best college essays cornell

Cornell Office of Undergraduate Admissions

Search cornell admissions, cornell first-year writing supplement prompts.

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.

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.

Required: By applying to Cornell’s College of Agriculture and 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)

Optional Short-Answer Responses: 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.

Optional Question #1: 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 Question #2: 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 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)

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)

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)

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 Cornell Peter and Stephanie Nolan School of Hotel Administration). (650 word limit)

College of Engineering

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?
• Question 2: Why do you think you would love to study at Cornell Engineering?

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)

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)

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3 Top Tips for a Stand-Out Cornell Essay

College Essays

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 ."

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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.

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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.

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Successful Cornell Essays

Cornell essays →, cornell mentors →.

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Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you,…...

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Cornell SC Johnson College of Business: What kind of a business student are you? The Cornell SC Johnson College of Business offers two distinct business programs,

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Breaking down the cornell supplemental essays (2024).

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College admissions creative designer and lead admissions expert, table of contents, want to be more like mia, essay prompt for all applicants:, college-specific prompts, our top 10 tips for tackling the cornell supplemental essays, 1. understand the prompt, 2. research the college, 3. reflect on your experiences, 4. be authentic, 5. show, don’t tell, 6. highlight your fit, 7. be clear and concise, 8. craft a strong opening, 9. revise and edit, 10. reflect your growth.

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Cornell University is a prestigious Ivy League institution renowned for its academic excellence, professional growth opportunities, vibrant student life, and diverse community.

With so many opportunities for intellectual growth, professional networking, and personal development, it’s no surprise that Cornell University has so much competition regarding college admissions. In fact, from 2014 to 2023, the number of applications has soared to 67,846 from 43,037, while the acceptances have consistently decreased each year. So, how do you stand out?

Let’s look at Mia, a high school senior who dreamed of being admitted to Cornell. She had a solid academic standing but wanted to use her essays to help showcase why she was the perfect fit for Cornell. 

She took her time brainstorming and ideation and, ultimately, wrote heartfelt essays about her multicultural upbringing and volunteer work abroad, showcasing her passion for inclusivity and global health. Her genuine reflections and alignment with Cornell’s values impressed the admissions committee. Mia was thrilled to receive her acceptance letter to Cornell University, knowing her authentic story had made all the difference.

We’re here to help. Today, we’re going to take an opportunity to dissect the Cornell University supplemental essays and provide you with some insights and opportunities to help write your strongest pieces possible for admission. Before we begin, you might wonder why there is so much emphasis on the essay pieces for the Cornell application.

Why Are the Cornell supplemental essays so important?

The Cornell supplemental essays are one of your application’s most exciting and personal aspects. These essays provide a unique opportunity to showcase your personality, achievements, and fit for Cornell. Unlike other parts of your application, these essays offer admissions officers deeper insights into who you are beyond your grades and test scores. This is your chance to show them your passions, motivations, and how you will contribute to the Cornell community!

Now, let’s break down each of the Cornell supplemental essay prompts and how to tackle them.

When applying, each student must answer an overarching prompt. It’s important to think critically about approaching this based on your academic, professional, and social experiences, as your responses will be evaluated and ultimately accepted or rejected based on the entire applicant pool.

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)

Cornell University was established as a beacon of thought leadership and innovation across all fields of study. This prompt asks you to explain how your life experiences will inform your contributions to this incredible learning community dedicated to “… any person … any study.” 

This is your opportunity to reflect on the personal interests and experiences that make you a strong candidate for Cornell. Remember, you have only 350 words to convey your experiences, so make sure you make each word count!

Brainstorming Questions:

• Do you have any memorable projects, experiences, or organizations that have shaped you as a person?
• How have local or global communities you’ve been part of shaped your perspective and driven you to apply to Cornell?
• How did these experiences change your perspectives or help you find your passion, and how has that shaped your goals and aspirations?
• How can you use these experiences to positively impact Cornell University’s academic, professional, and student community?
• Why is Cornell the right place for you to pursue your goals?

Example Response:

“Growing up in a multicultural neighborhood in Oakland, California as a teenager immersed me in a rich tapestry of languages, traditions, and viewpoints. My half-Portuguese family’s emphasis on education and respect for all cultures instilled in me the importance of inclusivity from a young age. I founded a diversity club in high school to celebrate different family histories through events, discussions, and community service projects. Leading this club taught me the value of embracing diverse perspectives and working collaboratively to foster a culturally inclusive environment.

Last year as a junior in high school, my global experiences further shaped my worldview. Volunteering with the renowned international health organization UNICEF exposed me to the challenges and strengths of communities worldwide. I worked alongside a team from various countries, addressing issues such as clean water access and public health education. These interactions broadened my understanding of global issues and underscored the importance of diverse perspectives in finding innovative solutions.”

The second part of the Cornell Supplemental essay involves college-specific questions that pertain to certain subsects of the applicant pool, depending on the major being applied for. Here’s what you need to know to tackle these successfully!

We’ve compiled all the college-specific essay questions for you. While not all may apply to you, each tip offers valuable insights and strategies to help support you during the brainstorming and idea development process, so if you have extra time to read, we recommend it.

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Required 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 support your learning, growth, and pursuit of your goals? (650-word limit) 

To approach this prompt effectively, you need to structure your essay in a way that clearly articulates your passion for your chosen major, the experiences that have influenced your decision, and how Cornell’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) will help you achieve your goals.

• What sparked your interest in the major? Was it a particular event, a book, a class, or a personal experience?
• What are your academic and professional goals for the next few years? How can studying at Cornell help make these a possibility?
• How do you hope to make a difference in your field? How do you plan to contribute to the broader community through your work?
• What core values and beliefs drive your passion for this field? How do these align with the mission and values of CALS at Cornell?
• Why is CALS the right place for you to pursue your goals?

Example Response: 

“I spent many hours in my grandfather’s greenhouse as a child, where I became fascinated by the combination of science and nature. This early exposure ignited my lifelong passion for plant sciences. An internship at a local botanical garden allowed me to work alongside horticulture experts, where I honed my skills in plant propagation and gained insights into conservation efforts. Cornell’s CALS provides exceptional opportunities in plant sciences, including the cutting-edge research conducted at the Boyce Thompson Institute . I am particularly thrilled about the Plant Science Research Laboratory, which aligns with my interests. I believe Cornell’s CALS is the perfect place to pursue my passion for plant sciences, and with the support of world-class faculty and resources, I am confident that I will achieve my goals and make meaningful contributions to the field.”

Additional CALS Prompts: 

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 experience where you had a meaningful impact on people, a community, and/or an environment of importance to you. (200-word limit)

Optional 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 this question is cultivating soil, growing crops, and raising livestock (e.g., farm, ranch, greenhouse, vineyard, etc.). 

Select all that apply:

• My parent/guardian(s) ‘s primary source of income is 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)

Optional Prompt 1: To effectively approach this prompt, focus on a specific experience where you significantly impacted your local community or the broader globe through mastery of a concept or practice within the agricultural field. This can be at a personal level, environmentally, within your local community, or if you’ve helped across borders! Given the 200-word limit, be concise yet detailed, emphasizing your actions, the effect on others, and how this experience reflects your passion for serving the public good through improving agriculture.

Optional Prompt 2: This question is perfect if you or a family member has been involved in the agricultural sector or are interested in pursuing a career. Since you have a limit of 100 words, focus on personal anecdotes to illustrate your experience or the lessons learned from those involved in agriculture. If space permits, you can also link this to what you hope to gain from your studies at Cornell’s CALS and how you will use it to impact the world positively.

Prompt 1: “Last summer, I initiated a project to convert a vacant urban lot into a community garden. As the coordinator, I organized a team of volunteers, secured funding, and collaborated with local businesses for resources. We cleared the lot, planted vegetables, and installed a sustainable irrigation system. The garden provided fresh produce to local families, served as an educational space for children, and became a gathering place for the community. Witnessing the joy and gratitude of the residents reinforced my commitment to environmental stewardship and community development. This experience aligns perfectly with CALS’s mission of serving the public good, and I am eager to contribute to innovative, sustainable solutions at Cornell.”

Prompt 2: “Growing up on my family’s farm, I deeply appreciated agriculture. From a young age, I was involved in various tasks, from planting seeds to harvesting crops and caring for livestock. This hands-on experience taught me the importance of sustainable farming practices and the impact of agriculture on our environment and community. My interest in agriculture was further fueled by participating in 4-H, where I led crop rotation and soil conservation projects. These experiences have inspired me to pursue a career in sustainable agriculture. At Cornell CALS, I look forward to deepening my knowledge through cutting-edge research and contributing to advancing sustainable farming techniques.”

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 prompt asks students to articulate how their interests align with their intended major within the College of Architecture, Art, and Planning (AAP) at Cornell University. Addressing these points effectively will demonstrate to admissions officers that you are genuinely passionate about your chosen field. Show that you have invested time and energy into nurturing this interest and are eager to take full advantage of Cornell’s incredible resources. You can make a compelling case for admission to Cornell University by articulating your commitment and enthusiasm.

• How do your interests connect with your intended major within the College of Architecture, Art, and Planning?
• Why did you choose architecture, art, or urban and regional studies?
• If you’re an architecture student, what’s an example of how a creative project/passion sparked your interest in pursuing the 5-year program?
• If you’re an art student, how can you use Cornell’s resources to help support your art development goals and aspirations?
• Why are you enthusiastic about the subject if you’re an urban and regional studies major? What makes you want to pursue this at a higher level?

“Growing up, I spent countless hours sketching buildings and designing imaginary cities. This passion led me to enroll in art and design courses throughout high school, where I honed my skills in drawing, model-making, and digital design. I also joined the school’s architecture club, which allowed me to work on community projects, such as designing a playground for a local park. These experiences deepened my love for architecture and solidified my decision to pursue it as a career.”

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)

Two questions are being asked of you:

• Discuss how your passion for learning is shaping your academic journey
• What areas of study or majors excite you and why

These are great opportunities to explore a deep interest in something – do you have a phase of nature you’ve been drawn to and have dedicated time to researching? Do you have a particular area of study you’ve explored at a higher level, whether within a course inside or outside of school? Do you have supplementary classes you’ve been exploring outside of your normal course load? How do they all tie into your interest in Arts and Sciences? Being able to connect your personal experiences to why you believe the College of Arts and Sciences is the right fit for you will show admissions officers you’re the right fit for their admissions and that you’ll make the most of your time at the university, so make it count!

“My fascination with the natural world began in childhood, sparked by countless hours spent in my grandmother’s garden. As I observed the intricate relationships between plants, insects, and soil, I became captivated by the complexity of ecological systems. This early interest led me to excel in high school biology and environmental science courses, where I researched local ecosystems and participated in field studies. I am particularly drawn to Cornell’s Ecology and Evolutionary Biology program because it offers a comprehensive curriculum integrating fieldwork, laboratory research, and theoretical study. The opportunity to collaborate with leading researchers and access Cornell’s extensive natural areas will allow me to deepen my understanding of biodiversity and conservation.”

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)

For this prompt from Cornell, they are asking students to explain their motivation for studying public policy and how attending the Brooks School specifically will contribute to achieving their life goals. This is an excellent chance to link your passion for a particular subject to how studying at the Brooks School will enable you to drive change within your community or on a larger scale. What aspects of Cornell are you looking forward to utilizing to help you become an effective public policy advocate? What classes are you eager to study during your time at Cornell, and how will you use these opportunities to educate yourself further or lay the foundations for your future career or endeavors?

• Why are you interested in studying public policy? 
• Have you been influenced by any experiences, internships, organizations, or individuals? 
• Have you watched any relevant videos or focused on specific topics that have sparked your interest? 

“Growing up in a small town affected by economic decline, I witnessed firsthand the impact of public policy on communities. When our local factory closed, neighbors struggled with job loss, and families were torn apart by financial stress. This ignited my passion for understanding and shaping policies to prevent hardships and promote sustainable development.”

“Internship : During my internship with [Organization], I worked on [Project], analyzing the impact of local housing policies on low-income families. This experience taught me [Key Learning], reinforcing my desire to work in public policy.

Coursework : In my [Relevant Course] class, I conducted research on [Specific Topic], which deepened my understanding of [Aspect of Public Policy] and solidified my commitment to this field.”

My long-term goal is to become a policy advisor focused on economic development and social equity. Public policy is ideal for me to address systemic issues and drive positive change. By influencing policy decisions, I aim to create opportunities and improve the quality of life for marginalized communities.”

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)

When looking at this prompt, you’re asked why you have found an interest in business , but it leads with an interesting question: What kind of business student are you? Given the field’s broad scope, you can reflect on your personality and goals and tie them into how you’ve transferred them into real-life practices. Each of us within the business realm has different ideas, goals, interests, and passions, so how do you hope to explore them while studying at Cornell?

• What kind of business student are you? Are you analytical, creative, entrepreneurial, or strategic?
• How do you approach problems or challenges in a business context?
• Have you had any personal experiences that sparked your interest in business?
• Have you participated in any internships, part-time jobs, or volunteer activities related to business? What skills or insights did you gain from these experiences?
• What specific topics or issues in business are you passionate about? (e.g., sustainability, corporate social responsibility, entrepreneurship, finance, marketing) How will you further your studies through the SC Johnson College of Business?
• Why do these issues matter to you personally? What makes them a topic to pursue at Cornell?
• What programs, courses, or extracurricular activities at Cornell align with your interests?

“From a young age, I’ve been captivated by the dynamics of entrepreneurship and the art of innovation. Growing up in a family of small business owners, I witnessed firsthand the challenges and triumphs of running a business. This exposure ignited my passion for entrepreneurship and instilled a relentless drive to create and innovate.

At Cornell, I am eager to explore my entrepreneurial spirit further and expand my horizons through hands-on experiences and collaborative projects. The Charles H. Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management offers a unique platform to immerse myself in a diverse community of like-minded individuals and industry experts. I am particularly drawn to Cornell’s emphasis on practical learning, where real-world applications and internships complement classroom theories.”

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.

When it comes to applying to Cornell’s College of Engineering , the main goal for admissions officers is to see if you are truly interested in engineering and if you will utilize your time at the university to further your pursuit into the field. There are quite a few directions you can take when you answer these questions depending on your interests, but try to think out of the box and truly apply your interest into what you hope to accomplish at Cornell.

• What are your primary interests in engineering?
• How did you develop these interests? Was there a particular experience or person who influenced you?
• How does Cornell Engineering support or enhance your interests?
• Are there specific programs, clubs, or organizations at Cornell Engineering that align with your interests?
• Have you visited Cornell or interacted with current students or faculty? What insights did you gain?
• What specific field of engineering are you interested in? Why?
• How does the curriculum of your intended major at Cornell stand out to you?
• How do you see your education at Cornell Engineering helping you achieve your future career or academic goals?
• Do you hope to accomplish any particular outcomes or milestones through your connection with Cornell Engineering?

“Stepping into Cornell Engineering feels like diving headfirst into a world where ideas ignite and innovation thrives. My path here isn’t just about picking a major—it’s about embracing a journey fueled by curiosity and a drive to push boundaries.

In essence, Cornell Engineering isn’t just a destination—it’s a launchpad for exploration, innovation, and making waves in the world. Here, amidst towering ideas and collaborative fervor, I’m ready to shape my journey, fueled by passion, driven by purpose, and destined to leave an indelible mark.”

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?

Questions to ask yourself:

If you’re interested in question A:

• What engineering problems have you seen around your community? Do any road challenges, flood issues, etc., become evident during certain times of the year?
• What would you do if you were the engineer on the project? How would you handle the design challenges and improve the engineering of the particular problem?

If you’re interested in answering question B:

• How does diversity impact engineering? How do your past experiences influence your desire to be in engineering?
• How will you use this knowledge and perspective to impact the Cornell Engineering community positively? What will you contribute to the college, and how will you use Cornell’s resources to make an impact?

Question A: “In my hometown, the issue of water scarcity has emerged as a pressing engineering challenge that profoundly affects our community. As climate change intensifies, our region faces increasingly erratic rainfall patterns, leading to periods of drought that strain our local water supply systems.

One specific problem is the inefficiency of our current irrigation practices in agriculture. Farmers rely heavily on traditional irrigation methods that are often wasteful and unsustainable, exacerbating water scarcity during dry spells. This threatens crop yields and compromises the long-term viability of our agricultural sector, which is the backbone of our local economy.”

Question B: “Diversity isn’t just a buzzword; it’s the cornerstone of innovation and excellence in engineering. As I envision myself joining the vibrant community at Cornell Engineering, I am inspired by the opportunity to contribute my unique perspective and experiences to foster a more inclusive and innovative environment.

Growing up in a multicultural household has shaped my worldview and instilled a deep appreciation for diversity. I have navigated between different cultures, languages, and traditions, which has enriched my ability to collaborate with individuals from diverse backgrounds. This multicultural upbringing has taught me the value of empathy, adaptability, and the importance of listening to diverse voices.”

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)

In this prompt, you’re asked to describe how your personal, academic, or volunteer experiences have shaped your decision to apply to the College of Human Ecology (CHE) at Cornell University. Explain how these experiences have influenced your choice of major and how this choice aligns with your future goals and plans! Your response should also demonstrate how your interests and aspirations are in harmony with the mission and values of CHE.

Brainstorming questions:

• What have you done within the realm of Human Ecology? Why are you interested in the subject?
• Why is the College of Human Ecology the right place for your intellectual development and study?
• What experiences have you had within the field that you can use to impact your academic interests as you move into higher education?
• What are your goals and aspirations for the future? How do they relate to this university? 

“From a young age, I have been fascinated by the intricate interplay between human behavior and the environment. Growing up in a family deeply involved in community health initiatives, I witnessed firsthand the profound impact that supportive environments can have on individual well-being. These experiences ignited my passion for understanding how social and environmental factors shape human development, motivating my decision to apply to the College of Human Ecology (CHE) at Cornell University.

One pivotal experience that solidified my interest in CHE occurred during high school when I volunteered at a local homeless shelter. I interacted daily with individuals facing various challenges, from food insecurity to mental health issues. These interactions underscored the importance of holistic approaches to social issues, combining insights from psychology, nutrition, and community development. I realized that addressing complex societal problems requires interdisciplinary knowledge and collaboration—a cornerstone of CHE’s approach.”

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)

As an applicant to the School of Industrial and Labor Relations , Cornell wants to know what brought you to this path and how you will use this experience to contribute to the ILR School. What have you done within school or outside of it that has driven you to explore a path in industrial and labor relations?

• What is important to you? What do you value most in life?
• Are there any topics in the news or within your community that you focus on?
• What have you done in and outside school to help impact these particular issues?
• Are there any experiences that stand out to you most or have impacted you most?
• Why did you choose to apply to the ILR School at Cornell? What makes this school helpful or unique to your goals and aspirations?
• How will you use this experience to help make a difference within your community and on a larger scale?

“Throughout my academic and extracurricular journey, my passion for understanding and advocating for labor rights and workplace equity has been a guiding force. This commitment stems from personal experiences and academic exploration, aligning perfectly with the mission and values of the ILR School at Cornell University.

Looking forward, I aim to leverage the interdisciplinary education and resources offered by the ILR School to advance my understanding and impact on labor relations. The ILR School’s commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive community and its renowned faculty and research centers like the Worker Institute align perfectly with my aspirations to become a leader in advocating for labor justice.”

Below are some tips to keep in mind for writing your college essays:

Before beginning to write, ensure that you have a thorough understanding of each essay prompt. Cornell University has different colleges, each with questions specific to their unique programs. Take the time to deconstruct the prompt, identify its requirements, and make sure you address each part. This will ensure that your essay is relevant and focused and that you leave the admissions committee wanting to learn more about you and your strengths!

Cornell University comprises several colleges, each with its academic focus and culture. Research the specific college you are applying to within Cornell. Understand its values, programs, and what makes it unique, and use the research to tailor your essays to show how your goals and interests align with the college’s offerings.

Your experiences are the foundation of your essay. Reflect on personal, academic, and extracurricular activities that have shaped you and are relevant to the prompt, and choose experiences that demonstrate your skills, interests, and values. This reflection will help you create a compelling narrative that highlights your unique background and how it aligns with Cornell’s offerings.

Here’s an example of how a student tied their experiences to apply to the Cornell School of Hotel Administration:

Authenticity is vital in your supplemental essays—you’re unique, and so is your story, so show it! Admissions officers can tell when an essay is genuine versus crafted to impress. Be honest about your interests, experiences, and aspirations. Authenticity will make your essay stand out and resonate with readers, showing them who you are.

When crafting supplemental essays, use specific examples to illustrate your points rather than make general statements. For instance, describe a project or experience that sparked your interest in business instead of saying you are passionate about business. This approach makes your essay more vivid and memorable, allowing the admissions committee to visualize your journey and passion!

Please explain why you believe you are a good fit for Cornell and why Cornell is a good fit for you. Discuss specific programs, courses, professors, or extracurricular activities that excite you. In addition, demonstrate your understanding of Cornell’s community and how you can contribute, showing that you have done thorough research and are genuinely interested in being a part of Cornell. If admitted, this will be your home for multiple years, so show the admissions officers why and how you plan to improve the experience for current and future students.

While it’s essential to be detailed, you should also be concise. Stick to the word limit and avoid unnecessary fluff; each sentence should add value to your essay. Being clear and concise ensures that your main points come across effectively and keeps the reader engaged throughout your essay!

Your opening paragraph sets the tone for the rest of your essay. Start with a compelling hook that grabs the reader’s attention, whether it is an anecdote, a surprising fact, or a thought-provoking question. A strong opening will entice the admissions officers to read on and learn more about you, so be sure to hook their interest immediately!

Writing a great essay involves multiple drafts. After your initial draft, take the time to revise and refine your essay. Focus on improving the clarity, coherence, and flow of your writing. Pay attention to grammar and spelling. Consider seeking feedback from teachers, mentors, or friends to get different perspectives. If you need a second set of eyes, our Essay Editing team at Empowerly has always got your back! Our expert team has read and reviewed thousands of student essays, so they know exactly what to look for when editing and revising your supplemental essays.

Colleges are looking for students who are constantly growing and learning. Show how your experiences have influenced you and how you have grown. Discuss any challenges you have overcome and what you have learned from them. This shows resilience and a dedication to personal development, which colleges appreciate!

Final Thoughts

Cornell University’s supplemental essays are a vital component of your application. By thoughtfully addressing each prompt and showcasing your unique experiences and aspirations, you can create a compelling narrative that resonates with the admissions committee. Remember, your goal is to demonstrate your qualifications and passion for Cornell and how you will contribute to its vibrant community, but you got this. If you need some extra support, Empowerly has got your back! Be part of the 98% of students accepted into Ivy League and top 25 schools with Empowerly’s help. Our top-rated college counselors and essay editing experts have improved admission rates by 11x. Don’t miss out—boost your chances of success today by scheduling a consultation with our team!

Good luck and happy writing!

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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.

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How to Write the Cornell Supplemental Essays 2024-2025

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Cornell University provides rich academic and extracurricular offerings to its students, not to mention a gorgeous campus located in upstate New York. Uniquely, you may only apply to one specific college at Cornell, with little flexibility for changes down the line. Each of Cornell’s colleges sets unique prompts. So, as you embark on your application, this breakdown of the Cornell supplemental essays can help you elevate your application. Let’s dive in.

General Tips

Once you’ve chosen which school you wish to apply to, you’ll need to extensively research its courses, professors, areas of research, and history. This exercise will help you not only understand where you’ll belong, but also what makes Cornell unique.

In your Cornell supplemental essays, you should strive to communicate 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. Moreover, provide specific details about Cornell to the reader. Doing so won’t just evidence your thorough research. A specific, concrete essay will also help the reader visualize how you will fit in at Cornell.

Cornell’s 2024-2025 Prompts

The first prompt listed below is required for all applicants to Cornell University. The rest of the Cornell supplemental essays are only applicable to applicants to particular colleges. Some of the colleges have just one longer prompt, while others have a series of shorter prompts. The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences is unique in that it has one required essay prompt and two optional essay prompts. The rest of the colleges require applicants to respond to all of their prompts.

General Essay Prompt

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 words or fewer), college of agriculture and life sciences essays, required: by applying to cornell’s college of agriculture and 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 words or fewer), 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 words or fewer), optional: 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 or fewer), 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 or fewer), 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 or fewer), 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 or fewer), 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 cornell peter and stephanie nolan school of hotel administration).  (650 words or fewer), college of engineering essays, fundamentally, engineering is the application of math, science, and technology to solve complex problems. why do you want to study engineering (200 words or fewer), why do you think you would love to study at cornell engineering (200 words or fewer), what brings you joy (100 words or fewer), 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 (100 words or fewer), 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. (100 words or fewer), 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.  (100 words or fewer), college of human ecology essay.

• 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 words or fewer)

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 or fewer).

This essay isn’t easy, because it requires a level of vulnerability. The admissions team poses this question in order to understand who you are as a person, your values, and where you come from. When answering this prompt, identify one community that you’d like to focus on. Then, describe how this community has changed you and helped you grow.

When composing this essay, it can be helpful to think of the arc you’d like your essay to achieve. You may want to bring your reader through your journey of becoming more compassionate as a result of your community. Alternatively, you could discuss a lesson your community has taught you. Similarly, you could describe a value or multiple values that you hold dear and which were promoted by your community. Whatever angle you take in this essay, focus on showing your growth and/or evolution as a person as a result of your community. Let this personal journey guide your narrative.

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

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. You can describe academic goals or personal goals more broadly. You can also write about a person or situation that influenced you to pursue your interests. Be sure to define your specific academic interests in this essay regardless of how you decide to elaborate on them.

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. Explain how CALS has unique programs, courses, and/or opportunities that will bring you closer to achieving those goals. In sum, you should weave a narrative about your interests and goals as they relate to this college .

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. Instead, describe the results of your service. List the number of people you helped, the amount of money you raised, and other quantities as applicable.

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. Then, offer as many as 100 words of clarifying details if you did select any of the options.

The clarifying details about your agricultural background are a completely optional portion of this completely optional question. Still, it’s advisable to provide some additional information if you did select one or more of the provided options.

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

This question asks you to describe how your past experiences drive your goals. That said, 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.

Why architecture (B.Arch), art (BFA), or urban and regional studies (URS)?

This question asks you to briefly draw the connections between your interests, the aspects of AAP you just listed, the specific degree you want to pursue, and your future plans. In other words, you should express how this degree will help you toward your interest-driven goals.

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.

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. Then, 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 politics, 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

The College of Arts and Sciences offers the broadest liberal arts education of Cornell’s various colleges. 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. You should also clarify how they’re all related and important to you.

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 these 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.

Public policy is rooted in a desire to improve our conditions. 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 on an initiative you’ve taken for your community, a political campaign or volunteer center you’ve worked for. You can even discuss 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 typically easier to sound compelling when writing what you know.

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

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. 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

You may have a great story underpinning your interest in engineering, and if so, here’s your opportunity to tell it. If not, you may want to think back on the cumulative experiences you’ve had in your life that have progressively pushed you toward engineering. In other words, this essay can consist of a single anecdote or many smaller anecdotes that build upon each other. Both types of structure will help your reader understand the nuances behind your interest in engineering.

In addition, you may want to consider the past, present, and future of your interest in engineering. To break that down, what past experience(s) have pushed you toward engineering? Why and how do you passionately and thoughtfully pursue engineering today? And how do you hope your interest in engineering guides your future? Regardless of how you answer these questions, make sure you clarify what specific field(s) in engineering interest you. You may also want to specify the engineering specialties you hope to study further in college.

As you only have 200 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. Consider name-dropping classes, professors, or areas of research you would ideally pursue should you be admitted. Although you can write about why you want to study engineering more generally, your essay may be more compelling if you connect that excitement for engineering directly to the engineering opportunities at Cornell.

A great exercise to get you started is to visualize yourself as a student at Cornell. What classes would you be taking? What major would you eventually choose? Which professors would you elect to work with? Imagine yourself as a future engineer 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.

Unlike most of the Cornell supplemental essays, this prompt doesn’t directly relate to Cornell or academics. In other words, you can feel free to discuss whatever comes to mind. You should not feel pressure to describe an aspect of engineering. If that’s the most authentic response for you, though, then go for it!

Note that this prompt doesn’t require a single answer. You can provide a list of things, people, topics, places, etc. that bring you joy. Alternatively, you could focus on one thing with as much nuance as 100 words can hold. Either route requires specificity. If the details you choose to include in this essay are genuinely personal and unique to you, then they’ll also be more memorable and striking for the reader.

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. This essay is an occasion for you to use that voice.

Consider the traditional and/or stereotypical voices in engineering. You may also want to research the Cornell engineering community for more specificity. This research may reveal to you the ways in which you’re different from the average engineer. Your unique voice could be related to your life experiences or background. It might also relate to your worldviews and penchant for out-of-the-box ideas.

You may also want to brainstorm about the times when you’ve added a new perspective to a conversation, changed the direction of a project, or positively impacted others by raising your unique voice. Any of these past experiences could provide the basis of your essay by signifying how you might contribute in the future.

This prompt, like most of the Cornell supplemental essays, seeks to understand your values and what drives you as a person. Two key words in this prompt are “one” and “meaningful.” The reader is looking for a focused essay that discusses one way you have participated in community (broadly defined) and the meaning behind that experience. What made the experience special for you? How did it stand out? How has it changed you?

You can think about your personal growth as you brainstorm for this essay. As you’ve matured and become more self-aware, thoughtful, and capable, you’ve likely been supported along the way by certain groups of people. Those people could be teammates, friends, colleagues, family members, or any other group of people. Whoever those people are, tell the reader about them here in this essay. Additionally, share how they have impacted you through your shared experiences.

This essay gives you the opportunity, albeit briefly, to pat yourself on the back. Like the last prompt, though, this essay should be driven by what is personally meaningfully to you. Instead of describing your accomplishment itself in great detail, you should focus on why the recognition of your accomplishment was particularly important to you. How did this recognition impact you? Did it boost your self-confidence or open the door for new opportunities?

While working on this essay, consider sharing your drafts with people who don’t know you very well. Because this essay will involve you discussing your successes, it risks sounding immodest or arrogant. In order to avoid this issue, you can seek additional opinions from unbiased readers.

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.  (650 words or fewer).

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 . This is evidenced by its multidisciplinary approach, which you should research before embarking on this essay.

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

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. So 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. You should definitely write about how the school and its programs will help you accomplish your goals in labor relations. That said, don’t hesitate to get personal about the motivations behind your decision to apply to this college.

If you need help polishing up your Cornell supplemental essays, check out our College Essay Review service. You can receive detailed feedback from Ivy League consultants in as little as 24 hours.

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Cornell University 2024-25 Supplemental Essay Prompt Guide

Early Decision: Nov 1

Regular Decision Deadline: Jan 2

Cornell University 2024-25 Application Essay Question Explanations

The Requirements: One essay of 350 words for all applicants; one essay of 500 or 650 words or two essays of 200 words and four short answers of 100 words, depending on major selection

Supplemental Essay Type(s): Why , Community

How to Write Cornell Supplemental Essays

If you’re worried about writing Cornell supplemental essays that get you noticed (and accepted), fear not. College Essay Advisors is here to help. Read on to access our expert advice for writing the Cornell supplement and fill out a contact form at the bottom of the page to learn about our one-on-one advising services!

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.

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).

This is a classic Community Essay, and admissions wants to know what or who has made you into the person you are today. Where do you come from? What has shaped you as a person, and how has that made your perspective unique? What you focus on here can be reflective of larger cultural constructs or specific to you and only you. Cornell is looking to add diverse perspectives to the melting pot that is their student body. Is there anything you can teach your classmates about your hometown, traditions, culture, cuisine, orientation, identity, race, or ethnicity that they might not already know? Are you a varsity-level swimmer? Do you identify as trans or queer? Do you spend your Saturdays teaching at Chinese school? What has influenced your identity? As with every essay you submit to admissions, think about something you want them to know that hasn’t been represented in your application elsewhere. What can you expand upon to show your versatility, passion, and ability to connect with the world around you?

Cornell University Schools and Their Supplemental Essays

College of agriculture and life sciences: 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).

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. The admissions officer reviewing your application will likely expect you to connect your intended major to some prior experience and/or passion as well, so tell a story. The essays that stick with us are the ones that jump off the page with concrete descriptions from real life. What interests you and why? How have you gone about learning more about your subject of interest? What will this degree empower you to do? How have you already explored your inclination? Try to focus on one significant experience; your story should showcase your unique connection to your chosen course of study. Once you have explained where you’re coming from, discuss how CALS’s unique program will help you get where you want to go next. Why couldn’t you pursue your interests in a more general liberal arts environment? Make sure you do your research on the program so you can cite specific aspects that appeal to you. 

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)

Cornell wants to hear about an experience you engaged in that made a positive impact on a community or location 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 a 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 school board meeting to advocate for improved wheelchair access on your school’s campus. Maybe you spent your spring break last year cleaning up your local beach. 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 (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).

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 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 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 & 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)

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.

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)

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.

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 Cornell Peter and Stephanie Nolan School of Hotel Administration). (650 word limit)

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 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.

Cornell is asking you to get philosophical and share what draws you to the field of engineering. Spend some time considering their definition of engineering and your personal relationship to math, science, technology, and problem-solving. Maybe you have always been fascinated by the tech behind your household appliances and computers, which drew you to electrical engineering. Perhaps you love civil engineering because you spent much of your adolescence pestering your teachers for real-world applications of the math you loved. Maybe you dream of solving major societal issues like sustainable power generation and engineering is the key to reconfiguring our grid. Whatever your intended major, share what excites you about engineering and what you hope to do with your degree, citing specific examples from your life that have led you to this application. This question leads directly into Question 2 below: 

Question 2: Why do you think you would love to study at Cornell Engineering?

You can get an Engineering degree at thousands of schools across the country, so why are you so keen to study at Cornell, specifically? This is a perfect opportunity to show off your (wait for it) research! Cornell is obviously a prestigious university, so rather than talk about the school’s storied reputation, use your 200 words to discuss why the program is perfect for you (and vice versa). Dive into the curriculum, extra-curricular opportunities, and impressive 14 majors and 21 minors and tell admissions what excites you about Cornell. Maybe their Environmental Engineering program will propel you toward your dream career in city planning and hazardous waste management. Perhaps you’re excited by the student-led projects and can’t wait to collaborate with your peers on hands-on research. Whatever it is that draws you to Cornell (besides Andy’s unhinged school spirit in The Office ), admissions wants you to describe that interest and then connect it to your aspirations. 

Short Answer Responses (100 word limit)

Question 1: what brings you joy.

Try not to overthink your response to this question and go with your gut. Your response doesn’t have to be related to engineering at all. Maybe you love watching the sunset on your grandmother’s porch over a pitcher of lemonade and a game of checkers. Or perhaps you want to tell admissions about the look on your sister’s face every time you agree to a custom makeover (neon eyeshadows only). If you want to write about something bigger, maybe it’s the app you’re building to help people find volunteer opportunities in their community or the scientific discovery you made last spring. Whatever it may be, be true to yourself and you’ll ace this response by letting your unique self shine through.

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?

This is a classic Community Essay, through and through. Admissions officers want to know 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 your larger cultural background 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? How will your worldview and experiences bring something of value to the engineering community at Cornell?

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.

What would your life be mundane without? Elaborate on an activity, responsibility, or passion that is meaningful to you. Unlike an activities resume entry, this should be expanded to reflect your priorities, worldview, and sense of purpose. Use your experiences to tell admissions something about you they wouldn’t already know from your list of extracurriculars. What gives your life meaning? Why do you wake up in the morning? What are you working toward? Perhaps you babysit your cousins when your aunt gets called into work and have a unique relationship with the phrase, “it takes a village.” Maybe you inherited your love of animals from your dad who used to work as a farmhand and now you foster rescue cats until they find their forever homes. Perhaps you were diagnosed with a degenerative disease as a kid so playing on your school’s baseball team takes on a particular significance for you. Whatever you choose to talk about, make sure you highlight its significance in your life. 

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. 

This question could refer to an external award or a personal achievement for which you received no formal recognition. What you choose to write about should be something that means a lot to you regardless of how others might perceive it. Maybe your school spelling bee win represented a triumph over your learning disability. Perhaps running in Race for the Cure was not just an athletic accomplishment, but also a tribute to your mom, who is undergoing chemotherapy treatment. Maybe you were always told you were tone deaf but after working hard with your high school choir director, you sang a solo at the spring concert. Whether you choose to write about national, state, or other awards or something more personal, make sure you focus on its importance in your own eyes.

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)

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. Take a gander at the page linked in the prompt for some further guidance on this question. Remember, the more you can demonstrate a deep familiarity with CHE and your vision for your future, the better!

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)

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 more stringent legislation to regulate 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 to 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 by 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!

Why Choose College Essay Advisors for Cornell Essays

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Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Cornell asks all applicants to write one 350-word essay and another essay (or six!), depending on the specific College you are applying to. Students who are interested in applying to the College of Engineering will need to write two (2) 200-word essays and four (4) 100-word essays.

In order to write a compelling Cornell supplemental essay, students will need to think critically about their passions and goals. Each college-specific essay prompt is, in its own way, asking applicants to share information about their interests, curiosities, and aspirations. Strong responses will tell a story that demonstrates a clear vision for the future and the role Cornell will play in making that dream a reality.

The Cornell supplement is due when you submit your application—November 1st for Early Decision applicants and January 2nd for Regular Decision applicants.

Cornell requires two essays from students applying to the College of Arts and Sciences, School of Industrial and Labor Relations (ILR), College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS), College of Architecture, Art, and Planning (AAP), College of Human Ecology, and SC Johnson College of Business. Cornell requires seven (7) essays from students applying to the College of Engineering.

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How to write the cornell university supplemental essays, updated for 2024-2025, cornell university required 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)

Explanation:

With this prompt, Cornell admissions officers want to glean insights into how your background and experiences have shaped your worldview—and how that worldview will enrich the Cornell community. As you begin to brainstorm your topic, start by considering the communities in which you are most intimately involved (i.e. your family, sports team, or school) before working outward to consider broader networks and communities in which you play a role. Given the wide parameters of the prompt, you should get creative with how you define community—sometimes, communities are clearly defined, such as a sports team or club, while other times, communities are groups with unspoken solidarity and commonalities. Perhaps you lost a parent as a child and formed a community with others who had experienced a significant loss early in their lives. Maybe you were in a military family and became close with peers who were used to repeatedly being the “new kid” at school. Maybe you collect rare books and found a community on online discussion boards sharing photos of rare book finds.

Consider not only how these experiences and communities have shaped you, but also the unique contributions that you have made to create a positive impact. Choose the community that you feel has had the greatest impact on your perspective and development and narrow the focus of your essay onto an experience or anecdote that encapsulates the influence of that community on your development. Then, tie it all together by reflecting on how your experiences as a part of this community have shaped who you are in the present. This is the most important element of the essay, as it shows Cornell the values and worldview that you will bring to their campus community.

I come from a tight-knit community of readers, though I’ve never belonged to a book club. I am the youngest of four siblings, all of whom love to read. My oldest sister taught me how to read, and all my siblings read to me when I was little. When we were in elementary school, the four of us started a book club in our backyard fort where we would gather to exchange books. We’ve long outgrown the fort and gone our separate ways, but we continue sharing books, calling each other often to discuss them. We have different interests and political views, but reading remains our way of connecting with each other and—importantly—of challenging each other and ourselves to consider perspectives different from our own.

Last Christmas, my oldest sister gifted me a copy of Primo Levi’s essay collection The Periodic Table. Each of Levi’s essays connects a particular chemical element to some aspect of his experience as a chemist, an Italian Jew and resistance fighter under Fascism, and a survivor of Auschwitz. Levi—who began writing to make known the horrors of the Nazi concentration camps—saw the work of the scientist and writer as “mutually reinforc[ing],” because both seek to uncover truth and make it available to humanity.

The book was foundational in shaping my values and aspirations for the future. As I have grown as a writer and a reader in the years since reviewing books in our backyard fort, I have become ever more passionate about the power of stories to change the world. My goal is to become a research chemist and writer who can help make scientific knowledge more accessible to the public. To that end, I hope to continue my work as a chemistry editor for my high school’s STEM journal by becoming a science correspondent for Cornell’s Daily Sun. I’d also love to start a STEM Communication Club for students interested in writing about science in an accessible way for the general public so that we may help bring the possibilities of “any person… any study” beyond the ivory tower.

School-Specific Prompts:

Cornell also asks students to respond to specific questions for the particular school or program to which they are applying. Each of these questions requires meticulous insight into your unique candidacy not only for Cornell, but also for your school and major 0f choice. You will need to think carefully about why you are a good fit for the college you are applying to and demonstrate your academic preparedness based on your intellectual interests, extracurricular activities, and work experiences. Your writing should speak to your potential and reflect values Cornell considers important: honesty, open-mindedness, initiative, and empathy.

When writing the college-specific essays, create a narrative arc for yourself. How will you take advantage of Cornell’s learning opportunities and resources to take your aspirations to the next level? How would each experience contribute to your current hook as an applicant? Will you be continuing your current high school activities? Consider including academic programs, study abroad opportunities, campus organizations and facilities, and research opportunities with faculty in your response(s). Lastly, highlight your best traits by being forward-looking and positive about the future Cornell holds for you.

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences By applying to Cornell’s College of Agriculture and 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)

This prompt is an opportunity to share the origins of your interest in your intended major as well as the reasons that Cornell CALS is the ideal place for you to pursue your studies of said topic. Keep in mind that Cornell CALS is looking for applicants who have a demonstrated interest in their field—that is to say, it is not enough to say that you are interested in a subject; you should be able to point to high-level engagement with that subject through independent projects, online courses, supervised research, or internships. How have you taken the initiative to deepen your knowledge outside of the classroom? After showcasing your tangible interest in your field of study, describe the specific resources at Cornell CALS that will enable you to take your studies to the next level. Thoroughly research the courses, professors, research opportunities, or lecture series offered by the school that are related to your interests. How will you take advantage of these opportunities and contribute to the rich community in the school and program?

Optional Short-Answer Responses:

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.

Prompt 1: 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)

This prompt is an opportunity to show admissions officers that you are not only invested in deepening your learning, but also in using that knowledge to enact positive change in the world. The word count for this prompt is significantly limited, so the challenge is to select a brief anecdote that encapsulates your commitment to service, leadership, and community and reflect on it in a meaningful but concise way. The key word in the prompt is “meaningful”—the experience you write about does not need to be world-changing or flashy. However small or large the change you catalyzed, the most important thing is that it was meaningful to you.

While this prompt and the following prompt are optional, students should use every opportunity on the application to showcase different aspects of their personality and candidacy.

Prompt 2: Given Cornell CALS’ 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.).

Note that this prompt requires you to select one or more of the answers provided, and then expand on your selection(s) in the form of a 100-word response.

Whether you are applying to an agricultural major or not, this prompt asks students to reflect on their engagement with an agricultural entity through past experiences or future goals and interests. If you have a past connection with agriculture, this is the place to share it. Did you grow up on a farm or work in a vineyard? Were you involved in a 4-H club, or did you help raise livestock? Keep in mind that experiences with an agricultural entity don’t need to be significant or traditional—maybe you’ve volunteered at a community garden, studied sustainable farming practices, or are passionate about food systems. Be brief and specific when writing about those experiences and how they instilled in you an appreciation for agriculture and agricultural education.

If you have not had direct experience with agricultural entities, use this space to discuss what draws you to the field. Is it a desire to address food security issues, an interest in sustainable farming, or a fascination with agricultural technology? Highlight your passion for the field and your commitment to the mission and values of Cornell CALS.

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)

Home to one of the top-ranked undergraduate architecture programs in the U.S., the Cornell College of Architecture, Art, and Planning asks you to write about your authentic passions. Demonstrating your interests, however niche, is crucial to writing a stellar essay. Be specific in your description of how your interests or previous experiences confirmed your desire to pursue the degree, and mention the opportunities you intend to take advantage of once at the college. Pick and choose the elements from this college that excite you, including programs, professors, or extracurricular activities, and write about how they will complement your academic endeavors. The more specific you are, the stronger your essay will be.

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 (CAS) at Cornell is known for fostering intellectual curiosity and interdisciplinary investigation across a wide range of disciplines. This prompt invites you to reflect on your passion for learning and how it’s influencing your academic journey, so consider writing about an anecdote that shows your curiosity, inquisitiveness, and love of learning. The school’s core values of “any person… any study” places special emphasis on interdisciplinary education. How will you take advantage of opportunities for cross disciplinary study? For example, to combine your interests in marketing and social justice, you might be interested in joining the marketing team for Anabel’s Grocery , a student-run organization addressing food insecurity on campus. Or, you might be interested in participating in a paid research opportunity under the Nexus Scholars Program , available for students of any discipline within the College of Arts and Sciences.

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)

A recent addition to Cornell’s offerings, the Brooks School of Public Policy seeks to admit students interested in Policy Analysis and Management or Health Care Policy. As the Brooks School is another college with very specific requirements and programs of study, showing that you have completed extensive research and demonstrating your expertise in their newly created opportunities will make your essay shine. Make sure to carefully study all of their offerings —including course selections, the Peer-Mentoring program, career paths, and research opportunities and write about those that best suit your needs in an intentional manner.

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). (650 word limit)

When answering this question, be creative and specific—how do you imagine yourself on campus and in the classroom? How have your experiences shaped who you will be as a Cornell student? Show how you fit the ideals of the kind of business student that the Johnson College looks for—you can gain some insights and inspiration through their Mission & Values. Note that the SC Johnson College has two branches of undergraduate study: Charles H. Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management and the School of Hotel Administration. The School of Hotel Administration places emphasis on hospitality and management, while Dyson expands to applied economics and policy, finance, and strategy.

In considering the level of specialization this school offers, recall the past experiences that speak to your diligence, communication skills, interdisciplinary thinking, or entrepreneurial curiosity. What have you learned from your pursuits in business, finance, or any other kind of work? Are you good at working with others? Why are you applying to the Johnson College of Business, as opposed to the College of Arts and Sciences? How can studying at this college help you to achieve your future ambitions?

College of Engineering:

All Engineering applicants are required to write four brief supplemental essays. The first two essays have a 200 word limit each while the remaining two have a 100 word limit each.

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? Question 2: Why do you think you would love to study at Cornell Engineering?

The first of these two required prompts requires you to reflect on your interest in engineering, while the second requires you to describe your desire to pursue the field at Cornell specifically. When answering the first prompt, note that the phrasing invites you to reflect specifically on the relationship between engineering and problem solving. Consider how you might approach the prompt creatively, tying your own intellectual curiosity and desire to resolve problems with your pursuit of engineering. Then, focus the second essay on the ways in which you will take advantage of opportunities and resources at the Cornell College of Engineering to prepare yourself for the field.

Finally, Cornell requires students to answer four short answer questions that add further context and depth to their personality and accomplishments in 100 words or fewer.

Short Responses Question 1: What brings you joy? (100 word limit) 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? (100 word limit)

These short answers provide the opportunity for students to add dynamism and dimension to their applications. While you can relate your answers to your interest in engineering, you should use the limited space to show off aspects of your personality and interests that you have not spotlighted elsewhere—what quirks are you known for? What are your core values? What do you enjoy? While Cornell wants to admit students who are talented engineering students, they also want to know that you are a well-balanced person and that you would be a dynamic addition to the Cornell community.

Short Answer Responses (Found Under “Academics”) Question 1: What three words best describe you? (30 characters) Question 2: What are three words you would use to describe Cornell Engineering? (30 characters)

In asking you to describe both yourself and Cornell Engineering in 30 characters respectively, Cornell admissions officers are seeking to determine whether you have a solid understanding of the school, its values, and its mission, and whether your personality and values would align with their own. To that end, begin by answering the second question; research the school thoroughly and choose adjectives that demonstrate your depth of understanding regarding their values, mission and overall ethos. Then, reflect on your own character and values and choose words to describe yourself that are aligned with those you chose for Cornell Engineering. For instance, you might choose to describe Cornell Engineering as “rigorous,” and you might choose to describe yourself as “assiduous,” and so on and so forth. Try to choose words that reveal a side of yourself that the admissions committee would not otherwise ascertain through the other components of your application, while still remaining relevant to the question at hand.

While choosing uncommon or creative words can help you stand out to admissions officers, be sure that you truly understand the words you select and their proper context before you add them to your application. Like every other aspect of your application, authenticity is key—choose words that you truly feel are appropriate, not just those that you assume will impress admissions officers.

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. * (100 word limit)

In just 100 words, Cornell is giving you the opportunity to share about an activity or endeavor that was especially meaningful to you. While your activities list offers a comprehensive snapshot of your involvements, this short answer question allows you to expound on an activity that was particularly meaningful to you—for that reason, consider highlighting an activity that may not be the most flashy or attention-grabbing, but that held a special significance for you. The most important aspect of your response is not the activity you choose, but your ability to articulate its importance and connect that to your core values. Begin with a brief anecdote that hooks your reader’s attention. Then, give your reader a brief description of the activity. Devote the majority of your writing to an explanation of why it has been important to 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. (100 word limit)

Like the previous question, this prompt asks about an award or achievement in order to better understand what you value. Choose the accolade or award you were proudest to have earned, and focus the majority of your limited word count on describing why that achievement was so meaningful to you. Did you learn something about yourself along the way? Did you work particularly hard to overcome a related challenge or obstacle? Alternatively, while you can choose to write about an accolade or award you received in school or outside of school, you can also write about an achievement that lacks formal recognition but was still very meaningful for you. Perhaps you made your personal best time on a recent race, reached a new milestone on your language acquisition journey, or worked extremely hard to maintain a great grade in your hardest subject. No matter what you choose to write about, be specific in your explanation of why said achievement was meaningful to you, as your reasoning will shed light on your values and attitude.

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. (650 word limit)

Like the prompts for other schools, this prompt asks you to reflect on your preparedness for study in the College of Human Ecology and the specific ways in which the school will equip you to achieve your academic and professional goals. As you share how your academic and extracurricular experiences have deepened your passion for the field you plan to pursue at CHE, be specific and detailed about the classes you have taken, programs and clubs you have participated in, and—most importantly—demonstrate the active role you have played in your own learning in and outside of the classroom. Then, be specific in writing about the specific opportunities—whether academic, extracurricular, study abroad, or research-related—you would take advantage of as a student at the College and how they would allow you to reach your academic and professional goals. Remember that the College of Human Ecology focuses on applying scientific and social knowledge to improve human well-being, making it crucial to connect your interests to this mission.

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 courses offered by the ILR School are particularly unique, so if you’re thinking about pursuing law school or public policy, this college might just be the place for you! The school is well-known for studying human behavior from an economics perspective in order to understand how to improve societal efficiency. Therefore, when this prompt asks you to write about your past experiences, the focus of your reflection should be placed on the broader picture than on your experiences themselves. Discuss the best examples from your life that exemplify your critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Once you discuss your experience and interests, relate them to your future course of study at the School of Industrial and Labor Relations. Read about ILR’s program and curriculum and discuss why you share the school’s goals to understand work, employment, and labor through a social science lens.

While this prompt and the following are optional, students should use every opportunity on the application to showcase different aspects of their personality and candidacy.

The College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) at Cornell is known for fostering intellectual curiosity and interdisciplinary investigation across a wide range of disciplines. This prompt invites you to reflect on your passion for learning and how it’s influencing your academic journey, so consider writing about an anecdote that shows your curiosity, inquisitiveness, and love of learning. The school’s core values of “any person… any study” places special emphasis on interdisciplinary education. How will you take advantage of opportunities for cross disciplinary study? For example, to combine your interests in marketing and social justice, you might be interested in joining the marketing team for Anabel’s Grocery , a student-run organization addressing food insecurity on campus. Or, you might be interested in participating in a paid research opportunity under the Nexus Scholars Program , available for any discipline within the College of Arts and Sciences.

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? Question 2: Why do you think you would love to study at Cornell Engineering?

The first of these two required prompts requires you to reflect on your interest in engineering, while the second requires you to describe your desire to pursue the field at Cornell specifically. When answering the first prompt, note that the phrasing invites you to reflect specifically on the relationship between engineering and problem solving. Consider how you might approach the prompt creatively, tying your own intellectual curiosity and desire to resolve problems with your pursuit of engineering. Then, focus the second essay on the ways in which you will take advantage of opportunities and resources at the Cornell College of Engineering to prepare yourself for the field. 

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Cornell Supplemental Essays 2023-2024

By Eric Eng

Among the Ivy League institutions, Cornell University stands out not just for its academic excellence but also for its distinctive application requirements. The Cornell supplemental essays 2023-2024 are crucial, offering prospective students the opportunity to express intent.

These essays provide a deeper insight into an applicant’s personality, goals, and reasons for choosing Cornell, going beyond the standard information in the Common Application or Coalition Application.

Overview of Cornell University and its unique application process

Cornell University, nestled in the scenic town of Ithaca, New York, is renowned for its diverse academic programs, groundbreaking research, and commitment to public engagement. As one of the Ivy League institutions, it boasts a rich history and a vibrant campus life, attracting students from around the globe.

The university’s unique application process reflects its dedication to holistic admissions. Beyond the standard academic transcripts and letters of recommendation, Cornell places significant emphasis on supplemental essays, considering them a window into an applicant’s soul.

The Cornell supplemental essays 2023-2024, in particular, are designed to assess an applicant’s fit with their chosen college or school within the university, ensuring that students are not only academically qualified but also aligned with the ethos and values of their chosen field of study at Cornell.

What Are the Cornell Supplemental Essays 2023-2024?

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 compatibility with their chosen field of study at the university.

Please see the essay prompts for the different colleges and schools 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? (650-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 explain how a creative project or passion motivates you 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 should emphasize their enthusiasm and depth of interest in studying urban and regional issues. (650 word limit)
• 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 still determining what specific engineering field you want to study, describe how your general interest in engineering 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)
• 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)
• School of Industrial and Labor Relations : Using your personal, academic, or volunteer/work experiences, describe the topics or issues you care about and why they are essential to you. Your response should show us that your interests align with the ILR School. (650 word limit)

Every academic year, universities globally revisit their application requirements to ensure they capture what they seek in their prospective students. Cornell University, with its diverse array of colleges and schools, tailors its supplemental essay prompts to resonate with the ethos of each academic division.

The Cornell supplemental essays 2023-2024 are meticulously crafted to allow applicants to showcase their alignment with their chosen field at Cornell, their educational and personal aspirations, and their understanding of the university’s values and mission.

Each college or school at Cornell has its unique prompt, reflecting its ethos, values, and academic focus. Therefore, applicants must craft their responses with a clear understanding of the college or school they are applying to, showcasing their academic and extracurricular achievements and their alignment with the institution’s mission.

Analysis of what each prompt is looking for

While diverse in their themes, the Cornell supplemental essays 2023-2024 prompts share a common underlying objective: to gauge an applicant’s depth of understanding, passion, and fit for their chosen field at Cornell.

Essay Prompt Option #1: 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)

This prompt from the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) at Cornell University is multifaceted. It seeks to understand the depth of your interest in your chosen major, the journey that has brought you to this point, and how CALS’s unique offerings align with your educational and career objectives.

To effectively answer this prompt, you should identify your chosen major and articulate an apparent and genuine reason for your interest. What is it about this field that captivates you? Was there a defining moment that sparked your interest or a gradual development stemming from various experiences? You show the admissions committee the evolution of your interest by discussing specific instances—like a particular project, class, book, or personal encounter—that have fueled your passion.

Next, you need to connect your past experiences to your choice of major. Have you engaged in related extracurricular activities, taken relevant coursework, participated in community service, or pursued any independent research that has prepared you for this field of study? This is your opportunity to demonstrate that your choice is well-informed and rooted in a strong foundation of relevant experience.

Finally, the prompt asks you to elaborate on how CALS’s offerings will help you grow and succeed. This is where you need to be specific about Cornell’s resources—mention particular courses, professors, research facilities, clubs, or programs that resonate with your goals. How will these resources help you gain the skills and knowledge you need? And how will they assist you in achieving your long-term aspirations, whether professional, academic, or personal?

To craft a compelling response, it’s essential to do thorough research on CALS and reflect deeply on your own experiences and aspirations. The key is to weave together your past experiences, enthusiasm for the major, and the unique opportunities at CALS into a coherent narrative that underscores your suitability for the program and your potential to contribute to the Cornell community.

Essay Prompt Option #2: 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 explain how a creative project or passion motivates you 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 should emphasize their enthusiasm and depth of interest in studying urban and regional issues. (650 word limit)

This prompt from the College of Architecture, Art, and Planning (AAP) at Cornell University is asking applicants to make a clear and personal connection between their interests and the major they intend to pursue—be it architecture (B.Arch), art (BFA), or urban and regional studies (URS). The admissions committee wants to see how your passions and experiences have shaped your decision to study in your chosen field and how you envision your time at Cornell furthering your goals.

For B.Arch applicants, the prompt requests explicitly an explanation of how a creative project or passion not only inspires you but also motivates your commitment to a rigorous 5-year professional degree program. This is an invitation to discuss a personal project, design challenge, or creative endeavor that showcases your dedication to architecture. It is essential to reflect on how this project has influenced your desire to become a professional in the field and how the intensity and depth of the B.Arch program at Cornell align with your career aspirations.

BFA applicants are encouraged to consider how they will weave together their diverse interests to form a unique art practice. Here, you should identify the aspects of Cornell’s BFA program that would support your artistic development. Discuss specific resources, such as faculty, technical facilities, interdisciplinary opportunities, and the broader university community, that would enable you to expand your creative horizons and integrate various influences into your art.

URS students are asked to showcase their passion for urban and regional studies. In this case, you should pinpoint specific issues or topics within urban and regional planning that excite you. Discuss how your previous experiences have prepared you for this field of study and how Cornell’s URS program, with its particular strengths and resources, will help you delve deeper into these interests.

In answering this prompt, applicants should:

• Be Reflective : Discuss how your interests have evolved and led to your chosen field. This shows self-awareness and maturity in your decision-making process.
• Be Specific : Identify aspects of Cornell’s AAP program that align with your goals. Mentioning specific courses, professors, or extracurricular opportunities demonstrates that you have researched and are committed to taking full advantage of what Cornell offers.
• Be Personal : Share anecdotes or details about projects or experiences unique to you. This helps the admissions committee see you as an individual, not just another applicant.
• Be Forward-Looking : Articulate your future goals and how a degree from Cornell AAP will serve as a stepping stone towards achieving them. This shows ambition and forward planning.

A solid response to this prompt will intertwine your past experiences, current interests, and aspirations with the specific opportunities available at Cornell’s AAP. It will demonstrate a clear understanding of the program and how it stands to benefit you in your personal and professional journey. Remember, while the word limit gives you some space to elaborate, it’s still important to be concise and focused in your narrative

Essay Prompt Option #3: 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 still determining what specific engineering field you want to study, describe how your general interest in engineering 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)

This prompt from Cornell Engineering seeks to gauge your passion for engineering and how it aligns with what Cornell specifically offers. The admissions committee wants to understand what drives your interest in engineering and how you have come to see Cornell as the place that can nurture and develop your aspirations. With a 250-word limit, your response must be concise, focused, and deeply personal.

If you have a specific major in mind, you should dive into what attracts you to that department at Cornell. This could involve mentioning particular research opportunities, faculty members whose work inspires you, unique courses offered, or the department’s philosophy and approach to education that resonates with your own learning style or career goals. It’s about demonstrating a clear link between your interests and the department’s strengths.

Suppose you are undecided on a specific field within engineering. In that case, your task is to convey your broad interest in engineering and how the overall environment at Cornell Engineering will support your exploration and decision-making process. You might highlight Cornell’s interdisciplinary approach, the flexibility of the curriculum, or opportunities for undergraduates to get involved in research and hands-on projects.

To answer this prompt effectively:

• Identify Core Interests : Start briefly mentioning what aspects of engineering excite you the most. This sets the stage for a more detailed discussion of how these interests align with Cornell’s offerings.
• Research Cornell Engineering : Mention specific aspects of the program that appeal to you. Doing your homework shows that your interest in Cornell is informed and intentional.
• Be Forward-Thinking : Articulate how studying at Cornell will prepare you for your future, whether that’s in terms of skills, experiences, or networks.
• Stay Personal : Use personal anecdotes or experiences to show rather than tell why you’re drawn to engineering. This personal touch can make your essay stand out.
• Be Succinct : With a strict word limit, every sentence should serve a purpose. Make sure each part of your response works towards answering the prompt.

Your response should be a miniature narrative that weaves together your passion for engineering with the specific opportunities available at Cornell Engineering, illustrating a clear and informed connection between the two.

Essay Prompt Option #4: 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)

This prompt from the College of Human Ecology (CHE) at Cornell University asks you to reflect on how your past experiences have shaped your decision to apply to CHE and consider how your chosen major will influence your future goals and plans.

When approaching this prompt, you should think about the following:

• Connection to CHE : Explain why the College of Human Ecology’s unique interdisciplinary approach, which combines biology, social science, and design, appeals to you. Highlight the aspects of CHE that resonate with your academic interests and professional aspirations.
• Related Experiences : Discuss experiences that have led you to this point, such as coursework, volunteer work, internships, or personal endeavors related to human ecology. These experiences should illustrate your interest in the major and how they’ve informed your decision to pursue it at CHE.
• Choice of Major : Clearly articulate why you chose your major within CHE. What about this field excites you? How does it align with your passions or the issues you care about?
• Impact on Goals and Plans : Consider how your intended major will help you achieve your goals. This may include your career path, further education, or the impact you hope to have on the world.
• Alignment with CHE’s Philosophy : Reflect on how your aspirations align with the mission and values of CHE. How do you see yourself contributing to the college and its community?

To effectively answer this prompt, structure your response into a coherent narrative that connects your past experiences and interests to your future aspirations, all while emphasizing CHE’s role in this journey. Here are some steps to consider:

• Introduce Your Interests : Start with a brief introduction about what draws you to the field of human ecology. This could be a passion for community service, a commitment to sustainability, a fascination with human development, or any other relevant interest.
• Elaborate on Experiences : Expand on specific experiences that have influenced your decision. This could include a particular class project, an influential mentor, a meaningful volunteer experience, or a personal challenge you’ve overcome.
• Detail Your Major Choice : Explain your choice of major within CHE. What aspects of the curriculum or faculty research at Cornell excite you? How does this major fit into your larger academic and professional goals?
• Discuss Your Future : Describe how you envision your education at CHE shaping your future. What career or research aspirations do you have? How will the skills and knowledge gained from your major and CHE contribute to your plans?
• Conclude with Alignment : Conclude by reinforcing how your interests and goals align with the ethos of CHE. Demonstrate a clear understanding of how CHE’s philosophy and resources are instrumental to your educational and professional trajectory.

Remember to be genuine and reflective in your response. The admissions committee is looking for students whose interests genuinely align with the mission of the College of Human Ecology, so it’s important that your essay reflects a thoughtful and informed perspective.

Essay Prompt Option #5: School of Industrial and Labor Relations

Using your personal, academic, or volunteer/work experiences, describe the topics or issues you care about and why they are essential to you. Your response should show us that your interests align with the ILR School. (650 word limit)

This prompt from the ILR (Industrial and Labor Relations) School at Cornell University asks you to delve into the topics or issues you are passionate about, particularly those that intersect with the ILR School’s focus on work, employment, and labor relations. It’s an opportunity for you to illustrate how your experiences and interests make you a good fit for the unique curriculum and perspective that the ILR School offers.

In responding to this prompt, you should:

• Identify Your Topics or Issues : Start by clearly stating the topics or issues you are passionate about. These should be relevant to the ILR School’s core concerns, such as labor policy, conflict resolution, workers’ rights, human resource management, international labor standards, or the sociology of work.
• Personal Connection : Explain why these issues are important to you. This might stem from a personal experience, a family history, or observations of challenges in your community or the wider world.
• Experience Evidence : Provide examples from your personal, academic, or work/volunteer experiences demonstrating your commitment to these topics. Describe any relevant activities, such as participating in a labor rights campaign, interning at a human resources department, being part of a debate team focusing on employment laws, or conducting a research project on workplace dynamics.
• ILR Alignment : Show how your interests are in sync with the mission and offerings of the ILR School. Mention specific aspects of the ILR School that appeal to you, such as particular courses, faculty members, research opportunities, or its approach to addressing complex issues in the labor market.
• Future Vision : Discuss how an education from the ILR School will help you delve deeper into these interests and how it might shape your future goals. Whether you see yourself as a future labor lawyer, HR manager, labor relations specialist, or policy maker, explain how ILR’s resources will help you get there.

To craft a compelling response, consider the following structure:

• Introduction : Begin with a powerful statement or anecdote that reveals your passion for your chosen issue or topic.
• Development : Describe how your experiences—personal, academic, or professional—have deepened your interest in this topic and prepared you for further study.
• Connection to ILR : Draw a clear line between your experiences and interests and what the ILR School is known for. What have you learned about ILR that resonates with your passions?
• Future Aspirations : Conclude by articulating how an education from ILR will catalyze your future endeavors, enabling you to positively impact the issues you care about.

With a 650-word limit, you have ample space to flesh out these points, but it’s still important to be concise and focused, ensuring each paragraph serves the overall narrative of aligning your interests with the ILR School’s strengths.

How Many Supplemental Essays Does Cornell Require?

The application process for Ivy League institutions is renowned for its rigor, and Cornell University is no exception. One of the distinguishing features of Cornell’s application is the emphasis placed on supplemental essays.

For the academic year 2023-2024, applicants to Cornell will find that the university requires them to respond to specific prompts tailored to the undergraduate college or school they are applying to. Unlike some universities that might have a singular or a couple of general supplemental prompts, Cornell’s approach is more specialized. Applicants will be asked to answer one of the optional supplemental essays for Cornell depending on the school and academic program they are applying to.

The Cornell supplemental essays 2023-2024 are designed to assess an applicant’s depth of interest in their chosen field and their understanding of the unique offerings of the specific college or school within Cornell they aim to join. We strive to keep our guides up-to-date but recommend verifying prompt and word count with the school.

Breakdown of the number of essays by college/school within Cornell

Cornell University comprises several undergraduate colleges and schools, each with its distinct ethos, academic focus, and essay requirements.

Each college or school typically requires one primary essay, though there can be variations. The Cornell supplemental essays 2023-2024 prompts reflect each college’s academic environment and values, ensuring that applicants genuinely resonate with their chosen field of study and can articulate their fit and aspirations within that specific academic community.

General length and format guidelines for each essay

While the content and focus of each essay prompt vary by college or school, there are some general guidelines that Cornell expects applicants to adhere to. Most of the Cornell supplemental essays 2023-2024 have a word limit ranging from 250 to 650 words, though it’s always crucial for applicants to check the specific requirements for their chosen college.

The essays should be concise, clear, and well-structured, with a coherent flow of ideas. Applicants are encouraged to use a formal yet authentic tone, avoiding jargon or overly complex language. It’s essential to answer the prompt directly, ensuring every sentence adds value and provides insight into the applicant’s motivations, experiences, and aspirations.

Proper formatting, including paragraph breaks and correct grammar, is crucial, as it enhances readability and reflects the applicant’s attention to detail and commitment to presenting their best self.

Why Are Supplemental Essays Important for Cornell Admissions?

In the competitive landscape of Ivy League admissions, every component of an application serves a distinct purpose, and the Cornell supplemental essays 2023-2024 are no exception. These essays play a pivotal role in helping the admissions committee discern the nuances of an applicant’s profile that might take time to be evident from grades, test scores, or even the primary application essay.

While academic achievements provide a snapshot of a student’s intellectual capabilities, the supplemental essays offer a glimpse into their passion for Cornell, their understanding of the university’s ethos, and their vision for their academic journey within their chosen college or school. Essentially, these essays testify to an applicant’s fit and alignment with Cornell’s values and mission, making them indispensable for the admissions process.

The role of supplemental essays in holistic admissions

As the term suggests, Holistic admission is a comprehensive approach to evaluating college applications, where institutions consider many factors beyond academic metrics.

In this context, the Cornell supplemental essays 2023-2024 serve as a vital tool for the university to understand its applicants better. These essays allow students to showcase their individuality, elaborate on their specific interests in their chosen field of study, and articulate why they believe Cornell is the ideal place to achieve their academic and personal aspirations.

Moreover, the essays provide a platform for applicants to highlight experiences or perspectives that might not be evident elsewhere in their application, from unique challenges they’ve overcome to projects or initiatives they’ve spearheaded that align with Cornell’s values. In the holistic review process, these narratives, insights, and reflections can often be the differentiating factor, tipping the scales in an applicant’s favor.

In the broader context of college admissions, supplemental essays are additional essay prompts provided by individual colleges or universities to complement the primary application essay. While the main essay often addresses general life experiences, challenges, or personal growth, supplemental essays are more focused, usually asking applicants to elaborate on their academic interests, why they are drawn to a particular institution, or how they envision contributing to the campus community.

The primary purpose of these essays is twofold. First, they allow universities, including Cornell, to delve deeper into an applicant’s motivations and aspirations, ensuring that the student is a good fit for the institution’s culture and academic environment. Second, they offer applicants an opportunity to demonstrate their genuine interest in the university, highlighting how their goals align with the institution’s offerings and values.

How Can Applicants Approach Each Prompt Effectively?

Tackling the Cornell supplemental essays 2023-2024 requires a blend of introspection, research, and clarity of expression. Given the specificity of each prompt, tailored to the ethos of the individual colleges and schools within Cornell, applicants must approach each essay with a clear understanding of what the question seeks and how their experiences and aspirations align with the university’s values.

A practical approach begins with a deep dive into the nuances of the prompt, followed by a brainstorming session to generate ideas, and finally, crafting a authentic and compelling response. Remember, these essays are not just about showcasing achievements; they’re about demonstrating fit, passion, and a genuine connection to Cornell’s offerings.

Strategies for brainstorming and generating ideas

Brainstorming is the foundation upon which a compelling essay is built. For the Cornell supplemental essays 2023-2024, applicants should start by immersing themselves in the culture and offerings of the college or school they’re applying to.

This could involve exploring the college’s website, attending virtual information sessions, or speaking with current students or alums. Once equipped with this knowledge, applicants should reflect on their experiences, achievements, and aspirations, drawing parallels between their journey and the college’s offers.

Mind mapping can be a valuable tool at this stage, allowing applicants to visually organize their thoughts and identify themes or narratives they might want to explore in their essays. Another effective strategy is the “Why-How-What” approach: start by identifying why a particular field or college resonates with you, delve into how your experiences have shaped this interest, and conclude with what you hope to achieve at Cornell and beyond.

Tips for addressing the core of each prompt

The essence of a compelling response lies in its ability to address the core of the prompt while weaving in personal narratives that add depth and authenticity. For the Cornell supplemental essays 2023-2024, applicants should begin by breaking down the prompt, identifying its key components, and ensuring that each aspect is addressed in the response .

Balancing personal anecdotes and demonstrating an understanding of Cornell’s offerings is essential. For instance, if a prompt asks about a global challenge and how one’s field of study at Cornell can address it, the response should not only delve into the challenge but also highlight specific programs, courses, or initiatives at Cornell that would equip the applicant to tackle it. Being particular, showcasing genuine interest and drawing connections between one’s past experiences and future aspirations at Cornell are crucial for a well-rounded response.

Common mistakes to avoid

While each applicant’s journey and narrative are unique, some common pitfalls can detract from the effectiveness of an essay. One of the most prevalent mistakes is submitting a generic essay that could apply to any university. The Cornell supplemental essays 2023-2024 are tailored to the university’s specific colleges and schools, and responses should reflect this specificity.

Another mistake is focusing too much on one’s achievements without delving into the ‘why’ behind them. Admissions officers are keen on understanding motivations, passions, and the thought process behind choices.

Lastly, overlooking the importance of proofreading can be detrimental. Grammatical errors, awkward phrasing, or inconsistencies can distract from the content and give an impression of carelessness. Review the essay multiple times, and if possible, seek feedback from teachers, mentors, or peers to ensure clarity, coherence, and authenticity.

How Should Applicants Edit and Revise Their Essays?

Once the initial draft of the Cornell supplemental essays 2023-2024 is complete, the journey is far from over. Editing and revising are crucial steps in the essay-writing process, ensuring that the final product is polished, coherent, and effectively communicates the applicant’s message.

While the initial draft is often about getting ideas on paper, the subsequent stages involve refining those ideas, enhancing the narrative’s flow, and eliminating any ambiguities or redundancies. This iterative process not only elevates the quality of the essay but also ensures that it aligns with the prompt and resonates with the ethos of the specific college or school within Cornell.

Importance of multiple drafts and revisions

The adage “writing is rewriting” holds particularly true for college application essays. The first draft is rarely the best version; it’s often a raw expression of ideas that requires refinement. Multiple drafts allow applicants to view their essays from different angles, restructure narratives, and hone their message.

Each revision makes the essay sharper, more focused, and better aligned with the prompt’s requirements. Furthermore, revisiting the essay multiple times can lead to new insights or perspectives that might have been overlooked in the initial draft. By dedicating time to numerous revisions, applicants ensure that their Cornell supplemental essays 2023-2024 are not only free of errors but also compelling and impactful.

Tips for self-editing and seeking feedback

Self-editing begins with briefly distancing oneself from the essay, allowing for a fresh perspective upon return. Reading the essay aloud can help identify awkward phrasings or inconsistencies in flow. Applicants should also check for clarity, ensuring each paragraph has a clear purpose and contributes to the essay’s overall narrative.

Additionally, tools like grammar checkers can help catch basic errors, though they should differ from a thorough manual review. Beyond self-editing, seeking feedback is invaluable. Trusted teachers, mentors, peers, or college counselors can provide objective insights, pointing out areas of improvement or highlighting strengths. However, while feedback is essential, applicants should ensure the final essay remains true to their voice and experiences.

Strategies for ensuring clarity, coherence, and authenticity

Clarity in the Cornell supplemental essays 2023-2024 means that every sentence serves a purpose, and the essay’s message is easily understood. To achieve this, applicants should avoid jargon or overly complex language, opting for concise and straightforward expressions.

Coherence relates to the logical flow of ideas. Transition sentences, a clear introduction and conclusion, and a consistent narrative thread can enhance coherence.

Authenticity, the most crucial element, ensures that the essay reflects the applicant’s experiences, aspirations, and personality. To maintain authenticity, applicants should avoid over-embellishing stories or adopting a voice that doesn’t feel natural. Instead, they should focus on genuine experiences and reflections, presenting them in a manner that resonates with both the prompt and their journey.

What Do Admissions Officers Look for in Supplemental Essays?

When reviewing applications, Admissions officers are tasked with the challenging job of discerning not just an applicant’s academic prowess but also their character, aspirations, and fit for the institution. In the context of the Cornell supplemental essays 2023-2024, these essays serve as a window into an applicant’s soul, offering glimpses of their passion, motivation, and alignment with the university’s ethos.

Officers are on the lookout for essays that go beyond mere surface-level responses. They seek depth of thought, genuine reflection, and a clear demonstration of why the applicant is drawn to Cornell. While academic achievements and extracurricular involvements provide a framework, the supplemental essays breathe life into the application, revealing the person behind the numbers and accolades.

The balance between personal narrative and demonstrating interest in Cornell

Striking the right balance between personal narrative and showcasing interest in Cornell is pivotal for a compelling supplemental essay. A personal narrative offers insights into an applicant’s journey, challenges, achievements, and aspirations. It paints a picture of who the applicant is, what drives them, and how their experiences have shaped their worldview.

On the other hand, demonstrating interest in Cornell means showcasing a deep understanding of what the university offers and articulating why it’s the perfect place to further one’s academic and personal growth.

The key is to weave these two elements seamlessly. For instance, an applicant could discuss a personal project or initiative and then delve into how Cornell’s specific programs or resources would enable them to take this project to the next level. Such an approach highlights personal achievements and underscores the applicant’s genuine interest in leveraging Cornell’s offerings.

How to showcase fit with Cornell’s values and academic programs

With its diverse colleges and schools, Cornell University has a rich tapestry of values, traditions, and intellectual rigor. Showcasing fit with these values and programs requires a blend of research, introspection, and clear articulation.

Applicants should start by immersing themselves in Cornell’s culture and understanding its mission, values, and what sets its programs apart. This could involve exploring the university’s website, attending virtual sessions, or engaging with current students or alumni.

Once equipped with this knowledge, applicants can draw parallels between their values, aspirations, and experiences and what Cornell offers. For instance, if an applicant values community engagement and has been involved in community projects, they could discuss how they’re drawn to Cornell’s emphasis on public engagement and envision contributing to this ethos. By drawing such connections, applicants demonstrate their understanding of Cornell’s values and underscore their potential contributions to the university community.

Ready to Ace Your Cornell Supplemental Essays 2023-2024? AdmissionSight Can Help!

Navigating the complexities of the college admissions process can be challenging, especially when aiming for prestigious institutions like Cornell University. Your supplemental essays are crucial to your application, offering a unique opportunity to showcase your fit, passion, and alignment with Cornell’s values and academic programs. Take advantage of this critical aspect of your application.

AdmissionSight specializes in helping students like you craft compelling, authentic, and impactful essays that resonate with admissions officers. With a proven track record of success, our expert consultants provide personalized guidance, from brainstorming ideas to final revisions, ensuring that your essays stand out in the competitive admissions landscape.

Take the Next Step Towards Your Dream College!

Contact AdmissionSight today for a free consultation and discover how we can help you turn your Ivy League aspirations into reality.

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How to Write the Cornell University Essays 2020-2021

Cornell University is the largest of the eight Ivy League schools. The university’s seven undergraduate colleges and 80 majors allow students to pursue many fields of interest.

Cornell University accepted only 10.6% of applicants for the 2018-2019 applications cycle. It opted not to report its acceptance rate for the 2019-2020 cycle. It’s no secret that Cornell is selective though, so you will need more than stellar grades and high test scores to stand out to the admissions committee. Well-written essays allow you to showcase passions or interests that may not come through in traditional application materials. 

Cornell requires all applicants to submit a supplemental essay in addition to their Common Application piece. The student’s selected college determines the prompt they will complete. All of the supplemental prompts have a 650 word limit. Let’s break these supplements down! Want to know your chances at Cornell? Calculate your chances for free right now.

Want to learn what Cornell University will actually cost you based on your income? And how long your application to the school should take?  Here’s what every student considering Cornell University needs to know.

Jump to the Different College Prompts

College of agriculture and life sciences, college of arts and sciences, college of engineering, cornell sc johnson college of business, college of human ecology, college of industrial and labor relations, college of art, architecture and planning, 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 (650 words).

The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) is the second-largest school at Cornell with majors ranging from communication to entomology. Even if you decide to apply as an undeclared major, you need to have potential areas of interest in mind to fully address the essay prompt.

The first half of this prompt follows the “ Why This Major ” format that will become familiar as you apply to more colleges. You should use your current experiences to explain why you want to study the major you selected. A longitudinal approach lends itself well to this portion of the essay. 

For example, if you want to study animal science, you could begin by explaining how you always loved going to the zoo growing up. You can then transition into describing how this love of animals led you to volunteer at the local animal hospital, and conclude your essay by explaining that your time at the animal hospital inspired your desire to become a veterinarian. 

The second half of this prompt asks you to explain why you want to study your intended major through CALS and Cornell. You need to provide college-specific examples that directly relate to your interest in major. Find courses, clubs, or research opportunities that would be difficult to find at another university. 

For example, a prospective Viticulture and Enology major could discuss the field practicum course that allows students to gain hands-on vineyard management experience. A prospective Development Sociology major could talk about the international trips that would allow them to see socioeconomic development firsthand. Don’t be afraid to discuss relevant programs in colleges outside of CALS as well, as CALS is interdisciplinary. 

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. (650 words)

Arts and Sciences (A&S) is by far the most interdisciplinary college at Cornell. Students can study topics ranging from information science to Africana studies, and the College houses multiple programs that allow students to design their own major. A&S looks for students with clear passions and goals that can find their place within a broad community. 

Try to connect any diverse interests into a singular goal. Cornell’s motto “any person, any student” fully reiterates the university’s desire to provide students with a platform to explore novel connections between seemingly unrelated subjects. For example, if your interests are math and Asian studies, you could discuss how you plan to use statistics or other mathematical models to gain social insight into the Asian-American experience. 

Establish your interests by linking them to your present experiences. If you are a government major, write about your time on Model UN. If you are a biology major, write about your success in Science League. Use your present experiences to illustrate the depth and range of your personal interests. 

You also need to explain how A&S specifically would provide you learning opportunities. Cornell has an open course catalog, so you can research interesting courses. Do not select common courses such as General Chemistry. Instead, focus on classes that are unique to the university. For example, Cornell offers a class called the Death Penalty in America that is taught by top capital punishment scholars. This connection point would enrich the essay of a government or policy analysis major. 

Tell us about what excites you most about Cornell Engineering and/or studying engineering at Cornell University. How do you see yourself becoming a part of the Cornell Engineering community? (650 words)

Due to the breadth of the College of Engineering, your essay should clearly convey what area of engineering you want to study. Are you interested in biomedical engineering or computer science? Do you want to design your own major that allows your to integrate various engineering elements into one cohesive piece?

Connect your intended area of study to your current activities in high school. For example, if you want to study computer science, you could discuss your AP coursework or a recent programming project. Providing a brief personal history allows your interests to come across as more genuine. 

You also need to clearly explain how Cornell Engineering will provide you with the tools to succeed within your given field of study. Cornell’s semester-long externship program and project teams are cornerstones of the college that are not found as easily at other schools. Discussing these programs makes your interest in Cornell feel more school-specific. 

Your reasons for attendance should be directly connected to your goals. If you want to study aerospace engineering, you could talk about the Cornell Mars Rover Program. You could then connect your desire to work on this project team to your ultimate goal of eventually working at NASA.

The prompt also specifically asks how you see yourself becoming part of the Cornell engineering community. You should point out specific opportunities that allow you to collaborate with other engineering students, such as Cornell University Sustainable Design. Through this group, you’ll be able to contribute to projects impacting the Cornell community and beyond. One current project is “Solarize,” which aims to help Cornell become carbon-neutral by transitioning to solar energy.

What kind of a business student are you? The Cornell SC Johnson College of Business offers two distinct business programs, the Charles H. Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management and the School of Hotel Administration. Please describe how your interests and ambitions can be met through one or both of the Schools within the College. (650 words)

The SC Johnson College of Business is made up of two schools: The Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management, and the School of Hotel Administration. Our breakdown will focus on these two schools separately, but keep in mind that you can write about both in your essay, especially if your interests and goals are best served by both schools.

Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management

The Dyson School is known as one of the most competitive at Cornell. In order to stand out among the tough competition, you will need to clearly explain why your goals and interests align with Dyson’s unique program. 

Your choice to apply to Dyson should extend beyond a basic interest in economics or management. Dyson’s program is interdisciplinary in nature, and the school encourages its students to study various disciplines outside of AEM. Having a distinct interdisciplinary focus such as agro-economics is a great way to stand out in your supplemental essay. 

Your reasons for applying to Dyson should be supported by your present interests and activities. For example, a student discussing agricultural economics could discuss leadership roles in a local 4H club, or efforts to learn more about agricultural economics through recent journals and news pieces. 

Aim to be as detailed as possible when discussing your future goals and clearly connect them to Dyson’s offerings. The agricultural economics student could talk about how Dyson’s flexible curriculum would also allow them to take agriculture classes.

Be sure to include your post-college goals and how the College of Business would help you achieve them. For example, our hypothetical agro-economics student might be interested in starting an organization to eliminate food deserts, by diverting food that would’ve otherwise gone to waste. They could mention the course HADM 4315: Nonprofit Social Enterprise and Food Justice  in the School of Hotel Administration (remember that you can talk about both schools in the College of Business!). This would allow the student to learn “management best practices for leading nonprofit food service organizations.”

School of Hotel Administration

SHA consistently ranks as the best hotel school in the United States, and applicants should have a clear, demonstrated interest in hospitality-related careers. In addition to relevant experience, SHA looks for the interpersonal skills required to be successful in the hospitality industry.

Your hospitality experiences should directly show why you chose to apply to SHA and why you are interested in hospitality management. For example, instead of simply listing your duties as a bellhop at a local hotel, describe how the integration of many fast-paced movements at a hotel invigorates you.

Connect these experiences to your long-term plans and aspirations, and explain how the Hotel School will provide you with the tools you need to achieve these goals. If you want to manage a hotel one day, explain how SHA will provide the hands-on experiences and practical skills you will need to run an establishment.

SHA is the only college at Cornell that requires an admissions interview, which focuses on the applicant’s interpersonal skills. While describing your experiences within hospitality, make sure to highlight personal attributes such as your empathy or adaptability, especially through anecdotes. Perhaps a hotel client once lost his dog, and you went above and beyond to help them make missing dog signs, even putting them up across the city. Maybe the hotel’s fitness center yoga instructor called in sick last-minute once, and you stepped in with your knowledge of yoga, leading the class instead. These details allow an admissions counselor to see that you would thrive at SHA. 

How have your 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? (650 words)

The College of Human Ecology (HE) centers around exploration of human connection and the human experience. HE is interdisciplinary by nature with strong roots in research and public engagement. Your supplemental essay should reflect these themes while also explaining your interest in your intended major.

Use your high school classes and extracurriculars to explain why you applied to HE. If you would like to study nutritional sciences, you could discuss your role in the Health Club at your high school. Make sure to explain why your intended career path interests you. Maybe you are a runner and are fascinated by how diet impacts physical performance. Connecting these experiences to a broader desire to improve the human experience — and potentially adding interdisciplinary elements — will help deepen your connection to the College of Human Ecology. 

The next aspect of this prompt asks how your major specifically will contribute to your plans for the future. Be as specific as possible. For example, instead of broadly stating that studying fashion design and management will help prepare you for the fashion industry, discuss how the studio-based classes will provide you with both a strong physical skill set and a portfolio of work for job applications. Or, if you want to start your own sustainable fashion brand, mention how the courses in Fiber Science will allow you to learn about innovative ways to create eco-friendly fibers and dyes.

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)

The College of Industrial and Labor Relations (ILR) studies the world of work, and the intellectual interests you write about should also involve labor and human capital. The ILR community has a strong drive for public service, so making social service the focus of your essay will help explain your choice in ILR.

Given the specificity of the prompt, it is imperative that you provide concrete examples of how experiences relate to your intellectual interests. For example, you can discuss how studying disability rights in your American History class made you want to become an advocate, or how volunteering in a local lawyer’s office helped you find your passion for labor law. 

Your essay should also explain why you are interested in your chosen subject matter to fully address what makes it exciting to you. Does the ability to advocate for others inspire your passion for disability rights in the workplace? Your reasons can be more personal, too; maybe you have a friend or relative with a disability, and have witnessed how many workers with disabilities are underpaid and taken advantage of. Or, perhaps you’re interested in labor law because you want to defend workers from minority groups facing discrimination.

Choose ILR-specific programs to explain why the school is the right fit for you. For example, a future law student could mention ILR’s intensive legal writing seminars. They could also discuss the Labor & Employment Law Program in NYC, which focuses on managing repositories for documents related to work discrimination acts. 

What is your “thing”? What energizes you or engages you so deeply that you lose track of time? Everyone has different passions, obsessions, quirks, inspirations. What are yours?

Art, Architecture, and Planning (AAP) is the smallest college at Cornell. Most AAP classes are studio-intensive and involve hands-on projects. As a result, your essay should demonstrate that you are secure in your major decision and ready to engage with a nontraditional learning experience. 

The “thing” you suggest should relate to your intended major. Choosing a particular sub-discipline will also help to show your familiarity and passion for the subject matter. For example, if you are applying to the art school, your “thing” should not be microbiology unless you have a particularly compelling way to integrate the two subjects. However, writing your essay about your love of fifties pop art would demonstrate your knowledge and love of art. 

There are two ways to structure this essay: a longitudinal method or a moment-in-time method. To organize the information in a longitudinal way, describe how your passion unfolded over time. For example, discuss the first time you encountered photography and how you grew more passionate about it. You could discuss crucial memories like getting your first high-quality camera, or your first interaction with your favorite photographer. 

Alternatively, you emphasize one key moment. You could discuss your first time walking through a gallery of your favorite artist’s works or the moment you took your favorite photograph. Use this key point to fully illustrate what you love about your “thing.”

Make sure to elaborate on how your “thing” inspires what you do currently, and how it might impact your future goals. Maybe your “thing” is living a zero-waste lifestyle, and you’re a prospective Architecture major. Your love for sustainability might inspire you to study and develop eco-friendly buildings that interact with nature and the surrounding ecosystems, such as apartment buildings with green roofs. 

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The Ultimate Guide to Acing the Cornell Supplemental Essays 2021/22

When you apply to Cornell, you will complete one supplemental essay (maximum 650 words). Each of Cornell’s colleges has its own essay topics. The topic of the essay depends on which college within the university you apply to. The majority of the prompts are a variation of: (1) Why do you have an interest in your intended field? (2) Why will Cornell help you explore that interest? Three colleges do not use this general structure. These include the College of Architecture, Art, and Planning, College of Human Ecology, and College of Engineering.

How to stand out in your cornell supplemental essays for 2021/22.

Although Cornell’s supplemental essay prompts have a higher word limit, it’s still important to choose your words wisely. Does each sentence of your essay add value to your application? Are you writing original answers no other applicants will have in their essay? If your answer to these questions is no, go back and revise. However, do not add superfluous content just to hit the word limit. It’s ok if your essay is well-written and slightly less than the word limit.

How Crimson Can Help You Stand Out

Crimson takes a personal approach when it comes to helping students with their supplemental essays. Advisors get to know their students by talking with them about their dreams, aspirations, goals, and any aspect of their story that’s unique.

Crimson student Max was recently admitted to Cornell. Dave admitted that having someone ‘in the know’ as to how to craft a successful personal statement was key to creating a piece of writing that resonated with admissions officers and made him proud to have written. Check out the video below to learn more about Max’s story!

How Crimson Student Max Got Into Cornell

Need help with your Supplemental Essays? Crimson Education is the world’s leading university admission consulting company. Our expert admission strategist can help you narrow down your ideas and word choice to help you craft the perfect essay prompt response. Get your essay reviewed today!

What are the Cornell essay prompts for 21/22?

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. Specifically, how will an education from the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) and Cornell University help you achieve your academic goals?

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, 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.

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(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).

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 Engineering: Instructions

Applicants must write responses to two of the three essay options. They may choose which two prompts they write about—their choice. Each response is limited to a maximum of 200 words.

Essay Option 1

Engineering is inherently collaborative. what does collaboration mean to you what strengths do you bring to the collaborative process, essay option 2, for you, what makes cornell engineering special why do you want to attend cornell engineering, essay option 3, diversity in all definitional forms is intrinsic to excellence in engineering. indeed, devising the best engineered solutions to complex problems is often achieved by drawing from the diverse ingenuity of people from broadly different backgrounds, lived experiences, and identities. how do you see yourself contributing to the diversity and inclusion of the cornell engineering community what is the unique voice you would bring to the cornell engineering community.

How to answer the essay prompts that ask about your interest in a specific field and why you want to attend Cornell

Applicable to prompts for College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, College of Business, and School of Industrial and Labor Relations.

Think about your interests and passions

Before you begin writing your essay, think about your genuine interest or passion and how you came to realize it.

• Was there a specific experience that got you interested in this area?
• Were you inspired by a teacher or other figure in your life?
• Was it forged due to a challenge you had to overcome?
• How has your interest evolved over time?

Begin your essay by telling the story of how your interest came to light or how it has evolved. Telling the reader a story about your interest rather than stating it will make the essay more compelling. Make sure you communicate why it’s meaningful to you. How do you want to contribute to the world in this field given your life experiences?

Show how your interest connects with Cornell’s mission

Next, show how your interest or passion connects with Cornell’s mission and, specifically, the college to which you are applying. You can only find these connections through research. Read Cornell’s website , connect with students and alumni who were part of the same college, and scour the Internet to learn as much as you can about your specific college and area of interest. Check out our university profile on Cornell and our blog on the Ivy League Schools to learn more.

Questions to ask yourself:

• Are there specific classes that are unique and align perfectly with your interests?
• Does a professor do research that focuses on your interest?
• Will being part of the larger Ithaca community further your interest?

Connecting your interest to Cornell is critical. Your essay shouldn’t look like you copied it from another application or so generic you could have sent it to any school.

Adapt your writing style

Lastly, because each college’s prompt has slight variations, make sure to adapt your format to fit the college’s specific requirements.

How to Answer the College of Architecture, Art, and Planning Essay Prompt

This question is similar to those above as it asks for your passions and inspirations, but it does not ask how Cornell will further your goals . That means you will have more space to describe your “thing,” so get creative!

This question helps the Admissions Committee get to know you and your passion . Ask yourself, what do I care the most deeply about?

If you enjoy creating elaborate sidewalk chalk murals more than reading about classic architectural styles, write about creating sidewalk murals.

Do you lose track of time trying to complete 2,000-piece jigsaw puzzles of your favorite Star Wars characters?

Don’t pick a passion or quirk that you think will look the most impressive to the Admissions Committee . An honest supplemental essay describing your true passion will come across as more sincere and further engage the reader. You can even write about two passions if space permits.

Once you choose your passion, you must present it in an engaging way.

• You can talk about how you developed that passion and how it evolved over time.
• Tell a story about your passion.
• Describe a particularly difficult mural you were attempting to draw and how you persevered through the struggles to complete it.

While writing your story, keep in mind what the story is saying about your personality .

• Does it highlight positive traits?
• Does it show how you’re highly motivated, a problem solver or you work well in teams?

The best stories will tell the Admissions Committee something about you that they don’t already know, so make sure what you write about differs from your Common App response .

How to Answer College of Human Ecology Essay Prompt

This prompt is similar to the other prompts in that it asks about your motivations and passions and why Cornell is the best place for you to pursue them. However, they also want to know what you intend to do with your passion .

To answer the first part of the question, use the format previously described above:

• Identify your passion/motivation.
• Tell a story of how it came to be or has developed over time.
• Describe why Cornell will help you further those interests.

The slight difference in these questions is that you need to connect them to your future aspirations .

Describe how Cornell’s unique program will help you achieve your ultimate goal. Be specific and articulate what you hope to contribute to your local community and the world. Also, talk about what you hope to personally accomplish with a degree from their program.

How to Answer College of Engineering Essay Prompt

The second question is similar to those described throughout this post. The first and third questions diverge from others discussed in this post. These questions help the Admissions Committee understand how you are in relationships with others .

Start by freewriting on the following questions:

• How do you work with others in a team setting?
• What do you value?
• What personal qualities do you contribute?

Be as specific and honest as possible.

• Are you a leader?
• If so, what’s your style?
• Are you a listener?
• How does this support your team?
• What do you do when things don’t go the way you want?
• Do you adapt well and prioritize the needs of the group?

As always, stories help convey who you are in a way that feels authentic to readers. If you have a short anecdote that displays your best collaborative qualities, don’t forget to include it. It’s a great jumping-off point to discussing your collaboration strengths.

The third question is about diversity and differences .

Try to answer the following:

• What unique identities or life experiences do you bring to the table?
• How do they shape your point of view and how you work with others?
• How do you relate to people who are different from you?
• How do you make sure you include others?
• What unique perspectives can you bring to the engineering community?

Be personal and honest, and include a story if you have one that feels relevant.

Final Thoughts

Everyone loves a good story, especially if it reveals more about who you are as a person and how you’re the perfect fit for Cornell. Your unique answers will set you apart from those who cut and paste from other essays.

Key Resources & Further Reading

• Acing your College Application Essay: 5 Expert Tips to Make it Stand Out from the Rest
• MIT Supplemental Essay 2021/22
• Harvard Supplemental Essay 2021/22
• Columbia Supplemental Essay 2021/22
• Princeton Supplemental Essay 2021/22
• University of Chicago Supplemental Essays
• How to Tackle Every Type of Supplemental Essay
• 2021-22 Essay Prompts Common App Essay Prompts
• What are the Most Unusual US College Supplemental Essay Prompts?

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“Why Cornell” Supplemental Essay Examples

• supplemental essays
• college application essays
• essay topic
• essay intros

The “Why Us” supplemental essay is one of the trickiest college application essays to write. Applying to Cornell? Here are 5 successful Why Cornell essay excerpts. 

Cornell University only requires one additional writing supplement—the “Why Cornell” supplemental essay. Applicants are asked to share why they are interested in studying at Cornell and are asked to respond to the specific essay prompt from the undergraduate college or school they are applying to. Cornell University has a total of 8 undergraduate colleges/schools: 

• College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
• College of Architecture, Art and Planning
• College of Arts and Sciences
• Cornell SC College of Business: Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management
• Cornell SC College of Business: School of Hotel Administration 
• College of Engineering
• College of Human Ecology
• School of Industrial and Labor Relations 

Each of the colleges/schools listed above have a unique supplemental essay prompt. Here are 5 examples for 4 of the schools listed above: 

Cornell University ‘21

For the School of Industrial and Labor Relations:

Like the Strait, I’m a fluid connective body, but instead of serving as natural barrier or political divide, I seek to reconcile strained relations. Given my strong interests in cross-cultural mediation, inclination to manage disputes, coursework in interdisciplinary social sciences, and leadership and employment positions, I seek “to solve human problems [and] manage and resolve conflicts” within Cornell’s School of Industrial and Labor Relations (ILR). Read his full “Why Cornell” supplemental essay!

Cornell University ‘20

For the College of Engineering:

I must have wanted to be an engineer long before I knew what the word meant. On almost every fork we own, the middle two prongs are pulled half an inch back, a homage to a time before I became strong enough to open a soda can and resorted to making a lever with a fork. I tore through thousands of plastic bags, searching for the perfect cut that would allow me to parachute off a self-made cliff of couch cushions and pillows. Unlock her full successful Cornell application file.  

Cornell2021

People in my community believe the only way to be successful is to pursue medicine or engineering and arts are looked down upon here.I have a science background but am also interested in the deeper questions of existence, such as one encounters in philosophy. I don’t want to let go of my passions. Instead, I want to study at Cornell, where, far from being looked down upon, interdisciplinary study that includes the liberal arts are treasured through its unique independent study option, independent major, and distributional requirement system which will give me freedom in designing my curriculum and will let me explore a wide range of fields, from philosophy to literature. Continue reading his Why Cornell supplemental essay.  

For the School of Hotel Administration:

I am an anomaly among my peers. While many of them wrestle with the uncertainty of not knowing what they want to do or be in the future, I have always known. Even in elementary school, when the popular options were superhero or sports legend, I had altogether different aspirations. If you had asked me then, my answer would be the same as it is today: I want to work in the hospitality industry. Unlock his full successful Cornell application file.  

For the College of Arts and Sciences:

I am interested in working with the UN to give researchers in developing countries access to a uniform and politically acceptable set of translation and ethical guidelines. This ensures that work conducted in developing or recently industrialized countries will not be dismissed due to doubts about the way it was conducted or a language barrier. To accomplish my goals of bringing the international scientific community closer together, I will need to study my intellectual interests of biology, foreign languages, and international relations. I am confident that Cornell’s College of Arts and Sciences will be the perfect place to pursue my goals.

———

Interested in reading successful essay examples that got students accepted into the Cornell University? Unlock all of them in one go with  our curated package .

Our  premium plans  offer different level of profile access and data insights that can help you get into your dream school. Unlock any of our  packages  or search our  undergraduate profile database  to find specific profiles that can help you make an informed choice about where to apply!

About The Author

Frances was born in Hong Kong and received her bachelor’s degree from Georgetown University. She loves super sad drama television, cooking, and reading. Her favorite person on Earth isn’t actually a member of the AdmitSee team - it’s her dog Cooper.

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How to Complete the 2023/2024 Cornell Supplemental Essays

Cece Gilmore is a Content Writer at Scholarships360. Cece earned her undergraduate degree in Journalism and Mass Communications from Arizona State University. While at ASU, she was the education editor as well as a published staff reporter at Downtown Devil. Cece was also the co-host of her own radio show on Blaze Radio ASU.

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Cornell University is a private Ivy League research university located in Ithaca, New York. Cornell’s acceptance rate is around 9% , which means you will need to make your Cornell supplemental essay question answers stronger than other applicants. Cornell consists of eight undergraduate colleges in total. Students interested in attending the school will have to complete two essays total: one Cornell University essay question and one college-and school-specific essay question.

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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 you shape your perspective. ( 350 word limit )

This prompt may sound confusing at first read, but ultimately it is asking about your background and life experiences and how they have helped you become who you are today. Therefore, you can begin responding by highlighting how your race, nationality, religion, gender, sexual orientation, etc., impacts the way you go about life. Choose which of these characteristics, or another one, that best describes you. Then, detail how your life has been shaped by this characteristic and how you have shaped your perspective overtime. 

Next, be sure to tie back to academics! How does this aspect of your life affect your studies and school? Describe what you love about your major and how you were drawn to it. Bonus points if you can intertwine your unique characteristics with your intended academic major. Ultimately, you want to make sure you are hitting on both the “any person…any study” aspect of this prompt! 

Questions to consider:

• What is unique about you? 
• How has your upbringing shaped your life thus far? 
• What will you be majoring in and how has your background led to this decision?

Different schools at Cornell

Cornell requires students to apply to a specific school within their university. The Cornell supplemental essay prompts vary based on what school within the university you’re applying to.

The schools found at Cornell are:

• Brook’s School of Public Policy
• College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

College of Architecture, Art, and Planning

College of arts and sciences.

• School of Hotel Administration
• Charles H. Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management

College of Engineering

College of human ecology, school of industrial and labor relations.

So spend some time researching each school and figuring out what you are passionate about and where you want to study. This will help you breeze through the application process due to your extensive knowledge of the school you want to apply to. 

All of the school’s supplemental essay questions have a 650 word limit except for the College of Engineering. This may seem intimidating, but it provides you with plenty of room to stay creative and emphasize your personality. Let’s get started!

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)

The Brook’s School of Public Policy is the newest of Cornell’s schools, having opened in 2021. Take the time to research their website and learn about the majors offered. Think about how the website states that:

“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.”

The goal of Brook’s School of Public Policy is to graduate students who will leave with a greater passion for public policy. So, make sure in your responses you really describe what made you interested in studying public policy. Try to be as specific as possible! After you detail your passion, then focus on your goals in life. What will you use a degree in public policy for? 

It is completely fine if you chose this major because it slightly stuck out to you more than the others! If this is the case, back up your decisions with some stories and experiences from your life. However, if you are hitting a roadblock you may want to consider writing about a different major! 

• What is your social passion and how might it benefit by learning about public policy?
• Are there social laws you would like to add, amend, or eliminate?
• What role (think resources and opportunities) will the Brooks’ School of Public Policy play in helping you achieve your goals?

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences 

Required essay response.

“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)

This is your opportunity to share your major and academic interests. Consider what programs CALS offers and why you are interested in them. 

Talk about:

• A program you are currently a part of
• Volunteering you have done
• Anything remotely related to your intended major you have done outside of school

This will emphasize your interest in the program because you participate in it during your free time! 

Be sure to also include clubs, courses or other aspects that CALS has that you are looking forward to. Provide specific examples to display your interest and demonstrate that you have researched their school closely. 

Questions to consider: 

• Why do you want to major in this particular subject? 
• What does CALS offer that other schools do not? 
• What do you hope to do after you graduate? 

Optional Essay #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. (200-word limit).

This question simply wants you to share how you apply your knowledge and skills for the good of the world around you.

• What is your volunteering experience?
• Why are you driven to serve a particular community?
• How might you continue to expand upon that service while at Cornell?

Optional Essay #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 (optional) (100-word limit)

This prompt wants to know about your authentic connection to the world around you. Answering it is as simple as responding to any or all of the relatable bullet points above.

Also see: How to respond to the Common App essay prompts

“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) 

There are different questions depending upon your intended major in the College of Architecture, Art, and Planning – so make sure you are responding to the correct prompt! 

For Architecture students, describe a project or passion you have that inspired you to study this field. This can be an academic project in school or a side hobby you have! Make sure you are describing this project in detail, highlighting the process as much as the result. Be sure to detail any challenges you faced and how you overcame them. Additionally, focus on what you learned from creating this project and how it further solidified your interest in architecture. Once you have a solid response completed, tie back to Cornell! What resources are you excited about being able to use to help you further your architectural career? 

For Art students, you want to focus your response on explaining why Cornell. Describe resources, professors, courses, the location, etc. that you are looking forward to being a part of. Make sure you have thoroughly researched Cornell before responding to this prompt as you want to be as detailed as possible! It is also important to tie each resource back to yourself and your interests and goals. This will show the admissions committee that you would make a great addition to the Cornell community.

For Urban and Regional Studies, you have a lot of freedom in your response! Begin by detailing your background and how it led you to want to study urban and regional studies. Once you have established your passion for this topic, the next step is to tie it back to Cornell! Find a few resources you are interested in and how they tie into your passions. Additionally, don’t forget to discuss your career goals and how Cornell will help you achieve those goals. 

• Why do you want to study this topic? 
• What made you interested in Cornell specifically? 
• How will you take advantage of resources to help you achieve your goals? 

“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) 

The College of Arts and Sciences at Cornell is one of the most diverse schools offered in terms  of range of majors. Therefore, try and make your passions and interests stand out so Cornell can see you will find your place in such a broad community. 

Emphasize what major you would like to pursue. Talk about why you want to study this particular subject and any experiences that have influenced your major decision. 

Then, discuss professional and future goals and how the College of Arts and Sciences can help you.

Be specific about clubs, classes and other aspects of the school that will aid you in achieving your goals. 

• Why do you want to major in this topic? 
• What classes offered are you excited about? 
• What are your interests?

Don’t miss: How to write an essay about yourself

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 and/or the Peter and Stephanie Nolan School of Hotel Administration).” (650 words)

The SC Johnson College of Business has two schools that you can apply to. Be sure to reference which one you are interested in and research that particular school thoroughly. 

In your response, describe how you fit the mold of an ideal business student. Reference their mission statement to show how your values align and to show you have done your research. 

Be sure to write about an experience you have with a business related activity such as a school club or even something as small as realizing how much money a candy bar is. 

Be as specific as possible and feel free to get creative with your response. 

Make sure to reference clubs or extracurriculars that the business schools offer that you want to be a part of and how they will help you in the future. 

• Why are you applying to the SC Johnson College of Business? 
• What business background do you have? 
• What activities are you involved in outside of school? 

Don’t miss: Top business scholarships

This application is different from the other college essay questions offered at Cornell. Applicants must write responses for two of  three essay options (Essay #1 is required, but you can choose between two prompts for Essay #2). Each response is limited to a maximum of 250 words, which is significantly less than the usual 650 word limit. This means you should focus on being concise with your responses. 

• Do not drag on
• Be purposeful with your responses

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)

This prompt is ultimately a “why this major and college?” So, answer that! Try to think about what you truly want out of college and why Cornell is the perfect place for you to study engineering. Make sure you have done thorough research on aspects of Cornell that you are looking forward to such as specific courses or faculty. 

Questions to consider

• What aspects of engineering are you passionate about?
• If you had a dream engineering project you could work on, what would it be?
• When you were younger, what did you always find yourself trying to create?

Essay #2 (choose either Question A or Question B)

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)

• Consider the basic transportation infrastructure of your local community. How are the roads, bridges, and tunnels? Traffic?
• Engineers help people directly through things such as prosthesis design. How might you help people at the most basic human level though engineering?
• How will solving the problem make things better for all who live in the community?

“Diversity in all definitional 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 words) 

• What makes you unique? 
• What is your background and how has it shaped you? 
• What can you contribute to the engineering community at Cornell that others cannot? 

Also see: Top engineering scholarships

“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) 

Explain your future goals and how your current experiences have affected your decision to apply to the College of Human Ecology. 

Relate back to your outside of school experiences that have pushed you to want to pursue a degree in your selected major. 

Then, be sure to emphasize how your choice in major will impact your future. Be as specific as possible and try to avoid generalizations such as “it will prepare me for this job industry.” 

Rather, focus on particular classes or clubs that will give you a leg up on your competition in the job market and talk about those experiences. 

• Why the College of Human Ecology? 
• What do you want to major in? Why? 
• What are you doing now that relates to this interest in your major? 

“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) 

Take your experiences outside of the classroom and use them to answer this question. Make sure to choose something that you are passionate about. 

Research more about the ILR school to ensure your response aligns with their values and programs. 

Choose an ILR specific program that you are excited about to explain why the school is the perfect fit for you. 

• What are you passionate about? 

Also see: How to write a 500 word essay

Next steps after applying to Cornell

So that’s what you should know about the Cornell supplemental essays. Now that the hard part is over, and your application is flawless and submitted – take a deep breath. Congratulations, you did it–the hard part is now over! 

Continue to show interest in Cornell so they know you are committed and prioritizing their school (even if you have a few other top choices.) 

This can be done by:

• following their social media accounts
• reaching out to admissions officers
• scheduling an in-person or virtual tour
• reading up on what you want to get involved in on campus 

Essentially, showing interest and staying connected will allow you to get that extra foot in the door and make your name known. Exploring your interest in Cornell will also help solidify if it is the best university for you. 

Don’t miss: An insider’s view of what goes on in a college admissions office

Other colleges to consider

• Columbia University (New York, NY)
• University of Chicago (Chicago, IL)
• Princeton University (Princeton, NJ)

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Cornell University

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Cornell University’s 2023-24 Essay Prompts

Life experiences short response.

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.

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences 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?

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Short Response 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.

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 below:

College of Engineering Short Response 1

Note: Upon selecting this college on the Common App, you will be asked to provide the 3 words that best describe you and the three words that you would use to describe Cornell Engineering. This is essentially a major-specific short response section.

Cornell SC Johnson College of Business Essay

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).

College of Human Ecology Essay

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 Essay

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 Architecture, Art and Planning Short Response

Note: Upon selecting this college on the Common App, you will be asked to provide the 3 words that best describe you. This is essentially a major-specific short response section.

College of Engineering Short Response 2

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.

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 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.

Select-A-Prompt Short Response

Choose either Question A or Question B.

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?

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.

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.

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Short Response 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.

Common App Personal Essay

The essay demonstrates your ability to write clearly and concisely on a selected topic and helps you distinguish yourself in your own voice. What do you want the readers of your application to know about you apart from courses, grades, and test scores? Choose the option that best helps you answer that question and write an essay of no more than 650 words, using the prompt to inspire and structure your response. Remember: 650 words is your limit, not your goal. Use the full range if you need it, but don‘t feel obligated to do so.

Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.

The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?

Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?

Reflect on something that someone has done for you that has made you happy or thankful in a surprising way. How has this gratitude affected or motivated you?

Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.

Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?

Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you‘ve already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design.

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WCM-Q student named finalist in WPA 2024 Medical Student Essay Competition

Manaal Siddiqui, a final-year medical student at Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar (WCM-Q), has been recognized as one of the 12 finalists in the prestigious World Psychiatric Association’s (WPA) 2024 Medical Student Essay Competition.

The competition, a WPA presidential initiative supported by the United Nations Secretariat – Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Division for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), aims to encourage innovative thinking among medical students and highlight the crucial role of mental health in global development.

This year, medical students from 41 countries and 93 medical schools submitted essays on the theme: “Improving Mental Health in the Global World Using the United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals.”

In her essay, titled “Using a Socioeconomic Lens to Conceptualize a Framework for the Integration and Application of the United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals in Addressing Mental Health Disparities Globally,” Siddiqui examines the impact of capitalism and systems of oppression, such as poverty and conflict, on global socioeconomic structure and mental health disparities. Additionally, Siddiqui proposes strategies for developing more adaptable and integrated systems to better serve diverse populations worldwide.  

Commenting on the achievement, Siddiqui said: “This competition provided me with the opportunity to consolidate my clinical experiences in Qatar and the US and contribute to the global conversation on mental health disparities. I believe this essay represents the best version of myself and my education at WCM-Q.” 

Siddiqui’s interest in psychiatry began during her pre-medical years at WCM-Q, where she was awarded a research grant to investigate lifestyle factors influencing suicidality. She also earned honors in her psychiatry clerkship and received a Certificate of Excellence for a research project examining college students’ attitudes and perceptions of mental health treatment. Reflecting on her passion for psychiatry, Siddiqui explained: “While medicine often focuses on scientific advancements, I have always been drawn to the humanistic aspect of how our experiences shape our contributions to the world. In my patient interactions, I am particularly fascinated by their histories, traumas, identities, and backgrounds and how these inform their medical issues. This fascination has naturally led me to the field of mental health.”

Dr. Javaid Sheikh, dean of WCM-Q, professor of psychiatry, and professor of population health sciences, said: “We are extremely proud that Manaal has been selected as a finalist in the prestigious 2024 Medical Student Essay Competition. This achievement recognizes her innovative contribution to the discourse on mental health and its connection to global development, as well as her potential as a future psychiatrist. We look forward to celebrating many more achievements with her in the future.”

To access the official WPA announcement, click HERE