cornell essay prompt examples

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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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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.

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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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July 29, 2024

Cornell University Supplemental Essay Prompts: 2024-2025

Cornell University has released its 2024-2025 supplemental admissions essays for applicants to the Class of 2029 . For years, Cornell asked applicants to respond to an essay of up to 650 words in length that essentially asked, “ Why Cornell ?” But this year, the Ivy League institution has changed things up, creating essays specific to the individual school to which a student is applying within Cornell. So what supplemental admissions essays will applicants to Cornell’s Class of 2029 be asked to write? Let’s dive in!

2024-2025 Cornell Essay Topics and Questions

Required essay prompt for all applicants.

In 350 words or less, all applicants to Cornell University are asked to answer the following 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.

It’s difficult not to view this new essay prompt as Cornell’s direct response to the SCOTUS ruling outlawing Affirmative Action . While colleges can no longer directly consider race as a factor in the highly selective college admissions process, Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts wrote a legal loophole in the majority opinion .

Chief Justice Roberts wrote, “Nothing in this opinion should be construed as prohibiting universities from considering an applicant’s discussion of how race affected his or her life, be it through discrimination, inspiration, or otherwise.”

While Cornell’s admissions committee explicitly cited family, school, shared interest, virtual, local, global, or cultural in the question, students can write about their race, faith, gender, sexuality, or just about anything else in response to this prompt. After all, Cornell’s admissions committee seeks to build a diverse incoming class, and no Supreme Court decision will get in their way. While the Ivy League school wasn’t nearly as bold as Johns Hopkins University in citing race in its supplemental essay prompt, it’s very much implied that race is on the table.

School-Specific Essay Prompts

College of agriculture and life sciences.

CALS asks applicants to respond to a required essay of up to 500 words in length followed by optional essays of up to 200 words and 100 words. Of course, no optional essay should ever be considered optional in Cornell’s admissions process. Write it!

Required Essay Prompt

Why are you drawn to studying the major you have selected 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.

This is a hybrid prompt: Why Major and Why School at Cornell? More so than any Ivy League school, Cornell cares about  school fit . Cornell’s admissions committee not only wants to know why you wish to attend Cornell but why you wish to attend the school within the school at Cornell.

After all, Cornell’s admissions committee wasn’t born yesterday. They, too, know that getting into certain schools at Cornell is easier than others. So if a student is genuinely interested in computer science yet is applying to the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, simply writing they enjoy farming won’t pass the sniff test.

In this essay, applicants should avoid name-dropping professors at CALS who may or may not even be there next year or classes that may or may not even be offered next year and instead focus on the enduring aspects of the school within a school. Cornell’s admissions committee wants to see how applicants hope to leave a mark in agriculture and life sciences during their lifetime.

By thoroughly examining specific programs, institutes, culture, traditions, and activities at CALS, applicants can show rather than tell why they wish to attend.

Optional Essay Prompts

CALS applicants have up to 100 words to answer each of the following two optional essay prompts:

Instructions: The optional short-answer questions invite you to share additional information about your background, interests, and experiences as they relate to aspects of the Cornell CALS mission.

1. At Cornell CALS, we aim to leave the world better than we found it, so we seek out those who are not simply driven to master their discipline, but who are also passionate about doing so to serve the public good. Please elaborate on an experience where you had a meaningful impact on people, a community, and/or an environment of importance to you.

CALS applicants would be wise to choose an experience that relates to agriculture or life sciences for this prompt. Ideally, the experience the student writes about will also be reflected in their extracurricular pursuits listed on The Common Application. Applicants should tell a small story. Too often, applicants try to accomplish too much by telling grandiose stories. And applicants should be sure to leave out the self-congratulatory sentences. There’s no need to brag in elite college admissions — ever! 

2. Cornell CALS is dedicated to purpose-driven study of the agricultural, life, environmental, and social sciences and welcomes students with interests that span a wide variety of disciplines. Given our agricultural history and commitment to educating the next generation of agriculturalists, please share if you have a background or interest in agriculture, regardless of your intended major. An “agricultural entity” for the purpose of this question is defined as cultivating soil, growing crops, and raising livestock (e.g., farm, ranch, greenhouse, vineyard, etc.). 

Select all that apply:

• A primary source of income for my parent/guardian(s) comes from ownership of or employment by an agricultural entity.
•   My extended family owns or operates an agricultural entity.
•   I have experience working in an agricultural entity.
•   I have interest in pursuing a career in an agricultural entity.                      

Please feel free to share additional details.

This prompt allows applicants to write a more detailed portrait of their family’s farm or their experience working as, say, a farmhand. It’s another chance for students to show rather than tell why they hope to contribute to the field of agriculture.

College of Architecture, Art, and Planning

Students have up to 650 words to respond to the below essay prompt:

How do your interests directly connect with your intended major at the College of Architecture, Art, and Planning (AAP)? Why architecture (B.Arch), art (BFA), or urban and regional studies (URS)? B. Arch applicants, please provide an example of how a creative project or passion sparks your motivation to pursue a 5-year professional degree program. BFA applicants may want to to consider how they could integrate a range of interests and available resources at Cornell into a coherent art practice. URS students may want to emphasize their enthusiasm and depth of interest in the study of urban and regional issues.

It’s a hybrid essay prompt as Cornell’s admissions committee not only wants to know why applicants want to study architecture, art, and planning, but they want to hear a specific example of an instance that inspires their interest in the field. Of course, we always encourage our students at Ivy Coach to share such anecdotes when asked why they’re interested in a discipline — whether they’re asked to cite an example or not — since showing rather than telling is always the way to go.

And then the third component of this hybrid essay prompt is a Why College of Architecture, Art, and Planning. This component of an applicant’s answer should be filled with genuine specifics about the school within a school. And, no, name-dropping professors and regurgitating classes listed in a course catalog do not count. Applicants should aim to capture enduring aspects of the school within a school at Cornell.

College of Arts & Sciences

At the College of Arts and Sciences, curiosity will be your guide. Discuss how your passion for learning is shaping your academic journey, and what areas of study or majors excite you and why. Your response should convey how your interests align with the College, and how you would take advantage of the opportunities and curriculum in Arts and Sciences.

It’s a hybrid essay prompt: Why Major and Why School within a School. Cornell wants to understand the origin story of your interest in studying your intended major through a specific narrative — always as a high schooler rather than a child. And they also want to know why Cornell’s College of Arts & Sciences. The second part of this essay’s answer should be filled with specifics that only apply to Cornell’s College of Arts & Sciences. If a sentence can apply to another university, delete it.

Cornell Jeb E. Brooks School of Public Policy

Why are you drawn to studying public policy? Drawing on your experiences, tell us about why you are interested in your chosen major and how attending the Brooks School will help you achieve your life goals.

It’s a straight-up-the-middle hybrid essay prompt: Why Major and Why Brooks? Cornell wants to hear a narrative about a student’s interest in studying public policy. It could be through their coursework, their activities, or even their reading for pleasure. And then Cornell wants to hear that an applicant has done their homework on the Brooks School of Public Policy. As such, applicants should cite specifics about the school within a school at Cornell that do not apply to any other school at Cornell or any other university.

Cornell SC Johnson College of Business

What kind of a business student are you? Using your personal, academic, or volunteer/work experiences, describe the topics or issues that you care about and why they are important to you. Your response should convey how your interests align with the school to which you are applying within the Cornell SC Johnson College of Business (Charles H. Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management or the Peter and Stephanie Nolan School of Hotel Administration).

It’s a hybrid essay prompt: Why Business and Why SC Johnson? Applicants should share a story or stories about their interest in business — ideally as evidenced in their extracurricular pursuits listed in the activities section of their Common Applications.

And then, applicants should transition to demonstrating how they can best pursue their interests at SC Johnson. To do so, applicants should cite specifics about the school within a school at Cornell that don’t apply to any other undergraduate business school. And, no, name-dropping professors and listing classes do not count as genuine specifics. Instead, applicants should cite enduring specifics about the school within a school to show rather than tell why they wish to attend.

College of Engineering

College of Engineering applicants must write two long essay responses, each of up to 200 words in length, and four short answer responses of up to 100 words.

Long Essay Response 1

Fundamentally, engineering is the application of math, science, and technology to solve complex problems. Why do you want to study engineering?

It’s a Why Major question. Cornell’s admissions committee wants to understand why applicants are interested in pursuing an engineering degree. To address the question, it would be ideal for applicants to write about something they’ve been doing in engineering that has inspired their interest. They should then transition to how they hope to carry this interest forward over their college years.

Long Essay Response 2

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

It’s a Why College (within a broader university) question. Applicants should focus on the curriculum design and the programs and institutes Cornell boasts that tackle research in engineering. And they’d be wise to avoid writing about classes. After all, Why College essays should not be approached like a game of Mad Libs where a student can insert a class name for one university and change it to another name for another university. It’s all about capturing the enduring specifics of the College of Engineering, and the specific engineering track a student intends to pursue.

Short Answer Response 1

What brings you joy?

Applicants would be wise to write about how engineering brings them joy — duh ! This prompt presents a fantastic opportunity for engineering applicants to showcase how they think and want to change the world in a specific way. Applicants, for instance, can pick a small problem in their local community that they encounter — and it need not be a sexy problem. Maybe it’s potholes. Whatever it is, applicants should showcase how they find joy in leveraging the power of engineering to make the problem better for locals.

Short Answer Response 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?

While the Supreme Court outlawed Affirmative Action, Cornell’s admissions committee still wishes to admit a diverse class. And diversity doesn’t only mean racial diversity. It also means diversity of faiths, geography, gender, sexual orientation, and thought. So the question is wide open for an applicant to showcase what life experience or perspective they’ll bring to the College of Engineering.

Short Answer Response 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.

This prompt is a straight-up-the-middle activity essay. Applicants should write about one of the most significant activities related to engineering that they’ve pursued in high school. It should be an activity that they have not addressed in the Personal Statement or any other Cornell supplemental essay.

Short Answer Response 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.

Applicants will ideally choose an award related to engineering. Ideally, the award will be a reflection of how a student contributed to their community through the power of engineering (the gold standard answer, of course, would be William Kamkwamba’s narrative in The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind: Creating Currents of Electricity and Hope ).

College of Human Ecology

Students have up to 650 words to respond to the below essay prompt. Students are also asked to check out these essay application tips  before beginning.

How 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.

It’s a three-part question. Cornell’s admissions committee wants to know why students are interested in studying a discipline within the College of Human Ecology, how they hope to influence this field during their lifetime, and why the College of Human Ecology is the right fit for them. As such, students should share a narrative that demonstrates the origin of their interest in the field — always as a high schooler instead of as a child — before transitioning to their hopes and dreams for shaping the field in their own small but meaningful way during their lifetimes, and then citing specifics about CHE that only apply to this school within a school at Cornell.

School of Industrial and Labor Relations

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

It’s a hybrid essay prompt: Why Labor Relations and Why ILR? Students should thus begin by writing a narrative that details their interest in studying labor relations — always as a high schooler rather than as a child — which is ideally evidenced in their activities listed in The Common Application.

Applicants should then transition to the Why ILR component of the prompt. And, no, citing that ILR is the most prestigious school to study labor relations sure doesn’t count. Students need to detail specific after specific about ILR — without stooping to naming professors or listing classes — that do not apply to another university.

Ivy Coach’s Assistance with Cornell Essays

If you’re interested in optimizing your case for admission to Cornell University by submitting powerful admissions essays, fill out Ivy Coach ’s consultation form , and we’ll be in touch to outline our college counseling services for seniors .

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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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2023-24 Cornell University Supplemental Essay Prompt Guide

Is Cornell University on your college list? Because it’s an Ivy League institution with a low admissions rate, your application needs to be extremely competitive. Your responses to Cornell’s supplemental essay prompts can help set you apart if they are compelling, thoughtful, and authentic. Keep reading for some insights into Cornell’s 2023-24 supplemental essays.   

What to Consider Before You Write 

Before you begin writing, it’s important to ask yourself what stories you can tell in your essays that aren’t already mentioned in your application. The admissions committee wants a complete picture of who you are, what interests you, and how you think — this helps them determine how you will contribute to campus life.  

Are the Common App and College Supplemental Essays Really Important During a College Admission Decision? 

You apply for admission to Cornell University through the Common App, which includes supplemental essays. Your application will undergo a holistic review, meaning that the admissions committee will look at both hard and soft factors. Hard factors are indicators of your academic performance, such as GPA, course rigor, and test scores. The supplemental essays are one of the most important soft factors, which also include your extracurriculars, counselor recommendations, and teacher evaluations.  

How Many Hours to Put into Writing Your Supplemental Essay for Cornell University?  

  While there isn’t a specific number of hours you should devote to writing your supplemental essays, it is well worth taking your time with the entire writing process. This includes researching Cornell University to include specific details in your essay, such as professors you want to work with, classes you want to take, and clubs you would like to join. The process of writing a strong essay includes getting feedback from people you trust, revising, and proofreading. Our college essay guide is also a helpful resource.

Does Cornell Look More at Essays and Letters of Recommendation or GPAs and SAT/ACT Scores?  

Even though applications go through a holistic review, the hard factors of the application are still more important than the soft factors — after all, the admissions committee wants to make sure you are capable of college-level work. If your GPA and level of course rigor demonstrate your ability to perform at the college level, admissions officers will then look at the other factors that indicate how you will integrate into campus life.    

Cornell is currently test-optional, meaning you do not have to submit SAT or ACT scores — however, they will be considered if you submit them. That said, the following colleges and schools do not consider test scores at all in the admissions process:  

• College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS)  
• College of Architecture, Art & Planning  
• Cornell SC Johnson College of Business: Nolan School of Hotel Administration  
• Cornell SC Johnson College of Business: Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management  

If you are applying to other colleges at Cornell, test scores will be evaluated if you submit them. Cornell has low college admission rates , so submitting high test scores may give you an edge over other applicants with comparable transcripts.   

How to Write the Cornell Supplemental Essays 2023-24 

In addition to the personal statement in the Common Application, you are also required to respond to the Cornell University essay question and the essay prompt(s) for the undergraduate school or college to which you are applying.

It’s important to note that many of Cornell’s undergraduate school and college supplements can be broken down into two simple questions: 

• Why the major? 
• Why Cornell [undergraduate college/school]? 

The “Why This College?” essay is a common theme for supplemental essay prompts. Though in this case, you will want to address why you’re interested in the specific undergraduate college or school at Cornell, rather than the university as a whole.  

The following strategies and examples can help you respond to these essay prompts.   

Table of Contents

• Cornell University Essay Question
• College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
• College of Architecture, Art, and Planning
• College of Arts & Sciences
• Cornell Jeb E. Brooks School of Public Policy
• Cornell SC Johnson College of Business
• College of Engineering
• College of Human Ecology
• School of Industrial and Labor Relations

Cornell University Essay Question  

In the aftermath of the U.S. Civil War, Ezra Cornell wrote, “I would found an institution where any person can find instruction in any study.” For over 150 years, Cornell University has remained deeply committed to Ezra’s vision. Explain how your life experiences will help inform your contributions to a learning community devoted to “… any person … any study.” We encourage you to think broadly about your life experiences, including how local (e.g., family, school, neighborhood) or global communities you’ve been part of have helped shape your perspective. (350-word limit)  

This prompt is new, and it’s a lot like other college essays that ask you to describe community and/or diversity in the wake of the Supreme Court’s ruling on race-conscious college admissions. It might help you to brainstorm the different aspects of your identity and the different communities that influence you — whether that community is your neighborhood, a place of worship, or a club or organization. Then, think about how any of these influences might demonstrate how you can fit in and contribute to the Cornell community. Here’s an example of what that might look like:  

The cultures and histories behind my Indo-Jamaican identity transcend geographical boundaries and shape my perspective. My dual heritage has provided me with invaluable lessons about diversity, resilience, and harmony. I hope to continue learning and sharing these lessons at Cornell as a history major and migration studies minor. 

One of the most profound lessons from my dual heritage is the importance of resilience. The histories of both India and Jamaica are marked by struggles for independence. The tales of my ancestors’ resilience under colonial rule in both countries, and my Indian ancestors’ fight against indentureship, have instilled in me a passion to delve deeper into the history of colonization and migration. This is why I am drawn to Cornell’s strong Caribbean and Asian history curriculum, in addition to the migration studies minor. Not only will I gain a better understanding of the events and influences that informed my identity, but I can participate in opportunities like the Migrations Global Grand Challenge to learn how to address the challenges that migrant populations face.

My homeland, Jamaica, is a union of diverse cultural influences. Not only was I immersed in my mother’s Hindu community, I experienced the African and European influences on the language, art, food, music, and religion that are part of my father’s Jamaican heritage. The festivals and celebrations of my childhood embody the spirit of communal joy, emphasizing the significance of unity despite differences—Diwali lights illuminate the darkness, while Junkanoo parades infuse the streets with vibrant colors. In this spirit of unity, I hope to volunteer with the Einaudi Center’s Foreign Language Introduction Program to share my knowledge of Hindu and Jamaican languages and culture with schools in the community. 

Cornell’s commitment to “any person… any study” aligns perfectly with my values of acceptance and inclusiveness. I see myself as a bridge between cultures, and I’m eager to learn from my peers and share my knowledge with them. I am excited to embrace Ezra Cornell’s vision and be part of a university that values the unique experiences and perspectives that every student brings to the table.  

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences    

Prompt 1 (required)  .

Why are you drawn to studying the major you have selected? Please discuss how your interests and related experiences have influenced your choice. How will an education from the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) at Cornell University specifically serve to support your learning, growth, and the pursuit of your goals? (650-word limit)  

If you examine this prompt closely, you’ll see that it asks the two “Why?” questions mentioned above. You have 650 words to tell the story of how you developed an interest in the field you want to study, how you expanded that interest over time, and why Cornell CALS is the right place for you to cultivate that interest into a career. This is illustrated in the following example.  

I have always been fascinated by the natural world and the complex relationships that exist between living organisms and their environment. As a child, I loved spending time outdoors, exploring the woods behind my house, and collecting bugs and rocks. I was also intrigued by my family’s vegetable garden, and I enjoyed learning about how to grow plants and care for animals.  

As I got older, my interest in agriculture and life sciences continued to grow. I took several biology and environmental science courses in high school, and I participated in several extracurricular activities related to these subjects, such as the science club and the environmental club. I also volunteered at a local farm, where I learned about sustainable farming practices and the challenges that farmers face.  

My experiences in high school and in the community have solidified my desire to study agriculture and life sciences at Cornell University. Cornell’s CALS program offers a wide range of courses and research opportunities that align with my interests. I am particularly interested in majoring in Plant Sciences and minoring in Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems.  

I believe that an education from Cornell CALS will specifically serve to support my learning, growth, and the pursuit of my goals in the following ways:  

• Access to world-class faculty and resources: Cornell CALS has a world-renowned faculty who are experts in their fields. I am excited to learn from these professors and conduct research with them. Cornell also has state-of-the-art facilities and resources that will support my learning, such as its research farms and greenhouses.  
• Opportunities to learn from and collaborate with a diverse student body: Cornell CALS is a diverse community of students from all over the world. I am eager to learn from my classmates and collaborate with them on projects. I believe that this exposure to different perspectives will make me a more well-rounded and informed student.  
• Preparation for a rewarding career in agriculture and life sciences: Cornell CALS offers a rigorous academic program that will prepare me for a successful career in agriculture and life sciences. I am confident that the skills and knowledge I gain at Cornell will enable me to make a positive impact on the world.  

After graduating from Cornell, I plan to pursue a career in agricultural research. I am interested in developing new sustainable farming practices and crop varieties that can help feed the world’s growing population. I believe that my education at Cornell CALS will give me the tools and knowledge I need to achieve this goal, and I look forward to applying what I learn to make a difference in the world.  

Optional Prompts  

It can be tempting to skip these optional prompts, but the more information you can provide to the admissions committee for their holistic review, the better. Think about what you can add that hasn’t already been mentioned elsewhere in your application — keep it short but impactful, like these examples.  

Prompt 2: At Cornell CALS, we aim to leave the world better than we found it, so we seek out those who are not simply driven to master their discipline, but who are also passionate about doing so to serve the public good. Please elaborate on an experience where you had a meaningful impact on people, a community, and/or an environment of importance to you. (200-word limit)  

During my high school journey, I’ve strived to embody Cornell CALS’ mission of leaving the world better than I found it. One experience that truly reflects this commitment was my involvement in organizing a community clean-up initiative. Witnessing our local park’s deterioration saddened me, so I rallied a group of volunteers to act.  

We dedicated weekends to restoring the park’s beauty, picking up litter, planting trees, and repairing playground equipment. Our efforts not only transformed the park but also fostered a sense of pride and unity among community members. Children now have a safe, vibrant space to play, and families regularly gather for picnics and events.  

This experience taught me that meaningful change begins at the grassroots level. It’s not enough to master academic disciplines; we must apply our knowledge to benefit society. At Cornell CALS, I aspire to continue this journey, using my education to address larger issues and make a positive impact on the world.  

Prompt 3: Cornell CALS is dedicated to purpose-driven study of the agricultural, life, environmental, and social sciences and welcomes students with interests that span a wide variety of disciplines. Given our agricultural history and commitment to educating the next generation of agriculturalists, please share if you have a background or interest in agriculture, regardless of your intended major. An “agricultural entity” for the purpose of this question is defined as cultivating soil, growing crops, and raising livestock (e.g., farm, ranch, greenhouse, vineyard, etc.).   

Select all that apply:  

• A primary source of income for my parent/guardian(s) comes from ownership of or employment by an agricultural entity.  
• My extended family owns or operates an agricultural entity.  
• I have experience working in an agricultural entity.  
• I have interest pursuing a career in an agricultural entity.  

Please feel free to share additional details (optional). (100-word limit)  

I have experience working in an agricultural entity, specifically helping out on my family’s farm during summer breaks. This experience has given me a deep appreciation for the agricultural industry and its importance in our society. While my intended major may not be directly related to agriculture, I believe that understanding the agricultural sciences is crucial for addressing global challenges related to food security and sustainability. I am open to exploring how my education at Cornell CALS can contribute to the advancement of agriculture and its intersection with other disciplines.  

College of Architecture, Art, and Planning  

How do your interests directly connect with your intended major at the College of Architecture, Art, and Planning (AAP)? Why architecture (B.Arch), art (BFA), or urban and regional studies (URS)? B. Arch applicants, please provide an example of how a creative project or passion sparks your motivation to pursue a 5-year professional degree program. BFA applicants may want to consider how they could integrate a range of interests and available resources at Cornell into a coherent art practice. URS students may want to emphasize their enthusiasm and depth of interest in the study of urban and regional issues. (650-word limit)  

This is a lengthy prompt, but on close inspection, you’ll see that it’s the classic “Why?” essay question. How do you envision your future in art, architecture, and/or planning, and how can Cornell help you turn your current passions into practice? These are questions to consider as you craft your response. Check out this example for some inspiration.   

My passion for art and design has been a guiding force throughout my life, and I am excited to channel this passion into my intended major at the College of Architecture, Art, and Planning (AAP). The intersection of my interests and AAP’s renowned programs presents unique academic opportunities that will help me develop a coherent and impactful art practice.  

From a young age, I’ve been captivated by the power of visual expression. I remember spending hours sketching, experimenting with colors, and observing the world through an artistic lens. This early fascination has evolved into a profound interest in art forms and expression, which is why I intend to pursue an art major at AAP.  

One of the key aspects of AAP that aligns with my interests is its multidisciplinary approach. The college encourages students to explore various art forms and design disciplines, which resonates with my belief that creativity knows no boundaries. I see my artistic practice as an ever-evolving journey that can be enriched by drawing from diverse influences and techniques. AAP’s emphasis on cross-disciplinary collaboration will allow me to incorporate elements from different artistic fields into my work, creating a richer and more nuanced body of art.  

Moreover, my passion extends beyond traditional visual arts into art history, theory and criticism. I am especially interested in spending a semester at Cornell in Rome to immerse myself in art history and expand my knowledge of the art world. Not only will this enhance my undergraduate experience at Cornell, but it will allow me to explore new methods of artistic expression that will profoundly impact my work.  

Additionally, AAP offers access to world-class faculty and resources that will be instrumental in honing my skills and fostering my artistic growth. I look forward to learning from professors who are experts in their respective fields, benefiting from their guidance, and engaging in meaningful discussions about art and design. The diverse range of resources, from art studios to fabrication shops, are ideal for me to experiment with new techniques and materials.  

One of the aspects of AAP that particularly excites me is the emphasis on real-world application. I see art as a powerful medium for addressing contemporary issues and sparking meaningful conversations. AAP’s commitment to engaging with real-world challenges through art and design aligns with my desire to use my artistic practice as a platform for social and cultural commentary. I believe that art has the potential to raise awareness, inspire change, and promote dialogue, and I am eager to take advantage of the resources and opportunities at AAP to create art that has a lasting impact.  

Furthermore, Cornell’s location offers a wealth of inspiration for my artistic practice, from the vibrant arts scene in Ithaca to the natural beauty of the surrounding area. Exploring these environments will undoubtedly inform and enrich my art, allowing me to draw inspiration from the world around me.  

My interests are intricately connected with my intended major at AAP. I am excited to embark on this journey to further develop my artistic practice, drawing from a multidisciplinary approach, engaging with world-class faculty and resources, and using art as a means to address contemporary issues. AAP’s commitment to fostering creativity and innovation aligns perfectly with my aspirations as an artist, and I am eager to contribute to the vibrant artistic community at Cornell while continuing to pursue my passion for art and design.  

College of Arts & Sciences  

At the College of Arts and Sciences, curiosity will be your guide. Discuss how your passion for learning is shaping your academic journey, and what areas of study or majors excite you and why. Your response should convey how your interests align with the College, and how you would take advantage of the opportunities and curriculum in Arts and Sciences. (650-word limit)   

Since the College of Arts and Sciences offers cross-disciplinary programs, it’s important to demonstrate that you’re a well-rounded student who can benefit from the College’s diverse offerings. As you will see in this essay, the student is interested in the comparative literature and creative writing programs specifically but also explains how studying other disciplines like history and philosophy will enhance their primary areas of study. Do your research into the College’s values and offerings as you craft your response so you can include specific details that resonate with you.    

I have always been driven by an insatiable curiosity that has shaped my academic journey and fueled my aspiration to study Comparative Literature and Creative Writing at Cornell University’s College of Arts and Sciences. This innate curiosity has been the driving force behind my quest to understand the complexities of human expression and the power of storytelling. It is this passion that has led me to embrace a diverse range of academic interests and fields, all of which find a home in the liberal arts education offered at Cornell.  

One area of study that excites me the most is Comparative Literature because of the exploration of universal themes, human experiences, and cultural nuances. Through this field, I hope to delve into the depth of human storytelling, examining how it transcends borders and connects people across the globe. I look forward to dissecting the works of authors like Gabriel García Márquez, Haruki Murakami, and Chinua Achebe, and exploring how their narratives capture the essence of their respective cultures while also resonating with a global audience. Comparative Literature offers a unique lens through which I can explore the intricacies of language, culture, and the human condition.  

Storytelling is the quintessential human art, a means of expression that spans millennia. Through Creative Writing, I aim to not only hone my own writing skills but also explore the diversity of voices and narratives that exist in the world. I am particularly drawn to fiction writing, where I can create characters and worlds, breathe life into them, and invite readers to walk alongside them on their journeys. The Creative Writing program at Cornell offers a nurturing and intellectually stimulating environment that encourages experimentation and creativity. I am eager to work with accomplished faculty and collaborate with fellow students who share my passion for the written word. Cornell’s strong emphasis on a liberal arts education will allow me to explore various genres and styles, from fiction to poetry to creative nonfiction, further enhancing my writing repertoire.  

My curiosity extends beyond the realms of literature and creative writing. I am drawn to the interdisciplinary nature of Cornell’s College of Arts and Sciences. The opportunity to take courses in diverse fields such as history, philosophy, psychology, and anthropology excites me immensely. These subjects provide valuable perspectives that can enrich my understanding of literature and storytelling.  

As a prospective Comparative Literature and Creative Writing student, I am eager to engage in research projects that allow me to delve deeper into my areas of interest. Whether it’s analyzing the impact of postcolonial literature on contemporary society or exploring innovative narrative techniques in fiction writing, I see Cornell as a place where I can expand my knowledge and contribute to academic discourse.  

The College of Arts and Sciences’ emphasis on critical thinking and problem-solving resonates with my goal of becoming a well-rounded scholar and writer. I believe that a comprehensive education that encourages intellectual curiosity and fosters a sense of global awareness is essential for addressing the complex challenges of our world. I am excited about the opportunities to engage in meaningful discussions and debates, both inside and outside the classroom, as I believe that these interactions are crucial for personal growth and the development of well-rounded individuals.  

My passion for learning and love for literature and writing has been the driving force behind my academic journey. The academic opportunities and curriculum offered by The College of Arts and Sciences align perfectly with my interests and aspirations, and I am eager to take advantage of them to further my education and contribute to the academic community. My curiosity knows no bounds, and I am confident that Cornell will be the ideal place for me to continue my quest for knowledge, growth, and creativity.  

Cornell Jeb E. Brooks School of Public Policy  

Why are you drawn to studying public policy? Drawing on your experiences, tell us about why you are interested in your chosen major and how attending the Brooks School will help you achieve your life goals. (650-word limit)   

Here they are again — the “Why?” questions. As you’ll see in the example below, the student explains how their interest in public policy started, how they nurtured that interest through volunteering and interning, and why they believe the Brooks School will help them achieve their goals. This student demonstrated a lot of thought behind their decision to major in public policy and provided details about Cornell’s program that appealed to them.  

Studying public policy is not just an academic pursuit for me; it’s a passionate commitment driven by my experiences, values, and a deep desire to make a positive impact on society. As a prospective student at Cornell University, I am drawn to the field of public policy because of its potential to effect meaningful change. The Brooks School of Public Policy offers the resources and opportunities to help me achieve my future goals.  

My interest in public policy was ignited by a series of personal and community experiences. One of these experiences resulted from volunteering at a local homeless shelter. Interacting with individuals experiencing homelessness opened my eyes to the harsh realities faced by marginalized communities. It became clear to me that systemic issues, such as housing affordability and healthcare access, played a significant role in perpetuating homelessness. This experience motivated me to explore the role of government policies in addressing homelessness and related social challenges.  

I also had the privilege of interning with a local nonprofit organization that focused on education reform. Through this internship, I gained valuable insights into the complexities of education policy and its impact on underserved communities. I was inspired by the potential of well-crafted policies to narrow educational gaps and provide every child with an equal opportunity to succeed. This experience affirmed my belief in the power of public policy to make a positive impact on people.  

As a prospective student at the Brooks School of Public Policy at Cornell, I see the unique advantages of pursuing my passion for public policy at this renowned institution. Cornell’s commitment to academic excellence, research, and public engagement aligns perfectly with my goals. The interdisciplinary nature of the program, which combines social sciences, economics, and law, will equip me with a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted challenges faced by society and the tools to address them effectively.  

The Brooks School’s emphasis on experiential learning is particularly appealing to me. I look forward to participating in internships, research projects, and policy analysis initiatives that will allow me to apply classroom knowledge to real-world problems.  

One of my long-term goals is to work in a government agency or nonprofit organization dedicated to policy research and advocacy. I believe that the Brooks School’s emphasis on policy analysis and research methods will provide me with the necessary skills to conduct evidence-based research and make informed policy recommendations. Whether it’s conducting research on affordable housing solutions or analyzing the impact of healthcare policies, I am excited about the prospect of contributing to the development of effective public policies.  

I am drawn to the Brooks School’s commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive community because I believe that diversity of perspectives is essential for crafting equitable and effective policies. Cornell’s emphasis on creating a supportive and inclusive learning environment aligns with my personal values of equity and social justice.  

My passion for studying public policy is deeply rooted in my experiences, values, and a genuine desire to make a meaningful impact on society. Attending the Brooks School of Public Policy at Cornell University represents an opportunity to gain the knowledge, skills, and experiences necessary to achieve my career goals. I am eager to immerse myself in the world of public policy, learn from renowned faculty, engage in meaningful research, and collaborate with fellow students who share my commitment to effecting positive change in the world. Cornell’s rich tradition of academic excellence and public service makes it the perfect place for me to pursue my studies in public policy and work toward a future where equitable policies lead to a more just and inclusive society.  

Cornell SC Johnson College of Business  

What kind of a business student are you? Using your personal, academic, or volunteer/work experiences, describe the topics or issues that you care about and why they are important to you. Your response should convey how your interests align with the school to which you are applying within the Cornell SC Johnson College of Business (Charles H. Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management or the Peter and Stephanie Nolan School of Hotel Administration). (650-word limit)  

Since you’re an aspiring business student, you have an opportunity here to write a value proposition — that is, you’re promoting yourself and the value you can offer to the Johnson College of Business. Demonstrate how the value you offer differentiates you from other applicants and aligns with what the college offers. In the example below, the student is applying to the world-renowned Nolan School of Hotel Administration. She has already developed many important business skills that she can bring to the table, and she describes how her interests and career goals align with the Nolan School’s program.    

I am passionate about learning business and leadership skills that I can use to make a positive impact on the world. Additionally, I have always been drawn to the hospitality industry. The managerial leadership specialization at the Cornell Peter and Stephanie Nolan School of Hotel Administration is an ideal way for me to combine these interests and develop the skills I need to manage employees and guests with empathy and professionalism.  

I love creating memorable experiences for guests and making them feel welcome and at home. In high school, I worked part-time as a hostess at a local restaurant. This experience gave me a firsthand look at the day-to-day operations of a hospitality business and the importance of teamwork and customer service.  

In addition to my work experience, I have also been involved in several extracurricular activities related to hospitality and leadership. I am the VP of Hospitality for my school’s DECA chapter, as well as a member of the National Honor Society and the student council. In these roles, I have developed skills in leadership, public speaking, project management, networking, and event planning. I also learned how to work effectively with others to achieve common goals.  

One of the things that I most admire about the Nolan School of Hotel Administration is the focus on developing emotional intelligence and teaching students “how to be service-oriented leaders who make the world a better place.” This aligns closely with my own values and goals. I believe businesses have a responsibility to make a positive impact on the people they serve and the communities in which they operate.  

I am particularly interested in the managerial leadership specialization because it will give me the skills and knowledge I need to become an innovative and creative leader in the hospitality industry. I am eager to learn about the latest trends and challenges in the industry, and I am excited to develop my leadership skills so I can make a positive impact on the world.  

Several topics and issues I care deeply about align with the managerial leadership specialization. For example, I am passionate about sustainability and believe that it is essential for the long-term success of the hospitality industry. I also believe that creating a diverse and inclusive environment is necessary for the comfort and enjoyment of guests and employees alike. It’s also important for the success of any business for employees to stay engaged. So, I am especially interested in learning more about how to develop and implement sustainable practices, promote diversity and inclusion, and create a workplace culture that fosters employee engagement and productivity.  

I am confident that my skills, experience, and values make me a strong candidate for the managerial leadership specialization at the Cornell School of Hotel Administration. I am eager to learn from the world-class faculty at Cornell and to network with my fellow students. I am confident that Cornell will give me the knowledge and skills I need to become a successful and socially responsible leader in the hospitality industry.   

College of Engineering  

Essay 1 (required) .

How do your interests directly connect with Cornell Engineering? If you have an intended major, what draws you to that department at Cornell Engineering? If you are unsure what specific engineering field you would like to study, describe how your general interest in engineering most directly connects with Cornell Engineering. It may be helpful to concentrate on one or two things that you are most excited about. (250-word limit)  

You might recognize this as a “why us?” essay, though feel free to answer the “why major?” question if you know what engineering major you’re pursuing. It’s important to be specific here and demonstrate that you’ve done your research about Cornell Engineering. Check out this example for inspiration.  

My passion for engineering is deeply intertwined with Cornell Engineering’s ethos of innovation and collaboration. While I’m still exploring the various engineering disciplines, I am particularly drawn to the School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering.  

One of my primary interests is robotics and automation. I am captivated by the potential of robotics to solve complex problems and enhance our daily lives. Cornell’s world-class faculty and research opportunities in this field are incredibly appealing to me. I am excited about the prospect of working alongside professors and fellow students to develop cutting-edge robotic systems that can revolutionize industries from healthcare to manufacturing.  

I believe that the most significant breakthroughs often occur at the intersection of different fields. The university’s emphasis on cross-disciplinary projects and its close ties to other departments provide an ideal environment for me to explore diverse engineering interests and contribute to innovative solutions.  

Furthermore, I appreciate Cornell Engineering’s dedication to sustainability. As someone concerned about the environmental impact of technology, I am eager to explore ways in which engineering can contribute to a greener future. Whether through renewable energy systems or eco-friendly design principles, I see my interests aligning perfectly with Cornell’s focus on sustainable engineering practices.  

While I may not have a fixed major yet, I am excited about the prospect of pursuing my interests within the Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering department and leveraging Cornell’s resources to make a positive impact on the world through engineering innovation.  

Essay 2 (Choose either A or B) 

Question A: Describe an engineering problem that impacts your local community. This could be your school, neighborhood, town, region, or a group you identify with. Describe one to three things you might do as an engineer to solve the problem. (250-word limit)  

Since this has a smaller word count, focus on a specific problem — nothing too broad. To make your essay stand out, focus on a problem that is unique to your community, like the student does in this example. Through this essay, this student is also demonstrating that they value problem solving, community engagement, and sustainability.   

The charm of my small town often comes with a cost—a significant disconnect from modern amenities, notably the lack of a robust public transportation system. The solitary bridge connecting the two halves of our community is a rusty testament to bygone days, often becoming a bottleneck during peak hours. The absence of alternative routes exacerbates the daily commuting ordeal, reflecting an engineering predicament crying for resolution.  

The prospect of alleviating such foundational issues stirs enthusiasm within me. My primary initiative would be to design a modern, durable bridge to supplement the existing one. By employing cutting-edge materials and innovative design, the new structure would ensure smoother traffic flow and longer lifespan. Furthermore, I would incorporate pedestrian walkways and bicycle lanes to promote greener commuting alternatives, aligning with modern urban planning principles.  

Exploring the feasibility of a small-scale public transit system, like electric buses or shared bicycle programs, could be a game-changer. This initiative would not only ease the traffic load on the bridge but also provide a sustainable commuting option for the residents. By engaging with local authorities and gathering community feedback, I aim to tailor solutions that resonate with the unique needs and preferences of my town.    

The blend of practical engineering solutions and community engagement excites me as I envision leveraging my education from Cornell Engineering to bridge the infrastructural gaps in my community, paving the way for a better-connected tomorrow.  

Question B: Diversity in all forms is intrinsic to excellence in engineering. Engineering the best solutions to complex problems is often achieved by drawing from the diverse ingenuity of people from different backgrounds, lived experiences, and identities. How do you see yourself contributing to the diversity and/or inclusion of the Cornell Engineering community? What is the unique voice you would bring to the Cornell Engineering community? (250-word limit)  

Diversity questions are becoming increasingly common, but this question wants you to focus on diversity in the engineering field specifically. Everyone is shaped by the various communities they are part of and the experiences they have had — think about this and the perspectives you have gained that you can contribute to Cornell Engineering. The student in this example has a distinct and creative approach to engineering.    

Engineering thrives on uniting unique perspectives, channeling disparate ideas into a harmonized solution. My journey into engineering began in an unconventional manner—through the strings of a guitar. As a self-taught musician, I spent my early teenage years tinkering with sound equipment, constantly chasing the perfect tone. This endeavor led me down a rabbit hole of electrical engineering principles, amplifying my appreciation for the science that orchestrates our world. The blend of creativity and technical understanding I have honed through music is my contribution to the collective symphony of ideas at Cornell Engineering.  

The art of engineering, like music, thrives on a variety of tones and rhythms. My self-driven exploration into the world of music has nurtured an innovative mindset and a knack for out-of-the-box thinking. When confronting an engineering challenge, I often find myself strumming my guitar, letting the strings guide my thought process and weave a rhythm of creative and logical solutions.  

I am excited about the prospect of collaborative learning and working with peers from varied backgrounds, each bringing a unique narrative and approach to engineering challenges. My musical journey has honed a distinct lens through which I perceive and tackle engineering problems, a lens that I am eager to share and intertwine with the diverse intellectual tunes at Cornell Engineering, creating a harmony of innovative solutions for the complex challenges of tomorrow.  

College of Human Ecology  

How have your related experiences influenced your decision to apply to the College of Human Ecology (CHE)? How will your choice of major impact your goals and plans for the future? Your response should show us that your interests and aspirations align with CHE and your choice of major. (Refer to our essay application tips before you begin.) (650-word limit)  

Once again, this is a combination of the “Why?” questions we already mentioned. Focus on the final part of this prompt — ensure that your response nicely ties your interests and goals into CHE’s offerings and your specific major, as the example below demonstrates. 

Growing up with parents who are social workers really opened my eyes to the importance of helping others. The idea of giving back wasn’t just something nice to do; it was a part of our daily life. Seeing my parents work tirelessly to help those in need showed me the real impact that individuals can have on their community. Their actions shaped my interests, leading me towards wanting to understand more about how people interact and how society affects individuals.  

When I came across Cornell University’s College of Human Ecology, everything clicked. It felt like finding the right place where my interests could grow and make a difference. CHE’s mix of social sciences with real-world solutions seemed like the perfect fit for what I wanted to study. I am excited about the idea of learning in an environment that encourages practical solutions to human-centered issues.  

Choosing Human Development as my major was an easy decision because it lined up with everything I was curious about. The range of courses offered, from developmental psychology to social networks, seemed like a pathway to really understanding the challenges people face. I am especially looking forward to courses on social and personality development and getting involved in community outreach projects.  

I see this major as a stepping stone to my future goals, combining what I learn with hands-on work in the community, maybe in organizational consulting or community development. I believe the education from CHE will not only develop my understanding but also equip me with the practical skills needed to make a real difference.  

I love that public service is part of Cornell University’s mission. In fact, I already have my eye on a few student groups that are devoted to community service, such as the Cornell chapter of Habitat for Humanity and Rotaract. I am also keen on finding opportunities to get involved with the David M. Einhorn Center for Community Engagement. These activities seem like great ways to apply what I learn in class to real-world situations.  

The thought of merging my academic interests with community service has always motivated me. CHE, with its focus on addressing human needs and challenges, seems like the perfect place for me to expand my knowledge and give back to the community at the same time.    

I am thrilled at the idea of joining a community that values using knowledge to engage with societal issues. CHE’s vibrant environment is the ideal place to merge my passion with purpose and apply what I learn to helping communities and people in need. I am eagerly looking forward to starting this new chapter of my academic journey at the College of Human Ecology—the ideal platform for me to grow, thrive, and contribute.  

School of Industrial and Labor Relations  

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

Again, you can break this down into the “Why major?” and “Why us?” questions. The example below is a great narrative about how the student’s personal experience at their family’s small grocery store led to an exploration of business ethics and labor practices. The student then aligns this interest with the ILR School’s curriculum.   

In a world that’s rapidly evolving, the workplace is a microcosm reflecting societal trends, advancements, and challenges. My journey into industrial and labor relations commenced not in a classroom, but within the bustling aisles of my family’s small grocery store. It was here, amid the clang of cash registers and the soft hum of daily commerce, that I observed the nuanced dynamics between employer and employee, union and management, work and worth.  

From a young age, I was privy to the myriad interactions of our family-run business. I witnessed the respect with which my parents treated each employee, regardless of rank, and the open dialogue they maintained with the small union that represented our workers. They believed in fair wages, reasonable hours, and a conducive work environment. This ethos of fairness and open communication wasn’t just good ethics; it was good business. The loyalty and dedication of our staff were testaments to the symbiotic bond that blossomed in an atmosphere of respect and understanding.  

However, as I grew older and my gaze broadened beyond our family business, I realized that this ethos was not a common narrative. News stories about unfair labor practices, wage disparities, and unsavory working conditions flooded the media. The contrast between the principles I saw upheld in our family business and the injustices pervading the modern labor landscape was stark and unsettling.  

My curiosity piqued, I dug into research and engaged in community discussions about labor rights, gradually understanding the complex challenges facing today’s work environment. It was during a summer internship with a local labor union that my theoretical understanding morphed into a tangible passion. I was no longer a passive observer but an active participant in dialogues that sought to bridge the gap between labor and management. Each negotiation session, every grievance addressed, painted a larger picture of the intricate yet fascinating world of industrial and labor relations.  

The School of Industrial and Labor Relations at Cornell University emerges as the quintessential arena for nurturing my burgeoning interest. The school’s focus on labor relations, organizational behavior, and human resources aligns seamlessly with my interests and the experiences. The interdisciplinary curriculum, melding together law, economics, and social sciences, will equip me with the multifaceted understanding required to make meaningful contributions to the labor relations domain.  

I am particularly excited about the prospect of engaging in discourse with a diverse cohort of individuals. The opportunity to learn under the mentorship of a distinguished faculty, whose research and contributions to the field resonate with my own aspirations, is thrilling.  

In the long term, I envision myself utilizing the knowledge and experience garnered from Cornell to advocate for fair labor practices, whether it be through policymaking, consulting, or on-the-ground engagement with labor unions and organizations. I am driven by the vision of contributing to a landscape where the dignity, rights, and welfare of workers are upheld as sacrosanct.    

The narrative of work is a narrative of society, an intertwining tale of aspirations, efforts, and the quest for equity. It’s a narrative I am keen on not just understanding but influencing. Through Cornell ILR’s undergraduate program, I see a path leading towards not just a fulfilling career, but a journey of making a difference in the fabric of work and society.    

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Home » IvyWise College Admissions Blog » College Admission Advice » College Essays » 2023-24 Cornell University Supplemental Essay Prompt Guide

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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.

What will first-time readers think of your college essay?

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

We at College Essay Advisors have been guiding students one-on-one through the essay writing process for the Cornell supplements for over twenty years. We take a holistic approach to these essays, considering each student’s application package as a whole and identifying their strengths to highlight. Our Advisors accommodate each student’s scheduling needs to virtually brainstorm, draft, and revise winning essays. It’s incredibly important to us that each student’s voice is preserved, and we pride ourselves in helping students to write successful Cornell supplemental essays that differentiate them from similarly qualified applicants. For more information, submit a contact form below or review our one-on-one advising services or list of student acceptances . 

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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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Cornell Essays: Examples and Writing Tips

Featured Expert: Sophia Xian, Cornell University

Are you wondering how to tackle the Cornell essays? We’ve got you! Admission to  Cornell University  is highly competitive! Like many of the other  Ivy League schools , Cornell has a holistic admissions process, which means they want to make sure that you are a good fit for the school, both academically and personally. That is why it is important that you ace the  supplemental college essay  component if you want to be offered admission at Cornell. 

Your college essays give you an opportunity to talk to the admissions board directly, in your words, and explain why you deserve a spot in their school. It also gives you a chance to show what makes you different and how you can  contribute to your future campus community.  This is especially important if you're hoping to  get into college with a low GPA. 

 Looking at Cornell essay examples can give you a better idea of what is expected from your own Cornell college essays and inspire you to write a better essay. In this blog, we share some examples of essays responding to some of the most challenging Cornell essay prompts, and some tips that will undoubtedly improve your chances of writing a stronger essay. 

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Article Contents 14 min read

The application process for Cornell is quite different from other Ivy League schools like  Columbia  or  Brown . Cornell undergrad applicants are required to apply to one of the school's colleges, which means the Cornell essays are also based on the college they've chosen to apply to. The school advises students that the primary focus of their essay should be what they intend to study at Cornell. So, as you read the examples below for the different colleges, pay attention to the way that the author of the essay talks about their academic interests using specific examples from their background and specific details about the program that they intend to study.

Prompt (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?

Millions of people around the world live with sickle cell disease (SCD), yet millions of people worldwide do not know what sickle cell disease is. The CDC estimates that about 1 in every 13 Black or African American babies is born with the sickle cell trait. My mother was one of those black babies, and so was my father. Like many Americans, they had no idea what sickle cell was and why the fact that they carry the trait for it matters. They found out seven years later when my younger sister was born with sickle cell anemia. 

I have spent most of my teenage years watching my sister suffer. According to sicklecell.com, although the treatment for SCD patients has significantly improved in the US, only about 20% of family physicians are comfortable treating these patients even though it is not contagious. I am not sure what their reasons for not being comfortable are, but I do remember how difficult it was to get help for my sister when she needed medical attention. 

The first time she had a crisis – the term used to describe the pain resulting from the sickled red blood cells blocking the path of the small blood vessels that carry blood to your bones – I was paralyzed with fear. My parents had taught me that a crisis can last anywhere from an hour to several days and that if untreated, it could have severe consequences for my sister. They taught me that I needed to call 911, but it took me a few minutes to remember that I needed to do that. 

It took me a few minutes to get to the hospital and much longer for us to get a physician who understood what my parents were trying to explain about my sister’s medical history. It was on that day that I started thinking about sickle cell anemia patients around the world. I have always recognized that living in the US gives me access to a certain amount of privileged, including access to some of the best doctors in the world. It occurred to me that these same doctors did not know how to approach an issue affecting millions of people of color worldwide, and I wondered how many other doctors worldwide didn’t have that same training or knowledge.

My sister was hospitalized for almost two weeks, and I spent most of that time in her hospital room researching sickle cell. My research helped me understand how to better care for my youngest sibling, and it renewed my interest in medicine. I have always been attracted to the medical field because I enjoy helping others and solving problems. Finding out that not only do we need more doctors equipped to treat sickle cell but that there is also so much research to be done on the subject helped me realize that this was the right career path for me. 

I am interested in pursuing my premedical degree at Cornell because it offers unique opportunities to explore and expand on my medical research interests with advanced classes like the Regulation of Cell Proliferation and Senescence. I believe that a strong molecular biology education will give me a solid foundation that’ll prepare me for both my medical school and the research I intend to pursue. Cornell's interdisciplinary and collaborative nature would also allow me to take courses like Behavioral economics and public policy, which will help me develop a global view of community healthcare. 

In other words, Cornell is the ideal place to nurture me into a globally aware physician-scientist who can significantly impact the way sickle cell is treated and maybe even cured. 

Wondering how to get into an Ivy League School? Check out this infographic:

Prompt (College of Arts and Sciences): Students in Arts and Sciences embrace the opportunity to delve into multifaceted academic interests, embodying in 21 st -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. (Max: 650 words)

Three students from my high school attempted suicide during our sophomore year. They were all in AP classes, participating in multiple extracurricular activities, and well on their way to some of the best and most competitive universities in the country. We all thought that they were doing well, but we were all very wrong. Fortunately, two of the students survived and I am glad to say that they got the help that they needed but one of my classmates died. In his suicide note, he talked about feeling an immense amount of pressure and I could feel his sentiments being echoed by many of my other classmates.

If someone was keeping track of the number of times students cried or broke down in school from freshman to Junior year, they would have noticed that the number was rising exponentially. For context, I went to a boarding school that prides itself on teaching the brightest students and preparing them for the academically rigorous programs of the top colleges in the country. While I loved a lot of things about my high school, I can admit that the environment in which we studied was very pressure-inducing.

I was alarmed at the number of times I heard students say “I’m going to kill myself” on a daily basis, and many of my closest friends confessed that they considered quitting school. If I am being honest, there were a few occasions where I myself thought about quitting, but I was able to rely on my support system and they encouraged me to keep going. Many students did not have one, or they needed a different type of support. In short, my school community was very stressed, and these red flags made me decide that it was time to do something about it.

Because of my role as coordinator of the student event planning committee, I spent quite a lot of time in the administrative office, and I noticed how busy our school counselor was. She helped a lot of students, but she simply didn’t have the resources to care for over 2000 students by herself. I had researched and found that yoga and art therapy were empirically proven de-stressing methods. So, I approached the school counselor and she helped me create the mental health club.

I collaborated with the counselor and the library to organize several events every month. We had weekly meditation, stretching, and doodle sessions, “safe space” days where students could simply come and openly share their concerns and worries, and we even hosted therapy dogs once every term. We asked students to rate their mood before and after each session, and 92% of the students said that their stress level had decreased significantly.

That number is what got me interested in psychology. I was amazed to see that an activity like doodling which many consider mundane, can have such an impact on a person’s mental health. I wondered what else affects our psyche, what does so positively, and what does so negatively. The more research I have done on the topic, the more questions I seem to have. So, I am definitely excited to take courses like educational psychology and adolescence and emerging Adulthood at Cornell which are sure to provide more answers.

I am elated to say that the Mental Health Club is now a formal program of our school that offers weekly sessions and makes it a point to raise awareness about wellness and balance. I plan to use the knowledge I will gain at Cornell to create and introduce programs of this nature in other high-stress environments and learn how to ensure that students are learning in the best conditions possible.  (613 words)

Prompt (College of Architecture, Art, and Planning): What is your "thing"? What energizes you or engages you so deeply that you lose track of time? Everyone has different passions, obsessions, quirks, and inspirations. What are yours? (Max: 650 words)

I was thirteen years old when my mother forced me to put my shoes on and follow her to an art gallery. She told me that an art gallery was like a museum, and until that day, the only other time I had been to the museum was when my 5th-grade class had gone on a field trip to the Natural History Museum to see dinosaurs. I honestly had no desire to see more dinosaur bones, and I informed my mother of this. She told me that this was a different type of museum and that she had a feeling I would like this one a lot better. 

Mothers know best! I know it's not always true, but it definitely was in my mother's case. She had noticed my budding interest in painting and wanted to nurture it. I remember walking into the room and feeling almost overwhelmed by the beauty. I didn't understand what I saw, but I knew it was special. One of the paintings I saw that day was Razorbill by Lynette Yiadom-Boakye, and I immediately loved everything about the piece. 

That evening, I talked a mile a minute about wanting to visit other galleries and museums, about how hard it must be to paint a particular color this way or that way, and about how I wanted to replicate my favorite paintings. I stayed up in my room that night, trying to paint using the same loose gestural brushwork I saw in Yiadom-Boakye's work. I obviously couldn't at first, but I tried again the next day. And the day after that. 

I also spent quite a bit of time researching and learning about some of the artists whose work I saw on that day at the gallery. That research led me to other great artists whose work I have come to know and love - From the classics like Van Goh and Basquiat to the contemporary visionaries like Henry Taylor and Joy Labinjo. I learned about the different painting techniques and practiced as often as possible. 

Unfortunately, my school did not have many resources for students interested in art, but I didn't let that obstacle stop me. After looking for months, I finally found an art teacher that was a forty-five-minute drive away, and I enrolled in one of her Saturday classes. Those lessons not only helped me improve my skills, but they also helped me feel more confident in my abilities. 

The more I learned about painting as a medium, the more I wanted to experiment with other art forms. This is one of the reasons Cornell's fine arts program is so appealing to me. The fact that the program includes core studio courses in the mediums that I am interested in, like digital media and drawing would allow me to explore all of my interests. It would also give me a chance to discover new ones through the many elective courses available to Cornell students. 

My goal is to one day create art that excites and inspires others the way that Lynette Yiadom-Boakye inspired me.  (513 words)

Prompt ( 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. ( Max 250 words)

“You’re awfully happy for a person who has to get stitches” 

I explained to the ER doctor who said this to me that I’d accidentally hurt myself by jumping with joy when my robotics team and I finally managed to get our robot to respond to a sophisticated command. He didn’t seem to understand why that was a big deal.

Learning and creating have always excited me. So, when I decided that I wanted to pursue a career in engineering, it was important to me that I find a college that would encourage my need to explore and give me a chance to start creating from my undergrad years. Therefore, Cornell’s unique focus on independent investigations and its requirement of a senior thesis is perfect for me. 

My decision to apply to Cornell was solidified when I discovered that the school is an ABET-accredited Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering School. I am especially interested in learning about Environmental Biotechnology, so it is necessary for me to go to a school that will allow me to learn material that is both applicable and relevant to the industry. 

To prepare for the rigorous curriculum, I have enrolled in a differential equation and engineering basics course at the local institute. I am confident that the foundation I will gain from these courses, along with my experiences in robotics and passion for the field, will make me an excellent addition to the Cornell campus community. (240 words)

Check out this video to learn about the college application process:

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). (Max: 650 words)

Two years ago, my parents took my siblings and me to Timbuktu. It is a relatively small city in Mali that people often use when referring to far away places, but it also happens to be a city that is historically rich, home to three world heritage sites, and my father’s childhood home. We only spent a couple of weeks in Timbuktu, but it was enough time for me to see and learn some pretty amazing things – like how to make the perfect cup of green tea, how shea butter is produced, and how beautiful the Grand Mosque of Djenné is.

What impressed me the most about Timbuktu was its architecture. Most of the city’s buildings are constructed using sunbaked mud bricks. A local tour guide explained to us that in addition to being beautiful, these buildings are perfect for the local climate because they do such a great job at insulating against the heat and cold. The guide explained that these houses are actually more durable and a lot more environmentally friendly than the “modern” houses that they build in bigger cities and most of the western world.

His words stayed with me, so I spent a lot of time researching this architecture and the man knew what he was talking about. Architects and archeologists have found that many mud-brick buildings have survived centuries with little to no maintenance. Many of those buildings are in Mali, Egypt, and Australia. I saw the evidence of that myself in one of the oldest cities in the world and I was impressed.

I started to wonder why this method of building was not being used or at least studied more in the western world if it is that much better for our environment. So, when I got back to the United States, I asked my history teacher about it and they steered me in the right direction by asking me to look into the business of sustainability. I researched on my own and took an introduction to sustainability class from a local community college. Both of those things taught me that in our current economy, sustainable development of any kind can be, and often is, quite costly.

The reality is that nations will only promote environmentally friendly practices if they can afford it or profit from those practices. For some, protecting the Congo Basin comes second to protecting the livelihoods of the small lumber businesses around the region, while for others it comes second to making billions of dollars by selling electronics every year. On a smaller scale, families and people also have to choose between sustainability and affordability when it comes to electronics, fashion, and more. I think it’s unfair that families and regions and countries often have to choose between one or the other.

I want to join the efforts of the economists and environmental scientists who are working to find ways to make sustainable options more popular, accessible, and affordable. For a long time, I struggled because I was looking for an academic path that would allow me to explore economics and environmental sciences while learning about business management. These are the fields of study that I need to pursue in order to understand the world of sustainable architecture and manufacturing better, and eventually research ways to make those practices more accessible, affordable, and profitable.

Dyson’s unique program is uniquely designed to help me achieve this goal. I would be able to major in applied economics and management (AEM), and Environmental engineering through Dyson’s affiliation with CALS, thus balancing my business education with life science education. 

In order to get into a school as competitive as Cornell, it is important to write a  Common App essay  and a supplemental essay that stand out. This is no easy feat, especially when the prompts for the supplementary essay are as specific as the ones Cornell asks its applicants to respond to. These types of prompts are often referred to as "why this college essays" because they are essentially asking why you have chosen the Cornell college or program that you are applying to. To  ace the why this college essay , you will need to give yourself enough time to plan, draft, write and edit your essay until it is polished. We recommend planning at least four to six weeks to ensure that your essay is ready for submission. 

If you are not sure  how to write a college essay , do not hesitate to reach out to a  college essay advisor  for additional support. Or, even if you feel that you are a skilled writer, we recommend consulting with a  college essay review service  as the admission experts who review your essays may be able to identify issues in your essay that the untrained eye can't. Remember that because of colleges' holistic admissions process, your  college essays  can play a significant role in the admissions committee's decision so you want to do everything you can to submit an essay that will improve your overall application. 

For every 100 applications that Cornell received last year, only about eight students were offered admission. So, it is fair to say that it is a very competitive school. 

Much like the rest of your application, the number of essays you will need to write depends on the specific college you are applying to. You will be required to write one or two supplemental essays depending on your chosen college.

Your Cornell essays are an integral part of your application that can have a significant impact on the admissions committee's decision. A student with perfect stats might get rejected because of a poorly written essay, so it is important that you bring your A-game when it comes to your essays. 

Cornell has eight colleges: The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, the College of Architecture, Art, and Planning, the College of Arts and Sciences, the Cornell SC Johnson College of Business, the College of Engineering, the College of Human Ecology, School of Industrial and Labor Relation, and the newer Cornell Ann S. Bowers College of Computing and Information Science. 

You need an attention-grabbing opening statement, examples to back up claims about you, specific details about the college and programs that interest you, and an essay that is easy to follow. 

You need to research the programs and colleges at Cornell and take the time to plan your essay before you start writing. Cornell prompts are incredibly specific, so you need to be able to provide detailed information to be compelling. 

Cornell essays can't be longer than 650 words. We recommend writing between 400 and 650 words to ensure your essay has a compelling story. 

You should highlight the strengths and skills that align with the college that you are applying to. This is why it's important to familiarize yourself with the college's specific character before writing your essay. 

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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 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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Bill Jack has over a decade of experience in college admissions and financial aid. Since 2008, he has worked at Colby College, Wesleyan University, University of Maine at Farmington, and Bates College.

Maria Geiger is Director of Content at Scholarships360. She is a former online educational technology instructor and adjunct writing instructor. In addition to education reform, Maria’s interests include viewpoint diversity, blended/flipped learning, digital communication, and integrating media/web tools into the curriculum to better facilitate student engagement. Maria earned both a B.A. and an M.A. in English Literature from Monmouth University, an M. Ed. in Education from Monmouth University, and a Virtual Online Teaching Certificate (VOLT) from the University of Pennsylvania.

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.

Don’t miss: Scholarships360’s free scholarship search tool

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 Office of Undergraduate Admissions

Search cornell admissions, cornell transfer writing supplement prompts.

In the online Common Application Writing Supplement, please respond to both the Cornell University essay question and the essay prompt that corresponds to the undergraduate college or school to which you are applying.

Cornell University Essay Question

We all contribute to, and are influenced by, the communities that are meaningful to us. Share how you’ve been shaped by one of the communities you belong to. 

Remember that this essay is about you and your lived experience. Define community in the way that is most meaningful to you. Some examples of community you might choose from are: family, school, shared interest, virtual, local, global, cultural. (350 word limit)

College- and School-Specific Essay Questions

College of agriculture and life sciences.

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 consider how they could integrate a range of interests and available resources at Cornell into a coherent art practice. URS students may want to emphasize their enthusiasm and depth of interest in urban and regional studies. Responses should be no longer than 3000 characters.

College of Arts & Sciences

At the College of Arts and Sciences, curiosity will be your guide. Discuss how your passion for learning is shaping your academic journey, and what areas of study or majors excite you and why. Your response should convey how your interests align with the College, and how you would take advantage of the opportunities and curriculum in Arts and Sciences. Responses should be no longer than 3000 characters.

Cornell Jeb E. Brooks School of Public Policy

The Brooks School of Public Policy brings together leading faculty and scholars across disciplines to tackle society's most pressing policy issues. Please discuss how your past academic and/or work experience has influenced your choice of major and how transferring to Cornell Brooks would further your academic interests. Responses should be no longer than 3000 characters.

Cornell SC Johnson College of Business

Tell us what you'd like to major in at Cornell, and why or how your past academic or work experience influenced your decision, and how transferring to Cornell would further your academic interests. Responses should be no longer than 3000 characters.

College of Engineering

How do your interests directly connect with Cornell Engineering? What draws you to the particular major you are applying to and how would transferring to Cornell Engineering further your academic interests?

College of Human Ecology

How has your decision to apply to the College of Human Ecology (CHE) been shaped and informed by your related experiences? How will what you learn through CHE and your chosen major impact your goals and plans for the future? Your response should demonstrate how your interests and aspirations align with CHE’s programs and mission. (Refer to our essay application tips before you begin.) Responses should be no longer than 3000 characters.

School of Industrial and Labor Relations

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

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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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October 3, 2022

Tips for Answering the Cornell University Supplemental Essay Prompts [2022 – 2023]

While Ivy League schools require the Common Application or Coalition Application essay, they also require supplemental essay responses. These help you to convey in greater detail how the specific school and program of study to which you are applying are a good fit for you and how you can contribute to the collegiate environment. This, in turn, helps elite schools glean a better understanding of you as a potential student. To respond well, think about your future goals and how attending Cornell will help you achieve them!

It is important to familiarize yourself with the specific character of the school before sitting down to write your essays. You can begin by visiting the school website. Whenever possible, a virtual campus visit is also helpful to get a feel for the school and gain a sense of how it supports your interests. Take a remote campus tour, call the admissions office to learn more, and speak with current students. 

Cornell’s curriculum focuses on the collaborative nature of a liberal arts education with fundamental knowledge. In addition, its practical approach to education is intentionally designed to impact societal and world problems. As you respond to each prompt, think about your personal objectives, the mission of the school, and why Cornell is the best place for you.

Cornell boasts 14 undergraduate colleges and schools with over 80 majors. Through the broad scope of majors and the individual course of study options, it prides itself on being “a place where any person can find instruction in any study.” It fosters creative collaborations with a bottom-up approach. If you are unsure which major is right for you, the Courses of Study catalog provides degree requirements for each college.

Get a free consultation: Click here to schedule a call to find out how our admissions experts can help YOU get accepted to Cornell!

The Cornell Writing Supplement varies among the undergraduate college(s) or school(s) to which you are applying. Each essay response should be a maximum of 650 words. These questions are fairly straightforward and the content is somewhat similar between colleges/schools. Your goal is to do your research and convincingly explain why your selected school and desired course of study at Cornell are the best fit for you and vice versa .

Note: If you are utilizing the Primary/Alternate admission option, you must complete an essay for both colleges/schools that correspond to your primary and alternate selections.

Cornell University writing supplement essay prompts (by college/school)

Brooks school of public policy.

Why are you drawn to studying public policy? Drawing on your experiences, tell us about why you are interested in your chosen major and how attending the Brooks School will help you achieve your life goals.

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Required: Why are you drawn to studying the major you have selected? Please discuss how your interests and related experiences have influenced your choice. Specifically, how will an education from the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) and Cornell University help you achieve your academic goals? Optional (1) : At Cornell CALS, we aim to leave the world better than we found it, so we seek out those who are not simply driven to master their discipline, but who are also passionate about doing so to serve the public good. Please elaborate on an activity or experience you have had that made an impact on a community that is important to you. We encourage you to think about community broadly – this could include family, school, or local and global communities. (300-word limit) Optional (2) : The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) is dedicated to the exploration of the agricultural, life, environmental, and social sciences and welcomes students with interests that span a wide variety of disciplines. Given our agricultural history and commitment to educating the next generation of agriculturalists, please share if you have a background in agriculture or are interested in pursuing a career in agriculture, regardless of your intended major. (300-word limit) Select all that apply:

• My family owns or operates a farm
• I have experience working in agriculture
• I have interest in pursuing a career in agriculture

College of Architecture, Art, and Planning

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

College of Arts and Sciences

Students in Arts and Sciences embrace the opportunity to delve into multifaceted academic interests, embodying in 21st century terms Ezra Cornell’s “any person…any study” founding vision. Tell us about the areas of study you are excited to explore, and specifically why you wish to pursue them in our College.

College of Engineering

All applicants are required to write two supplemental essays. Each has a limit of 250 words. Essay 1 is required of all applicants. For Essay 2, you must choose between Question A and Question B. Essay 1 – Required response (250 word limit) How do your interests directly connect with Cornell Engineering? If you have an intended major, what draws you to that department at Cornell Engineering? If you are unsure what specific engineering field you would like to study, describe how your general interest in engineering most directly connects with Cornell Engineering. It may be helpful to concentrate on one or two things that you are most excited about. Essay 2 – Choose either Question A and Question B. (250 word limit) Question A: Describe an engineering problem that impacts your local community. This could be your school, neighborhood, town, region, or a group you identify with. Describe one to three things you might do as an engineer to solve the problem. Question B: Diversity in all forms is intrinsic to excellence in engineering. Engineering the best solutions to complex problems is often achieved by drawing from the diverse ingenuity of people from different backgrounds, lived experiences, and identities. How do you see yourself contributing to the diversity and/or the inclusion of the Cornell Engineering community? What is the unique voice you would bring to the Cornell Engineering community?

College of Human Ecology

How has your decision to apply to the College of Human Ecology been influenced by your related experiences? How will your choice of major impact your goals and plans for the future?

School of Industrial and Labor Relations

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

College of Business

What kind of a business student are you? Using your personal, academic, or volunteer/work experiences, describe the topics or issues that you care about and why they are important to you. Your response should convey how your interests align with the school(s) to which you are applying within the Cornell SC Johnson College of Business ( Charles H. Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management and/or the Peter and Stephanie Nolan School of Hotel Administration ) .

No matter which essay prompts you are addressing, you should discuss your past, present, and future , both in terms of your academics, your passions, and your interests and goals. Is there a story you can share that helps illustrate your passion for cooking? A particular set of ideas or subject from school that you can’t stop thinking about–something that you simply feel driven to pursue on the college level? What sparked your interest in a particular field? By tapping into the topics that excite you and the goals that feel like your truest ambitions, you’ll be sure to present the adcom with an authentic picture of who YOU are. In addition to your impressive credentials and your unstoppable passion for a certain subject or academic path, demonstrating a strong sense of self-knowledge and self-articulation will be crucial to your admission.

But, in addition to revealing who YOU really are, you have an additional job to accomplish in these essays. And that is to show a thorough knowledge of Cornell and its offerings. These should include specific courses of interest and extracurricular opportunities and communities you would like to join. When thinking about how Cornell appeals to you, consider the whole package of academics, campus atmosphere, location in Ithaca, and your long-term objectives. This is your opportunity to convey your ardent enthusiasm for Cornell!

Putting all this together, you must reflect on how you will enrich the collegiate environment at the school. Based on all the thinking and writing you have done for your essays, what skills and character traits do you know you will bring with you? Which particular communities or clubs (sports teams, debate club, Catholic student union) do you have experience with already and would love to join on campus? Explain how your attending Cornell can play a part in helping Cornell achieve its goals as a university.

Final thoughts on applying to Cornell

Cornell has a highly competitive applicant pool. It received 67,380 undergraduate applications for the class of 2025. Only 5,852 were offered admission. The best way to distinguish yourself from the accomplished applicant group is through your essays.

Applying to an Ivy League school can be a daunting process. Take heart: these supplemental essays are a chance for you to share your personal stories and real-life experiences and boost your candidacy. Pay attention to details. Deadlines and word limits matter–make sure you honor them. Start early to allow time for reflection and revision. Following this advice, you can demonstrate that Cornell is the right school for you and that you are the right student for Cornell.

If you’re applying to Cornell University, you already know you’re up against tight competition. Don’t be overwhelmed. Get the guidance of an experienced admissions specialist who will help you stand out from the highly competitive applicant pool so you can apply with confidence, and get accepted! Click here to get started!

Related Resources:

• 5 Fatal Flaws to Avoid in Your College Application Essays , a free guide
• The Essay Whisperer: How to Write a College Application Essay
• Mining Identity for College Essays, Personal Statements

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Cornell Supplemental Essays 2022-2023

By Eric Eng

When it comes to applying to the top schools in the country, your application is vitally important. In order to give yourself the best chance of gaining admission, you need to make sure all aspects of your application are top-notch. In this post, we’re going to do a deep dive into how to write Cornell supplemental essays and everything you need to keep in mind as you write.

Cornell uses the common app, and this means that you will be asked to answer essay questions contained in the common app. But like many top schools, Cornell also requires that you complete a specific supplemental essay depending on which of the schools you choose. The Cornell supplemental essays 2022-2023 are fairly in-depth, but we’re going to look at each essay prompt and discuss the best way to respond to each topic.

Cornell Supplemental Essay Prompts 2022-2023

So, let’s start by looking at each supplemental essay prompt, and then we will discuss how to approach each one individually.

Below are the Cornell supplemental essays 2022, but we’re also going to show you how to write the Cornell supplemental essays. Let’s take a look at each prompt individually.

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Required:  Why are you drawn to studying the major you have selected? Please discuss how your interests and related experiences have influenced your choice. Specifically, how will an education from the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) and Cornell University help you achieve your academic goals?

Cornell has one of the nation’s most prestigious schools of agriculture, and many of the students who apply to this school already have an agricultural background of some kind. While an experience with agriculture isn’t necessary, this prompt asks you to be specific about why attending Cornell will further your pursuits toward a career in agriculture. The goal of this prompt is to be as specific as possible about where you have been and where you see yourself in the future.

Optional:  At Cornell CALS, we aim to leave the world better than we found it, so we seek out those who are not simply driven to master their discipline, but who are also passionate about doing so to serve the public good.  Please elaborate on an activity or experience you have had that made an impact on a community that is important to you. We encourage you to think about community broadly – this could include family, school, or local and global communities (300-word limit).

Like many schools, Cornell asks about experiences in your life that have been significant to you and your development. Cornell also has a deep commitment to community service, and they want to understand why service is important to you. The goal with this prompt isn’t to try to impress Cornell with a monumental achievement, but rather to communicate an experience that was particularly important to you.

Optional:  The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) is dedicated to the exploration of the agricultural, life, environmental, and social sciences and welcomes students with interests that span a wide variety of disciplines. Given our agricultural history and commitment to educating the next generation of agriculturalists, please share if you have a background in agriculture or are interested in pursuing a career in agriculture.

This prompt also asks about your background, and again, the key is to be as specific as possible. If you want to work on a farm in the future, use this prompt to explain what has driven you to pursue this. Did you grow up in a place where fresh food wasn’t available, and you want to serve this community? Or perhaps you came from a farming family that faced hard times. Regardless of your background and goals, make sure you convey your passion.

College of Architecture, Art, and Planning

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

The only prompt required by the College of Architecture, Art, and Planning focuses on your passion. This prompt asks you to reflect on what makes you want to get out of bed in the morning and pursue your goals. The broad nature of this prompt allows you near-complete freedom to discuss the things that make you fascinated with the world. It also gives you the opportunity to talk about what makes you interesting. While there is no Cornell supplemental word limit, it’s best to try to keep your responses to around 250 words.

College of Arts and Sciences

Students in Arts and Sciences embrace the opportunity to delve into multifaceted academic interests, embodying in 21st century terms Ezra Cornell’s “any person…any study” founding vision. Tell us about the areas of study you are excited to explore, and specifically why you wish to pursue them in our College.

This prompt is similar to the previous one, but it is more focused on what you want to accomplish at Cornell. The College of Arts and Sciences offers you the freedom to study a variety of different disciplines because many students are looking for a well-rounded education. If you plan to apply to this school, think about the various rewarding academic experiences you’ve had and how they may have worked in concert with one another.

Cornell SC Johnson College of Business

What kind of a business student are you? Using your personal, academic, or volunteer/work experiences, describe the topics or issues that you care about and why they are important to you. Your response should convey how your interests align with the school to which you are applying the Cornell SC Johnson College of Business (the Charles H. Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management or the Cornell Peter and Stephanie Nolan School of Hotel Administration).

When you apply to the Cornell College of Business, they don’t want to hear that your goal is to make a lot of money. They want to know about the passions that drive you towards a career in business. Because there are myriad different types of business, Cornell wants to know about the specific businesses you’ve already worked with, and those you’d like to work with in the future. They want to know your philosophy on the subject of business and where you fit into our current business landscape.

College of Engineering

Instructions: All applicants are required to write two supplemental essays. Each has a limit of 250 words. Essay 1 is required of all applicants. For Essay 2, you must choose between Question A and Question B.

Essay 1 Required response (250 word limit)

How do your interests directly connect with Cornell Engineering? If you have an intended major, what draws you to that department at Cornell Engineering?  If you are unsure what specific engineering field you would like to study, describe how your general interest in engineering most directly connects with Cornell Engineering. It may be helpful to concentrate on one or two things that you are most excited about.

Much like the above essay prompts, this required Cornell supplemental essay 2022-2023 asks you to describe your passion. In this case, your passion for engineering. The best way to approach this prompt is to consider what first made you passionate about engineering. Was there a specific event that drew your attention, or was it the culmination of years of study? Whatever your background, the goal is to make your essay come alive with detail. You will also want to do some research about Cornell’s engineering programs so that you can state, specifically, what it is about Cornell’s programs that appeal to you.

Essay 2 Choose either Question A and Question B. (250-word limit)

• Question A: Describe an engineering problem that impacts your local community. This could be your school, neighborhood, town, region, or group you identify with. Describe one to three things you might do as an engineer to solve the problem.

This prompt asks you to address a specific problem. If you plan to become an engineering student, there’s a good chance you have a keen eye for the environment around you and how it has been constructed. From Los Angeles traffic patterns to the construction of wind turbines in the Midwest, your goal is to detail an issue you are personally familiar with and offer your own unique solution. As you do this, keep in mind that your creativity in solving the problem will be the most important aspect of your response.

• Question B: Diversity in all forms is intrinsic to excellence in engineering.

Engineering the best solutions to complex problems are often achieved by drawing from the diverse ingenuity of people from different backgrounds, lived experiences, and identities. How do you see yourself contributing to the diversity and/or inclusion of the Cornell Engineering community? What is the unique voice you would bring to the Cornell Engineering community?

Much like the first optional question, this one asks you to reflect on a problem that needs to be solved. This prompt, however, asks you to elaborate on the diverse perspective you can bring to the table. Perhaps you grew up in an inner city that dealt with complex urban issues like water management or street construction. Perhaps you come from a rural community where modern communication is a challenge. Whatever your background, the goal here is to use your unique perspective to show your passion and creativity.

College of Human Ecology

How has your decision to apply to the College of Human Ecology been influenced by your related experiences? How will your choice of major impact your goals and plans for the future?

Again, this prompt asks you to relate your personal experiences with your future academic and professional goals. Before starting this essay, reflect on the experiences you’ve had that have led you to apply to Cornell. Select one or two specific experiences and then apply these experiences to courses you might choose once at Cornell. The goal of this prompt is to create a cohesive narrative about your personal journey. Starting with your origin story and continuing with your education at Cornell.

School of Industrial and Labor Relations

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

Before you can respond to this prompt, you have to research this specific school and their mission. This will inform how you craft your essay. Like many of the Cornell supplemental essays 2022-2023, this prompt asks you to think about your experiences, and then explain why these experiences made you passionate about an issue.

With this prompt you need to be very specific about the issues you care about, and why they are so important to you. If you’ve watched as plant closings have devastated your home state, tell Cornell why you want to get involved in making the lives of workers better. Has anyone in your family had experiences with organized labor? If so, what were those experiences, and how did they shape your views of labor? Perhaps you even grew up in a country where labor rights were rare. Tell Cornell what that experience meant to you, and why you want to further your education.

At AdmissionSight, our goal is to help you with every step of the college admissions process. The Cornell supplemental essays 2022 can seem daunting at first, but our experience and expertise will help you navigate the entire process with confidence. Hopefully, this guide to the Cornell supplemental essays 2022-2023 has been helpful, but if you want more information about how AdmissionSight can help you realize your dreams, set up your free consultation today.

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How to Write Cornell’s Essay for the ILR School

This article was written based on the information and opinions presented by Mariana Goldlust in a CollegeVine livestream. You can watch the full livestream for more info.

What’s Covered:

The essay prompt, is the school of industrial and labor relations right for me, what to consider when brainstorming.

Understanding the differences between the colleges at Cornell University is essential when applying. Certain schools may have additional essay prompts, and you should tailor your essay to what the college has to offer. 

In this article, we will discuss the supplemental essay specifically for the School of Industrial and Labor Relations, whether the school is right for you, and how to start this essay. If you are interested in applying to a different school at Cornell, read our post about how to write the Cornell essays for more guidance on the other prompts. 

The supplemental essay prompt for the Cornell School of Industrial and Labor Relations (ILR) asks:

Using your personal academic or volunteer work experiences, describe the different things that you care about and why they’re important to you. Your response should show us how those interests align with the ILR school.” (650 words)  

This question is essentially a “ why major ” prompt with an added emphasis on your personal passions, and as a result your response for this essay requires a fair amount of research into the school. Additionally, it is crucial that before, during, and even after your writing process you take the time to reflect on whether or not the ILR school is the right fit for you.

Without a proper understanding of the ILR school, this essay can be particularly tricky for some applicants. The School of Industrial and Labor Relations studies the world of work, and it has broad areas of study applying to business, economics, history, and government. This school is likely a good fit for students with a general interest in humanities. 

It is also key to note that the ILR school is devoted to public service. Therefore, highlighting a passion for social service may be a good way to show the admissions office that you are aligned with the school’s values.

When writing your essay, be sure to focus on concrete examples and, as mentioned above, a connection to public service. You will also want to discuss how your past experiences have contributed to your intellectual interests and why you’ll be a strong social sciences student. Here are some questions to consider: 

• What part of your background relates to the study of ILR? 
• How does the study of ILR relate to public service? 
• Why do you find subjects related to social science to be valuable and engaging?  

Furthermore, keep in mind that speaking too broadly about society-wide issues is a common mistake. Instead, your essay should be personal and illustrate your answer for the reader through your background and anecdotes. Use your experiences to your benefit while writing this essay to “ show, not tell ” the admissions officer why your values align with those of ILR. 

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