With Cornell’s Class of 2027 admitting only 7.3% of applicants, the competition for a spot in this prestigious institution has become increasingly fierce. In today’s admissions landscape, stellar grades and impressive test scores alone may not suffice. However, Cornell’s supplemental essays offer applicants a valuable opportunity to set themselves apart and demonstrate their unique qualities and aspirations.
All applicants are required to submit a supplemental response, a new addition to this year’s application. This essay provides candidates with the chance to delve deeper into their experiences, perspectives, and goals. While there are no specific prompts provided, applicants are encouraged to use this essay to showcase what makes them a standout candidate for Cornell.
In addition to the general supplemental response, each college within Cornell has its own set of essay requirements. These essays allow applicants to tailor their responses to the specific programs or disciplines they are applying to, further highlighting their interest and suitability for their chosen field of study.
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Cornell Supplemental Essays
1. Required 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)
Overview
Cornell invites applicants to reflect on their life experiences and how they align with the university’s commitment to diverse learning communities. This open-ended prompt encourages candidates to explore various aspects of their background, identity, and community involvement.
Tips
Begin by identifying significant aspects of your background, identity, or experiences that have shaped your perspective. Consider discussing your cultural, familial, or community influences and how they have impacted your worldview. Then, articulate how these experiences will contribute to Cornell’s ethos of inclusivity and diverse learning. Be genuine, introspective, and articulate in your response.
2. College of Agriculture and Life Sciences 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 words)
Overview
Applicants to the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) are asked to explain their choice of major and how their interests and experiences have shaped this decision. Additionally, they should detail how a CALS education will contribute to their academic and professional aspirations.
Tips
Begin by articulating your passion for your chosen major and providing specific examples of experiences that have influenced your decision. Discuss relevant coursework, extracurricular activities, or personal experiences that have sparked your interest in the field. Then, research CALS programs, faculty, and resources to demonstrate your understanding of how the college aligns with your academic and career goals. Be thorough, insightful, and forward-thinking in your response.
Cornell Supplemental Essays 2024
College of Architecture, Art, and Planning
1. Three Words Describing You: Prompt: What three words best describe you? (30 characters each)
Overview
This straightforward prompt challenges applicants to distill their essence into three descriptive words. While concise, the chosen words should effectively capture the applicant’s unique qualities or values.
Tips
Select words that offer insight into your personality, interests, or values. Avoid generic descriptors and opt for words that provide depth and specificity. Consider qualities that set you apart from other applicants and highlight your individuality.
2. Essay Prompt for AAP Applicants: 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 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)
Overview
This essay prompt invites applicants to articulate their alignment with their chosen major within the College of Architecture, Art, and Planning. Applicants should demonstrate how their interests, experiences, and goals intersect with their intended field of study.
Tips
Start by explaining your motivations for pursuing your chosen major and how your past experiences have influenced this decision. Provide specific examples or projects that illustrate your passion and commitment to your field. Research Cornell’s AAP programs, faculty, and resources, and discuss how they align with your academic and career objectives. Be thorough, genuine, and forward-thinking in your response.
College of Arts and Sciences
Essay Prompt: 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. (650 words)
Overview
This essay prompt prompts applicants to explore their intellectual curiosity and academic interests within the College of Arts and Sciences. Candidates should articulate their passion for learning, specific areas of study that excite them, and how they envision leveraging the college’s resources to pursue their academic goals.
Tips
Reflect on your academic journey and identify areas of study that genuinely inspire you. Discuss how your interests align with the offerings and opportunities available at Cornell’s College of Arts and Sciences. Consider mentioning specific departments, courses, or research opportunities that appeal to you. Highlight your commitment to intellectual exploration and academic engagement.
Cornell SC Johnson College of Business
Essay Prompt: Prompt: 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)
Overview
This essay prompt invites applicants to discuss their passion for business and how their experiences have shaped their interests and values. Candidates should articulate their commitment to specific topics or issues within the field of business and demonstrate how their interests align with the respective schools within the Cornell SC Johnson College of Business.
Tips
Draw upon personal, academic, or professional experiences to highlight your interest in business-related topics or issues. Discuss why these topics are meaningful to you and how they align with your academic and career aspirations. Consider mentioning relevant coursework, extracurricular activities, or industry experiences that have influenced your perspective. Emphasize your readiness to contribute to and engage with the business community at Cornell.
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Cornell Supplemental Essays
College of Engineering
Essay 1 – Required for All Engineering Applicants
Prompt: 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)
Tips
Focus on aspects of Cornell Engineering that align with your interests and aspirations. Highlight specific departments, courses, professors, facilities, research opportunities, and unique programs that attract you to Cornell. Emphasize quality over quantity by delving into one or two aspects that resonate with you deeply.
Essay 2 – Choose Either Question A or Question B
Question A
Prompt: 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
Prompt: Diversity in all forms is intrinsic to excellence in engineering. 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?
Engineering Short Answer Questions (Required)
1. What three words best describe you? (30 characters each)
2. What are three words you would use to describe Cornell Engineering?
Tips
Be concise and deliberate in selecting words that capture your essence and Cornell Engineering’s identity.
College of Human Ecology
Prompt: 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)
Tips
Tailor your essay to your chosen major within CHE. Highlight specific offerings, such as courses, professors, research initiatives, and student organizations, that align with your interests and goals.
School of Industrial and Labor Relations
Prompt: 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)
Tips
Share experiences that shaped your interest in labor relations and related topics. Showcase your passion and commitment to the field and cite ILR offerings that will support your academic and career aspirations.
Brooks School of Public Policy
Prompt: 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)
Tips
Articulate your interest in public policy and how your experiences have shaped your goals. Highlight specific Brooks School offerings, such as courses, research opportunities, faculty, and student life, that align with your interests and aspirations.
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Conclusion
The supplemental essays for Cornell University’s various colleges offer applicants the opportunity to showcase their unique qualities, interests, and aspirations. By carefully crafting their responses, applicants can demonstrate their fit with Cornell’s academic programs and contribute to the vibrant campus community. Whether addressing engineering challenges, sharing personal experiences, or outlining career goals, these essays play a crucial role in helping admissions officers understand the individual behind the application. With thoughtful preparation and reflection, applicants can use these essays to stand out in the competitive admissions process and increase their chances of joining the Cornell community.