what offerings you will utilize that are only available at Brooks, and how this will all tie into your future goals. Address all of these points within your Cornell essay to Brooks.
Additionally, keep in mind that Brooks aims to educate students to make positive changes in the world. So, if you can tie that into your Cornell University essay, great! However, steer clear of writing a cheesy Cornell essay that centers around world peace. Of course, if you can reference an experience you had that has had some impact on this larger, important theme, then by all means mention that in your Cornell essay for Brooks.
Learn more about Cornell admissions from the undergraduate advising team for the Brooks School of Public Policy in this helpful video below:
Cornell Supplemental Essays: College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
Similar to the Brooks College of Public Policy , CALS asks all of its applicants to answer one prompt that reads as a typical why major and why school essay.
Here’s the required prompt for the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Cornell:
Why are you drawn to studying the major you have selected? Please discuss how your interests and related experiences have influenced your choice. Specifically, how will an education from the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) and Cornell University help you achieve your academic goals? How will an education from the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) at Cornell University specifically serve to support your learning, growth, and the pursuit of your goals?
You’ll want to answer this Cornell University essay prompt by exploring why you’ve chosen this major. Start brainstorming just what brought you to this field of interest. Once you have a list, touch on the most meaningful or impactful points in order to write your most passionate Cornell supplemental essay. Or, maybe you know the exact moment when you decided this major was for you. Great! That’s a great place to dive into for this Cornell essay. This prompt asks you to show how your interests and experiences have influenced your choice.
The second part of this essay asks why you want to study this major at Cornell. It also asks how studying there will help you to achieve your future goals. Strong Cornell essays will mention specific programs, internships , or professors at CALS. Do your research so that you can get the details right.
Keep in mind that while not specifically among the Cornell University requirements for this school, applicants should show passion for intellectual exploration “on the ground.” Basically, when studying at CALS, students will get a lot of hands-on experience. Your learning won’t be confined to a laboratory. Cornell supplemental essays for this college might focus on the applicant’s adventurer’s spirit. Highlight how you constantly explore and dissect the world around you in order to make it a better place.
Applicants to Cornell CALS can also answer two optional Cornell essay prompts. We encourage applicants to consider the first essay required. After all, strong and passionate Cornell supplemental essays will only enhance your Cornell application. However, you should only complete the second of these Cornell supplemental essays if it genuinely applies to you.
Let’s look at both of the optional Cornell supplemental essays.
Here’s the first optional prompt:
At Cornell CALS, we aim to leave the world better than we found it, so we seek out those who are not simply driven to master their discipline, but who are also passionate about doing so to serve the public good. Please elaborate on an activity or experience you have had that made an impact on a community that is important to you. We encourage you to think about community broadly – this could include family, school, or local and global communities. (300-word limit)
This essay may seem familiar from other college applications. Many universities want to know about applicants’ community involvement. This helps Cornell admissions officers understand how you would enrich campus life.
The prompt makes it clear that “community” can mean many things. So, try to think outside the box with this prompt. There are many ways to write this Cornell essay, so start by thinking about which communities matter in your life. Then, choose one that matters most to you. You’ll need to show how you impacted that community and how you’d bring that experience to CALS.
Now, let’s look at the second optional Cornell University essay prompt for CALS.
The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) is dedicated to the exploration of the agricultural, life, environmental, and social sciences and welcomes students with interests that span a wide variety of disciplines. Given our agricultural history and commitment to educating the next generation of agriculturalists, please share if you have a background in agriculture or are interested in pursuing a career in agriculture, regardless of your intended major. (300-word limit)
Select all that apply:.
- My family owns or operates a farm.
- I have experience working in agriculture.
- I have an interest in pursuing a career in agriculture.
Cornell admissions wants to know more about applicants with significant agricultural experience. Consider this Cornell supplemental essay prompt truly optional. You should only respond if you have significant experience in agriculture or a serious interest in pursuing a career in that field.
If you answer this Cornell supplemental essay prompt, use specific examples to illustrate your experience. Ideally, applicants should use personal anecdotes in order to show just how agriculture has influenced their lives so far. Applicants should also highlight why these experiences have made them want to pursue a career in agriculture.
For more information directly from Cornell University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences check out this YouTube video below:
Cornell SC Johnson College of Business
Applicants to the SC Johnson College of Business will need to specify which discipline they’d like to pursue: Applied Economics and Management or Hotel Administration. So, this Cornell essay prompt is another why major and why school essay.
Here’s the Cornell supplemental essay prompt for SC Johnson College of Business applicants:
Like the other Cornell supplemental essays, this prompt asks applicants to explore their experiences and show how they connect to their potential business major at Cornell. First and foremost, in order to respond to this Cornell essay, applicants must select a major. Make sure your essay justifies your choice. Strong Cornell essays will show how your past experiences and interests have led you to your chosen field.
Additionally, applicants should tie in their future goals when writing this Cornell University essay. How will attending SC Johnson College of Business help you achieve your goals? Why do you want to study business there? Again, be specific and reference programs only found within each of these business programs at Cornell.
Successful Cornell supplemental essays will also consider the values of Cornell’s business program. You won’t simply study business, but “business with impact”. Students at SC Johnson College of Business are educated to be leaders in business by creating sustainable and shared prosperity. So, tie in your personal values with the college’s in order to highlight why you’re a perfect fit for this program.
Remember that the Cornell acceptance rate is very selective, and it is among the top business schools in the nation. So, when writing your Cornell supplemental essay, start long before the application deadline to give yourself plenty of time to write an impressive essay.
Cornell Essay: College of Engineering
The College of Engineering prompt is a little different from the other Cornell supplements. Instead of one long essay, applicants to the College of Engineering will be required to answer the first prompt. They will then choose one of the two following provided Cornell essay prompts to complete. Your maximum word count for the two required Cornell supplemental essays is lower as well (250 words), so concision is key.
Like with the other Cornell supplemental essays, we will walk through each College of Engineering prompt. We’ll then put together a strategy for answering these Cornell essays effectively.
Let’s look at the first prompt, which is required for all applicants to the College of Engineering.
The first of the Cornell supplemental essays for the College of Engineering is similar to many we’ve seen: the why major essay and the why school essay. It’s a combination of the two. So, in order to successfully answer this Cornell essay prompt, you’ll need to think deeply about why you want to study Engineering at Cornell.
This Cornell supplemental essay prompt does two things. First, it asks you to talk about your academic interests. Then, it checks whether you’ve done your homework on Cornell Engineering. An effective response to this Cornell essay will explain both your interest in engineering and how Cornell specifically fits into your future as an engineer.
When answering a “why this college?” question like this Cornell essay prompt, specificity is key. Represent your future with Cornell in mutualistic terms. What do you hope to gain from attending Cornell Engineering? What will you, in turn, give back to the community, either in the short or long term?
Start with the basics
Let’s start with the basics. Why do you want to apply to Cornell Engineering? Speak honestly. You don’t need to stuff your response with tons of niche details or copy/paste from the Cornell mission statement . Instead, give honest reasons why Cornell fits with your aspirations. Then, highlight how studying at Cornell will help you grow as both an engineer and a person.
Do you have a makeshift robotics lab in your garage? Are you set on studying artificial intelligence within the Computer Science major at Cornell Engineering? Did you visit and fall in love with the community values you saw on campus? Or did you have an interaction with a professor whose research fascinated you? Tell the reader about it!
Emphasize your interest in engineering as well as specific reasons why Cornell is the right place for you to foster this interest. Make sure that you tie your engineering interests to your intended major.
If you’re unsure of your intended engineering major, that’s okay. However, make sure that your love for engineering comes through. You can use a personal anecdote to show just how passionate you are for the field, too. Don’t shy away from creativity if it feels right for you. Still, make sure to relate it all back to Cornell.
Now, on to the second Cornell supplemental essay for Engineering applicants. For this Cornell essay, students will need to choose between two prompts.
Choose either Question A or Question B. (250 word limit)
- Question A: Describe an engineering problem that impacts your local community. This could be your school, neighborhood, town, region, or a group you identify with. Describe one to three things you might do as an engineer to solve the problem.
- Question B: Diversity in all forms is intrinsic to excellence in engineering. Engineering the best solutions to complex problems is often achieved by drawing from the diverse ingenuity of people from different backgrounds, lived experiences, and identities. How do you see yourself contributing to the diversity and/or the inclusion of the Cornell Engineering community? What is the unique voice you would bring to the Cornell Engineering community?
When choosing a prompt, one question may stand out to you more than the other. Choose that one. If that doesn’t happen, then do a brainstorming session for potential topics for each prompt. Review your lists and see which topic most motivates you. That’s the prompt to write on.
Let’s start with Question A. This Cornell University essay prompt is hoping to see applicants’ critical thinking skills. They want to know that you can navigate your way through a problem. Start listing potential problems and how you would address and solve them. They don’t have to be the most complex thing. Any problem will do—just make sure that it’s engineering-related and you can legitimately solve it with your response.
Question B wants to see how your diverse background will impact the Cornell Engineering community. When talking about “backgrounds, lived experiences, and identities,” applicants have a lot of options. Focus on what most impacts who you are and how you navigate the world. First, you’ll want to address those topics and then demonstrate how they will positively influence the Cornell community. What will your unique experiences bring to the Cornell community? How will it impact your future in engineering both on and off campus?
Beyond academics
Top colleges like Cornell want to know that you will be an active participant in the campus community. Of course, your academics are a big part of your college experience. However, you will learn just as much from your interactions with other students on campus. In turn, other students will learn from you.
Question B asks you to explain what you will bring to campus—not only in terms of your own academic excellence, but also in how you will contribute to student life . Will you be an active member of the community? How will you work to ensure diversity and inclusion prevail at Cornell—be it through extracurricular leadership or through inclusive conversations over dinner? In short, what experiences and traits do you bring to the campus community? How will you use those experiences to build meaningful shared experiences with other Cornell students?
An effective Cornell writing supplement prompt will describe how you have fostered diversity and inclusion in your own communities. This Cornell essay will allow you to talk about how you wish to bring your own voice and experiences to Cornell’s campus.
Ultimately, a strong response to this Cornell essay will make it clear that you belong at one of the top engineering colleges in the nation.
Cornell Supplemental Essays: College of Human Ecology
Applicants to the College of Human Ecology at Cornell should have an interest in studying human health and well-being. Logically, the Cornell supplemental essay prompt asks applicants to expand on their interest in this particular field.
This is the Cornell supplemental essay prompt for the College of Ecology:
How have your related experiences influenced your decision to apply to the College of Human Ecology (CHE)? How will your choice of major impact your goals and plans for the future? Your response should show us that your interests and aspirations align with CHE and your choice of major.
For this Cornell University essay, students will need to directly link their passion for the field to their interests or experiences. For example, if you’re interested in studying nutritional sciences, you might want to relate it to your experience as an athlete and a vegetarian. Whatever your chosen major is, you will need to back up your interest in it with direct experiences in this Cornell essay.
After you’ve shown why you want to study in this college, dive into your future goals. Do you want to work as a nutritionist for hopeful Olympic athletes? Or be the dietician for a professional sports team? Just make sure your objectives tie into the major you’ve selected. Since this is a why major essay and a nuanced why school essay, you’ll want to mention how studying at Cornell will specifically help you achieve your goals. The most impactful Cornell supplemental essays will specifically reference certain programs only offered at the Cornell College of Ecology.
Cornell Essay: School of Industrial and Labor Relations
The Cornell essay for the School of Industrial and Labor Relations (ILR) follows a similar framework as the majority of the other Cornell supplemental essays. Let’s take a closer look at this Cornell essay prompt.
When applying to the Cornell ILR, there is only one major that students can choose: Industrial and Labor Relations. No surprises there, right? So, when you choose to apply to this school, you’ve already chosen your major as well.
Now, you need to show Cornell admissions why you’ve chosen this major. This Cornell essay prompt gives you plenty of ways to show your interest in this field. You can use personal, academic, work, and volunteer experiences. Start brainstorming a list of things you care about. Then, see how this list connects to your experiences. Or, maybe it’s easier to do it vice versa. Whatever works for you is fine.
Once you have your topic, you need to show how it connects to this specific program. Students studying ILR at Cornell have an interdisciplinary major. They’ll take courses in law, organizational psychology, economics, history, statistics, and management. So, you’ll explore plenty of topics in this college—and your essay should show your enthusiasm for them.
Let’s say you work on the school yearbook committee and notice that one group of students was in none of the photos. You gather your team members together to speak on the topic and decide to get some candid shots of the excluded group. This shows not only your leadership skills, but also that equality and inclusion are important to you. How would those skills and interests align with the ILR major? Show that in your Cornell University essay.
No matter which of the schools you apply to, keep in mind that the Cornell acceptance rate is one of the most competitive in the nation. That being said, your Cornell application will need to stand out among a large pool of qualified applicants. Writing an impactful, passionate, and authentic essay is a great way to make your Cornell application memorable.
So, when considering how to write the ILR essay, or any others, don’t simply aim to check off another of the Cornell University requirements. Really take your time and write something that not only comprehensively answers the prompt, but also shows some insight into who you are as a person.
How do you write a Cornell essay?
Next, let’s talk a bit more about how to approach the Cornell supplemental essays.
To begin, you want to have a thorough understanding of what the Cornell essay is asking. Define any key terms, and ask yourself, “Is this a single Cornell essay with multiple steps/answers?”
Once you’ve gotten a grasp on what the Cornell writing supplement is asking, then you’ll want to freewrite. In general, freewriting can help you if you’re struggling with how to begin an essay. It can also help you choose one topic from a long list of potential essay responses. For specific guidance, check out CollegeAdvisor’s guide to reflection exercises .
Now, armed with your freewrite, you’ll want to start drafting your Cornell essay. While you can work from your existing freewrite, you can also start fresh. In the early stages of drafting Cornell supplemental essays, don’t worry about the word count. While it’s important, you don’t want to stifle your creative flow. Leave the ruthless editing for later on in the process.
Once you’ve completed the draft and have edited as needed, take your draft to a few trusted sources. These individuals (teachers, counselors, etc.), should read over your essay with a fine-toothed comb. They should focus on grammatical accuracy as well as tone and style.
This guidance should help you begin the Cornell essay process. However, use the specific breakdowns above for each college for more insights. This will help you approach each of the Cornell supplemental essays with confidence.
To make sure you’re on the right track, keep in mind the following questions after writing your first draft for the Cornell supplemental essays.
Cornell Essay Reflection Questions:
- Does your Cornell essay response reveal what makes you a good addition to campus? Does it highlight your best core values?
- Do you explain your future aspirations in your chosen field?
- Does your writing show a true passion for your field of study?
- Do your Cornell essays make the reader want to learn more about you?
How important are the Cornell supplemental essays for admission?
In a word—very! Each Cornell essay plays an important role in the review process.
Schools like Cornell University receive top-notch applicants from around the world in record numbers every year. High test scores , excellent grades, and meaningful extracurricular achievements are common in the Cornell application pool. Combined with your Common App personal statement, the Cornell supplemental essays give you valuable space to discuss your passions, values, and character.
Cornell admissions looks for students who demonstrate “honesty, open-mindedness, initiative, and empathy,” both academically and in their daily lives. The Cornell essay prompts are designed to find this kind of student. Use your Cornell supplemental essays to make it clear to Cornell that you are passionate about learning, curious about the world, willing to challenge yourself to pursue your interests, and will be a valuable addition to Cornell. Above all, your Cornell supplemental essays should show what makes you special and why Cornell should admit you!
Finally, remember that the Cornell supplemental essays are a required part of your Cornell application. However, try not to see them as a chore. After all, a strong Cornell essay, combined with a competitive Cornell application, will make a huge difference in admissions.
Share your voice
Your Cornell essay is a window into your passions, values, and personality. The Cornell supplemental essay allows you to speak to your readers on your own terms. While this task may seem daunting, a well-executed Cornell essay can be incredibly helpful to your application.
You can read more about what Cornell admissions officers look for in prospective students (and what they look for in applicants’ responses to Cornell essay prompts) on the “What Cornell Looks For” page . This can help you write Cornell essays tailored to the Cornell admissions team.
Of course, Cornell is among the most elite universities in the nation. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s your perfect college fit. Before you obsess over writing the perfect Cornell essay, l earn more about what it’s like to apply to and attend such a competitive university from a Cornell alumni per s pective . These insights can also help you write specific and targeted supplemental essays.
Cornell Supplemental Essays: Final Thoughts
Completing the Cornell supplemental essays can seem daunting, but don’t let them discourage you from applying. Instead, view these Cornell essays as an opportunity to introduce yourself to admissions. The Cornell writing supplements should help them see why you’d be a great addition to their school. Additionally, each Cornell essay gives you the chance to learn more about the school to which you’re applying. As you write, you should seriously think about what excites you about potentially studying there.
Check out these successful college essay examples for inspiration. While they won’t be exactly like the Cornell supplemental essay prompts, they will show you how college essays can vary greatly from one another. The most important thing of any Cornell essay is showing admissions who you are while fully answering the prompt.
Use your essays to your advantage
Maybe you’re applying with a lower than average GPA or SAT score , or maybe you have a couple of blemishes on your transcript. A well-written set of Cornell supplemental essays can work in your favor and make it obvious that you would be a great addition to campus. So, if you’re dreaming about the day you enroll at Cornell, use this guide to help you approach each Cornell application essay with a solid strategy.
The Cornell supplemental essays are a great way to impress admissions, but make sure the rest of your Cornell application impresses as well. Don’t forget to read our How to Get Into Cornell guide for an overview of application strategy. Good luck!
This Cornell supplemental essay guide was written by Sarah Kaminski . Looking for more admissions support? Click here to schedule a free meeting with one of our Admissions Specialists. During your meeting, our team will discuss your profile and help you find targeted ways to increase your admissions odds at top schools. We’ll also answer any questions and discuss how CollegeAdvisor.com can support you in the college application process.
Personalized and effective college advising for high school students.
- Advisor Application
- Popular Colleges
- Privacy Policy and Cookie Notice
- Student Login
- California Privacy Notice
- Terms and Conditions
- Your Privacy Choices
By using the College Advisor site and/or working with College Advisor, you agree to our updated Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy , including an arbitration clause that covers any disputes relating to our policies and your use of our products and services.
What are your chances of acceptance?
Calculate for all schools, your chance of acceptance.
Your chancing factors
Extracurriculars.
5 Tips for Writing Cornell’s Supplemental Essays
This article was written based on the information and opinions presented by Mariana Goldlust in a CollegeVine livestream. You can watch the full livestream for more info.
What’s Covered:
- Understand the Prompts
- Use an Interesting Hook
- Meet the Word Count
- Tell Your Unique Story
- Demonstrate Your Interest
If you’re applying to Cornell University , you’ll be writing some supplemental essays as part of your application. Let’s explore some specific tips for writing Cornell’s admissions essays.
![](http://rss3.fun/777/templates/cheerup/res/banner1.gif)
1. Understand the Prompts
As you begin writing your essays, take a look at the shorter prompts and try to identify the most important parts of them. What is the core of the question being asked? Once you’ve identified the key components of the prompt, you’ll be able to write a concise essay that communicates your answer in a succinct way. This is especially important since these admissions officers are reading so many essays.
2. Use an Interesting Hook
In these shorter essays, it’s important to make sure your first sentence or two contains a hook: something compelling and interesting that will get the admissions officers especially interested in reading the rest of that essay as well as your others.
3. Meet the Word Count
The 650-word threshold is more than just a suggestion. In writing your essays, you should be working hard to meet that threshold. Each essay is an opportunity to wow the admissions officers, so you should be using as many words as you’re allowed to say what you want to say.
Of course, this does not mean you should write to meet the word count just for the sake of meeting it. Each word you write should be impactful and contribute positively to your essay.
If you find yourself with 30 or 40 words to spare at the end of your writing process, that chunk of words can be an opportunity to make one of your points more effectively by adding supporting information, exploring a concept more deeply, or bringing more of your personality and character to your writing. You don’t want to miss opportunities in the admissions process, so use every word available to show who you are!
4. Tell Your Unique Story
Of course, word quality is just as important as word quantity. In addition to focusing on the ideas you’re trying to communicate in your essays, be sure to consider how you’re communicating them. Writing a great admissions essay doesn’t necessarily mean having a concept nobody has ever written about before; a memorable essay is one that tells the writer’s individual story in a sincere way. With this in mind, don’t try to write the best essay; rather, focus on writing one that is uniquely your own.
5. Demonstrate Your Interest
Lastly, you’ll want to use your essays to show the admissions officers that you are authentically interested in Cornell itself. These essays are about demonstrating who you are, but they’re also about demonstrating how you would contribute as part of the student body at Cornell. Your essays should answer two questions: Why you, and why Cornell?
For more advice on how to write Cornell’s supplemental essays, check out this article on CollegeVine!
Related CollegeVine Blog Posts
![supplemental essay for cornell university supplemental essay for cornell university](https://blog.collegevine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/business-innovation-150x150.jpg)
- [email protected]
- (650) 338-8226
Cupertino, CA
![supplemental essay for cornell university AdmissionSight Logo](https://admissionsight.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Logo-01-300x58.png)
- Our Philosophy
- Our Results
- News, Media, and Press
- Common Application
- College Application Essay Editing
- Extracurricular Planning
- Academic Guidance
- Summer Programs
- Interview Preparation
Middle School
- Pre-High School Consultation
- Boarding School Admissions
College Admissions
- Academic and Extracurricular Profile Evaluation
- Senior Editor College Application Program
- Summer Program Applications
- Private Consulting Program
- Transfer Admissions
- UC Transfer Admissions
- Ivy League Transfer Admissions
Graduate Admissions
- Graduate School Admissions
- MBA Admissions
Private Tutoring
- SAT/ACT Tutoring
- AP Exam Tutoring
- Olympiad Training
Research Programs
- Science Research Program
- Humanities Competitions
- Passion Project Program
- Ad Hoc Consulting
- Athletic Recruitment
- National Universities Rankings
- Liberal Arts Colleges Rankings
- Public Schools Rankings
Acceptance Rates
- University Acceptance Rates
- Transfer Acceptance Rates
- Supplemental Essays
- College Admissions Data
- Chances Calculator
- GPA Calculator
National Universities
- College Acceptance Rates
- College Overall Acceptance Rates
- College Regular Acceptance Rates
- College Early Acceptance Rates
- Ivy League Acceptance Rates
- Ivy League Overall Acceptance Rates
- Ivy League Regular Acceptance Rates
- Ivy League Early Acceptance Rates
Public Schools
- Public Schools Acceptance Rates
- Public Schools Overall Acceptance Rates
- Public Schools Regular Acceptance Rates
- Public Schools Early Acceptance Rates
Liberal Arts
- Liberal Arts Colleges Acceptance Rates
- Liberal Arts Colleges Overall Acceptance Rates
- Liberal Arts Colleges Regular Acceptance Rates
- Liberal Arts Colleges Early Acceptance Rates
![supplemental essay for cornell university AdmissionSight Logo](https://admissionsight.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Logo-01.png)
Cornell Supplemental Essays 2022-2023
![supplemental essay for cornell university supplemental essay for cornell university](https://admissionsight.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/eric-eng-founder-small.png)
By Eric Eng
![supplemental essay for cornell university A view of Cornell University.](https://admissionsight.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/shutterstock_2273192747.jpg)
When it comes to applying to the top schools in the country, your application is vitally important. In order to give yourself the best chance of gaining admission, you need to make sure all aspects of your application are top-notch. In this post, we’re going to do a deep dive into how to write Cornell supplemental essays and everything you need to keep in mind as you write.
Cornell uses the common app, and this means that you will be asked to answer essay questions contained in the common app. But like many top schools, Cornell also requires that you complete a specific supplemental essay depending on which of the schools you choose. The Cornell supplemental essays 2022-2023 are fairly in-depth, but we’re going to look at each essay prompt and discuss the best way to respond to each topic.
Cornell Supplemental Essay Prompts 2022-2023
So, let’s start by looking at each supplemental essay prompt, and then we will discuss how to approach each one individually.
Below are the Cornell supplemental essays 2022, but we’re also going to show you how to write the Cornell supplemental essays. Let’s take a look at each prompt individually.
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
Required: Why are you drawn to studying the major you have selected? Please discuss how your interests and related experiences have influenced your choice. Specifically, how will an education from the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) and Cornell University help you achieve your academic goals?
Cornell has one of the nation’s most prestigious schools of agriculture, and many of the students who apply to this school already have an agricultural background of some kind. While an experience with agriculture isn’t necessary, this prompt asks you to be specific about why attending Cornell will further your pursuits toward a career in agriculture. The goal of this prompt is to be as specific as possible about where you have been and where you see yourself in the future.
Optional: At Cornell CALS, we aim to leave the world better than we found it, so we seek out those who are not simply driven to master their discipline, but who are also passionate about doing so to serve the public good. Please elaborate on an activity or experience you have had that made an impact on a community that is important to you. We encourage you to think about community broadly – this could include family, school, or local and global communities (300-word limit).
Like many schools, Cornell asks about experiences in your life that have been significant to you and your development. Cornell also has a deep commitment to community service, and they want to understand why service is important to you. The goal with this prompt isn’t to try to impress Cornell with a monumental achievement, but rather to communicate an experience that was particularly important to you.
Optional: The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) is dedicated to the exploration of the agricultural, life, environmental, and social sciences and welcomes students with interests that span a wide variety of disciplines. Given our agricultural history and commitment to educating the next generation of agriculturalists, please share if you have a background in agriculture or are interested in pursuing a career in agriculture.
This prompt also asks about your background, and again, the key is to be as specific as possible. If you want to work on a farm in the future, use this prompt to explain what has driven you to pursue this. Did you grow up in a place where fresh food wasn’t available, and you want to serve this community? Or perhaps you came from a farming family that faced hard times. Regardless of your background and goals, make sure you convey your passion.
College of Architecture, Art, and Planning
What is your “thing”? What energizes you or engages you so deeply that you lose track of time? Everyone has different passions, obsessions, quirks, and inspirations. What are yours?
The only prompt required by the College of Architecture, Art, and Planning focuses on your passion. This prompt asks you to reflect on what makes you want to get out of bed in the morning and pursue your goals. The broad nature of this prompt allows you near-complete freedom to discuss the things that make you fascinated with the world. It also gives you the opportunity to talk about what makes you interesting. While there is no Cornell supplemental word limit, it’s best to try to keep your responses to around 250 words.
College of Arts and Sciences
Students in Arts and Sciences embrace the opportunity to delve into multifaceted academic interests, embodying in 21st century terms Ezra Cornell’s “any person…any study” founding vision. Tell us about the areas of study you are excited to explore, and specifically why you wish to pursue them in our College.
This prompt is similar to the previous one, but it is more focused on what you want to accomplish at Cornell. The College of Arts and Sciences offers you the freedom to study a variety of different disciplines because many students are looking for a well-rounded education. If you plan to apply to this school, think about the various rewarding academic experiences you’ve had and how they may have worked in concert with one another.
Cornell SC Johnson College of Business
What kind of a business student are you? Using your personal, academic, or volunteer/work experiences, describe the topics or issues that you care about and why they are important to you. Your response should convey how your interests align with the school to which you are applying the Cornell SC Johnson College of Business (the Charles H. Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management or the Cornell Peter and Stephanie Nolan School of Hotel Administration).
When you apply to the Cornell College of Business, they don’t want to hear that your goal is to make a lot of money. They want to know about the passions that drive you towards a career in business. Because there are myriad different types of business, Cornell wants to know about the specific businesses you’ve already worked with, and those you’d like to work with in the future. They want to know your philosophy on the subject of business and where you fit into our current business landscape.
College of Engineering
Instructions: All applicants are required to write two supplemental essays. Each has a limit of 250 words. Essay 1 is required of all applicants. For Essay 2, you must choose between Question A and Question B.
Essay 1 Required response (250 word limit)
How do your interests directly connect with Cornell Engineering? If you have an intended major, what draws you to that department at Cornell Engineering? If you are unsure what specific engineering field you would like to study, describe how your general interest in engineering most directly connects with Cornell Engineering. It may be helpful to concentrate on one or two things that you are most excited about.
Much like the above essay prompts, this required Cornell supplemental essay 2022-2023 asks you to describe your passion. In this case, your passion for engineering. The best way to approach this prompt is to consider what first made you passionate about engineering. Was there a specific event that drew your attention, or was it the culmination of years of study? Whatever your background, the goal is to make your essay come alive with detail. You will also want to do some research about Cornell’s engineering programs so that you can state, specifically, what it is about Cornell’s programs that appeal to you.
Essay 2 Choose either Question A and Question B. (250-word limit)
- Question A: Describe an engineering problem that impacts your local community. This could be your school, neighborhood, town, region, or group you identify with. Describe one to three things you might do as an engineer to solve the problem.
This prompt asks you to address a specific problem. If you plan to become an engineering student, there’s a good chance you have a keen eye for the environment around you and how it has been constructed. From Los Angeles traffic patterns to the construction of wind turbines in the Midwest, your goal is to detail an issue you are personally familiar with and offer your own unique solution. As you do this, keep in mind that your creativity in solving the problem will be the most important aspect of your response.
- Question B: Diversity in all forms is intrinsic to excellence in engineering.
Engineering the best solutions to complex problems are often achieved by drawing from the diverse ingenuity of people from different backgrounds, lived experiences, and identities. How do you see yourself contributing to the diversity and/or inclusion of the Cornell Engineering community? What is the unique voice you would bring to the Cornell Engineering community?
Much like the first optional question, this one asks you to reflect on a problem that needs to be solved. This prompt, however, asks you to elaborate on the diverse perspective you can bring to the table. Perhaps you grew up in an inner city that dealt with complex urban issues like water management or street construction. Perhaps you come from a rural community where modern communication is a challenge. Whatever your background, the goal here is to use your unique perspective to show your passion and creativity.
College of Human Ecology
How has your decision to apply to the College of Human Ecology been influenced by your related experiences? How will your choice of major impact your goals and plans for the future?
Again, this prompt asks you to relate your personal experiences with your future academic and professional goals. Before starting this essay, reflect on the experiences you’ve had that have led you to apply to Cornell. Select one or two specific experiences and then apply these experiences to courses you might choose once at Cornell. The goal of this prompt is to create a cohesive narrative about your personal journey. Starting with your origin story and continuing with your education at Cornell.
School of Industrial and Labor Relations
Using your personal, academic, or volunteer/work experiences, describe the topics or issues that you care about and why they are important to you. Your response should show us that your interests align with the ILR School.
Before you can respond to this prompt, you have to research this specific school and their mission. This will inform how you craft your essay. Like many of the Cornell supplemental essays 2022-2023, this prompt asks you to think about your experiences, and then explain why these experiences made you passionate about an issue.
With this prompt you need to be very specific about the issues you care about, and why they are so important to you. If you’ve watched as plant closings have devastated your home state, tell Cornell why you want to get involved in making the lives of workers better. Has anyone in your family had experiences with organized labor? If so, what were those experiences, and how did they shape your views of labor? Perhaps you even grew up in a country where labor rights were rare. Tell Cornell what that experience meant to you, and why you want to further your education.
At AdmissionSight, our goal is to help you with every step of the college admissions process. The Cornell supplemental essays 2022 can seem daunting at first, but our experience and expertise will help you navigate the entire process with confidence. Hopefully, this guide to the Cornell supplemental essays 2022-2023 has been helpful, but if you want more information about how AdmissionSight can help you realize your dreams, set up your free consultation today.
Want to assess your chances of admission? Take our FREE chances calculator today!
![supplemental essay for cornell university](https://admissionsight.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Want-to-assess-your-chances-of-admission-05-1024x298.png)
Why College Admissions Isn’t Perfect
![supplemental essay for cornell university supplemental essay for cornell university](https://admissionsight.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/shutterstock_2192463129-300x203.jpg)
US News Rankings
![supplemental essay for cornell university A person's hand writing in spiral notebook placed on a wooden desk.](https://admissionsight.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/shutterstock_525439534-300x200.jpg)
The Personal Statement: The Holy Grail of College Admissions
![supplemental essay for cornell university Group of students taking ap classes in a classroom.](https://admissionsight.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/shutterstock_714476182-300x200.jpg)
The Modern Day 4.0 and 1600 SAT Score Student Is No Longer Impressive
![supplemental essay for cornell university A woman writing a letter on a paper.](https://admissionsight.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/shutterstock_459573091-300x207.jpg)
The Competitive Nature of College Admissions for Asian Americans
![supplemental essay for cornell university A professor talking to a student while they walk outside the classroom](https://admissionsight.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/shutterstock_1926782015-300x200.jpg)
The College Application
![supplemental essay for cornell university a woman sing laptop while "admission" word appears on screen](https://admissionsight.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/shutterstock_401958685-300x239.jpg)
Our Comprehensive Approach
![supplemental essay for cornell university old school building](https://admissionsight.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/shutterstock_1879076077-300x200.jpg)
Ivy League Schools
![supplemental essay for cornell university a student daydreaming while sitting at the corner in library](https://admissionsight.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/shutterstock_1675286200-300x201.jpg)
How Early Should You Prepare for College?
![supplemental essay for cornell university supplemental essay for cornell university](https://admissionsight.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/USNews2019-1-300x267.jpg)
Featured in US News & World Report Best Colleges Publication
![supplemental essay for cornell university supplemental essay for cornell university](https://admissionsight.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Harvard-239x300.png)
Congratulations to AdmissionSight Students and their Acceptances!
![supplemental essay for cornell university A female student listening to the class lecture while holding a pen.](https://admissionsight.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/shutterstock_160627655-300x200.jpg)
College Rejection
![supplemental essay for cornell university Group of students writing on their desks.](https://admissionsight.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/shutterstock_1723109404-300x200.jpg)
College Rankings
![supplemental essay for cornell university a fountain in front outside the building](https://admissionsight.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/shutterstock_1179562513-1-300x200.jpg)
College Consultants Could Make A Difference
![supplemental essay for cornell university A person holding a pen with a laptop in front.](https://admissionsight.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/shutterstock_1167916795-300x200.jpg)
College Admissions Scandal and Higher Education
![supplemental essay for cornell university college application tips](https://admissionsight.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/shutterstock_115123372-300x179.jpg)
College Application Tips: Best Hobbies to Put in Your Application
![supplemental essay for cornell university A student in one of the most difficult engineering majors in college.](https://admissionsight.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/shutterstock_2039059961-300x200.jpg)
The Top 10 Most Difficult Engineering Majors in College
![supplemental essay for cornell university Female student writing in the classroom.](https://admissionsight.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/shutterstock_115945960-300x200.jpg)
The Top 5 Most Prestigious Boarding Schools in the World
![supplemental essay for cornell university fun high school events](https://admissionsight.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/fun-high-school-events-300x200.jpg)
Fun High School Events Ideas for a Memorable School Year
![supplemental essay for cornell university what is a frat pledge](https://admissionsight.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/shutterstock_663323185-300x200.jpg)
The Ultimate Guide to a Frat Pledge in College
![supplemental essay for cornell university Northwestern Legacy Acceptance Rate](https://admissionsight.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/pexels-buro-millennial-636760-1438084-300x200.jpg)
Northwestern Legacy Acceptance Rate
![supplemental essay for cornell university supplemental essay for cornell university](https://admissionsight.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/University-of-Chicago-Diversity-Statistics_University-of-Chicago-Diversity-Statistics-300x153.jpg)
University of Chicago Diversity Statistics: An Overview
![supplemental essay for cornell university Public versus private school debate](https://admissionsight.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/shutterstock_769635055-300x200.jpg)
Public Versus Private School Debate: The Real Deal in the US
![supplemental essay for cornell university supplemental essay for cornell university](https://admissionsight.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/University-of-Pennsylvania-Diversity-Statistics_Upenn-Diversity-Statistics-300x153.jpg)
UPenn Diversity Statistics: An Overview
![supplemental essay for cornell university Public Universities in the United States](https://admissionsight.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/pexels-zen-chung-5538626-300x191.jpg)
The Top 10 Public Universities in the United States
![supplemental essay for cornell university supplemental essay for cornell university](https://admissionsight.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Columbia-University-Diversity-Statistics_Columbia-University-Diversity-Statistics-300x153.jpg)
Columbia Diversity Statistics: An Overview
![supplemental essay for cornell university national merit commended scholar](https://admissionsight.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/shutterstock_1896723676-300x200.jpg)
Everything You Need to Know About National Merit Commended Scholar
![supplemental essay for cornell university Berkeley Diversity Statistics](https://admissionsight.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/shutterstock_760007137-1-300x200.jpg)
Berkeley Diversity Statistics
![supplemental essay for cornell university best pre-vet schools](https://admissionsight.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/shutterstock_1479238910-300x200.jpg)
The Best Pre-Vet Schools
![supplemental essay for cornell university supplemental essay for cornell university](https://admissionsight.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Yale-University-Diversity-Statistics_Yale-University-Diversity-Statistics-300x153.jpg)
Yale Diversity Statistics: An Overview
![supplemental essay for cornell university two engineering student working on a school project](https://admissionsight.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/shutterstock_672937012-300x200.jpg)
Top 10 Best Engineering Universities in Europe
![supplemental essay for cornell university MIT Diversity Statistics](https://admissionsight.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/MIT-Diversity-Statistics_MIT-Diversity-Statistics-300x153.jpg)
MIT Diversity Statistics: A Closer Look
Leave a comment cancel reply.
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *
Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.
Recent Articles
![supplemental essay for cornell university College Application Tips: Best Hobbies to Put in Your Application](https://admissionsight.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/shutterstock_115123372-300x179.jpg)
College Application Tips: Best Hobbies...
![supplemental essay for cornell university The Top 10 Most Difficult Engineering Majors in College](https://admissionsight.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/shutterstock_2039059961-300x200.jpg)
The Top 10 Most Difficult...
![supplemental essay for cornell university The Top 5 Most Prestigious Boarding Schools in the World](https://admissionsight.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/shutterstock_115945960-300x200.jpg)
The Top 5 Most Prestigious...
![supplemental essay for cornell university Fun High School Events Ideas for a Memorable School Year](https://admissionsight.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/fun-high-school-events-300x200.jpg)
Fun High School Events Ideas...
![supplemental essay for cornell university The Ultimate Guide to a Frat Pledge in College](https://admissionsight.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/shutterstock_663323185-300x200.jpg)
The Ultimate Guide to a...
![supplemental essay for cornell university University of Chicago Diversity Statistics: An Overview](https://admissionsight.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/University-of-Chicago-Diversity-Statistics_University-of-Chicago-Diversity-Statistics-300x153.jpg)
University of Chicago Diversity Statistics:...
![supplemental essay for cornell university Public Versus Private School Debate: The Real Deal in the US](https://admissionsight.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/shutterstock_769635055-300x200.jpg)
Public Versus Private School Debate:...
![supplemental essay for cornell university UPenn Diversity Statistics: An Overview](https://admissionsight.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/University-of-Pennsylvania-Diversity-Statistics_Upenn-Diversity-Statistics-300x153.jpg)
The Top 10 Public Universities...
![supplemental essay for cornell university Columbia Diversity Statistics: An Overview](https://admissionsight.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Columbia-University-Diversity-Statistics_Columbia-University-Diversity-Statistics-300x153.jpg)
Everything You Need to Know...
Sign up now to receive insights on how to navigate the college admissions process..
![supplemental essay for cornell university admissionsight](https://admissionsight.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Logo-04.png)
Admissions Counseling
- Academic & Extracurricular Profile Evaluation
Copyright © AdmissionSight 2024
Privacy Policy - Terms and Conditions
Which program are you applying to?
![supplemental essay for cornell university Accepted](https://blog.accepted.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/ACCEPTED-1.png)
Accepted Admissions Blog
Everything you need to know to get Accepted
![supplemental essay for cornell university supplemental essay for cornell university](https://blog.accepted.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/acceptedblogbanner-e1469630251262-1600x350.png)
October 3, 2022
Tips for Answering the Cornell University Supplemental Essay Prompts [2022 – 2023]
![supplemental essay for cornell university Tips for Answering the Cornell University Supplemental Essay Prompts](https://blog.accepted.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Cornell_Uni_2022-2023.jpg)
While Ivy League schools require the Common Application or Coalition Application essay, they also require supplemental essay responses. These help you to convey in greater detail how the specific school and program of study to which you are applying are a good fit for you and how you can contribute to the collegiate environment. This, in turn, helps elite schools glean a better understanding of you as a potential student. To respond well, think about your future goals and how attending Cornell will help you achieve them!
It is important to familiarize yourself with the specific character of the school before sitting down to write your essays. You can begin by visiting the school website. Whenever possible, a virtual campus visit is also helpful to get a feel for the school and gain a sense of how it supports your interests. Take a remote campus tour, call the admissions office to learn more, and speak with current students.
Cornell’s curriculum focuses on the collaborative nature of a liberal arts education with fundamental knowledge. In addition, its practical approach to education is intentionally designed to impact societal and world problems. As you respond to each prompt, think about your personal objectives, the mission of the school, and why Cornell is the best place for you.
Cornell boasts 14 undergraduate colleges and schools with over 80 majors. Through the broad scope of majors and the individual course of study options, it prides itself on being “a place where any person can find instruction in any study.” It fosters creative collaborations with a bottom-up approach. If you are unsure which major is right for you, the Courses of Study catalog provides degree requirements for each college.
Get a free consultation: Click here to schedule a call to find out how our admissions experts can help YOU get accepted to Cornell!
The Cornell Writing Supplement varies among the undergraduate college(s) or school(s) to which you are applying. Each essay response should be a maximum of 650 words. These questions are fairly straightforward and the content is somewhat similar between colleges/schools. Your goal is to do your research and convincingly explain why your selected school and desired course of study at Cornell are the best fit for you and vice versa .
Note: If you are utilizing the Primary/Alternate admission option, you must complete an essay for both colleges/schools that correspond to your primary and alternate selections.
Cornell University writing supplement essay prompts (by college/school)
Brooks school of public policy.
Why are you drawn to studying public policy? Drawing on your experiences, tell us about why you are interested in your chosen major and how attending the Brooks School will help you achieve your life goals.
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
Required: Why are you drawn to studying the major you have selected? Please discuss how your interests and related experiences have influenced your choice. Specifically, how will an education from the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) and Cornell University help you achieve your academic goals? Optional (1) : At Cornell CALS, we aim to leave the world better than we found it, so we seek out those who are not simply driven to master their discipline, but who are also passionate about doing so to serve the public good. Please elaborate on an activity or experience you have had that made an impact on a community that is important to you. We encourage you to think about community broadly – this could include family, school, or local and global communities. (300-word limit) Optional (2) : The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) is dedicated to the exploration of the agricultural, life, environmental, and social sciences and welcomes students with interests that span a wide variety of disciplines. Given our agricultural history and commitment to educating the next generation of agriculturalists, please share if you have a background in agriculture or are interested in pursuing a career in agriculture, regardless of your intended major. (300-word limit) Select all that apply:
- My family owns or operates a farm
- I have experience working in agriculture
- I have interest in pursuing a career in agriculture
College of Architecture, Art, and Planning
What is your “thing”? What energizes you or engages you so deeply that you lose track of time? Everyone has different passions, obsessions, quirks, and inspirations. What are yours?
College of Arts and Sciences
Students in Arts and Sciences embrace the opportunity to delve into multifaceted academic interests, embodying in 21st century terms Ezra Cornell’s “any person…any study” founding vision. Tell us about the areas of study you are excited to explore, and specifically why you wish to pursue them in our College.
College of Engineering
All applicants are required to write two supplemental essays. Each has a limit of 250 words. Essay 1 is required of all applicants. For Essay 2, you must choose between Question A and Question B. Essay 1 – Required response (250 word limit) How do your interests directly connect with Cornell Engineering? If you have an intended major, what draws you to that department at Cornell Engineering? If you are unsure what specific engineering field you would like to study, describe how your general interest in engineering most directly connects with Cornell Engineering. It may be helpful to concentrate on one or two things that you are most excited about. Essay 2 – Choose either Question A and Question B. (250 word limit) Question A: Describe an engineering problem that impacts your local community. This could be your school, neighborhood, town, region, or a group you identify with. Describe one to three things you might do as an engineer to solve the problem. Question B: Diversity in all forms is intrinsic to excellence in engineering. Engineering the best solutions to complex problems is often achieved by drawing from the diverse ingenuity of people from different backgrounds, lived experiences, and identities. How do you see yourself contributing to the diversity and/or the inclusion of the Cornell Engineering community? What is the unique voice you would bring to the Cornell Engineering community?
College of Human Ecology
How has your decision to apply to the College of Human Ecology been influenced by your related experiences? How will your choice of major impact your goals and plans for the future?
School of Industrial and Labor Relations
Using your personal, academic, or volunteer/work experiences, describe the topics or issues that you care about and why they are important to you. Your response should show us that your interests align with the ILR School.*
College of Business
What kind of a business student are you? Using your personal, academic, or volunteer/work experiences, describe the topics or issues that you care about and why they are important to you. Your response should convey how your interests align with the school(s) to which you are applying within the Cornell SC Johnson College of Business ( Charles H. Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management and/or the Peter and Stephanie Nolan School of Hotel Administration ) .
No matter which essay prompts you are addressing, you should discuss your past, present, and future , both in terms of your academics, your passions, and your interests and goals. Is there a story you can share that helps illustrate your passion for cooking? A particular set of ideas or subject from school that you can’t stop thinking about–something that you simply feel driven to pursue on the college level? What sparked your interest in a particular field? By tapping into the topics that excite you and the goals that feel like your truest ambitions, you’ll be sure to present the adcom with an authentic picture of who YOU are. In addition to your impressive credentials and your unstoppable passion for a certain subject or academic path, demonstrating a strong sense of self-knowledge and self-articulation will be crucial to your admission.
But, in addition to revealing who YOU really are, you have an additional job to accomplish in these essays. And that is to show a thorough knowledge of Cornell and its offerings. These should include specific courses of interest and extracurricular opportunities and communities you would like to join. When thinking about how Cornell appeals to you, consider the whole package of academics, campus atmosphere, location in Ithaca, and your long-term objectives. This is your opportunity to convey your ardent enthusiasm for Cornell!
Putting all this together, you must reflect on how you will enrich the collegiate environment at the school. Based on all the thinking and writing you have done for your essays, what skills and character traits do you know you will bring with you? Which particular communities or clubs (sports teams, debate club, Catholic student union) do you have experience with already and would love to join on campus? Explain how your attending Cornell can play a part in helping Cornell achieve its goals as a university.
Final thoughts on applying to Cornell
Cornell has a highly competitive applicant pool. It received 67,380 undergraduate applications for the class of 2025. Only 5,852 were offered admission. The best way to distinguish yourself from the accomplished applicant group is through your essays.
Applying to an Ivy League school can be a daunting process. Take heart: these supplemental essays are a chance for you to share your personal stories and real-life experiences and boost your candidacy. Pay attention to details. Deadlines and word limits matter–make sure you honor them. Start early to allow time for reflection and revision. Following this advice, you can demonstrate that Cornell is the right school for you and that you are the right student for Cornell.
If you’re applying to Cornell University, you already know you’re up against tight competition. Don’t be overwhelmed. Get the guidance of an experienced admissions specialist who will help you stand out from the highly competitive applicant pool so you can apply with confidence, and get accepted! Click here to get started!
![supplemental essay for cornell university Ivy League and Common Application Tips: How to get Accepted](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/58291/d81c5687-dd01-4648-93b4-33d2ae163735.png)
Related Resources:
- 5 Fatal Flaws to Avoid in Your College Application Essays , a free guide
- The Essay Whisperer: How to Write a College Application Essay
- Mining Identity for College Essays, Personal Statements
About Us Press Room Contact Us Podcast Accepted Blog Privacy Policy Website Terms of Use Disclaimer Client Terms of Service
Accepted 1171 S. Robertson Blvd. #140 Los Angeles CA 90035 +1 (310) 815-9553 © 2022 Accepted
![supplemental essay for cornell university Stamp of AIGAC Excellence](https://www.accepted.com/hubfs/aigac-circle-1.png?)
Add Project Key Words
![supplemental essay for cornell university supplemental essay for cornell university](https://ingeniusprep.com/app/uploads/2023/10/without-logo-24-scaled.jpg)
An Analysis of the Cornell Supplemental Essays 2023-2024
October 9, 2023
![supplemental essay for cornell university supplemental essay for cornell university](https://ingeniusprep.com/app/uploads/2018/09/facebook-icon.png)
After devoting extensive time and effort to crafting multiple essays for your college applications, you may be pleasantly surprised to discover that Cornell University only requires two supplemental essays – one general response and one school-specific response. It is important to note that the specific Cornell school you apply to ultimately determines the supplemental essay question you must address. Therefore, it is essential to approach your response with careful planning and consideration. To assist you in navigating the prompts for each of the eight Cornell schools, I have provided an outline, along with helpful do's and don'ts for crafting your responses. Additionally, I have included valuable tips to aid you in effectively tackling the Cornell supplemental essays for the 2023-2024 application cycle.
Cornell Supplemental Essays 2023-2024
Use these supplemental essay prompts as an opportunity to introduce yourself, what you’re passionate about, and your ambitions and goals. InGenius Prep counselor Reba McCutcheon, who worked as the Associate Director for Undergraduate Admissions at Cornell, recommends that you focus on the deeper why as a general rule of thumb. Avoid simply stating that "X happened and now I want to do Y.” Instead, consider what initially drew you to that experience and why it was important to you. What obstacles did you face and overcome? What kept you going?
For example, if you rescued an injured animal and now want to be a veterinarian, don't explain it in just a couple of sentences. Dive deeper into the story. Share what motivated you to help the injured animal in the first place. Discuss why it was important to you and how it impacted your perspective. Talk about the challenges you encountered and how you persevered. By going beyond surface-level explanations, you can provide a more meaningful and authentic narrative.
Similarly, if you volunteered in a developing country and claim to understand poverty, avoid making such a shallow statement. Instead, explore your experience in depth. Share how it opened your eyes to the disparities between the haves and the have-nots. Reflect on your privilege and how it intersects with the issue of poverty. Discuss why it's important to you to have this newfound understanding and how you plan to use it to make a difference. Acknowledge that there is still more for you to learn and grow from. By following these guidelines, you can enhance the quality and impact of your essays for Cornell University's supplemental application. Having said that, let's now dive into the specific prompts.
Cornell University Essay Question (350 word limit)
In the aftermath of the u.s. civil war, ezra cornell wrote, “i would found an institution where any person can find instruction in any study.” for over 150 years, cornell university has remained deeply committed to ezra’s vision. explain how your life experiences will help inform your contributions to a learning community devoted to “…any person…any study.” we encourage you to think broadly about your life experiences, including how local (e.g., family, school, neighborhood) or global communities you’ve been part of have helped shape your perspective..
For this prompt, Reba notes, "There's no need to quote Ezra back to us. We know it." Instead, reflect on your own life experiences and how they have shaped your perspectives. It's not about having your life figured out yet, but rather about how you have reflected on your experiences and what you have learned from them.
Start by considering the various communities you have been a part of, both local and global. How have these communities influenced your outlook on life and your understanding of the world? Reflect on the values and beliefs that have been instilled in you through these experiences. Think about how your interactions with different people and cultures have broadened your horizons and given you a unique perspective.
The admissions officers are not looking for a list of achievements or a comprehensive plan for your future. Instead, they want to see your ability to reflect on your experiences and articulate how they have shaped your character and values. Show them that you are open-minded, curious, and willing to learn from diverse perspectives. Discuss how your experiences have challenged your preconceived notions and pushed you to grow as an individual.
Remember, the admissions officers are not expecting you to have all the answers. They are more interested in your ability to critically think and learn from your experiences. Share how you have continued to learn and grow, even after facing setbacks or obstacles. Discuss how your experiences have influenced your academic and career goals, and how they will inform your contributions to the Cornell learning community.
In summary, the essay prompt is asking for your personal reflections on your life experiences and how they have shaped your perspective. Show the admissions officers that you are thoughtful, introspective, and open to new ideas. Use this essay as an opportunity to showcase your ability to learn from your experiences and contribute meaningfully to the Cornell community.
School-Specific Essay Questions (650 word limit)
When you add Cornell as one of your schools in the Common Application, you have to pick one of the eight colleges within Cornell, instead of applying to the university as a whole. These are:
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
College of architecture, art, and planning, college of arts and sciences, brooks school of public policy.
- Cornell SC Johnson College of Business ( Charles H. Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management & School of Hotel Administration)
College of Engineering
College of human ecology.
- School of Industrial and Labor Relations (ILR)
Each college asks you to answer one 650-word supplemental essay question. When writing the other essays, your response should be tailored to the school you’ve chosen and demonstrate an unquestionable passion for the field and knowledge of a particular program at Cornell. Without further ado, let’s look at the prompts for each school and the approaches you should—and shouldn’t—take when it comes to your essay.
Why are you drawn to studying the major you have selected? Please discuss how your interests and related experiences have influenced your choice. How will an education from the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) at Cornell University specifically serve to support your learning, growth, and the pursuit of your goals?
Since CALS is an undergraduate institution unique to Cornell, there are many Cornell-specific programs and opportunities you can draw from to portray your interest in CALS. You can choose from its 20 program offerings in the life sciences—from Animal Science to International Agriculture and Rural Development—and dive straight into studying the discipline of your choice on day one. These majors are more niche, so the reader must take away a demonstrated fit for the particular program through your writing.
When considering your choice of major and the college community at CALS, it is important to recognize the significance of both. Take the time to thoroughly research what CALS has to offer and identify what aspects you are genuinely excited about. Reflect on how these interests and related experiences have influenced your decision to pursue a particular major. Highlight your commitment by making a clear connection between the work you’ve done in the particular field and your choice of CALS major. Why is CALS the place to explore your passion for life sciences rather than the Biology or Environmental & Sustainability departments at the College of Arts and Sciences?
In your essay, it is crucial to focus not only on the experiences you have had thus far, but also on how you have reflected on them and continued to learn from them. Admissions officers are interested in seeing your growth and development as an individual. Discuss how your experiences have shaped your perspective and influenced your goals. Highlight the lessons you have learned, the skills you have acquired, and the knowledge you have gained.
How do your interests directly connect with your intended major at the College of Architecture, Art and Planning (AAP)? Why architecture (B.Arch), art (BFA) or urban and regional studies (URS)? B.Arch applicants, please provide an example of how a creative project or passion sparks your motivation to pursue a 5-year professional degree program. BFA applicants may want to consider how they could integrate a range of interests and available resources at Cornell into a coherent art practice. URS students may want to emphasize their enthusiasm and depth of interest in the study of urban and regional issues.
As high school students, it is understandable that you may not have extensive experience in your intended major. However, what truly matters is your passion and desire to learn. The admissions officers at Cornell University are looking for students who are enthusiastic about their chosen field of study and who are eager to explore and expand their knowledge.
When writing your essay, it is important to showcase your genuine interest in your intended major. Talk about what specifically draws you to the field and why you are excited to study it at Cornell. Discuss any experiences or encounters that have sparked your curiosity and motivated you to pursue this particular area of study. Whether it's a class you took, a book you read, or a project you worked on, explain how it ignited your passion and made you want to delve deeper into the subject matter. Demonstrate your commitment to learning by highlighting any steps you have taken to explore your chosen field. This could include attending workshops or seminars, participating in related extracurricular activities, or conducting independent research. Show that you are proactive and resourceful in seeking out opportunities to further your understanding and skills in your intended major.
Additionally, emphasize your willingness to learn and grow. Discuss how you plan to take advantage of the resources and opportunities available at Cornell to enhance your knowledge and expertise. Whether it's through internships, research projects, or collaborations with faculty and peers, show that you are excited about the prospect of continuous learning and development.
Ultimately, the admissions officers want to see your genuine passion and enthusiasm for your intended major. Even if you don't have extensive experience, your desire to learn and explore the field will make a strong impression. So, don't be afraid to showcase your curiosity, eagerness, and dedication to your chosen area of study in your essay.
At the College of Arts and Sciences, curiosity will be your guide. Discuss how your passion for learning is shaping your academic journey, and what areas of study or majors excite you and why. Your response should convey how your interests align with the College, and how you would take advantage of the opportunities and curriculum in Arts and Sciences.
For this prompt, Reba says, "Be curious! It’s not just about the specific major you choose, but rather about the opportunities, curriculum, and campus community within the College of Arts and Sciences and the university as a whole." Take the time to reflect on your passions and interests, and think deeply about why certain subjects excite you. What is it about a particular field of study that captures your curiosity? What drives your desire to learn more? Spend time reflecting on these questions and exploring the reasons behind your interests. Is it the potential for discovery and exploration? The chance to make a positive impact on the world? Or perhaps the opportunity to challenge established ideas and contribute to the advancement of knowledge?
In your response, demonstrate your genuine passion for learning and how it is shaping your academic journey. Discuss the specific areas of study or majors that excite you and explain why they align with your interests and goals. Highlight the unique opportunities and resources available within the College of Arts and Sciences and how they would support your intellectual growth and development. Don't be afraid to delve into the details and provide specific examples that illustrate your enthusiasm. Share anecdotes or experiences that have sparked your curiosity and motivated you to explore further. Whether it's a thought-provoking book, a captivating lecture, or a meaningful conversation with a professor or peer, explain how these encounters have influenced your passion for learning and your desire to pursue a particular field of study.
Remember, by focusing on your "why" and sharing your genuine enthusiasm for learning, you will demonstrate to the admissions officers that you are a curious and engaged learner who will make valuable contributions to the intellectual community at Cornell University. So, take the time to reflect on your passions, explore your interests, and let your curiosity guide you in shaping your academic journey.
Why are you drawn to studying public policy? Drawing on your experiences, tell us about why you are interested in your chosen major and how attending the Brooks School will help you achieve your life goals.
According to the Inaugural Dean, “The Jeb E. Brooks School of Public Policy brings together scholars across disciplines to tackle the biggest public policy challenges we face as a society, both in the U.S. and globally. Our mission is to make positive change in the world.” If you’re a student who is interested in having a say in how policy gets passed and implemented, you might want to check out the newly opened Brooks School at Cornell.
Reba recommends that you start by asking yourself: "What do you want to change, improve, or create? And why?" To write a successful response, it is essential to delve deep into your motivations and aspirations. Take the time to reflect on the issues that resonate with you and the impact you want to make in the world. This reflection will not only help you clarify your goals but also provide valuable insight into your dedication and passion for public policy.
Think about the societal challenges that you find most pressing and the areas where you believe change is necessary. Is it the lack of access to quality education? The need for healthcare reform? The urgency to address climate change? Or perhaps the importance of promoting social justice and equity? Identify the issues that ignite a fire within you and inspire you to take action. Once you have identified the areas you want to address, consider why these issues matter to you on a personal level. Reflect on your own experiences, observations, or encounters that have shaped your perspective and fueled your desire to make a difference.
As you reflect on your why, consider the long-term impact you hope to achieve. How will your chosen major in public policy enable you to create meaningful change? Think about the knowledge, skills, and resources that the Brooks School of Public Policy at Cornell University can offer you to support your goals. Whether it's through rigorous coursework, experiential learning opportunities, or access to influential networks, highlight how attending the Brooks School will equip you with the tools to make a tangible impact in your chosen field.
Remember, the admissions officers want to see your genuine passion and commitment to public policy. By spending time reflecting on your why, you will be able to articulate your motivations with clarity and conviction. So, take the time to dig deep, explore your personal connections to the issues, and let your passion shine through in your essay.
Cornell SC Johnson College of Business
What kind of business student are you using your personal, academic, or volunteer/work experiences, describe the topics or issues that you care about and why they are important to you. your response should convey how your interests align with the school to which you are applying within the cornell sc johnson college of business (the charles h. dyson school of applied economics and management or the cornell peter and stephanie nolan school of hotel administration)..
Like any other “why this school” essay, the Johnson School prompt wants to know why you’ve chosen Johnson over other undergraduate business schools , and how you would be an asset to the incoming class. In other words, you have to elaborate on what makes the Dyson model ideally suited to your learning style, or the School of Hotel Administration perfect for your future career, and explain the reasons why you will be a valuable addition.
Reba also cautions, "Writing that you intend to make millions and become a hedge fund manager isn’t really in the spirit of Cornell (Ezra was a humble man). " Instead, ask yourself: Are there aspects of business that you would like to change, improve upon, or totally remove?
If you're applying to Dyson, you have to show that you’ve done your research on facilities and opportunities exclusive to Dyson. One of the key ways of doing so is to demonstrate your understanding of the unique Economics and Management B.S or ask yourself how you’d benefit from this degree over a B.S. in economics from another school, for example. What features will prepare you for a career as an entrepreneur or financial analyst? If you’re planning to apply to this school, you should already have ventured into the world of business. Talk about any entrepreneurial initiatives you’ve taken, any business-related summer programs you’ve attended, and mention if you have any unusual goals that can distinguish you from other prospective business students. Expand on the skills and values you picked up on the way. Dyson students are allowed to double major with a major at CALS so if your passion for business has a life sciences aspect to it, you should include that in your essay!
Additionally, Hotel School majors are expected to have some service experience. Draw upon your service mindset. Why is service important to you? For example, for many Hotel School students, service is not just about the act of serving others, but about the opportunity to make a positive difference in people's lives. It is about going above and beyond to exceed expectations and create memorable experiences. Service is a way to show empathy, compassion, and a genuine desire to meet the needs and desires of others. Reflect on your experiences that align with this service mindset.
Essay 1: How do your interests directly connect with Cornell Engineering? If you have an intended major, what draws you to that department at Cornell Engineering? If you are unsure what specific engineering field you would like to study, describe how your general interest in engineering most directly connects with Cornell Engineering. It may be helpful to concentrate on one or two things that you are most excited about. (Max: 250 words)
When writing your essay for the College of Engineering, Reba advises, "Don't regurgitate your transcript or resume. We've already seen that." Instead, focus on highlighting one or two specific things that excite you. Think about the areas of engineering that genuinely spark your interest. Is it the potential to design innovative solutions to real-world problems? Or maybe it's the opportunity to contribute to advancements in technology and improve the lives of others. Whatever it may be, delve into these passions and explain why they draw you to the field of engineering.
Furthermore, consider how engineering principles impact your daily life. Engineering is everywhere, from the bridges you cross to the smartphones you use. Reflect on the ways in which engineering principles have influenced your experiences and shaped your perspective. For example, you could discuss how the principles of structural engineering contribute to the safety and stability of the buildings you encounter, or how electrical engineering plays a role in the functionality of the devices you rely on.
By demonstrating your understanding of the transfer of knowledge between engineering principles and everyday life, you will showcase your ability to connect theory to practice. This not only highlights your knowledge and passion for engineering but also emphasizes your potential to make a meaningful impact in the field.
Essay 2: Choose either Question A or Question B.
A. D escribe an engineering problem that impacts your local community. This could be your school, neighborhood, town, region, or a group you identify with. Describe one to three things you might do as an engineer to solve the problem.
While you’re not expected to write a report and solve the problem fully, your solutions will need to be feasible. If not feasible, explain that you understand it’s not currently feasible and how you intend to study to discover how it might one day become feasible. Imagine what you still have to learn.
Consider outlining the steps you would take to study the problem and identify potential solutions. This could include conducting research, consulting with experts in the field, and engaging with the affected community to gain a deeper understanding of their needs and challenges. By outlining your proposed approach, you demonstrate your ability to think critically and problem-solve effectively. Furthermore, emphasize the importance of continuous learning and growth. Acknowledge that there may be gaps in your knowledge and understanding of the problem, but express your commitment to filling those gaps through further education and experiences. Highlight specific resources or opportunities at Cornell Engineering that would support your learning and development in addressing the problem.
By demonstrating your humility, curiosity, and proactive mindset, you showcase your potential as an engineer who is not only capable of solving problems but also dedicated to making a lasting impact on your local community.
B. Diversity in all forms is intrinsic to excellence in engineering. Engineering the best solutions to complex problems is often achieved by drawing from the diverse ingenuity of people from different backgrounds, lived experiences, and identities. How do you see yourself contributing to the diversity and/or the inclusion of the Cornell Engineering community? What is the unique voice you would bring to the Cornell Engineering community?
For option B, Reba notes, "One of the best contributions to bring is being open to others and their perspectives. You’re entering college to learn about academics, people, social aspects, and about yourself. Focus on what you can receive as well as what you can give." Upon reading your response, admissions officers should be confident that you are not only a strong candidate for an engineering degree, but also that you’re specifically geared for success as a future Cornell-educated engineer. The university wants your answer to the Cornell supplemental essays 2023-2024 to reflect your strongest personal attributes , and this essay is an effective way of showing what you care about while demonstrating knowledge of Cornell’s engineering offerings.
How have your related experiences influenced your decision to apply to the College of Human Ecology (CHE)? How will your choice of major impact your goals and plans for the future? Your response should show us that your interests and aspirations align with CHE and your choice of major.
The College of Human Ecology prompt asks to see connections between the development of your interests and your choice of major and career aspirations. The tricky thing about this prompt is that the College of Human Ecology happens to cover quite a few different fields that don’t necessarily have obvious relationships to each other. It’s probably a good idea that you know what “human ecology” actually means and are fully informed about programs such as Nutritional Sciences or Apparel Design before sitting down to write your essay.
Again, it’s not just about listing your experiences, but rather, it's important to reflect on how those experiences have shaped you and what you have learned from them. Take the time to delve into the impact your chosen major will have on your goals and plans for the future. You need to focus more on your commitment to the specialized department you’re interested in rather than human ecology as a whole since that is too broad of a topic.
By focusing on your why, you will be able to articulate your motivations with clarity and conviction. Emphasize the importance of your major not only to your personal growth and development but also to the betterment of society. Highlight the ways in which your major can address the pressing issues of our time and create a more just, equitable, and sustainable future.
School of Industrial and Labor Relations
Using your personal, academic, or volunteer/work experiences, describe the topics or issues that you care about and why they are important to you. your response should show us that your interests align with the ilr school..
ILR, affectionately known as ‘I Love Reading’, is more than just reading. ILR students need to be passionate about the topics, ready to dive into the curriculum. ILR is not solely focused on the theoretical aspects of business; it takes a unique approach by examining the dynamics of the workplace and the intersection of labor and management. As a result, ILR students are equipped with the knowledge and skills to identify and address the changes and improvements necessary in the workplace.
Just like with other prompts for Cornell supplemental essays 2023-2024 , you need to build a narrative showing how your interests overlap with Cornell’s offerings. Since you have plenty of space in this essay, you should draw on anecdotes that affirm your interest in people and policy in the workplace. Conduct research and think about how your goals can benefit from taking certain electives or working with a distinguished professor.
Highlight what sparked your interest in the industry—was there one particular incident or did your concern for topics related to workforce policies develop over time? Was there a high school club or internship that contributed to expanding your knowledge of employment policies? Moreover, think about why you want to attend a school that specializes in Industrial and Labor Relations rather than major in economics at the College of Arts and Sciences. By narrating a unique story that shows why this is the perfect college for you, you can help admissions officers gain a clearer picture of your passion for exploring work, employment, and labor policy issues over the next four years.
Additional Tips for Writing the Cornell Supplemental Essays 2023-2024
Now that you’ve taken a look at the prompts for the Cornell supplemental essays , here are a few tips to help your brainstorming process:
- Keep the specific school in mind: It’s not unheard of for students to apply to a less competitive Cornell school such as the College of Arts and Sciences in hopes of later transferring to Dyson or Cornell Engineering. Make sure your essays don’t leave admissions officers doubting whether your interest in the school that you’ve applied to is authentic. Don’t write about your love for life sciences or chemical engineering if you’re applying for an English major at the College of Arts and Sciences! Make sure your essay reflects your particular school choice and its unique offerings.
- Don’t repeat your personal statement: Your answers to the Cornell supplemental essays 2023-2024 are supposed to provide admissions officers with more context on your background and passions. That might be difficult to execute if your supplemental essay covers the same topic as your personal statement. It could be tricky to find a new angle—especially when the prompt for the College of Architecture, Art, and Planning is very similar to one of the Common Application personal statement prompts —“Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time.” If you’re applying to the AAP school and you’ve picked this prompt for your Common App, you have to come up with something completely different. Cornell will not appreciate two 650-word essays that overlap in content.
- Avoid generic statements at all costs: Cornell received the most applications out of the Ivy League schools this year. And the number isn’t getting any smaller. In order to excel in your Cornell supplemental essays 2023-2024, you have to connect all the factors that make a Cornell education appealing to you. Specifics will allow admissions officers to understand what makes you unique. Stating general facts about the facilities won’t help your case since admissions officers already know that great resources exist at their university!
When crafting your responses to the Cornell supplemental essays 2023-2024, it is crucial to showcase how obtaining a degree from one of Cornell's specialized undergraduate schools will benefit you. Regardless of which college within Cornell you are applying to, it is important that your essays display a deep understanding of the curriculum and highlight any relevant experiences. This will ensure that the admissions officers recognize your genuine interest in the university and that you are not simply applying for the prestige of attending an Ivy League institution.
If you are looking for a college admissions counselor to help maximize your chances of getting into your dream school, we can help! InGenius Prep has helped more than 6,000 students around the world gain admission into the most competitive schools including Harvard, Yale, MIT, Johns Hopkins, Cornell, NYU, and more. Sign up for a free strategy call today and join the 6,000+ students we've helped get accepted into their dream schools.
Tags : how to get into cornell , cornell essays , applying to cornell , cornell supplemental essays , cornell
Schedule a free consultation
to find out how we can help you get accepted.
Get the Reddit app
Join the A2C Discord!
r/ApplyingToCollege is the premier forum for college admissions questions, advice, and discussions, from college essays and scholarships to college list help and application advice, career guidance, and more.
Cornell Supplemental Essay
People that were accepted for ED class of 2028 Cornell could you share some advice for answering the first supplemental? "...any person...any study", or just some others who have advice im stuck on this prompt ughhh.
prompt for ppl who dk:
" In the aftermath of the U.S. Civil War, Ezra Cornell wrote, "I would found an institution where any person can find instruction in any study." For over 150 years, Cornell University has remained deeply committed to Ezra’s vision. Explain how your life experiences will help inform your contributions to a learning community devoted to “... any person … any study.” We encourage you to think broadly about your life experiences, including how local (e.g., family, school, neighborhood) or global communities you’ve been part of have helped shape your perspective. (350 word limit) "
By continuing, you agree to our User Agreement and acknowledge that you understand the Privacy Policy .
Enter the 6-digit code from your authenticator app
You’ve set up two-factor authentication for this account.
Enter a 6-digit backup code
Create your username and password.
Reddit is anonymous, so your username is what you’ll go by here. Choose wisely—because once you get a name, you can’t change it.
Reset your password
Enter your email address or username and we’ll send you a link to reset your password
Check your inbox
An email with a link to reset your password was sent to the email address associated with your account
Choose a Reddit account to continue
![supplemental essay for cornell university Home](https://admissions.upenn.edu/sites/default/files/logo-penn-admissions.png)
Essays and Short Answer Prompts
The Penn application process includes a personal essay —which is sent to most schools you apply to—as well as a few short answer prompts . We read your words carefully, as they are yet another window into how you think, what you value, and how you see the world. Through your writing, we get a glimpse of what you might bring to our community—including your voice and creativity.
Remember, you are the expert on your story. This is an opportunity for you to reflect and understand who you are now, and who you want to be in the future. You have the agency to choose the information you want to share. This is your story: your experiences, your ideas, your perspective.
A Few Writing Tips
- Review the prompts thoroughly. Be sure you’re answering the question or prompt being asked. Topics are chosen because the Admissions Committee wants to know specific things about you. If you don’t address them directly, we are left to make decisions regarding your application with incomplete information.
- Consider your response carefully. We understand that you may be writing responses for different schools and you may want to reuse material, but be sure to read through your response to make sure it is relevant to the prompt.
- Double-check your writing. Give yourself time to revisit your response. Try to avoid rushing your writing process so you have time to revise your work. Ultimately, it is up to you to polish and proofread your writing before you submit.
- Do your research. Are there classes you’re eager to take? Research opportunities you’d love to pursue? A group or club you want to be a part of? This kind of specificity shows us you’re serious about Penn and have thought about how you’d spend your time here.
2023-24 Short Answer and Essay Prompts
When answering these prompts, be precise when explaining both why you are applying to Penn and why you have chosen to apply to that specific undergraduate school. Some of our specialized programs will have additional essays to complete, but the Penn short answer prompts should address your single-degree or single-school choice.
- Write a short thank-you note to someone you have not yet thanked and would like to acknowledge. (We encourage you to share this note with that person, if possible, and reflect on the experience!) (150-200 words, not required for transfer applicants)
- How will you explore community at Penn? Consider how Penn will help shape your perspective, and how your experiences and perspective will help shape Penn. (150-200 words)
- The school-specific prompt is unique to the school to which you are applying. (For example, all applicants applying to the College of Arts and Sciences will respond to the prompt under the “College of Arts and Sciences” section). Considering the undergraduate school you have selected for your single-degree option, please respond to your school-specific prompt below.
Transfer Essay (required for all transfer applicants): Please explain your reasons for transferring from your current institution and what you hope to gain by transferring to another institution. (4150 characters)
Undergraduate School-Specific Short Answer Prompts
For students applying to coordinated dual-degree and specialized programs, please answer this question about your single-degree school choice; your interest in the coordinated dual-degree or specialized program may be addressed through the program-specific essay.
Penn Nursing intends to meet the health needs of society in a global and multicultural world by preparing its students to impact healthcare by advancing science and promoting equity. What do you think this means for the future of nursing, and how do you see yourself contributing to our mission of promoting equity in healthcare? (150-200 words)
To help inform your response, applicants are encouraged to learn more about Penn Nursing’s mission and how we promote equity in healthcare . This information will help you develop a stronger understanding of our values and how they align with your own goals and aspirations.
The flexible structure of The College of Arts and Sciences’ curriculum is designed to inspire exploration, foster connections, and help you create a path of study through general education courses and a major. What are you curious about and how would you take advantage of opportunities in the arts and sciences? (150-200 words)
To help inform your response, applicants are encouraged to learn more about the academic offerings within the College of Arts and Sciences . This information will help you develop a stronger understanding of how the study of the liberal arts aligns with your own goals and aspirations.
Wharton prepares its students to make an impact by applying business methods and economic theory to real-world problems, including economic, political, and social issues. Please reflect on a current issue of importance to you and share how you hope a Wharton education would help you to explore it. (150-200 words)
To help inform your response, applicants are encouraged to learn more about the foundations of a Wharton education . This information will help you better understand what you could learn by studying at Wharton and what you could do afterward.
Penn Engineering prepares its students to become leaders in technology, by combining a strong foundation in the natural sciences and mathematics, exploration in the liberal arts, and depth of study in focused disciplinary majors. Please share how you hope to explore your engineering interests at Penn. (150-200 words)
To help inform your response, applicants are encouraged to learn more about Penn Engineering and its mission to prepare students for global leadership in technology . This information will help you develop a stronger understanding of academic pathways within Penn Engineering and how they align with your goals and interests.
Coordinated Dual Degree and Specialized Program Essay Prompts
For students applying to coordinated dual-degree and specialized programs, please answer the program-specific essay below.
** Numbers marked with double asterisks indicate a character count that only applies to transfer students applying through Common App.
Why are you interested in the Digital Media Design (DMD) program at the University of Pennsylvania? (400-650 words / 3575 characters**)
We encourage you to learn more about the DMD: Digital Media Design Program .
The Huntsman Program supports the development of globally minded scholars who become engaged citizens, creative innovators, and ethical leaders in the public, private, and non-profit sectors in the United States and internationally. What draws you to a dual-degree program in business and international studies, and how would you use what you learn to contribute to a global issue where business and international affairs intersect? (400-650 words)
The LSM program aims to provide students with a fundamental understanding of the life sciences and their management with an eye to identifying, advancing, and implementing innovations. What issues would you want to address using the understanding gained from such a program? Note that this essay should be distinct from your single degree essay. (400-650 words)
- Explain how you will use the M&T program to explore your interest in business, engineering, and the intersection of the two. (400-650 words)
- Describe a problem that you solved that showed leadership and creativity. (250 words)
Describe your interests in modern networked information systems and technologies, such as the internet, and their impact on society, whether in terms of economics, communication, or the creation of beneficial content for society. Feel free to draw on examples from your own experiences as a user, developer, or student of technology. (400-650 words / 3575 characters**)
Discuss your interest in nursing and health care management. How might Penn's coordinated dual-degree program in nursing and business help you meet your goals? (400-650 words)
How do you envision your participation in the Vagelos Integrated Program in Energy Research (VIPER) furthering your interests in energy science and technology? Please include any past experiences (ex. academic, research, or extracurricular) that have led to your interest in the program. Additionally, please indicate why you are interested in pursuing dual degrees in science and engineering and which VIPER majors are most interesting to you at this time. (400-650 words)
5 Books About The College Application Process To Read This Summer
- Share to Facebook
- Share to Twitter
- Share to Linkedin
Cornell University
In the increasingly competitive landscape of top college admissions, strategy and preparation are critical for crafting a standout application. The process of planning high school coursework, selecting extracurriculars, writing essays, and navigating financial aid can be overwhelming and stressful — even taking a toll on the relationship between students and their parents. However, with the right resources, families can recover the joy and excitement that comes with entering this new phase of a student’s journey.
Whether a student is preparing to start their freshman or senior year of high school in the fall, summer is an optimal time for students and their families to educate themselves about the college admissions process. If you’re lounging poolside or passing time on a flight, bring along the following books for engaging and instructive perspectives on the college admissions process:
1. The Truth about College Admission: A Family Guide to Getting In and Staying Together by Brennan Barnard and Rick Clark
In The Truth about College Admission , Brennan Barnard, a college counselor, and Rick Clark, then the director of undergraduate admissions at Georgia Tech, provide a refreshing and honest look at the college application process. The book emphasizes maintaining family harmony and reducing stress while navigating the complexities of college admissions. With a focus on fostering open communication and realistic expectations, Barnard and Clark offer invaluable insights for both students and their families. For those who are hungry for more information, the authors also host a podcast with the same name, bringing together expert guests to share their insights on the college admissions process.
2. The Exceptional Applicant: For College Admission, You Don't Have to Be Perfect, You Just Have to Be Original by Deborah Bedor
Today’s nyt mini crossword clues and answers for wednesday, july 24, j.d. vance biopic ‘hillbilly elegy’ becomes netflix global top 10 hit, the good, bad and ugly from day 2 of packers’ training camp.
Deborah Bedor’s The Exceptional Applicant is a strategic guide aimed at high-achieving students aspiring to join the ranks at Ivy League and other top universities. A seasoned college admissions consultant, Bedor offers targeted insights to help students in every stage of the process develop an admissions strategy and craft an original and compelling profile. The book covers everything from selecting extracurricular activities to writing compelling essays and preparing for interviews. Bedor's insights are particularly valuable for students seeking to articulate their unique voice and perspective in an increasingly competitive admissions landscape.
3. Who Gets In and Why: A Year Inside College Admissions by Jeffrey Selingo
In Who Gets In and Why , journalist Jeffrey Selingo takes readers behind the college admissions curtain at Emory University, Davidson College, and the University of Washington to reveal insights into the secrets and nuances of the admissions process. Through meticulous reporting and interviews with admissions officers, Selingo reveals the strategies and decisions that admissions committees use to shape each incoming class. The book provides a nuanced understanding of what colleges are looking for in applicants and offers practical advice for students aiming to stand out. Selingo’s articulation of admissions officers’ processes makes this book an eye-opening read for students and parents embarking on the college admissions process.
4. On Writing the College Application Essay: The Key to Acceptance at the College of Your Choice by Harry Bauld
Harry Bauld’s On Writing the College Application Essay is a classic guide that has helped countless students craft essays that stand out in the decades since its original publication in 1987. A former admissions officer at Brown and Columbia, Bauld provides an insider’s perspective on what makes an essay memorable. The book offers practical tips on brainstorming, writing, and revising essays, as well as avoiding common pitfalls. Bauld’s lighthearted and engaging style makes this a must-read for any student facing the daunting task of writing their college application essays this summer.
5. Where You Go Is Not Who You'll Be: An Antidote to the College Admissions Mania by Frank Bruni
For families seeking an alternative to the frenzied culture of college admissions preparation, New York Times columnist Frank Bruni offers a more nuanced approach to the process, challenging the conventional wisdom that people’s future success is determined by the prestige of the colleges they attend. In Where You Go Is Not Who You'll Be , Bruni argues that the obsession with elite institutions is misplaced and that students can achieve success and fulfillment at a wide range of schools. A Times review of Bruni’s book states : “He doesn’t deny the networking value of attending a prestigious college — especially for those with the dubious dream of working on Wall Street — but he knows that this value is overstated, that the exhilaration of winning the prize is often a prelude to exhaustion, and that on every elite college campus the mental-health services are overstretched.” Bruni’s thought-provoking book provides a much-needed perspective to free students and parents caught up in the “mania” of college admissions—or to save them from getting caught up in it in the first place.
![supplemental essay for cornell university Christopher Rim](https://specials-images.forbesimg.com/imageserve/638774fcf97fc82614b27925/400x0.jpg?cropX1=291&cropX2=1115&cropY1=103&cropY2=927)
- Editorial Standards
- Reprints & Permissions
Cornell Office of Undergraduate Admissions
Search cornell admissions, cornell transfer writing supplement prompts.
In the online Common Application Writing Supplement, please respond to both the Cornell University essay question and the essay prompt that corresponds to the undergraduate college or school to which you are applying.
Cornell University Essay Question
We all contribute to, and are influenced by, the communities that are meaningful to us. Share how you’ve been shaped by one of the communities you belong to.
Remember that this essay is about you and your lived experience. Define community in the way that is most meaningful to you. Some examples of community you might choose from are: family, school, shared interest, virtual, local, global, cultural. (350 word limit)
College- and School-Specific Essay Questions
College of agriculture and life sciences.
By applying to Cornell’s College of Agriculture of Life Sciences (CALS), you are also applying for direct entry into one of our 20+ majors. From here, you would be part of a community dedicated to purpose-driven science; working within your major and across disciplines to tackle the complex challenges of our time.
Why are you drawn to studying the major you have selected and specifically, why do you want to pursue this major at Cornell CALS? You should share how your current interests, related experiences, and/or goals influenced your choice. (500 word limit)
Instructions: The optional short-answer questions invite you to share additional information about your background, interests, and experiences as they relate to aspects of the Cornell CALS mission. The content of any responses submitted will be included in the holistic review of your application (which is also the case for any optional additional information submitted as part of your Common Application or uploaded through your Cornell Application Portal once you've applied).
Optional: At Cornell CALS, we aim to leave the world better than we found it, so we seek out those who are passionate about serving the public good. Please elaborate on an experience where you were able to have a meaningful impact on people, a community, and/or an environment of importance to you. (100 word limit)
Optional: Cornell CALS is dedicated to purpose-driven study of the agricultural, life, environmental, and social sciences and welcomes students with interests that span a wide variety of disciplines. Given our agricultural history and commitment to educating the next generation of agriculturalists, please share if you have a background or interest in agriculture, regardless of your intended major. An "agricultural entity" for the purpose of this question is defined as cultivating soil, growing crops, and raising livestock (e.g., farm, ranch, greenhouse, vineyard, etc.).
Select all that apply:
- A primary source of income for my parent/guardian(s) comes from ownership of or employment by an agricultural entity.
- My extended family owns or operates an agricultural entity.
- I have experience working in an agricultural entity.
- I have interest in pursuing a career in an agricultural entity.
Please feel free to share additional details (optional). (100 word limit)
College of Architecture, Art, and Planning
How do your interests directly connect with your intended major at the College of Architecture, Art, and Planning (AAP)? Why architecture (B.Arch), art (BFA), or urban and regional studies (URS)? B.Arch applicants, please provide an example of how a creative project or passion sparks your motivation to pursue a 5-year professional degree program. BFA applicants may want to consider how they could integrate a range of interests and available resources at Cornell into a coherent art practice. URS students may want to emphasize their enthusiasm and depth of interest in urban and regional studies. Responses should be no longer than 3000 characters.
College of Arts & Sciences
At the College of Arts and Sciences, curiosity will be your guide. Discuss how your passion for learning is shaping your academic journey, and what areas of study or majors excite you and why. Your response should convey how your interests align with the College, and how you would take advantage of the opportunities and curriculum in Arts and Sciences. Responses should be no longer than 3000 characters.
Cornell Jeb E. Brooks School of Public Policy
The Brooks School of Public Policy brings together leading faculty and scholars across disciplines to tackle society's most pressing policy issues. Please discuss how your past academic and/or work experience has influenced your choice of major and how transferring to Cornell Brooks would further your academic interests. Responses should be no longer than 3000 characters.
Cornell SC Johnson College of Business
Tell us what you'd like to major in at Cornell, and why or how your past academic or work experience influenced your decision, and how transferring to Cornell would further your academic interests. Responses should be no longer than 3000 characters.
College of Engineering
How do your interests directly connect with Cornell Engineering? What draws you to the particular major you are applying to and how would transferring to Cornell Engineering further your academic interests?
College of Human Ecology
How has your decision to apply to the College of Human Ecology (CHE) been shaped and informed by your related experiences? How will what you learn through CHE and your chosen major impact your goals and plans for the future? Your response should demonstrate how your interests and aspirations align with CHE’s programs and mission. (Refer to our essay application tips before you begin.) Responses should be no longer than 3000 characters.
School of Industrial and Labor Relations
Using your personal, academic, or volunteer/work experiences, describe the topics or issues that you care about and why they are important to you. Your response should show us that your interests align with the ILR School.
Top Enrollment Resources
- How to Apply
- Visit & Connect
- Application Status
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Office of Financial Aid
- Apply for Aid
- Cost to Attend
- Types of Aid
- Office of the Registrar
- Academic Calendar
- Classes and Enrollment
- Courses of Study
Still need help? Look at the Frequently Asked Questions , or contact us .
![supplemental essay for cornell university Link: UCOP's e-newsletter](https://link.ucop.edu/wp-content/themes/uclink2013/images/logo.png)
Stay Informed. Stay Connected.
- View Calendar
- Submit an event
- Read 10-Second Bios
- Submit Your 10-Second Bio
- Classes and Workshops
- Submit an Article
Submit a Shout-Out
- Link commenting guidelines
- Oakland digital signage system
More wins for UC employees in 2024
![supplemental essay for cornell university supplemental essay for cornell university](https://link.ucop.edu/wp-content/themes/initiator/images/date-icon.png)
The University of California improves the lives of people in California and around the world through world-class educational opportunities, groundbreaking research, top-rated health care and agricultural expertise. As the state’s third-largest employer, we are committed to supporting the dedicated faculty, staff and academic appointees who bring our mission to life.
Despite challenging times for California’s budget , 2024 has seen UC become an even better place to work — with increased pay for health care workers, expanded leave options and new UC-paid benefits.
Here’s what we’ve accomplished so far this year
Jan. 1, 2024: uc leave options expand to include time off for reproductive loss.
To ensure they have the flexibility they need when they need it, eligible employees may now take up to five days of leave following their own reproductive loss or a loss experienced by their partner.
Feb. 20, 2024: UC issues new anti-discrimination policy and establishes Systemwide Office of Civil Rights
UC President Michael V. Drake shared two important milestones in the UC community’s work to create a safer, more welcoming learning, working, and living environment for all: a new Presidential Policy on Anti-Discrimination and UC’s first Systemwide Office of Civil Rights .
April 1, 2024: UC introduces employer-paid identity theft protection for faculty, staff and retirees
To demonstrate UC’s commitment to our community’s well-being and security, we launched a University-paid Identity Theft Protection Program for all benefit-eligible faculty, staff, retirees, and dependent children up to age 18.
May 31, 2024: Expanded paid sick leave approved for UC employees
To further support work-life balance for staff and academic personnel, UC updated its leave policies to expand eligibility for paid sick leave. Starting Jan. 1, 2025, part-time employees will be able to access paid sick leave and employees will be able to use paid sick leave under expanded eligible circumstances.
June 1, 2024: UC increases minimum wage for designated health care employees
Reflecting our commitment to fair and competitive employee pay, UC increased the minimum hourly wage for health care workers to $23/hour effective June 1, 2024. We plan to increase this to $24/hour in June 2025 and $25/hour in June 2026 with additional increases thereafter. We have also proposed increasing the minimum wage for all AFSCME-represented employees to $25/hour by July 1, 2025 .
The benefits of belonging
UC’s exceptional faculty, staff and academic appointees join our community in large part because of our shared belief in the power of education, research and public service to transform lives. Our people make UC great, and UC works hard to be a good employer by offering attractive compensation, excellent health and retirement benefits, work-life balance, job stability, professional growth, lifelong careers, and mobility among attractive California locations.
As a reminder, here are some of the outstanding benefits of being a member of the UC community:
- Rare choice of pension or 401(k)-style retirement plans with generous UC contributions
- Choice of quality HMO or PPO medical plans with premium rates scaled to match an employee’s salary, ensuring that all employees have access to health care
- Benefits for domestic partners
- Basic disability
- Financial and retirement planning consultations and resources
- ID theft protection
- Adoption assistance
- Tuition discounts
- Family care resources
- Health and dependent care flexible spending accounts (FSA)
- Supplemental life and disability
- Pets , legal , auto and home
- Accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity and AD&D
Learn more about the benefits of working at UC
Leave your comment here
Name: Email: Website:
Upcoming Events
Tuesday, july 23.
• GROWing your Check In Conversations for Employees
WEDNESDAY, JULY 24
• BRC T&E Team’s Office Hours • PACSW Women We Admire: Theresa Maldonado • BRC T&E Team’s Concur Training Sessions
THURSDAY, JULY 25
• Subtle Acts of Exclusion • Compliance, Accounting, Audit, & Policy (CAAP) Office Hours • Lakeside Speakeasy Toastmasters Club
FRIDAY, JULY 26
• Sustainability Employee Resource Group Meeting • Accessibility for Managers and Non-Designers • Pride Employee Resource Group Meeting
Explore UCOP’s culture
Submit a 10-second bio.
Introduce yourself to the OP community — it takes just a few minutes.
Want to say thank you to a colleague? Take a moment to do so in Link.
UCOP website
UCOP Ombuds Office
Navigating UCOP
UCOP careers
![supplemental essay for cornell university Link: UCOP's e-newsletter](https://link.ucop.edu/wp-content/themes/uclink2013/images/logo-footer.png)
Hip Hop and the Poetics of Liberation: Articles (Finding)
- Primary vs. Secondary
- Hip Hop Guide
- RMC: Find Materials
- Articles (Finding)
- CUL Catalog
Useful Tips
Databases identify and locate articles published in magazines, journals and newspapers. Many databases also index essays, book chapters and monographs.
- Tip 1: Some of the databases provide full-text coverage of journals.
- Tip 2: If the database does not provide full-text, use Get it! Cornell or search the library catalog for the journal title (or book title). This will provide you with Cornell's holdings of the journal (in both print and electronic form).
- Tip 3: For more precise searching use the advance search feature of the chosen database.
Selected Databases
Multi-Disciplinary Interest:
- Academic Search Premier This multi-disciplinary database provides full text for more than 8,500 journals, including full text for more than 4,600 peer-reviewed titles. PDF backfiles to 1975 or further are available for well over one hundred journals, and searchable cited references are provided for more than 1,000 titles.
- ProQuest Research Library ProQuest Research Library, formerly known as Periodical Abstracts, is a comprehensive database available through the ProQuest online system. It indexes and abstracts general interest magazines and scholarly journals in the social sciences, humanities and sciences. It comprises two components: a core list of periodicals covering about 800 publications, and 15 subject-specific modules that supplement the core list. Modules cover arts, business, children, education, general interest, health, humanities, international studies, law, military, multicultural studies, psychology, sciences, social sciences, and women's interests. Full text of many articles is provided.
- Web of Science Choosing "All Databases" allows you to search an index of journal articles, conference proceedings, data sets, and other resources in the sciences, social sciences, arts, and humanities.
Subject Specific:
- Africa-Wide An index covering material on Africa from the 19th century to the present.
- Black Studies Center Black Studies Center combines invaluable resources for research and teaching in Black studies: Schomburg studies on the Black experience, International index of Black periodicals (IIBP), The Chicago defender, ProQuest dissertations for Black studies, and Black literature index. This fully cross-searchable gateway to Black studies includes scholarly essays, recent periodicals, historical newspaper articles, and much more.
- GenderWatch A full text database of publications that focus on the impact of gender across a broad spectrum of subject areas, including family, childbirth, birth control, daycare, domestic abuse, work and the workplace, sexual harassment, aging, aging parents, body image, eating disorders and social and societal roles.
- PubMed Provides access to over 22 million citations from MEDLINE and other life science journals for biomedical articles back to the 1950s. Includes links to many sites providing full text articles and other related resources.
- Music Index Online Bibliographic database covering more than 725 international music periodicals from over 40 countries in 23 languages. Topics include every aspect of the classical and popular world of music, and are thoroughly categorized and organized according to the framework of an internal Subject List, which includes both Subject and Geographic headings. Covers all styles and genres of music. Cites book reviews, obituaries, new periodicals, and news and articles about music, musicians, and the music industry. Selected coverage before 1973. Coverage: 1973 to present.
Newspapers/Magazines:
- Nexis Uni Provides access to full text resources on topics including current and general news; business and financial information; newspapers; company directories; government and politics; medical and health topics; accounting, auditing, and tax; federal and state laws; legal cases; and regulations. Resources include TV and radio news transcripts.
- ProQuest Historical Newspapers This database offers full-text and full-image articles for newspapers dating back to the 19th century. For most titles, the collection includes digital reproductions of every page from every issue, cover to cover, in downloadable PDF files. The database is an ongoing project.
- Ethnic NewsWatch Ethnic NewsWatch is a full-text collection of the newspapers, magazines and journals of the ethnic, minority and native press from 1960.
- Library PressDisplay Library PressDisplay provides online access for the last 90 days to over 6,000 newspapers from more than 100 countries, displayed in their original format and accessible by country, language, or title.
- << Previous: RMC: Find Materials
- Next: CUL Catalog >>
- Last Updated: Jul 19, 2024 8:26 AM
- URL: https://guides.library.cornell.edu/hiphopliberation
Suggestions or feedback?
MIT News | Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Machine learning
- Sustainability
- Black holes
- Classes and programs
Departments
- Aeronautics and Astronautics
- Brain and Cognitive Sciences
- Architecture
- Political Science
- Mechanical Engineering
Centers, Labs, & Programs
- Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL)
- Picower Institute for Learning and Memory
- Lincoln Laboratory
- School of Architecture + Planning
- School of Engineering
- School of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences
- Sloan School of Management
- School of Science
- MIT Schwarzman College of Computing
Knight Science Journalism Program at MIT announces 2024-25 fellows
Press contact :.
![supplemental essay for cornell university 12 grayscale portrait photos laid out to resemble a yearbook page. Text reads: Knight Science Journalism Class of 2025](https://news.mit.edu/sites/default/files/styles/news_article__image_gallery/public/images/202407/Fellowship%20Announcement-2%20%281%29.png?itok=4GYeYixV)
Previous image Next image
The Knight Science Journalism Program at MIT (KSJ) will welcome 12 fellows in August. In addition to 10 Academic-Year Fellows, KSJ welcomes the inaugural Fellow for Advancing Science Journalism in Africa and the Middle East, and co-hosts a Sharon Begley Fellow with Boston-based publication STAT .
The Knight Science Journalism Program, established at MIT in 1983, is the world’s leading science journalism fellowship program. Fellows come to Cambridge, Massachusetts, to explore science, technology, and the craft of journalism in depth.
The class of 2025 represents the expansive media environment of today’s journalism. Together, the group has award-winning experience in a wide array of journalistic media, reaching the public through podcasts, documentaries, photographs, books, YouTube, TV, and radio.
“It is a privilege to welcome journalists to our programs who are so deeply aware of the importance of quality science coverage, who are eager to improve their craft, and who will continue to contribute positively to the public understanding of science once they leave here,” says Deborah Blum, KSJ director.
The fellows will spend their time in Cambridge studying at MIT and other leading research universities in the Boston area. They’ll also attend seminars by leading scientists and storytellers, take part in hands-on classes and workshops, and visit world-renowned research laboratories. Each journalist will also pursue an independent research project, focused on a topic of their choice, that advances science journalism in the public interest.
“Many of the biggest headlines of our era derive from science and technology — and the way we apply it to the world around us,” says Blum. “Our fellowship program recognizes the dedication and understanding required for stories that do justice to these issues. We bring fellows to MIT to provide them with an opportunity to enrich and deepen that understanding.”
Fabiana Cambricoli is an award-winning Brazilian journalist based in São Paulo, working as a senior health correspondent for Estadão newspaper, with a focus on in-depth and investigative stories. Before that, she contributed to major media outlets like Grupo Folha and was a fellow at ProPublica. She earned her bachelor’s degree in journalism and a master’s degree in public health from the University of São Paulo, receiving over 10 awards and grants for her work. Cambricoli’s reporting uncovered government negligence during epidemics, highlighted health disparities, and investigated funding behind scientific disinformation. She also co-founded Fiquem Sabendo, a nonprofit promoting transparency and supporting journalists in accessing public information.
Emily Foxhall is the climate reporter at The Texas Tribune , where she focuses on the clean energy transition and threats from climate change. She joined the Tribune in 2022 after two years at The Los Angeles Time s and its community papers and seven years at The Houston Chronicle , where she covered the suburbs, Texas features, and the environment. She has won multiple Texas Managing Editors awards, including for community service journalism, and was part of the team named a 2018 finalist for the Pulitzer Prize for coverage of Hurricane Harvey. She is a Yale University graduate.
Ahmad Gamal Saad-Eddin is a science journalist based in Egypt. He graduated from the faculty of medicine at Zagazig University in Egypt, and worked as a psychiatrist before leaving medicine and beginning a career in science journalism, first as a head of the science section in Manshoor.com, then as an editor at Nature Arabic Edition . He is currently working as a script writer and the fact-checker of “El-Daheeh,” the leading science YouTube show in the Arab region. His writings have also appeared in several outlets including Scientific American Arabic Edition and Almanassa News . His main writing interest is the interaction between science, its history, and the human experience.
Bryce Hoye is a journalist with the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation in Winnipeg, Manitoba. He covers a range of topics, from courts and crime to climate, conservation, and more. His stories appear on TV, radio, and online, and he has guest-hosted CBC Manitoba’s “Weekend Morning Show” and “Radio Noon.” He has produced national documentaries for CBC Radio, including for the weekly science program “Quirks & Quarks.” He has won several Radio Television Digital News Association national and regional awards. He previously worked in wildlife biology monitoring birds for several field seasons with Environment and Climate Change Canada.
Jori Lewis writes narrative nonfiction that explores how people interact with their environments. Her reports and essays have been published in The Atlantic Magazine , Orion Magazine , and Emergence Magazine , among others, and she is a senior editor of Adi Magazine , a literary magazine of global politics. In 2022, she published her first book, “Slaves for Peanuts: A Story of Conquest, Liberation, and a Crop That Changed History,” which was supported by the prestigious Whiting Creative Nonfiction Grant and a Silvers Grant for Work in Progress. It also won a James Beard Media Award and the Harriet Tubman Prize.
Yarden Michaeli is a journalist serving as the science and climate editor of Haaretz , Israel’s sole paper of record. During his 10 years as a writer, reporter, and editor at Haaretz , he became best known for editing the newspaper’s science vertical during the Covid-19 pandemic and founding its climate desk. Among other things, Yarden served as Haaretz ’s first reporter on the ground during the war in Ukraine, covered the war in Gaza, and was dispatched to report on the forefront of the climate crisis during storm Daniel in Greece. Yarden was born in Israel and he is based in Tel Aviv. He has a bachelor’s degree in American studies and economy from the Humboldt University in Berlin and he is a member of the Oxford Climate Journalism Network.
Tsvangirayi Mukwazhi is a two-time winner of the CNN Africa photojournalist award. He is currently with the Associated Press in Zimbabwe. Previously, he was the chief photographer at the Associated Newspapers of Zimbabwe. With an eye for detail and a passion for multi-format storytelling, he has managed to capture the essence of humanity in his photographs across Africa, Europe, and Asia. He instilled his dedication to his craft and hard work in other photojournalists in his past teaching role with the Norwegian Friedskorp, World Press Foundation in the Netherlands, the Pathshala Institute in South-East Asia, and in his pioneering gender and images work with SAMSO across the southern and East African region.
Aaron Scott is an award-winning multimedia journalist and the creator of the podcast Timber Wars, which was the first audio work to win the MIT Knight Science Journalism Program’s Victor K. McElheny Award, along with the National Headliner Award for Best Narrative Podcast and others. Most recently, he was a host of NPR’s science podcast “Short Wave.” Before that, he spent several years exploring the natural wonders of the Pacific Northwest as a reporter/producer for Oregon Public Broadcasting’s television show “Oregon Field Guide.” His stories have appeared on NPR, Radiolab, This American Life , Outside Podcast, Reveal, and elsewhere.
Evan Urquhart is a freelance journalist whose work has focused on science and medical questions relating to the transgender community. Based in Charlottesville, Virginia, his stories have appeared on Slate , Politico , the Atlantic , Vanity Fair , and many other outlets nationwide. In 2022, Evan founded Assigned Media, a news site devoted to fact-checking misinformation relating to trans issues. He has appeared as an expert on propaganda and misinformation relating to trans issues on radio shows and podcasts including NPR’s “St. Louis on the Air,” Slate ’s “Outward,” The American Prospect ’s “Left Anchor,” “What the Trans?,” and “It Could Happen Here.”
Jane Zhang is a technology reporter and the China representative of Bloomberg’s global AI squad based in Hong Kong. Over the years she has covered the Chinese internet and Beijing’s tensions with the United States over tech supremacy before jumping feet-first into reporting China’s historical crackdown on its largest corporations, including Alibaba. She has won awards for extensive on-the-ground reporting and exclusive interviews with industry heavyweights like Huawei founder Ren Zhengfei. Her current focus is on covering the incipient AI technology and the regulations around it. Zhang holds a master’s degree in journalism from the University of Hong Kong.
Sharon Muzaki joins KSJ as the 2024 recipient of the Fellowship for Advancing Science Journalism in Africa and the Middle East . She has been with UGStandard Media since 2019, reporting on the environment and climate change in Uganda. Muzaki graduated from Makerere University in 2019 with a degree in journalism and communication. While working for UGStandard Media, she has attended numerous trainings at the Aga Khan University Graduate School of Media and Communications, honing skills in storytelling, data journalism, and mobile storytelling. Muzaki will be the first recipient of the Africa and Middle East Fellowship. The fall semester fellowship, created in honor of the pioneering Egyptian science journalist Mohammed Yahia, is funded by Springer Nature. It is designed to enrich the training of a journalist working in Africa or the Middle East so they can contribute to a culture of high-quality science and health journalism in those regions.
Anil Oza is co-hosted by KSJ and Boston-based publication STAT as the 2024-25 Sharon Begley Science Reporting Fellow . Oza earned a bachelor’s degree in science from Cornell University, where he reported for the campus newspaper, The Cornell Daily Sun . Oza has interned at Nature , Science News , and NPR’s “Short Wave.” Oza also interned at STAT during summer 2023, helping produce the health-equity-focused podcast, “Color Code.” Oza will be the fifth recipient of the Sharon Begley Fellowship. This fellowship pays tribute to Sharon Begley’s outstanding career while paving the way for the next generation of science journalists and fostering better coverage of science that is relevant to all people.
More than 400 leading science journalists from six continents have graduated from the Knight Science Journalism Program at MIT. KSJ also publishes an award-winning science magazine, Undark , and offers programming to journalists on topics ranging from science editing to fact-checking.
Share this news article on:
Related links.
- Knight Science Journalism Program at MIT
- Sharon Begley Science Reporting Fellow
- Fellowship for Advancing Science Journalism in Africa and the Middle East
Related Topics
- Awards, honors and fellowships
- Science journalism
- Program in STS
- Science communications
- Science writing
- Education, teaching, academics
- School of Humanities Arts and Social Sciences
Related Articles
![supplemental essay for cornell university Mohammed Yahia sits on a stage. He's wearing a microphone and speaking to someone out of the frame. An out-of-focus audience is in the background.](https://news.mit.edu/sites/default/files/styles/news_article__archive/public/images/202401/mit-ksj-Mohammed-Yahia-Fellowship.jpg?itok=XLpuHf-n)
New fellowship to help advance science journalism in Africa and the Middle East
![supplemental essay for cornell university Collage of 10 grayscale headshots on a frame labeled “HBCU Science Journalism Fellowship"](https://news.mit.edu/sites/default/files/styles/news_article__archive/public/images/202404/HBCU-Fellowship-headshot-collage.png?itok=C1VAIcDf)
Knight Science Journalism Program launches HBCU Science Journalism Fellowship
![supplemental essay for cornell university 10 portrait photos arranged in two rows of five](https://news.mit.edu/sites/default/files/styles/news_article__archive/public/images/202304/mit-ksj-fellows.jpg?itok=lsOAGWSB)
Knight Science Journalism Program announces 2023-24 fellows
![supplemental essay for cornell university Five by four grid of 20 headshots](https://news.mit.edu/sites/default/files/styles/news_article__archive/public/images/202108/knight-science-journalism-mit-fellows-21-22.jpg?itok=5-F9rmfJ)
Knight Science Journalism Program announces 2021-22 fellows
Previous item Next item
More MIT News
![supplemental essay for cornell university Graphic of a human brain made from computer nodes, with abstract patterns resembling computer parts in the background](https://news.mit.edu/sites/default/files/styles/news_article__recent_news/public/images/202407/MIT-Multimodal-Automated-Interpretability-Agent-00.jpg?itok=8rreuRqr)
MIT researchers advance automated interpretability in AI models
Read full story →
![supplemental essay for cornell university Two by two grid with headshots of Steve Flavell, Mary Gehring, Mehrad Jazayeri, and Gene-Wei Li](https://news.mit.edu/sites/default/files/styles/news_article__recent_news/public/images/202407/mit-hhmi-investigators-2024-cov.png?itok=f24mrIiq)
MIT affiliates named 2024 HHMI Investigators
![supplemental essay for cornell university Photo of Rob Townsend posing in front of a bookshelf](https://news.mit.edu/sites/default/files/styles/news_article__recent_news/public/images/202407/mit-rob-townsend.jpg?itok=up2q_VDl)
Collaborating to advance LEADing-edge digital financial infrastructure
![supplemental essay for cornell university Four triangular sold acids spinning, with icons showing the direction of spin.](https://news.mit.edu/sites/default/files/styles/news_article__recent_news/public/images/202407/MIT-proton-conduct-01a-PRESS.jpg?itok=HODsmy5t)
Proton-conducting materials could enable new green energy technologies
![supplemental essay for cornell university A hand touches an array of lines and nodes, and a fizzle appears.](https://news.mit.edu/sites/default/files/styles/news_article__recent_news/public/images/202407/MIT-LLM-Expectations-01-press.jpg?itok=1mjpJoAY)
Large language models don’t behave like people, even though we may expect them to
![supplemental essay for cornell university A doctor looks at breast Xray with patient and scanner in background.](https://news.mit.edu/sites/default/files/styles/news_article__recent_news/public/images/202407/MIT-Carcinoma-Predicition-01.jpg?itok=EqIKM75S)
AI model identifies certain breast tumor stages likely to progress to invasive cancer
- More news on MIT News homepage →
Massachusetts Institute of Technology 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Map (opens in new window)
- Events (opens in new window)
- People (opens in new window)
- Careers (opens in new window)
- Accessibility
- Social Media Hub
- MIT on Facebook
- MIT on YouTube
- MIT on Instagram
![](http://rss3.fun/777/templates/cheerup/res/banner1.gif)
COMMENTS
We will also be open virtually on Wednesdays from 8:00am-4:30pm. In the online Common Application Writing Supplement for those applying for Fall 2025 entry, please respond to both the Cornell University essay question and the essay prompt that corresponds to the undergraduate college or school to which you are applying.
How to Write the Cornell University Essays 2023-2024. The largest of the eight Ivy League universities, Cornell University is made up of eight undergraduate schools that applicants apply directly to. Because of this, you will be required to submit a school-specific supplemental essay (or essays) in addition to one campus-wide essay.
How to write each supplemental essay prompt for Cornell. All Undergraduate Applicants essay. College of Arts & Sciences essay. College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. Prompt #1: "Why us + Why major" essay. Prompt #2: Optional "Community contribution" essay. Prompt #3: Optional "Agriculture background" essay.
2023-2024 Cornell Supplement Essay Questions. Here are the essays and instructions as shown on the Cornell University admissions website:. College Interest Essays. The primary focus of your college interest essay should be what you intend to study at Cornell.
How to Write the Cornell Supplemental Essays 2023-24. In addition to the personal statement in the Common Application, you are also required to respond to the Cornell University essay question and the essay prompt (s) for the undergraduate school or college to which you are applying. It's important to note that many of Cornell's ...
Cornell Supplemental Essays 2023-24 - Prompts and Advice - College Transitions. September 6, 2023. The 7.3% acceptance rate for Cornell's Class of 2027 was just a touch higher than last year's 6.9%; as late as 2003, the school still had as high as a 31% acceptance rate. Clearly, getting into Cornell in 2023-24 is a vastly different ...
The Requirements: 1 school-specific essay of 650 words or 2 essays of 250 words each. Supplemental Essay Type(s): Why, Community. In the online Common Application Writing Supplement, please respond to both the Cornell University essay question and the essay prompt that corresponds to the undergraduate college or school to which you are applying.
Get to know Cornell and write with purpose. In the Cornell Writing Supplement portion of the Common App, you'll be asked to write essays for Cornell broadly and your intended college or school specifically. Thoroughly review the online information about the university and the college or school to which you are applying.
Cornell's 2023-2024 Prompts General Essay Prompt. In the aftermath of the U.S. Civil War, Ezra Cornell wrote, "I would found an institution where any person can find instruction in any study." For over 150 years, Cornell University has remained deeply committed to Ezra's vision.
First-year Students The writing supplement is a separate submission. ... You will not be able to submit your application until both essays are complete. ... Cornell University 410 Thurston Avenue Ithaca, NY 14850. Email [email protected]; Phone Number 607.255.5241 Fax Numb .
Cornell University has released its 2023-2024 supplemental admissions essays for applicants to the Class of 2028.For years, Cornell asked applicants to respond to an essay of up to 650 words in length that essentially asked, "Why Cornell?"But this year, the Ivy League institution has changed things up, creating essays specific to the individual school to which a student is applying within ...
3 Great Cornell Essay Examples. Cornell is one of the top schools in the nation, and a member of the esteemed Ivy League. With an extremely low general acceptance rate, admissions is highly-selective, though keep in mind that acceptance rates vary by schools within the university. Cornell requires a single supplement for all applicants, but the ...
The Cornell supplemental essays 2023-2024 are a set of short essay prompts tailored to each undergraduate college or school within the university. Unlike the general essays that applicants submit through platforms like the Common Application, these supplemental essays are specific to Cornell and aim to gauge an applicant's interest in and ...
Cornell Supplemental Essays 2023-2024. Cornell University is one of the most competitive schools in both New York and the nation. In recent years, the Cornell acceptance rate has only gotten lower.When considering how to get into Cornell, there's no room to slack off on any part of your Cornell application.Simply meeting the Cornell University requirements will not be enough to gain admission.
If you're applying to Cornell University, you'll be writing some supplemental essays as part of your application.Let's explore some specific tips for writing Cornell's admissions essays. 1. Understand the Prompts As you begin writing your essays, take a look at the shorter prompts and try to identify the most important parts of them.
Prompts for the Cornell University Supplemental Essays 2022-2023. When you add Cornell as one of your schools in the Common Application, you have to pick one of the eight colleges within Cornell, instead of applying to the university as a whole. These are: The newly opened Brooks School of Public Policy; College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
The Cornell supplemental essays 2022-2023 are fairly in-depth, but we're going to look at each essay prompt and discuss the best way to respond to each topic. Cornell Supplemental Essay Prompts 2022-2023. So, let's start by looking at each supplemental essay prompt, and then we will discuss how to approach each one individually.
College of Engineering. All applicants are required to write two supplemental essays. Each has a limit of 250 words. Essay 1 is required of all applicants. For Essay 2, you must choose between Question A and Question B. Essay 1 - Required response (250 word limit)
Cornell University has released its supplemental essay prompts for those applying for first-year admission during the 2024-2025 admissions cycle. Today I tak...
Cornell Supplemental Essays 2023-2024. Use these supplemental essay prompts as an opportunity to introduce yourself, what you're passionate about, and your ambitions and goals. InGenius Prep counselor Reba McCutcheon, who worked as the Associate Director for Undergraduate Admissions at Cornell, recommends that you focus on the deeper why as a ...
Here are the supplemental Essay Prompts for Cornell University. ALL UNDERGRADUATE APPLICANTS. In the aftermath of the U.S. Civil War, Ezra Cornell wrote, "I would found an institution where any person can find instruction in any study." For over 150 years, Cornell University has remained deeply committed to Ezra's vision.
prompt for ppl who dk: " In the aftermath of the U.S. Civil War, Ezra Cornell wrote, "I would found an institution where any person can find instruction in any study." For over 150 years, Cornell University has remained deeply committed to Ezra's vision. Explain how your life experiences will help inform your contributions to a learning ...
The Penn application process includes a personal essay—which is sent to most schools you apply to—as well as a few short answer prompts. We read your words carefully, as they are yet another window into how you think, what you value, and how you see the world. ... (DMD) program at the University of Pennsylvania? (400-650 words / 3575 ...
Cornell University. Getty Images. In the increasingly competitive landscape of top college admissions, strategy and preparation are critical for crafting a standout application.
We will also be open virtually on Wednesdays from 8:00am-4:30pm. Cornell University. 410 Thurston Avenue. Ithaca, NY 14850. In the online Common Application Writing Supplement, please respond to both the Cornell University essay question and the essay prompt that corresponds to the undergraduate college or school to which you are applying.
The University of California improves the lives of people in California and around the world through world-class educational opportunities, groundbreaking research, top-rated health care and agricultural expertise. As the state's third-largest employer, we are committed to supporting the dedicated faculty, staff and academic appointees who ...
Many databases also index essays, book chapters and monographs. Tip 1: Some of the databases provide full-text coverage of journals. Tip 2: If the database does not provide full-text, use Get it! Cornell or search the library catalog for the journal title (or book title). This will provide you with Cornell's holdings of the journal (in both ...
Oza earned a bachelor's degree in science from Cornell University, where he reported for the campus newspaper, The Cornell Daily Sun. Oza has interned at Nature, Science News, and NPR's "Short Wave." Oza also interned at STAT during summer 2023, helping produce the health-equity-focused podcast, "Color Code." Oza will be the fifth ...