cornell personal statement undergraduate

Writing Resource: Personal Statements

Prep-work: know your audience.

What does the prompt ask me to focus on or cover?

What do I know about the program I’m applying to? What values do they seem to have based on their website?

What do I know about the field or research area I’m going into? What things (experiences, research, interests, qualities) do I think this discipline values?

Imagining the work I would do in the career I’m hoping to get into, what does that work involve? What things would I need to do on a day-to-day basis?

Brainstorming Stories to Tell

Brainstorm as many stories as you can to start with, because this will give you more options and ideally keep you from feeling stuck or over-committed to the first thing you write! Stories that you might tell include, but are not limited to, the following areas:

• Heritage Stories: moments of interest that help explain your family, where you’re from, your cultural heritage, or some other important aspect of your identity;
• Academic Stories: moments in which you were intrigued or inspired to keep studying a particular thing; these could be about a paper you wrote, a group project you participated in, a specific book that inspired you, or any academic project or small moment in which you asked questions and pursued ideas;
• Mentorship Stories: similar to academic stories, mentorship stories highlight key people who’ve inspired you in some way. They may have seen your talent or they may have simply been encouraging even when you didn’t have any talent! But these stories should be about moments of inspiration that likewise encouraged you to pursue a topic, work, a project, etc.
• Stories of Struggle: are moments during which you struggled with something. This is an interesting category if done well, but they can be very tricky…  you want to avoid the cliched “overcoming” narrative (i.e., I struggled but overcame X.). When done well, stories of struggle can highlight grappling with ideas, experiences, and values and ideally offer complex solutions—not easy answers!

Story Writing Tips

• “Show” AND “Tell”: strong story-telling involves a balance between “showing,” or descriptive writing that places us in the moment or scene, and “telling,” writing that names your feelings and what happened from your point of view (for example, “I learned a lot…”). While both types of writing are valuable, for personal statements, it can help to try to “show” first and then only “tell” in limited moments that come afterwards.
• Be specific! Use details, adjectives, descriptions, and find ways to pack meaning in!
• Focus on moments—tiny, small interactions, as opposed to “my time in my undergraduate” or “that year of my life”

A Good Personal Statement Will….

Explain why a particular school is a good fit for a student,  in more than just a “fit” paragraph.

“Fit” means establishing—by showing—that you’ll fit into the research, culture, and interests of the department and campus community. “Fit” should, ideally, be articulated throughout the statement, and involves more than merely naming professors students would like to work with. Think about the resources available at a particular school—do any of these resources make the school an especially good fit? Think about the values a department or field seems to have—how do your experiences and work already enact those values?

• Other, non-professor ways to articulate fit : Unique archival/library holdings; Research Centers/Societies; Interdisciplinary Programs; Study-abroad opportunities; Labs doing interesting work in your field; Public-service components for work; Reading groups in your area; Interest in local community-based projects; interest in other projects the department is already involved in.

Draw on specific elements of a student’s undergraduate career  to explain why he/she is ready to pursue the life of a scholar. Students need to describe how their specific experiences have prepared them for graduate school and reaffirmed their decision to enter the type of career that graduate school will prepare them for.

• Examples of relevant experience : Working on an Honor’s Thesis or Capstone Project; Tutoring; Teaching Assistantships; Lab Research; Summer Research Internships; Community Outreach; work relevant to your field
• Template:  “My experiences ___________, ____________, and ____________ have already allowed me to see what the life of a scholar-teacher will be like; I feel ready to take that next step, as a graduate student at ______ university.)
• Goal:  Articulate the values in these work. For instance, your experiences tutoring highlight your commitment to… collaborative learning, teaching, helping others improve their writing, seeing writing as essential to critical thinking, etc. Don’t just say: “Through tutoring, I learned a lot.” Be precise about what you learned.

Have a clear direction, but still indicate openness to intellectual growth and change.

• Phrases to use : developing/evolving/growing/changing/progressing
• Sample template : “Given my background in X and Y, I can envision my research developing in several directions while at _____. Perhaps I will choose to __; or, perhaps, studying with ________, I will choose to ___________.

Indicate not simply what a school will provide a student, but also what a student will bring to a school.

This is especially important when articulating why you want to work with specific professors! Try to frame statements in terms of potential contributions.

• Sample Template:  “I could contribute to Professor X’s work on _______. Or, perhaps, given my interest in ____ and ____, I could help Professor B with her new work on _____.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Language that seems naïve, tentative, or overly supplicative..

Words to avoid:  Luck, love, hope, passionate

• “I have always loved _____.”
• “I am passionate about X”
• “Although I do not have a background in ___, I know ____ could fill in those gaps.”
• “If I were fortunate enough to have _____ decide to work with me….”
• “I hope to study ____, if I am lucky enough to be admitted to ____.”

Language that seems overly grandiose, pompous, or entitled.

• “When attending X school, I will quickly _______.”
• “My theory of V, articulated in my undergraduate honor’s thesis, has overturned Kant’s well-known theory of ____.”
• “Professor X will undoubtedly provide invaluable mentoring on my project, which I know will enable it to grow. I, in turn, look forward to helping improve her ___ project, which, though brilliant, has two major flaws:…”

Too many words:

The common word limit for personal statements is typically one thousand words, or roughly two single-spaced pages of size-twelve-font type.

Things you can cut:

• Information repeated elsewhere (e.g., in a supplemental essay)
• Information that rehashes what is said on a C.V.
• Personal anecdotes about how one got interested in the field. (Often, this is the first paragraph of an essay, and often, it is too long).

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3 Great Cornell Essay Examples

Cornell is one of the top schools in the nation, and a member of the esteemed Ivy League. With an extremely low general acceptance rate, admissions is highly-selective, though keep in mind that acceptance rates vary by schools within the university.

Cornell requires a single supplement for all applicants, but the prompt will vary based on the college you’re applying to. In this post, we’ll be going over two prompts for the College of Arts and Sciences and one prompt for the SC Johnson College of Business (which includes the infamous Hotel School!). We’ll outline what admissions officers are looking for, and we’ll analyze a sample essay written by a real applicant!

Please note: Looking at examples of real essays students have submitted to colleges can be very beneficial to get inspiration for your essays. You should never copy or plagiarize from these examples when writing your own essays. Colleges can tell when an essay isn’t genuine and will not view students favorably if they plagiarized.  

Read our Cornell University essay breakdown to get a comprehensive overview of this year’s supplemental prompts. 

Essay Example #1

Prompt: Students in Arts and Sciences embrace the opportunity to delve into multifaceted academic interests, embodying in 21st-century terms Ezra Cornell’s “any person…any study” founding vision. Tell us about the areas of study you are excited to explore, and specifically why you wish to pursue them in our College. (650 words)

“Give me liberty or give me death!” When I first read this quote, I got shivers. As a fourth-grader, I remember thinking: “How could one love liberty so much that they would give up their own life?” To me, American revolutionaries were too passionate about paying taxes and I shrugged off their fervor for liberty. But five years later, I found myself asking the same question.

During my freshman year of high school, I became completely engrossed in learning about the Atlantic Revolutions. From studying the Storming of the Bastille to Haitain independence, I noticed that people sacrificed everything for freedom. It was soon that I learned about Enlightenment philosophers and the role they played in spurring revolutions by inspiring others to challenge social and political norms. I was amazed that philosophy had the power to mobilize entire populations and positively reform nations. But as I reflected on the circumstances of social inequality and political corruption that led to these revolutions, I realized that philosophy is not just a powerful practice of the past; it is just as relevant today.

The United States is a country of contradictions. We boast values of equality and justice, yet our prison, immigration, and education systems are rife with inequity and corruption. I seek a philosophy education to lend me an understanding of existing power structures and how to create a more equitable society. There is no better place to further my educational career than at the Sage School of Philosophy, the birthplace of the first philosophical review in our country. Cornell’s long-standing commitment to approaching philosophy in a holistic manner is evident in its wide range of courses offered. Specifically, I am drawn to the Discussion of Justice course that focuses on current political controversies such as immigration and racial inequality, both issues I care deeply about. After witnessing the cycle of poverty that plagues my community, I see that our society is facing a moral dilemma. This course will enable me to question the values held collectively by our society and recognize the impact such values have on minority groups.

With a greater understanding of morality and social inequality, I hope to pursue a career in civil law rights, helping underrepresented groups in our country receive the justice they deserve. It would be a privilege to begin my career in law by learning the Philosophy of Law from Professor Julia Markovitz. Professor Markovitz’s expertise in moral reasoning will push me to consider the ethical problems that lawyers face and how to fairly represent those in need. I am energized by this course’s goal to not only learn the law, but also challenge it. Building a fairer future relies on changing current institutions based on the government’s moral obligation to its people. I am eager to study philosophy through a career-oriented lens that enables me to apply my learned knowledge to the field of law.

Among the many political issues our country is facing, I am motivated to learn more about global migration. Just miles from my home in South Texas, the humanitarian crisis at the southern border has shown me the complexity of migration. This year, my experiences volunteering with Loaves and Fishes, an organization that shelters and aids undocumented immigrants, have given me insight into the poverty and violence that many are trying to escape from. To those arriving from the southern border, migration is not a choice; it is a matter of survival. On a larger scale, with rising global temperatures creating climate change refugees and international wars rendering thousands of people homeless, I crave a more extensive understanding of the factors that prompt migration. I plan to pursue a minor in Migration Studies in order to learn how populations can be sustained and thrive in a constantly moving world. Taking classes at the Mario Einaudi Center for International Studies will allow me to interact with students and faculty from other colleges on campus. I believe there are a myriad of factors that drive international migration; thus, working with students from all disciplines will expose me to a diversity in research that can shape future immigration policies. As a daughter of immigrants, I am moved by Cornell’s dedication to supporting education on migration, namely through launching ‘Migrations’ as the theme for Cornell’s first Global Grand Challenge. By researching, teaching, and engaging with communities to tackle the challenges of migration, I am excited to be part of a generation of activists that assist and empower migrants.

Today, the passion American revolutionaries had for change is no longer perplexing to me. I, too, am ready to enact change in our country and society. With Cornell’s College of Arts and Sciences’ broad curriculum that encourages me to explore my many interests, I am confident that I will have the resources to improve our world in a truly revolutionary way.

What the Essay Did Well

This essay effectively accomplished the most important part of a “ Why This Major? ” essay: walking us through the past, present, and future of their interests. The essay starts by explaining how an interest in history spurred this student to care about philosophy and social justice, then they describe how they hope to further their academic passions at Cornell, and then the student tells us how they will make an impact after graduation.

Beyond the structure, this essay does a nice job of integrating the student’s multi-dimensional passions into the college’s offerings. From the beginning where they describe their research on revolutions to concrete examples of current social inequalities, they present their interests in a very real manner that makes it clear exactly what they care about. Because of this elaboration, the reader can clearly see how the student’s passion for philosophy, immigration, and social justice easily fit into Cornell’s curriculum.

The connection between their interests and Cornell was strengthened by the context this student provided about themselves. For example, when they mention the Discussion of Justice class, the student explains that they have witnessed the effects of poverty first-hand and need this class to better understand and address those issues one day. 

Providing detailed, personal context for school-specific opportunities, as this essay does, highlights your genuine interest and connection to the topics you are talking about. The true strength of this essay lies in the ability to connect the Cornell major to this student, with ample background information, at every stage of their academic career.

What Could Be Improved

While this essay starts strong with an anecdote that places the reader in the middle of the action, the rest of the essay falls a bit short on the action and excitement. The essay is a well-written account of this student’s passions, where they originated from, and where they hope to take them, but we are also looking for an energizing story that keeps us reading.

One easy way to bring more energy to the essay is to simply have shorter paragraphs. Long blocks of text are overwhelming and easier to get lost in, but shorter, more direct paragraphs help move the reader effortlessly from one paragraph to the next. Finding natural breaks in a paragraph is an easy way to make the essay flow more smoothly and maintain the reader’s engagement.

Another way to liven up the essay would be to interject more of the student’s personal thoughts and quotes. In the first paragraph, the student provides a quote to show the reader their inner monologue, which is an excellent way to show us what you think or feel rather than telling us. If more thoughts were interjected throughout the essay, we could get a better sense of how this student feels about certain topics, as well as see their personal voice shine through.

Essay Example #2

Throughout middle school and high school, I continuously took advanced science and technology classes. It wasn’t until four years ago when my eyes caught a glance of a flier posted next to my biology classroom: “Academy of Biotechnology! Meeting in room 307 today for freshmen interested in biotechnology,” that I realized my two favorite classes were intertwined in a field of their own: biotechnology. 

I’ve been in Room 307 every Thursday this year listening to guest speakers talk about various topics from sleep to drug development, exploring new advances in biotech, and planning the annual career fair.

Last summer, my internship at Holy Cross furthered my interest in biotechnology. When I was introduced to the da Vinci Xi surgical system – a robot that utilizes high-tech guided targeting and auxiliary technology to achieve less blood loss and a faster recovery time for patients, I was amazed at the employment of technology and its power to renovate the medical field. Cornell’s world-leading academics in its College of Arts and Science, particularly the interdisciplinary Biology and Society major, makes it a dream place for me to pursue my passion in both health and biotechnology. I’m specifically interested in the course on Ethical Issues in Health and Medicine, and the seminar course on Controversies in Science, Technology, and Medicine. These capstone courses under top professors will enable me to acquire knowledge about the breadth of biology within the dimensions of modern medical and ethical issues. 

I love that biotechnology encompasses a public health side as well as a microbiology side. Wanting to further explore the molecular side of biotechnology, I sought out the opportunity to work as a research intern at Montgomery College. I have been modeling protein and protein dockings of a cyanobacterium Synechococcus species through computational biology. I’m also drawn to Cornell’s Biological Sciences major with a concentration in Molecular and Cell Biology, where I can further explore my interest in biotechnology. Cornell’s wide range of courses in this major reflects its commitment to supporting its students with novel opportunities. Particularly, I am drawn to the Orientation Lectures in Molecular Biology & Genetics course. I’m eager to learn about the variety of research that Cornell’s experienced faculty is conducting. 

It would be an honor to learn from and work with Cornell’s researchers at one of the world’s greatest research institutions, through the myriad of opportunities the college provides. I’m especially interested in the research of Dr. Cohen and his team in the creation of micrometer-scale robots for following biochemical signals and encapsulating a soft tissue analog for new future treatments of disease. 

Outside of the classroom, I hope to combine my passions for public health and advocacy by engaging in the American Red Cross student organization, and perhaps the Cornell Sun. I also excitedly anticipate running Club Cross Country through Cornell’s astounding gorges and gardens. I look forward to contributing to the various student organizations at Cornell with my interests and background. 

Cornell’s unique freedom of course selection offers an uncommon opportunity for career exploration. I’m confident Cornell’s College of Arts and Science’s opportunities, courses, cutting-edge research and researchers, and community will make it my perfect next Room 307: an opening to practically endless exploration and growth that cannot be found elsewhere.

A positive aspect of this essay is how it neatly parallels the student’s interdisciplinary interests in science and technology to the interdisciplinary aspect of the major and the College of Arts and Sciences. The reader gains a full appreciation for the diverse interests this student has and exactly how they align with a Cornell education.

Providing context about the biotechnology club, their internship at Holy Cross, and their experience as a research assistant at Montgomery College are all great ways to show the reader how this student has already expressed intellectual curiosity in this field in the past. Although you don’t need to go into too much detail about things that will be included on your extracurricular profile, it’s always a good idea to tie in your experiences whenever possible.

Additionally, this essay successfully employs an echo back to the opening in the conclusion. The essay starts by introducing illustrious Room 307 as the birthplace of this student’s joint passion in science and technology, so circling back to that room in the conclusion helps bring the essay to a satisfying full-circle moment. It was also clever to use Room 307 as a metaphor for exploring their interest, and thereby comparing Cornell to the next Room 307.

This essay exceeds in covering a breadth of opportunities at Cornell that excite them, but it could use some work on the depth of each opportunity. What do we mean by this? The student mentions nine different aspects of Cornell that excite them, but they provide little meaningful elaboration on why they want to get involved with these particular choices, how they relate to their interests, or what they hope to gain from these experiences.

For instance, instead of just telling the reader they are interested in Dr. Cohen’s research, the essay should delve into what about micro-scale robots following biochemical signals excites them so much. Have they or a loved one been affected by a disease these robots could cure? Did they read an article about this technique a few years back and have been dreaming about implementing it up close? 

Asking these questions to probe deeper than the surface layer of “ I like this topic ” helps bring the essay (and you as an applicant) to life. If the student chose to cut back on the number of offerings they included and instead focused on the depth and context for each one, it would make the essay much stronger.

One more thing this essay does that we’d caution against is the empty flattery of the school. Cornell admissions officers know that it’s one of the greatest research institutions and there are many opportunities for supporting students, so it’s unnecessary for the student to repeat that in their essay. What they don’t know about is you . Try to steer clear of mentioning the college’s accolades and rankings, and maintain attention on you and how you fit in.

Essay Example #3

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

I rounded third base; dust flew in a whirling cloud of dirt behind me. On my wrist I sported a stained pink wristband with the name of my grandmother, who had recently finished her last chemo treatment. I slid into home plate, narrowly escaping the daunting reach of the catcher. As I got up, I looked around at the field of players, all donning a similar wristband with the name of someone close to them that had battled cancer. I turned to the bleachers and smiled as a sea of pink cheered me on. While cancer can be a dismal matter, it was a merging force that brought a community together for that charity game. Seeing what a unifying tragedy cancer can be, I knew I wanted to help.

At the Dyson School within the Cornell SC Johnson School of Business I aim to gain a strong foundation in business, with a concentration in marketing, to conduct meaningful research as an undergraduate. Taking part in the CALS Honors Research program, I aspire to research marketing strategies for increasing cancer screening rates. Having numerous family members that have battled with cancer has shown me the burdensome effect it can have not only on the individual, but on the family. Through my project, I hope to minimize those effects, as catching the disease early on is vital to a patient’s recovery. With the unique opportunity provided by the program, I know that I will have that chance.

After graduation, I want to continue with a career in marketing for the betterment of society. For me, the importance of marketing is not about convincing consumers to buy the latest product to boost sales, it is about encouraging consumers to make decisions that will benefit themselves and their community. With a focus in healthcare, I will have the ability to positively influence people’s precautionary screening measures, keeping them safe and healthy. Similarly, I aim to apply the same principle in other fields during my career and my time at Cornell.

One of those fields is green energy. Protecting the planet is a sentiment that is also very important to me, and with its beautiful, vast landscape and focus on environmental conservation, Cornell is the perfect place for me to advance that mission. With the state of today’s climate, the need to act swiftly is paramount, and citizen participation is key. As a marketer, I would strive to convince consumers to make the switch to green energy. In the digital age, marketing relies heavily on the internet, and I am excited to take Digital Marketing with Professor Tomaso Bondi to develop my skills in that area.

With Cornell already performing groundbreaking research in sustainable energy, I want to get involved with the initiative from a marketing perspective. An opportunity that intrigues me is the student project Cornell Electric Vehicles. Although it is an engineering project team, I would love to get involved as a student from Dyson working on marketing the effectiveness of the vehicles designed by the team. Switching to electric cars is an efficient way to reduce our carbon footprint and sharing the successes achieved by the team would be a great way to showcase the capabilities of electric vehicles.

As a student looking to make a positive impact on his global community through research and marketing, I know that Cornell can provide me with the opportunities to achieve my goals. Whether it be persuading an unknowing cancer victim to receive a screening or a consumer looking for a new car to switch to green energy, I will make a change through marketing. By gaining a strong understanding of the foundations of business and marketing, I will strive to ensure that everyone after that charity game will be able to return home and hug their loved one and have a healthy and thriving planet to call home.

This student exemplified the prompt by showing us exactly what kind of business student they are. They are a student passionate about having a social and environmental impact through marketing. The fact that the reader can walk away with such a clear impression of who this student is and what they hope to accomplish with a Cornell business degree is a result of the concise and dynamic flow of this essay.

Every new idea they introduced—whether it was pursuing the honors research program or joining the Cornell Electric Vehicle project team—was supported by contextual reasoning and personal connections. Tying everything back to their past or their goals for the future really brought the student front and center and made it very easy for the reader to feel like they know this student.

In addition to connecting everything to the student, the essay also managed to connect interdisciplinary topics that you might not immediately think of when you hear business to marketing. Not being afraid to delve into healthcare and sustainability in an essay for a business school brings a personal and unique perspective to a prompt that admissions officers are sure to appreciate.

Another source of this essay’s strength is how each paragraph is concise and focused. There is a very intentional use of space that makes it extremely easy for the reader to follow along with each new idea and take away the main points from each paragraph. 

Although this essay is quite strong as it is, one weakness was the abrupt switch from cancer and healthcare to sustainability. It’s great that this student has multifaceted interests and that they were able to touch on both, but given that the anecdote at the beginning was solely focused on cancer, it felt somewhat jarring to switch to green energy halfway through the essay.

One way this discontinuity could be addressed is to find a different anecdote to begin the essay, ideally one that combines cancer and sustainability if at all possible. Or, the student could keep the cancer anecdote and add a second one that connects to their interest in green energy more. However, it’s important to not let the anecdote overwhelm the essay and take up too much space, so keeping it concise and providing just enough to spark interest is key.

This essay only includes three Cornell-specific opportunities, and while this allows for more personal connections to be made to each offering, the student’s interest and research on the college could be demonstrated with one or two more details. It might be nice if they found a club that related to marketing and healthcare on campus and a class that relates to business and green energy to show how they plan to address both of their passions in and out of the classroom.

Where to Get Your Cornell Essays Edited

Do you want feedback on your Cornell essays? After rereading your essays countless times, it can be difficult to evaluate your writing objectively. That’s why we created our free Peer Essay Review tool , where you can get a free review of your essay from another student. You can also improve your own writing skills by reviewing other students’ essays. 

If you want a college admissions expert to review your essay, advisors on CollegeVine have helped students refine their writing and submit successful applications to top schools. Find the right advisor for you to improve your chances of getting into your dream school!

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Personal statement, overview .

There are two types of statements included in the Graduate School’s online application, (1) the Academic Statement of Purpose and (2) the Personal Statement, both of which are required for all graduate degree programs. 

What Should the Personal Statement Include?

Your Personal Statement should provide the admissions committee with a sense of you as a whole person, and you should use it to describe how your personal background and experiences influenced your decision to pursue a graduate degree. Additionally, it should provide insights into your potential to contribute to Cornell University’s core value to provide a community of inclusion, belonging, and respect where scholars representing diverse backgrounds, perspectives, abilities, and experiences can learn and work productively and positively together. Within your Personal Statement, you may also share details on lessons learned from any of your lived experiences including but not limited to

• being a first-generation college student or graduate (no parent/guardian completed a baccalaureate degree)
• racial, ethnic, and/or cultural background(s)
• managing a disability or chronic health condition
• experiencing housing, food, economic, and/or other forms of significant insecurity
• being a solo parent
• gender identity and/or sexual orientation 
• having served in the military
• holding DACA, refugee, TPS, or asylee status

Your Personal Statement provides you with an opportunity to share experiences that provide insights on how your personal, academic, and/or professional experiences demonstrate your ability to be both persistent and resilient, especially when navigating challenging circumstances. It also gives you an opportunity to provide examples of how you engage with others and have facilitated and/or participated in productive collaborative endeavors. Additionally, it is a place, where if necessary, you can (and should) address any blemishes, gaps, or weaknesses in your academic record. In these situations, you will want to be honest, but brief. It is best to turn negatives into positives by focusing on how you overcame obstacles, remained persistent in the pursuit of your goals, and showed resilience. Share what you learned from the particular experience, and how it led you to become a better researcher/scholar/person, etc.

Content in the Personal Statement should complement rather than duplicate the content contained within the Academic Statement of Purpose, which should focus explicitly on your academic interests, previous research and/or relevant professional experience, and intended area of academic focus during your graduate studies.

Why should you consider Cornell?

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Personal statements, crafting your essay.

The personal statement is an essay, generally under 1,000 words, which is designed to give the selection committee a sense of who you are and how closely your goals and strengths match the ideals of a specific fellowship. In this essay you have a great deal of flexibility on how to organize and present your thoughts.

Basic Points

• Your qualifications for the given fellowship.  
• How the fellowship fits in with your personal and professional goals.

A personal statement is generally most effective when it concentrates on:

• An issue or experience that you feel strongly about, or one that has helped to shape who you are. 
• A significant accomplishment or contribution you have made to your field or community.

What is the selection committee looking for in your statement?  

A selection committee may read hundreds of application essays back-to-back in a short period of time. Readers are looking for essays that:

• Make sense—logically, grammatically, thematically.  
• Engage their attention.  
• Provide substantive and relevant information.  
• Stand out from the crowd.

How to get started

Write down two or three experiences you feel have shaped who you are. Write down two or three significant problems you have faced and how you solved them. Then look for patterns.

• What values keep popping up.  
• What interests. 
• What strengths and skills.

Now take a look at your transcript

• How does your coursework express your interests and talents.  
• How has it developed them.

The writing process

Try several different approaches until you find one that feels right. Revise, revise, revise! If you need help on structure, visit the Writing Workshop.

As you write, show your essay to people who know you well and ask if it accurately expresses who you are. Be sure to show your essay to faculty advisors before you send off a final version.

Some common pitfalls

Weak essays generally share one or more of the following characteristics:

• Melodramatic or self-congratulatory statements. 
• Vague, abstract ideals.  
• Laundry lists of achievements.  
• Jargon and specialized vocabulary.  
• Misspelled words.  
• Poor grammar. 
• Convoluted syntax.

Admission and Preparation

Academics and careers, visiting and living, q: how can i apply.

A: Visit the  Law School Admission Council (LSAC) to register and submit your electronic application

Q: What do I need to do to complete my application?

• Take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT), Graduate Record Examination (GRE), or Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT)
• Submit your electronic application and pay the $80 nonrefundable application fee.
• Submit transcripts to LSAC for processing
• Submit two letters of recommendation to LSAC for processing
• LSAC will release your Credential Assembly Service (CAS) report to us after the required transcripts, letters of recommendation, and LSAT score(s) have been provided.
• If you plan to apply with GRE or GMAT test scores, the LSAT requirement will be waived.

Q: Do you grant interviews?

A: Interviews are at the request of our Admissions Committee only.

Q: What are your application deadlines?

• Binding Early Decision Online application available at LSAC on September 1 File and complete application by January 1 Rolling Basis Notification
• Please see the  Admission and Preparation section of our website to learn more about our Binding Early Decision application process.
• Regular Decision Online application available at LSAC on September 1 File and complete application by March 1 Rolling Basis Notification
• Transfer/Visitor Applications Transfer and Visitor application opens on September 1

Q: Do you offer a fee waiver?

A: Yes, we grant fee waivers upon request for participants in:

• Teach for America
• Peace Corps
• Active Military and Veterans

Additionally, if you are registered with LSAC’s Candidate Referral Service (CRS) and are selected to receive a fee waiver based on our selection criteria, we will notify you via email. It is worth noting that CRS fee waivers are processed shortly after the release of each LSAT exam’s scores. Further, if you are granted a need-based fee waiver through LSAC , our application fee will automatically be waived when you apply to Cornell Law.

If your need-based fee waiver request is denied by LSAC, then you may complete and submit our need-based fee waiver form .

Q: When should I apply?

A: Applications are reviewed in order of completion by our Admissions Committee, but applicants may not be notified in that order.  We recommend submitting your application as early as possible. All applications close August 1.

• Early Decision application deadline is January 1
• Regular application deadline is March 1

All applicants are required to take one of the following approved standardized tests:

• Law School Admission Test (LSAT)
• Graduate Record Examination (GRE) 2456
• Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) 5JW-8V-77
• SAT/ACT (Cornell 3 + 3 Pathway applicants only)

Q: When should I take the LSAT?

A: We recommend that you sit for the LSAT only once you are well prepared.

Taking the June, July, September, or November exams will allow you to apply for our early decision option. For regular decisions, taking the exam in June, July, or September will allow you time to retake it in November or January and still meet our March 1 application deadline.

Q: Do you accept the January LSAT for admission?

Q: how does the admissions committee view a canceled lsat score.

A: A single canceled score has no impact on the evaluation of an application, but please feel free to explain the circumstances surrounding your cancellation.

Q: What is the oldest LSAT score you will accept in order to apply for the fall cycle?

• We do not accept LSAT scores that are more than five years old at the time of submitting your application.

Q: What is the median LSAT score?

A: The median LSAT score for the 2023 entering class was 172, and the median undergraduate GPA was 3.9.

Q: If I got a low score the first time, should I retake the LSAT?

A: The decision to retake the LSAT is a complex and personal one. Factors we think an applicant should consider are:

• Did your score significantly differ from your practice tests?
• Can you identify something in particular that might have negatively affected your score the first time (you did not properly prepare, you were sick, there was a marching band outside the exam site, etc.)?
• Will you be able to increase your score by more than three points?

Depending on your answers, you should think about retaking the test. The Law School Admission Council (LSAC) has data that supports the view that likely, a second score will not be a substantial improvement. Most people who retake the LSAT do not score more than one to two points higher.

Q: If I take the LSAT more than once, will you take the highest score or the average of the scores?

A: In general, Cornell Law’s policy is to take the higher score if it is at least three points higher than a prior score, but the Admissions Committee invites applicants to submit an addendum to their application explaining the different LSAT scores and why we should take the higher score.

We will not hold an application from review for a future exam. The LSAT score(s) in your CAS report when it is released to us will be the only score(s) considered during the initial review of your file.

Q: If I plan to apply with the GRE or GMAT, how will you receive my scores?

A: We will obtain your score(s) from the appropriate reporting agency and include them with your file. You should request that all available scores be released to us.

• Our school code for GRE score reporting is 2456
• Our school code for GMAT score reporting is 5JW-8V-77.
• SAT/ACT scores for Cornell 3+3 Pathway applicants will be obtained from the university by our office.

Note: Binding Early Decision applicants admitted without an LSAT score who subsequently take the LSAT will be subject to admission reconsideration. In the event admission is rescinded, any seat deposits paid will be refunded.

Q: Must I register with the credential assembly service?

• Yes, you must register for the Credential Assembly Service at LSAC.
• LSAC will send your CAS report to us once it is complete, based on our requirements.
• A complete CAS report consists of your LSAT score(s), your academic transcripts, LSAT writing sample, and two letters of recommendation.

Q: Where do I find out about the credential assembly service and the LSAT?

A: Find out more about both by going to  LSAC .

Q: How important is the law school admission test (LSAT)?

A: The Admission Committee looks at several factors when making admissions decisions. Certainly, academic potential as measured by the LSAT and GPA plays an important role in the admissions process. However, we use more than numbers to evaluate our candidates. We also consider extracurricular and community activities, life experience, work background, and recommendations.

Q: Is there a minimum GPA or LSAT requirement?

A: No, there is no minimum GPA or LSAT.

Q: Do Admissions Committee members examine transcripts?

A: Admission Committee members review every transcript and take into consideration factors that may have had an impact on an applicant’s grade point average. We strongly consider:

• Trends in an applicant’s grades
• Grading curves at the college or university
• The rigor of the courses taken

Q: Do you take into account grades received in graduate school?

A: While grades received in graduate studies are not counted as part of your grade point average, we do review graduate school transcripts and take note of grades received. A strong graduate school record is generally viewed as a plus.

Q: How does the committee view pass/fail grades on transcripts?

A: The committee considers the circumstances, including whether such courses were required or optional, how many and in which subjects pass/fails were earned, etc. Please include any narratives or course evaluations of these courses with your transcripts and applications if they are available.

Q: How should I submit foreign transcripts?

A: If all undergraduate work was completed at institutions outside the United States (including its territories) and/or Canada, we require that your foreign transcripts be submitted through the LSAC Credential Assembly Service.

If you completed any post-second­ary work outside the U.S. (including its territories) or Canada, you must use this service for transcript evaluation and authentication of your foreign transcripts. This service is included in the Credential Assembly Service subscription fee. A Foreign Credential Evaluation will be completed by the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (AACRAO) and will be incorporated into your Law School report.

The exception to this policy is if you com­pleted the foreign work through a study-abroad, consortium, or exchange program sponsored by a U.S. or Canadian institution, and the work is clearly indicated as such on the home campus transcript.

To use the Credential Assembly Service, log in to your online account with LSAC and follow the instructions to regis­ter for the service. To use the authentication and evaluation feature, you must register for the Credential Assembly Service and you must request that the appropriate documents (e.g. mark sheets, academic records, diplomas degree certifications, transcription) be sent directly to LSAC from the institution(s) you attended. Remember you must print out a Transcript Request Form and send it promptly to each institution that possesses a transcript for you. Foreign transcripts usually require more time to process than U.S. transcripts.

Questions about the Credential Assembly Service can be directed to LSAC at 800-336-3982 or LSAC’s help page .

Q: Is a TOEFL score required for the J.D. program?

A: No, the TOEFL is not required for J.D. applicants.

Q: What should I write about in my personal statement?

A: RESPOND TO AT LEAST ONE OF THE FOLLOWING PROMPTS (required). YOU MAY RESPOND TO AS MANY AS YOU WISH BUT DO NOT EXCEED A TOTAL OF FIVE (5) PAGES.

1.     We aim to train excellent lawyers. GPAs and test scores have some predictive power, but they don’t tell the whole story. Please describe any significant challenges you have overcome, including but not limited to economic hardship, discrimination, trauma, or disability, and/or significant accomplishments of which you are proud.

2.     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 law school learning community devoted to “…any person…any study.” We encourage you to think broadly about what you will contribute to a law school class and eventually to the legal profession, including but not necessarily to expertise you have, experiences you can share, and how communities of which you have been part have shaped your perspective.

3.     From its founding, Cornell Law School has not only focused on producing excellent lawyers, but “lawyers in the best sense.” A law school education teaches you a craft, and prepares you for a great career, but law is also a calling, and a lawyer in the best sense is one who will, in some way, serve justice. If your career goals include representing under-served populations or otherwise vulnerable individuals or groups, please tell us about those goals and how you hope to pursue them.

4.     Is there anything else you wish the Admissions Committee to know about you beyond what you have revealed in other parts of your application? You can describe a formative experience, or your motivation to go to law school, or a story that reveals your character, personality, or strengths, or whatever else you think is relevant.

Q: Should I include a resume?

A: Yes. We now require that a resume be submitted with your application. A resume is an excellent way to present your working experience and extracurricular involvement.

Q: Does Cornell Law School require a Dean’s Certification with the application?

A: No, a Dean’s Certification is no longer a required element.

Q: Whom should I ask to write my letters of recommendation?

A: You should ask faculty members who can provide detailed comments about your academic abilities compared with those of other students who are applying to law schools. If you are currently an undergraduate or if you graduated less than two years ago, we prefer that the letters be from faculty members who taught you.

If you graduated more than two years ago, you may ask an employer or other individual who knows your academic abilities to submit the letters.

Please remember that we are interested primarily in the recommender’s judgment about your academic abilities and potential for success in the legal profession.  

Q: How many letters are required?

• Two letters of recommendation are required.
• Applicants may submit more, but often additional letters of recommendation are repetitious and add little value to an applicant’s file.

Q: Can I have the letters of recommendation sent directly to you?

A: No, all letters must be submitted through the LSAC Letter of Recommendation Service that allows you to send letters to the schools you apply to. This service is included with your Credential Assembly Service subscription; just designate which letters you want to be sent only to Cornell Law School.

Letters submitted through the LSAC Service are copied and sent to us as part of your CAS report. Updated reports are sent weekly if additional letters are received after your initial CAS report has been sent.

Q: What is binding early decision?

A: Cornell’s binding early decision application process is for anyone who knows for sure that Cornell Law School is the school they most want to attend. To apply through the binding early decision process, you must submit a complete application by January 1.

Q: Do I receive more favorable consideration if I apply early decision?

A: We apply the same admission standards during our early decision and regular decision processes. However, we will view it as a positive aspect of your application that you have committed to attend if you are admitted.

Q: Can I apply for early decision if I am taking the October or December LSAT?

A: Yes, but your file needs to be complete with test scores by January 1.

Q: What do I need to do to withdraw my application out of consideration for early decision?

A: If you would like to withdraw your application from early decision (for example, you decide that you will not be able to make the commitment needed to attend Cornell Law School if admitted), simply send us an email request as soon as possible.  

Q: What are the possible outcomes of applying early decision?

A: Applicants will be admitted, denied, or placed on our non-binding reserve list.

Q: When do I have to commit if I get admitted through early decision?

A: You will be required to pay the full $1,000 nonrefundable deposit within five business days of acceptance.

Q: If I apply for financial aid, will I know how much I am being offered by Cornell Law School before I have to pay the $1,000 deposit for early decision?

A: No, the binding process requires that you pay the deposit and commit to Cornell regardless of financial aid notification. However, if you apply, you will be considered for financial aid during the normal course of our financial aid application process.

Note: Binding early decision applicants admitted without an LSAT score who subsequently take the LSAT will be subject to admission reconsideration. In the event admission is rescinded, any seat deposits paid will be refunded.

Q: Does Cornell Law accept transfer students?

A: Cornell Law School accepts transfer applications from students who have completed one year of study at a law school that is accredited by the American Bar Association and a member of the Association of American Law Schools.

In 2018, Cornell Law initiated an early admission transfer program that grants conditional transfer admission based on one semester of grades. Transfer admission is finalized after receipt of the full first year’s grades are received in the spring.

Q: How many spaces does Cornell Law School have available for transfer students?

A: We usually accept five to fifteen transfer students in the second-year class.  

Q: What is Cornell Law School looking for in a transfer application?

A: Our Admissions Committee is interested primarily in your academic performance at your current law school, as well as in your reasons for wanting to transfer. Accepted transfer students are almost always in the top 10 to 20 percent of their first-year class.

Q: What materials are needed for a transfer application?

A: A complete transfer application consists of the following:

• Transfer application from LSAC (application fee waivers are not available to transfer applicants)
• CAS report consisting of LSAT score(s), undergraduate transcript(s), law school transcript, and two letters of recommendation from law school professors with whom you have studied
• Law school transcript reflecting fall semester grades. The transcript must be received by February 1 for early admission consideration.
• Class rank at the end of the first year of law school (if this information is not available, even with your authorization, please ask a dean or faculty member to provide us with an email indicating the relative strength of your academic record)
• Letter from your current law school stating that you are in good academic standing

Q: How many advanced standing credits can I receive as a transfer student to Cornell Law School?

A: As a transfer student, Cornell Law School may grant you up to 32 hours of advanced standing toward the J.D. degree. Transfer students may be awarded less than 32 hours of advanced standing, depending upon the correspondence between  first-year courses  at Cornell and those of your current law school.

Note: If you hold an LL.M. degree, you are not eligible to apply as a transfer applicant, but you may apply for our regular decision J.D. program.  If you are admitted, you may petition for advanced standing. 

Q: Is financial aid available to transfer students?

A: Our Financial Aid Office normally does not award institutional scholarship assistance to transfer students. Transfer students are eligible for loan assistance during their attendance at Cornell.

Q: How competitive is the transfer process?

A: We receive around 75 applications each year for fall transfer. To be competitive, students should be in the top 10 percent of their class.  

Q: Can transfer students participate in the fall recruitment program?

A: Yes, the Career Services Office will do its best to accommodate transfer students’ participation in the Fall Recruitment Program if timing permits.

Q: Can transfer students become a member of a law journal?

A: Yes, there is a writing competition held in August for admitted transfer applicants.

Q: When can I submit a transfer application?

A: Our  application is available in September and the deadline is August 1.

Visiting Students

Q: does cornell law school accept visiting students.

A: Yes, students currently enrolled in a law school that is a member of the Association of American Law Schools may apply to be a visiting student at Cornell Law School. If you will be applying as a visiting student, please email the Admissions Office for detailed instructions.

Q: Can visiting students apply to transfer to Cornell Law School?

A: No, visiting students may not apply to transfer.

Q: What tuition does Cornell Law School charge for visiting students?

A: Visiting students are charged the same tuition and fees that Cornell Law School charges its J.D. students.

Q: Can visiting students participate in fall recruitment activities at Cornell Law School?

A: Visiting students are not eligible to participate in fall recruitment activities but with a letter from their home law school they can obtain access to certain career services resources at Cornell Law School.

Q: What materials will I need to submit if I plan to re-apply?

A: Applicants who are denied admission may re-apply to Cornell Law School in a subsequent year. The Admissions Committee will review your entire application but will also focus on any significant changes since your prior application.

To re-apply for admission, in addition to the electronic application, you should submit new versions of the following:

• Personal statement
• Why Cornell statement
• CAS report (consisting of LSAT score(s), transcript(s), and two letters of recommendation)

Q: If I am on reserve, when will I receive a decision?

A: Applicants who wish to stay active and available for further consideration will be re-reviewed again before we make additional offers. The reserve list is not ranked and will remain active until the end of summer.

Q: How many applicants are placed on the reserve list and how many are offered admission?

A: The number of candidates who are placed on the reserve list and are ultimately offered admission varies from year to year. Factors that may affect this are:

• The quantity and quality of applications received
• The number of applicants who accept our admission offers
• The number of applicants who defer to the following year, or who withdraw their seat in the class

We realize that some applicants are not in a position to stay active on reserve, but remaining active for as long as possible increases the likelihood of admission.

Q: Does Cornell law have a part-time or evening program?

A: No, we only have a full-time day program.

Q: Can I start at Cornell Law in the spring semester?

A: No, Cornell Law only offers fall enrollment.

Q: Is the enrollment deposit refundable?

A: No, the enrollment deposit is nonrefundable. Cornell Law School has two enrollment deposits, April 15 and May 15.

Q: May I have my enrollment deposit deadline extended?

A: An enrollment deposit extension may be requested for the second deposit only, which is nonrefundable. Extension requests will be considered on an individual basis and must be submitted in writing addressed to the Associate Dean for Admissions and Financial Aid. Failure to submit a timely enrollment deposit, and in the absence of the Admission Office’s written confirmation of an enrollment deposit extension, may result in your offer being rescinded and seat canceled.

Q: Are deferrals granted?

A: Deferrals are granted on a case-by-case basis.

The Admissions Committee will generally grant an admitted applicant a one-year deferral if it is requested in writing before the second deposit deadline (mid-May), and if the following are submitted by their respective deadlines:

• A non-refundable registration deposit of $1,000 (deposit will be credited toward tuition upon enrollment). This deadline will be noted in a deferral approval email.

The deadline for the following items is the beginning of February. An email with the exact date will be sent in November:

• An official final undergraduate transcript
• An email indicating what you have been doing for the period of your deferment and stating: (1) That you have not registered with another law school in the interim year (2) That you have not been convicted of a crime and no charges are pending (3) If you have served in the military, that any discharge you received was honorable

One-year deferral requests received after our mid-May deadline, if granted, will include a binding commitment to enroll at Cornell Law School after your deferral period.

Please note that financial aid awards are  not  deferred, and you will need to re-apply for financial aid for the year you intend to enroll.

Q: Do you grant deferrals for more than one year?

A: The Admissions Committee will consider requests for two-year deferrals. These deferrals are only granted for compelling two-year commitments, such as:

• Academic fellowship
• Military commitment

Please contact the  Admissions Office  by email to request a deferral.

Q: What should I study?

A: There is no particular major or curriculum that is required for admission to law school. An entering class typically represents forty or forty-five different majors. The majors most commonly found in our entering class are political science, history, economics, English, psychology, and philosophy. Some atypical majors that we think provide particularly good training for law school are computer science, mathematics, classics, and physics. Typically ten percent of the entering class has majored in a “hard” science.

Pursuing a particular major simply because you think it will give you an advantage in the law school admissions process is an exercise in futility. You are less likely to perform well in a major that doesn’t engage you. We recommend, therefore, that you study subjects that are challenging and interesting to you and that you follow your academic passion.

Because we seek curricula that are both broad and deep, we also recommend that you take challenging courses in your chosen core field and that you branch out and test yourself in areas outside your comfort zone. Classes that give you experience with the close reading of texts, detailed analysis, logical reasoning, and extensive writing are always helpful.

Q: What extracurricular activities should I participate in?

A: As with majors, we have no preconceived list of “best extracurricular activities.” You should pursue the areas that interest you. Although in general, we like to see some evidence of involvement and engagement in something outside of academic studies, we have no particular preference for the type of activity.

We advise students to focus their interests and work to obtain a leadership role in whatever activities they pursue. We are looking for the quality of your extracurricular activity, not the sheer quantity of your memberships in clubs or groups.

In preparing your application, keep in mind that it is helpful if you give us some sense of the nature and extent of your involvement; if the name of a group or organization is a little mysterious to the uninitiated, it might be helpful to describe briefly the mission or purpose.

Q: What if I have a disciplinary record?

A: It is always best to answer questions concerning your disciplinary record fully and openly, and to provide a detailed explanation.

Complete accuracy is required in all statements made on any portion of the application.  To ensure that decisions are based on factual information, we audit some applications at random each year. Also, you are required to update us about any changes that take place after the submission of your application. Inaccurate, incomplete, or misleading statements, or failure to update, can result in withdrawal of admission offers, honor code proceedings, dismissal from Cornell Law School, rescission or cancellation of any degrees you may have received from Cornell Law School or other disciplinary sanctions.

Note: In some states, you must register with the Board of Bar Examiners before beginning the study of law.  Make sure you check the requirements in the state(s) where you want to practice.  All applicants are advised that there are character, fitness, and other qualifications for admission to the bar.  Before your matriculation at Cornell Law School, you are encouraged to determine what those bar admission requirements are in the state(s) in which you intend to practice.

 Q: Are all applications read?

A: Yes, each application is thoroughly reviewed, and all of the components of your application will be considered. We do not make any decisions based solely on numerical scores.

Q: What is a typical first-year class like?

A: The first-year class is divided into six sections of approximately 32 students.

During the fall semester, you will have one class that will only include your section of 32 students. Your legal research and writing class will also be taught in a class of 32 students. Please visit here for more information about the  first year at Cornell Law .

Q: Are there academic support programs?

A: Yes, there are both formal and informal academic support programs. During the first year, students have the opportunity to work with an academic support counselor as well as upper-class students. Also, students have the opportunity to be assigned a faculty and/or a student mentor.

Cornell Law is a small legal community, so there are many opportunities for informal academic support. Students can easily interact with their classmates and faculty.

Q: Are there opportunities to interact with faculty?

A: Yes. One of the cornerstones of the Cornell Law faculty is their accessibility to students.

Q: What joint degree programs do you offer?

A: As the largest and most academically diverse Ivy League University, Cornell offers a robust ncornumber of joint degree programs . We currently offer the following joint degree programs:

• J.D./Ph.D. Doctor of Philosophy
• J.D./M.A. Master of Arts
• J.D./M.S. Master of Science
• J.D./D.M.A. Doctor of Musical Arts
• J.D./D.V.M. Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
• J.D./M.Arch. Master of Architecture
• J.D./M.A.T. Master of Teaching
• J.D./M.B.A. Master of Business Administration
• J.D./M.Eng. Master of Engineering
• J.D./M.F.A. Master of Fine Arts
• J.D./M.F.S. Master of Food Science
• J.D./M.H.A. Master of Health Administration
• J.D./M.I.L.R. Master of Industrial and Labor Relations
• J.D./M.L.A. Master of Landscape Architecture
• J.D./M.M.H. Master of Hospitality Management
• J.D./M.P.A. Master of Public Administration
• J.D./M.P.S. Master of Professional Studies

Q: Do I have to apply to the joint degree programs separately?

Q: which application forms do i use.

A: You use our law school application and the application for each respective program.

Each program within the joint degree has separate admission procedures and separate applications. You must be admitted to both programs separately before you can enter the joint degree.

Q: Do I have to take the GRE or GMAT?

A: The requirements vary for each respective degree program.

Q: Do you have any clinical programs?

A: Yes. Cornell Law students enjoy a number of cutting-edge clinical programs including:

• Appellate Criminal Defense Clinic
• Asylum and Convention Against Torture Appellate Clinic
• Capital Punishment Clinic
• Entrepreneurship Law Clinic
• Farmworker Legal Assistance Clinic
• First Amendment Clinic
• Gender Justice Clinic
• International Human Rights Clinic
• Juvenile Justice Clinic
• Labor Law Clinic
• Movement Lawyering Clinic
• Securities Law Clinic
• Transnational Disputes Clinic

Q: Do I have to specialize in any one area?

A: No. After your first year, you may tailor your class schedule to align with your interests and career goals. We offer the following concentrations :

• Public Interest
• Business Law and Regulation
• General Practice

Q: What are your study abroad opportunities?

A: Cornell Law students may apply to spend a semester abroad during the spring semester of their second year of law school, or during the fall semester of their third year. Cornell Law School currently has study abroad agreements with twelve partner schools. It is also possible for a student to design an individual “term away” at a foreign law faculty.

Q: What is Cornell Law’s job placement rate and where do most graduates end up working?

A: Cornell Law has a robust job placement rate and our students secure top positions across the entire country. The employment statistics for recent classes can be found  here .[link to stats]

Q: Is there any help for students who want to pursue public interest work?

A: Cornell Law has a deep commitment to helping students work for the public interest . Akua Akyea, Associate Dean of Career Development, provides support and help to connect student groups with resources.

Our Public Interest Low Income Protection Plan (see above) is one of the most supportive loan-forgiveness programs in the nation. Cornell Law established this loan repayment assistance program for graduates who prefer employment in low-income public interest or public sector jobs to more lucrative private law practice positions. Qualifying graduates apply only a certain percentage of their annual income to repay the law school educational loans. The difference in the loan is covered by a grant issued by Cornell Law School during each year a graduate is in the program.

Students who wish to work with public interest organizations during the summer may be eligible for Public Interest Fellowship grants. The grants are made possible through a combination of creative fundraising activities organized by the Student Public Interest Law Union and funds from the law school. By combining these summer Public Interest Fellowships and work-study funding, full-time grants of $5,000 are awarded to students.

See more Cornell Law facts and statistics .

Q: What is Ithaca like?

A: Over the years, Ithaca has received numerous accolades. Most recently, Ithaca was named one of Kiplinger’s top ten smart towns. Ithaca has also been heralded as the “most enlightened city” by the national magazine  Utne Reader.  In many ways, Ithaca is the quintessential college town because when both Cornell University and Ithaca College are in session, there are 25,000 students in Ithaca, which has a population of approximately 30,000 non-student residents.

Ithaca is a student-focused community where many businesses and services cater to the student market. Other national magazines have described the City of Ithaca in the following issues:

• “AIER College Destinations Index 2016,” American Institute for Economic Research, January 2016
• “12 Reasons Why Ithaca, New York Is The Best College Town In America,” Business Insider, November 27, 2013
• “Homecomings Amid the Gorges,” New York Times, November 13, 2008
• “America’s 5 Best Mountain Biking Towns,” Bike Magazine
• “60 Best American Public Places,”  Utne Reader
• “American Values-Where to Buy a Retirement Home,”  Smart Money magazine
• “Best Places to Vacation,”  Money magazine
• “25 Terrific Places to Bring up a Family,”  Mothering magazine
• “Number 1 Emerging City,” Cities Ranked and Rated by Bert Sperling and Peter Sander
• “America’s 2nd Most Eco-Friendly Metropolitan Area,”  Country Home magazine
• “Top Ten Places to Live for Gay and Lesbian People,”   The Advocate magazine

For more information about Ithaca, visit the Student Life section of this website or:

• visitithaca.com/
• ithacanet.org/
• downtownithaca.com/  

Q: What is the weather really like?

A: Ithaca enjoys a colorful spring, a summer of sun and warm weather, and a crisp fall with vibrant foliage. However, the most picturesque season in Ithaca is winter. Most law students live close to campus, so making it to class rarely becomes an issue.

Q: When can I visit Cornell Law?

A: You are welcome to visit when it is convenient for you, but we encourage you to visit while classes are in session and when one of our student ambassadors is available. Our tour registration calendar will become available in mid-September. We also have a self-guided tour of the Law School if visiting during the academic year is not possible. These brochures are located in the Admissions and Financial Aid Office.

•  Meet our Student Ambassadors!

Q: Are university campus tours offered?

A: Guided walking tours of campus are offered throughout the year — learn more at the university’s tours page .

• Tours begin at the Information and Referral Center in the lobby of Day Hall. No appointment is required.
• Tours are mostly outdoors and last about one hour.
• Tours include information about Cornell’s undergraduate, graduate, and professional schools and colleges. Visit this link for additional information.

Q: What are your office hours?

A: Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. and Friday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. (The Admissions and Financial Aid Office closes from 12 – 1 p.m. each day for lunch)

To schedule an appointment, please email the following:

Admissions: [email protected]

Financial Aid: [email protected]

Student Ambassador: [email protected]

Q: What extracurricular activities are offered at Cornell Law?

A: There are a plethora of  student organizations  at Cornell Law.

Q: Do many Cornell Law students come straight from their undergraduate institutions?

A: Approximately 68 percent of the first-year class spent one or more years off before enrolling in Law School.

Q: What was the average age of the 1L class?

A: The age of our incoming students this year ranged from 20 to 33 years old, with the average age being about 26 years old.

Learn more about student life at Cornell Law .

Q: What resources are available to find housing in Ithaca?

A: Campus Life at Cornell University maintains information about all on-campus housing. The following are helpful links about housing in Ithaca:

• Cornell Graduate and Professional Student Housing
• Student housing offers a wide range of options, including numerous complexes where families are more than welcome.
• Off-campus housing accommodates the majority of our Law School students. Learn more about finding housing in Ithaca .

Other helpful links to find housing in Ithaca are listed below:

• Ithaca Rents
• Ithaca Student Apartments
• Rent to Own Labs

 Q: How can I get a parking space?

A: Parking permits are available for purchase on a space-available basis. Please visit the transportation office for the price, location, and other important details, or see  transportation parking details here .

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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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5 MPA Personal Statement Tips for Driven Applicants

Most graduate degree programs require applicants to submit a statement of purpose, sometimes called a personal statement, along with their other application materials. The statement of purpose is your opportunity to tell your story, describe your motivations, and explain why you would be a good candidate for the program. 

But as a future Master of Public Administration (MPA) student, you must tailor your statement of purpose to your long term career goals specifically in the field of public affairs and public administration. Here are five tips to doing exactly that. 

Make yourself a competitive leader in public affairs; learn more about Cornell’s dedication to career management and professional development within the MPA program.

MPA Personal Statement Tips

When it comes to graduate school admission, the personal statement represents your chance to truly shine.  In addition to providing a tremendous opportunity to convey the quality of your writing to admissions committees, the personal statement allows you to highlight your purpose for pursuing graduate studies."   Thomas O’Toole Executive Director of Public Affairs Programming at the Cornell Brooks School

From specific motivations for applying to exploring your goals in public affairs, here are a few tips to submitting a fantastic statement of purpose . 

1. Be specific about why you're applying to the MPA program

Why is this the right time for graduate study for you .

You have many graduate programs to choose from — and there are myriad MPA programs to choose from across the country as well. For this reason, It is important to detail specifically why you are applying to the MPA program of your choosing: what aspects of the program are you drawn to? Why do you think you are a good fit for this MPA program in particular?

Be specific and really dive into your personal reasons for wanting to join the MPA program you are passionate about and be sure to include details regarding what you will contribute to the community at large

2. Make it personal to your unique experiences

Knowledge, skills, and abilities you will bring to enrich our community (why are you the right person).

What are your personal motivations for obtaining an MPA? What personal experience have inspired you to pursue a mission-driven, impactful career in public affairs ? These are incredibly important questions to answer within your personal statement as they provide context for what is going to drive you throughout your time in the program and beyond.

Detail the kinds of challenges or problems you have encountered during your lived experience and connect those to your dedication to impact societal, systemic change.

3. Describe your long term career goals related to public affairs.

How can the brooks mpa uniquely address your academic and professional interests (why is this the right place).

Within the field of public affairs and public administration, there are nearly countless diverse and dynamic career opportunities. Whether you want to work in environmental , economic , infrastructure , or social policy , there is a public service career for you . 

Take some time to evaluate your long term career goals and describe the specific role or industry in which you want to transform peoples’ lives for good.

4. Include relevant professional experiences that will augment your time in the MPA program.

You will want to highlight your professional accomplishments within your statement of purpose. Be sure to include examples of volunteer work, positions of responsibility, and any other life experiences that have contributed to your interest in public affairs.

In doing so, you will exemplify your dedication to professional development , show your commitment to lifelong learning, and demonstrate how you are well prepared to continue gaining the skills needed to lead in the field.

5. Proofread

You are strongly encouraged to proofread carefully before submitting your personal statement. There are no additional writing samples within the application–this is the best way to show what you are capable of. 

Because public affairs is a writing intensive field, writing quality matters. So this should tell you something about the weight we place on these essays in our overall evaluation.”

Proofread your personal statement multiple times to be sure everything is correct before sending it our way.

6. Be proud; be confident; be passionate.

The field of public affairs and public administration is one of the most transformative fields in existence today. 

Our industry is a deeply ‘human’ field, and the more your passion and motivation come through in your writing, the more success you will have in the application process.” 

Armed with an MPA, you will enter the field with the marketable skills needed to make a difference, and for that reason, you should be excited, proud, and confident in your decision to apply to the MPA program of your choice.

Here’s How to Apply to Cornell’s MPA Program

At the Cornell Jeb E. Brooks School of Public Policy, we make applying to the MPA program as easy and as accessible as possible. Here are the six steps you need to take to apply.

• Complete Cornell’s Online Graduate School Application . For questions pertaining to any technical issues or errors, contact the Graduate School office at 607-255-4884.
• Submit unofficial copies of your college and university transcripts. Do not send official transcripts to the MPA Program. Before matriculating, all admitted students will be required to submit an official transcript to the Graduate School. Review submission parameters on the Graduate School’s website .
• Submit your résumé and three letters of recommendation (academic and/or professional are acceptable).
• Applicants for whom English is a second language will need to meet minimum scores on either the TOEFL or IELTS exams. Required minimum scores on the TOEFL exam are: writing 20, listening 15, reading 20, speaking 22. Our field requirements for the IELTS exam are an overall score of at least 7.0.
• Submit both a Statement of Purpose and an Essay. ( See this page for more information .)
• You will be sent email instructions to participate in an online interview to complete your application.

Check out our recorded webinar about applying to the MPA program!

Jumpstart Your Public Service Career at the Cornell Brooks School MPA Program

You have the valuable opportunity to obtain a Master of Public Administration degree that will prepare you to launch your career in public service. 

Are you ready to take the plunge?

Take the first step in your next career venture by requesting information or starting your online application today. You can also visit our Webinar Library or Resource Library for additional webinar recordings and downloadable guides.

Is Working for a Nonprofit Worth It? (Hint: It is with an MPA Degree)

5 Careers That Change the World & How To Get Them with an MPA

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• Graduate School

Motivating Cornell Graduate School Statement of Purpose Examples

Featured Expert: Dr. Mohammadreza Shahzadeh, PhD

Looking for Cornell graduate school statement of purpose examples? Your Cornell graduate school statement of purpose and personal statement are key components of your written grad school application materials. And these essays can help get you into grad school by strengthening and personalizing your application. Cornell graduate school has specific requirements for a grad school statement of purpose , so it’s important to prepare ahead of time and write a killer statement. In this blog, we have some Cornell graduate school statement of purpose examples to help you write your own, plus writing tips!

>> Want us to help you get accepted? Schedule a free strategy call here . <<

Article Contents 10 min read

Cornell graduate school statement of purpose examples, cornell graduate school statement of purpose example #1.

As I embark on my journey towards advanced engineering education, I am thrilled to apply for the Master of Engineering program at Cornell Graduate School. With its unwavering commitment to diversity, inclusion, and excellence, Cornell University aligns perfectly with my personal and professional aspirations. In this statement of purpose, I will outline my academic background, research interests, and how Cornell's unique program and supportive environment will facilitate my growth as an engineer.

Throughout my undergraduate studies in Electrical Engineering, I developed a strong foundation in core concepts and honed my problem-solving skills, and in my professional experience as an electronics engineer I have furthered my passion for creative design. However, I yearn to delve deeper into specialized areas and explore cutting-edge technologies that have the potential to transform industries and improve people's lives. In particular, I have always been fascinated with aerospace engineering and avionics especially, since the first moment my father showed me what it took to help a plane leave the tarmac. Cornell's Master of Engineering program provides an exceptional platform for me to broaden my knowledge and expertise in my chosen field and allow me to launch my career in the right direction.

Furthermore, the Master of Engineering program at Cornell offers a wide range of concentrations that align with my research interests and career goals. I am particularly interested in the concentration of Sustainable Systems, as I am passionate about developing environmentally-friendly solutions to mitigate the impact of human activities on the planet. I am inspired by Cornell's Center for Sustainable Global Enterprise, which encourages interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation in sustainability. Through this program, I aim to gain a comprehensive understanding of sustainable engineering principles and apply them to real-world problems in my desired field.

Cornell's distinguished faculty members are another reason for my strong interest in the Master of Engineering program. Their expertise, diverse research interests, and commitment to mentoring students are truly inspiring. Professor Jane Smith's work in renewable energy systems and her efforts to promote gender equality in engineering resonate with my own aspirations. I look forward to the opportunity to collaborate with Dr. Smith and other accomplished faculty members and contribute to their ongoing research endeavors.

Additionally, Cornell's state-of-the-art facilities and resources provide an ideal environment for hands-on learning and research. The Engineering Library, with its extensive collection of scholarly resources, will be invaluable in expanding my knowledge base. Moreover, the opportunity to work in the Cornell Centre for Astrophysics and Planetary Science will enable to collaborate with graduate students and other faculty members from different disciplines who share my interests and can contribute to my understanding of aeronautics.

In conclusion, I am confident that Cornell's Master of Engineering program, with its emphasis on diversity, inclusion, and academic excellence, is the ideal platform for me to further my education and contribute to the field of engineering. I am excited about the opportunity to engage with a diverse cohort of students, collaborate with distinguished faculty members, and leverage Cornell's resources to develop innovative solutions to pressing global challenges as we continue to expand our knowledge of space and what is possible. I am committed to embracing the values and vision of Cornell and look forward to making a positive impact within the university and the broader engineering community.

With a strong commitment to making a positive impact on global development, I am delighted to apply for the Master of Global Development program at Cornell Graduate School. Cornell University's reputation for academic excellence, diverse community, and dedication to fostering inclusive environments align perfectly with my aspirations to address complex global challenges. In this statement of purpose, I will highlight my academic background, research interests, and how Cornell's unique program will equip me with the knowledge and skills necessary to drive sustainable and equitable development.

Having completed my undergraduate studies in International Relations, I developed a deep understanding of the interconnectedness of global issues and the need for comprehensive and collaborative approaches to development. My education and experience have instilled in me a myriad of important skills in collaboration, negotiation and communication. However, I recognize the importance of acquiring specialized knowledge and practical skills necessary to effectively tackle the multidimensional challenges facing communities around the world. Cornell's Master of Global Development program offers a unique opportunity to deepen my understanding of development theories, policies, and practices, while also providing a platform to engage in interdisciplinary collaborations.

One aspect that distinguishes Cornell's program is its emphasis on interdisciplinary research and learning. I firmly believe that addressing complex global challenges requires a holistic understanding that transcends disciplinary boundaries. The opportunity to collaborate with fellow students from diverse backgrounds, including agriculture, economics, and public health, will enable me to gain new perspectives, challenge my assumptions, and develop innovative solutions that consider the social, economic, and environmental dimensions of development.

I am also drawn to the opportunity to participate in research and projects under the supervision of your distinguished faculty. I am particularly inspired by Professor Jane Brown's work in sustainable agriculture and food security. Her research on innovative farming practices and rural development resonates with my passion for sustainable agriculture and inclusive economic growth. I am eager to engage with her on the future of food and how interdisciplinary research and collaboration in the public health and agricultural fields can help us to collectively find new solutions to an ongoing, complex issue.

As an advocate for inclusive development, I firmly believe that diverse perspectives and experiences are crucial to creating sustainable and equitable solutions. Cornell's commitment to fostering an inclusive community, as demonstrated through its recruitment efforts and support services, ensures that students from diverse backgrounds are empowered to succeed. I am eager to contribute to and learn from a diverse cohort of students, as well as engage in initiatives that promote social justice and address structural inequalities in global development.

Moreover, Cornell's strong emphasis on experiential learning and field-based research perfectly complements my desire to gain practical experience in the field of global development. I know to be successful I will need more field experience and hands-on learning opportunities, which I am eager to find. The program's focus on internships, research projects, and immersive experiences will provide me with the opportunity to apply the theoretical knowledge I have gained so far to real-world contexts and contribute meaningfully to ongoing development initiatives I am passionate about. I am particularly drawn to Cornell's partnership with local organizations and its commitment to engaging with communities to co-create sustainable and context-specific solutions.

Finally, Cornell's robust network of alumni working in various sectors of global development presents invaluable opportunities for mentorship, collaboration, and professional growth. The university's career development services, alumni networking events, and connections with leading organizations provide a strong support system for students as they transition into impactful careers in the field of global development. I am excited about the potential to engage with Cornell's alumni network, learn from their experiences, and leverage their expertise to shape my own career path.

Cornell University's Master of Global Development program offers an exceptional academic and experiential platform for me to deepen my understanding of global development, collaborate with diverse perspectives, and contribute to sustainable and equitable solutions. I am confident that my journey at Cornell will equip me with the knowledge, skills, and network necessary to become an effective global development practitioner and contribute to positive change on a global scale.

Want to see more graduate school statement of purpose examples?

Cornell graduate school requires all applicants to submit an academic statement of purpose (ASOP) and a personal statement.

The Cornell graduate school statement of purpose AND the personal statement are required for all Cornell’s graduate school programs.

The length and format for both essays should be between 1-2 pages, with standard fonts and sizing. In other words, each essay should be around 500-700 words max. You should also include your full name and proposed program of study at the top of each page, since the admissions committee may be reading a hard copy of your essays. As far as tone and terminology, you can use words and terms specific to your field of study, since your essays will be reviewed by faculty members from the program you’re applying for.

While most graduate school programs ask for one or the other, Cornell asks for both. Both essays have distinct purposes and importance for your application. Essentially, the academic statement of purpose highlights your academic interests and experiences, whereas the personal statement highlights your personal background and attributes.

Here’s what both statements should include:

Cornell Graduate School Statement of Purpose

• Introduces your academic interests and objectives
• Outlines your experience in your field or the field of study you are applying to
• Demonstrates you will be a successful graduate student

For the statement of purpose, you can divide your essay into 3-4 paragraphs. This includes an introduction, 1 or 2 body paragraphs and a short conclusion. Here’s an outline to give you an idea of how to structure your Cornell grad school statement of purpose:

Introduction

Share a brief background on what your field of interest is and how you first became interested in it, followed by why you want to study in this field at the graduate level.

Discuss the experiences you have in your field and the skills you learned from them. These academic experiences can include research, internships, scholarly publications, presentations, and undergraduate coursework. Be specific and detailed whenever possible in explaining your role, the skills you learned, how you contributed to a project, and the outcome of your experience.

Describe why the program is a good fit for you and how you are a good fit for the program. Demonstrate that you have thoroughly research the program at Cornell in question by sharing examples and details. For instance, mention specific faculty members you want to work with or learn from, courses or events you are looking forward to, or unique learning opportunities available through the program.

Basically, show the admissions committee that you are choosing Cornell because it is the best place for you to study in your field at the graduate level, and that you’ve done your homework.

Want to see more graduate school statement of purpose examples from top schools?

• Stanford grad school statement of purpose examples
• MIT grad school statement of purpose examples

Cornell Graduate School Personal Statement

• Who you are, where you come from
• Your background and how you came to apply to graduate school
• How you will contribute to Cornell’s graduate school community
• Address any weaknesses in your application (optional)

In your Cornell grad school personal statement, your focus should be on how you are “ persistent and resilient, especially when navigating challenging circumstances.” You can draw on your personal, professional and academic experiences to demonstrate these qualities. Cornell also wants to know how you have collaborated with others, facilitated teamwork and positively engaged with others by encouraging diversity and inclusion.

A secondary purpose of your personal statement is to enhance your grad school application if you have a low GPA . You can and should address a low GPA or other weakness in your application. Explain the circumstances briefly, but focus on how you overcame any obstacles or challenges and what you have learned from them.

Want to see some Ivy League graduate school personal statement examples ?

• Yale graduate school personal statement
• Harvard grad school personal statement examples

Here are some tips to keep in mind when writing and proofreading your Cornell graduate school statement of purpose and personal statement:

1. Know the purpose

Your statement of purpose is an academic essay, whereas the personal statement is just that, personal. Both essays have completely different focuses, so it’s important to keep this in mind when you’re writing. Your personal statement can include a more narrative flow, personal anecdotes and experiences. Your graduate school statement of purpose will be more to the point and formal. It’s a good idea to write these two statements separately. Brainstorm for each essay, then outline and draft separately from each other. There shouldn’t be too much overlap between them at all.

Also note that the Cornell graduate school statement of purpose is not the same as a grad school career goals statement . Some of Cornell’s programs may ask for this third essay, but the focus should be on your academic experiences, not your career.

2. Proofread!

Proofreading is a critically important step in writing your essay. You’ll be evaluated by the admissions committee on your grammar and spelling, so any mistakes could be costly to your successful acceptance. If you have a grad school essay tutor helping you, ask them to proofread for you, too, just in case they catch anything you missed.

3. Research your program of choice at Cornell

Research into the program you want to apply to is key here. Take a look at the program’s curriculum, mission statement, faculty, research interests and everything you can find. Any pertinent details and specific information you can include in your statement will show that you know your stuff and that you know Cornell.

Research your ideal program and make some notes on what appeals to you most about it, which research interests align with yours, which faculty members you admire, and which courses interest you. Store all of this information for your brainstorming session!

4. Ask for help

Whether you ask for a friend or two to proofread your essays or get grad school application help , it’s always a good idea to have another set of eyes on your paper to give you feedback. A grad school admissions consultant can give you expert feedback and advice on your entire application, including your graduate school statement of purpose, which can be an advantage if you’re applying to a particularly competitive program.

• To finish off, here’s a checklist from Cornell to use once you’ve finished writing your graduate school statement of purpose!
• Described your academic background in enough detail to show your experience and preparedness in the field?
• Shown that you are a good fit for the program you are applying to?
• Defined why you want a graduate degree in this field?
• Demonstrated that you are self-motivated, persistent, competent, and have the skills necessary to be successful in graduate school?
• Followed the ASOP instructions as defined by the program you are applying to?
• Polished, proofread, and had others review your ASOP?

A good graduate school statement of purpose needs to be well-written and polished. It should cover your academic interests and experiences and highlight why you want to study at the graduate level at a particular school or program. It needs to demonstrate that you have the experience and motivation to succeed in graduate school.

Yes, all of Cornell’s graduate programs require a statement of purpose as part of the application.

To write a strong personal statement for graduate school, focus on your personal background and how it will allow you to contribute positively to the graduate school’s program and community. A personal statement, unlike a statement of purpose for graduate school, will have a more narrative tone and flow. It will also include more personal details and anecdotes.

Yes, all of Cornell’s graduate school programs require a personal statement, as well.

In your grad school statement of purpose, Cornell wants to see how you have academically prepared yourself to study your field at the graduate level, what your research and academic interests are and why you chose Cornell.

Cornell wants to know who you are, where you come from, and how you will contribute to their unique grad school community. Share how you came to the decision to apply to grad school in your field and what personal attributes and perspectives you can bring to their graduate community.

A grad school statement of purpose focuses on your academic achievements and objectives, whereas a personal statement covers your personal background and motivations.

To stand out in your graduate school statement of purpose, be very detailed and specific. Show that you have done your research on both the program and school you’re applying to and mention specific courses you want to take, faculty members you want to work with, how a program’s research aligns with your own interests, and what professional experience you have in your field of study.

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Personal statement - common app essay anonymous, personal statement - any topic.

As a 3-year old boy, I recall with clarity my fear of joining other children lined up at the edge of the pool. I remember looking down at a painted black line at the bottom of the pool as if it were challenging me to jump in. I stood alone arms crossed, stealing glances at my mother who didn’t how scared I was. This was a life or death decision. I didn’t want to drown. Suddenly, my swimming instructor called my name and grabbed me at the edge of the pool pulling me into the water. I gasped for air, as I submerged below the surface. Somehow, I started to kick my feet and move my arms. I actually started to swim, and most importantly, I survived.

Twelve years later, I found myself at that same pool sitting on the lifeguard chair, making sure everyone was safe. I was stationed on a hot deck, waiting for children to jump into the 18-foot diving well. I caught sight of a young girl, who cautiously approached the edge of the pool, stared at the same black line at the bottom of the pool, and suddenly jumped into the water. Her arms flew up into the air, and as she sunk, I instinctively dove in after her. Placing my arm across her body, I scissor-kicked my way to safety at the edge of the pool. I felt a rush of pride and accomplishment...

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Peter John Loewen will begin his term as dean of the College of Arts and Sciences on Aug. 1.

Peter Loewen named dean of Arts and Sciences

By tom fleischman, cornell chronicle.

Peter John Loewen, director of the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy at the University of Toronto, has been named the 23rd dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, Provost Michael I. Kotlikoff announced May 24.

Loewen’s five-year appointment as the Harold Tanner Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences (A&S), approved May 23 by the Executive Committee of the Cornell Board of Trustees, begins Aug. 1.

“Professor Loewen has distinguished himself through his thoughtful and effective leadership of the Munk School at the University of Toronto,” Kotlikoff said. “He is an accomplished scholar with broad academic experience, and his energy, collaborative approach and commitment to faculty, students and staff greatly impressed the search committee. I believe that Peter will be an extraordinary leader of the College of Arts and Sciences, and I look forward to working with him to further the excellence of the college.”

Loewen, the Robert Vipond Distinguished Professor in Democracy in the Department of Political Science and the Munk School, is also the director of the Policy, Elections and Representation Lab (PEARL); associate director of the Schwartz Reisman Institute for Technology and Society; a senior fellow at Massey College; and a fellow with the Public Policy Forum , a Canadian think tank and registered charity .

Loewen said his selection as dean of A&S is a “deep honor.”

“Cornell’s commitment to ‘… any person … any study,’ and the way that’s animated by its commitment to having knowledge across disciplinary boundaries and across colleges, is very exciting to me,” he said. “The consequential universities of tomorrow are the ones that can speak to the biggest questions that we’re facing from as many perspectives as possible. And Cornell can do that better than any other place.”

Providing a transformative undergraduate education, and being a part of students’ lives during a time of transformation and self-discovery, is “the most important thing universities can do,” Loewen said.

“We have this incredible privilege of having students spend some of the most formative years of their lives with us,” he said, “involving us in their process of figuring out who their future selves are going to be.”

Loewen received his bachelor’s degree in political science (with a minor in economics) in 2002 from Mount Allison University in Sackville, New Brunswick, and his Ph.D. in political science in 2008 from the Université de Montréal. He held postdoctoral fellowships at the University of British Columbia and the University of California, San Diego.

Loewen’s teaching and research interests include the future of democratic societies and the politics of technological change. His work has been published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Nature Medicine, Nature Human Behaviour, American Political Science Review and other journals.

He has edited four books and has been a contributor to the Washington Post and Toronto’s Globe & Mail.

Loewen, who will also hold an academic appointment as professor in the Department of Government (A&S), said he hopes to teach in addition to his responsibilities as dean.

“How we collectively deal with the huge demographic and technological changes that are happening are really big questions for democracies to wrestle with,” he said. “Those are questions that will be thrilling to engage graduate and undergraduate students in at some point in the classroom.”

Loewen’s partner, Yvette Lam, will join the university as a major gifts officer in Alumni Affairs and Development. Loewen and Lam have two children, 9-year-old Wolfgang and Dagny, 5.

Loewen succeeds Ray Jayawardhana, who left Cornell last summer to become provost of Johns Hopkins University. Rachel Bean , the Jacob Gould Schurman Professor in the Department of Astronomy and senior associate dean for math and science, has been serving as interim A&S dean since last July.

“I know I speak for all of her colleagues when I say how grateful we are for Rachel’s deft leadership during this period of transition,” Kotlikoff said. “Her ability to balance her administrative duties with her teaching and research was impressive and invaluable. There is no more committed and selfless leader than Rachel in supporting the College of Arts and Sciences, and she has my personal gratitude for everything that she has done over the past academic year.”

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Reflections from the Class of 2024

Top row (left to right): Lola Berger, McKenzie Murray, Jack Neiberg and Caitlin Rogoff. Bottom row (left to right): Leah Rosenkranz, Sarah Rudolph-Naiberg, Rahul Verma and Nancy Wang.

As they prepared for Commencement, some of our graduating seniors took a moment before leaving campus to share their favorite memories, what surprised them, and what they’ll be doing next. To read more of their responses, check out the Cornell Human Ecology Instagram . 

What was your favorite class? 

Lola berger, human biology, health and society.

My favorite class was NS 3410: Human Anatomy and Physiology. There is such a breadth of information that you learn in anatomy that I feel like I didn’t get to touch on in any other class. It really provides such a comprehensive view of the human body, and as a pre-med student I really value and appreciate that knowledge. The class itself is also incredibly interesting and engaging, and the TAs who help run the class are the absolute best! I loved it so much that I decided to become a TA myself.

Jack Neiberg, Design and Environmental Analysis

Business Design (AEM 4375) with Denise Ramzy is my favorite class I have taken at Cornell. It was through this class I began my work with Finger Lakes ReUse, and Denise taught me so much about how design thinking can be a tool to support people fighting the good fight. This mode of engaged learning taught me so much and solidified in my mind that I want to have a career supporting nonprofits and governments with my design thinking skills.

Caitlin Rogoff, Human Development

My favorite class was HD 3320: Gender and Psychopathology with Professor Korfine. Not only did Professor Korfine's warmth and engaging lecturing style make the class truly enjoyable, but the course content resonated strongly with my career aspirations in psychopathology.

What has been your most meaningful faculty interaction?

Sarah rudolph-naiberg, nutritional sciences.

From my first days as a PRYDE scholar learning about translational research, to implementing a Youth Contribution Project in New York State 4-H this semester with the junior and senior Cornell PRYDE cohorts, Kristen Elmore has consistently been someone I’ve looked up to and considered a mentor. I have learned so much from her about community-engaged research and program implementation, as well as how to foster an inclusive environment.

McKenzie Murray, Human Development

My research advisor and mentor Professor Adam Hoffman has worked with me on my research project since my sophomore year. He took me on in his lab and as an advisee without hesitation and has been a great help with understanding the research process, analyzing data, and helping me get into grad school.

Leah Rosenkranz, Fashion Design and Management

My most meaningful faculty interactions have been with professors Kozen and Phoenix in Human Centered Design. Professor Kozen has supported my academics in terms of helping me figure out my schedule for being a transfer, studying a language, and studying abroad. Professor Phoenix has been a great mentor through the Fashion Scholarship Fund and has introduced me to many professionals and alumni of the program.

What surprised you most about Human Ecology? 

The college feels very small and personal within such a large university. Everyone also feels focused on applying what they learn to helping the world.

I was most surprised by the liberal arts education I received in Human Ecology. I took classes within the school and also in different colleges to pursue personal interests.

Rahul Verma, Global and Public Health Sciences

The interdisciplinary nature of study – as an aspiring pre-med student, taking classes in public policy, sociology, nutrition, and health equity has broadened my understanding of topics related to healthcare delivery.

Did you have any sort of “aha moment” over the past four years?

I was actually taking a yoga class my first year and we had a substitute teacher because the instructor was on maternity leave. The sub was a part-time yoga teacher and a full-time academic counselor, and I started talking to her about her job. I was so interested in her work with students – even more than my pre-med track – that I decided to switch majors and pivot to the education field.

A significant moment for me was in my first fall semester when I realized that I can do whatever I want here. I am here to find my passions and pursue them, and I don’t have to fit into anyone else’s interests and can pave my own way. Following my passions is what has allowed me to end up in so many projects I am excited about.

Nancy Wang, Fiber Science

I have come to realize that my identity isn't solely shaped by labels or achievements; the little moments define me too. My freshman writing seminar talked about the complex nature of human identity, but it took me my whole college career to truly understand it and apply it personally. This revelation liberated me from the anxiety and obligation of chasing after accomplishments, allowing me to do what I enjoy, irrespective of their contributions to my desired professional persona.

What will you be doing next?

I will be a clinical research assistant at Weill Cornell Medical College in New York City, and from there I plan to matriculate into medical school!

I am going to seminary to study theology and social justice and to become a pastor. I want to work with youth and young adults on building their sense of passion, purpose, identity, and sense of belonging and mattering through faith and community.

I will do strategy work to help nonprofits. I don’t know exactly how yet, but I know that I will figure something out. I also will continue making music and keep working on my band’s first album.

I hope to work in the industry for a few years in various roles to find one that I enjoy the best. I would eventually like to work for a smaller company or startup and help them grow.

I’m super excited to be moving to Baltimore this summer to begin a combined master of public health/dietetic internship at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health!

In the fall, I'll be attending Columbia University, pursuing a two-year, full-time master’s degree in social work. My focus will be on advanced clinical practice, with the goal of becoming a Licensed Clinical Social Worker specializing in working with children and adolescents.

After graduation, I will be working in clinical research for a year as I prepare to apply to medical school.

I am pursuing a master’s in engineering degree in materials science and engineering. Eventually, I hope to be in the technology management space with a global influence.

• Accounting, Economics & Finance

What Can You Do with a Master’s in Accounting?

A master’s in accounting unlocks a myriad of opportunities. Graduates can excel as financial analysts, auditors, tax specialists, controllers, or management accountants across diverse sectors like banking, healthcare, and government. Some pursue academia, shaping future accountants or researching accounting practices. Whether you want to deepen your knowledge in accounting and finance or you’re looking for a career change, a master’s in accounting may be right for you.

Equipped with advanced financial knowledge, graduates from the Samuel Curtis Johnson Graduate School of Management navigate complex landscapes with ease. Proficiency in data analytics empowers them to interpret financial data, drive decisions, and mitigate risks. With doors open to a dynamic and rewarding career, a master’s in accounting promises growth, specialization, and meaningful contribution to today’s economy.

Top Accounting Careers: How to Determine the Right One for You

Choosing the right accounting career requires you to evaluate your strengths, interests, and goals. Candidates should assess their skills, such as analytical skills for roles like financial analysis or interpersonal skills for management accounting. Long-term aspirations, whether in climbing the corporate ladder or in specializing, also matter. Considering work environments—from demanding public firms to stable corporate roles—is crucial. By understanding what’s best for you, you can pursue a fulfilling and successful career in accounting.

Find Career Satisfaction in Accounting

Achieving career satisfaction in accounting involves pursuing a role aligned with your interests, skills, and values. According to a survey by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) , job satisfaction is influenced by factors like work-life balance, growth opportunities, and meaningful impact. Research shows engaged accountants experience higher satisfaction levels. Additionally, the Journal of Accountancy highlights job autonomy, recognition, and advancement as crucial for career contentment. Prioritizing personal and professional growth in roles can enhance enjoyment and success.

Navigating Accounting Career Paths

Accounting careers offer diverse paths for undergraduates and graduate students.

• Public accounting provides exposure to audit, tax, and advisory services with specialties like forensic accounting.
• Corporate roles focus on financial management, including reporting and budgeting.
• Government and nonprofit sectors emphasize financial compliance and accountability.
• Specialized industries like healthcare and technology offer unique billing, revenue recognition, and financial analysis opportunities.

Exploring these paths aligns career choices with personal interests for a more fulfilling journey.

What’s Right for You: A Common or Nontraditional Accounting Career Path?

Types of careers in accounting involve traditional roles like staff accountants or financial analysts, leading to senior positions like financial manager or controller. Specializing in industries like healthcare offers unique opportunities, while nontraditional paths like forensic accounting or sustainability accounting provide innovative ways to make an impact. Assessing your interests and goals can lead to an even more fulfilling career in accounting.

Discover Additional Career Possibilities by Continuing Your Accounting Education

A bachelor’s degree in accounting can open many attainable roles, including staff accountant or financial analyst. Pursuing an MPS in Management – Accounting Specialization can lead to positions like financial manager or controller, offering increased responsibility and leadership opportunities. The program also provides additional credit hours required to sit for the certified public accountant (CPA) exam; 150 college credits are required to sit for the exam.

Achieving further educational milestones, like acquiring a CPA credential, opens doors to becoming an auditor, tax consultant, or partner in an accounting firm. Each level of education enhances your skill set and qualifies you for more advanced and specialized positions in the accounting field.

Top Accounting Jobs by Salary

Accounting offers many different types of lucrative career opportunities.

Top-paying accounting jobs often require specialized skills, advanced degrees, and professional certifications. Below are 10 top accounting jobs along with their national average salaries, degree requirements, and high-level job descriptions.

Accounting degrees are a path to this type of salary; these are not entry-level or to be expected immediately after getting a Cornell degree.

https://www.johnson.cornell.edu/programs/specialized-masters/mps-in-management-accounting-specialization/careers/

https://www.bls.gov/OOH/business-and-financial/accountants-and-auditors.htm?utm_source=fit/programs/8421/ms-info-techutm_medium

https://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/index.htm

These roles offer competitive salaries and opportunities for career advancement, making them attractive options for accounting professionals seeking prosperous career paths.

Within six months of attaining their degree, Johnson School graduates specializing in accounting have achieved impressive outcomes, as indicated by the MPS in Management – Accounting Specialization 2023 salary data . Of course, salaries vary, and international pay rates and cost of living differences in the international job market impact the overall salary average of Johnson School graduates. Overall, this data showcases the success and marketability of Cornell graduates in the accounting field, highlighting the value of their education and the opportunities it provides for professional growth and advancement.

START YOUR CAREER TODAY

Job Outlook: What Does the Accounting Career Landscape Look Like?

In 2024, the accounting career landscape in the United States continues to show promising growth and stability, driven by various factors shaping the job market. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) , the demand for accountants and auditors is projected to grow by 7 percent from 2020 to 2030, faster than the average for other occupations.

Overall, the accounting career landscape in 2024 presents promising opportunities for professionals with the necessary skills and qualifications, which they can achieve through the MPS in Management – Accounting Specialization curriculum . With continued demand for accounting services across various industries and the evolution of technological and specialized roles, individuals entering or advancing in the accounting field can expect a dynamic and rewarding career path ahead.

The Top 10 Essential Skills for a Thriving Accounting Career

• Analytical prowess : Ability to dissect complex financial data, identify patterns, and draw meaningful insights for informed decision-making
• Attention to detail : Meticulousness in maintaining accuracy in financial records and reports, ensuring precision in every calculation
• Technical proficiency : Mastery of accounting software such as QuickBooks and Excel and understanding of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and international financial reporting standards (IFRS)
• Clear communication : Ability to clearly articulate financial concepts to diverse stakeholders, ensuring comprehension and effective collaboration
• Ethical integrity : Unwavering adherence to professional codes of conduct, maintaining confidentiality, and upholding ethical standards
• Time management : Effective prioritization of tasks, meeting deadlines, and efficiently managing multiple responsibilities
• Continuous learning : Commitment to staying updated with industry trends and regulations and pursuing professional development opportunities
• Problem-solving : Aptitude for resolving financial discrepancies and navigating complex financial scenarios
• Adaptability : Flexibility to embrace changes in regulations, technology, and business practices and adjust strategies accordingly
• Teamwork : Collaboration with colleagues, clients, and stakeholders to achieve shared financial goals and foster a harmonious work environment

Start your Career with Ivy League Support

Beginning your career with Ivy League support provides invaluable benefits. The Cornell SC Johnson College of Business offers a suite of career resources tailored to students’ needs. From mock interviews to resume reviews and strategic career consulting, students receive comprehensive support to excel in the accounting industry. Explore Cornell University’s career resources to access these valuable tools and unlock your potential for a successful accounting career.

MEET THE JOHNSON SCHOOL’S CAREER ADVISORS

Where They’ve Gone: Explore the Impressive Careers of Johnson School Alumni

Johnson School master’s in accounting graduates have learned the skills required for today’s competitive job market. Many have landed roles at top firms, showcasing the program’s effectiveness in preparing students for success in the corporate world.

“Until you experience Cornell, it is hard to understand the opportunities that come from it. The Cornell network is so vast and international, you always have Cornellians who have your back.” — Maria A. Lopez ’18, MPS ’19

“I was able to expand my horizons not only in accounting, but also in finance and management, and really build my network.” — Charles Mauser MPS ’19

Find Your Place in Accounting

Graduating from the Johnson School’s MPS in Management – Accounting Specialization master’s program, you’re poised for success. You’ll set out on one of many promising paths in the accounting field, primed for growth, fulfillment, and financial success.

• Careers & Recruiting
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• May 2024 >
• “Planting trees” in service to our community
• Lisa M. Mueller , Vice Dean for Communications
• Kristina Lively , Associate Director for Digital Communications
• Rachael Krupski , Assistant Director for Marketing and Communications
• Cynthia Watts Rogers , Communications Office Coordinator
• Sandy Conti , Administrative Assistant for Communications

“Planting trees” in service to our community

It’s just 11 miles from John Lord O’Brian Hall to the scene of the racially motivated mass shooting that took place two years ago, horrifying Buffalo and raising hard questions about persistent racism in our hometown.

For Prof. Orlando Dickson ’19 , a lecturer in the law school’s BA in Law program, it’s a distance that’s vital to traverse. As the community and its East Side continue to heal from the 2022 shootings, he has become a principal in the city’s 5/14 Blue Flag Initiative. The initiative seeks to honor victims and survivors by displaying, along Jefferson Avenue, flags that were made during therapeutic workshops that took place throughout the community.

Dickson’s involvement is consistent with what motivated him most as a UB law student. “I learned about the issues Buffalo was facing and about people’s ability to solve those problems,” he has said. “I realized that it was very possible to change things for the better here.”

UB Law Links asked Dickson—who in addition to his law degree has a master of arts in organizational leadership from the University of Massachusetts and a bevy of certificates from Cornell University’s professional certification program—to reflect on his year in the classroom and his work outside it.

You’re finishing up your first year of teaching in the BA in Law program. How has it gone? Have your students risen to your expectations?

It’s been an excellent first year! I love working here at UB. It was always a goal of mine. Teaching law to undergrads has been a rewarding challenge. The students are eager, engaged and passionate. They’ve exceeded my expectations in terms of their critical thinking skills and ability to grasp complex legal concepts. It’s exciting to see them develop a strong foundation in law, upon which they will go on to build great things.

Please talk about your work with the 5/14 Blue Flag Initiative. What’s your role in that project, and what do you hope it will accomplish?

I am a partner and facilitator of the project. We are inspired by the blues, which transforms suffering, and by Tibetan prayer flags, which represent compassion, peace, strength and wisdom. The 5/14 Blue Flag Initiative calls for the community creation of blue cyanotype-design flags that will be hung along the Jefferson Avenue corridor. My hopes are that the project acts as a physical embodiment of remembrance. I hope it honors those we lost, allows for collective grieving, and offers whatever solace and comfort we can achieve. I also hope it serves as a reminder of the legacy of those we lost and the impact they had on our lives.

You’re not a native Buffalonian, yet you’ve been very active in the Western New York Community in many ways, serving on the Erie County Corrections Advisory Board as well as several others. So, what prompts you to do this kind of work?

“The true meaning of life is to plant trees under whose shade you do not expect to sit.” A profound statement, often attributed to author Nelson Henderson, resonates deeply with my belief in the power of selfless action. While I may not be a native Buffalonian, I am committed to contributing to improving any community I am a part of. I strive to embody the change I wish to see—a world where empathy and mutual support are paramount.

By taking action for something greater than ourselves, we add depth and meaning to our lives. Community work may not always offer immediate or personal rewards, but its lasting impact is undeniable. Whether supporting local businesses, volunteering our time for a worthy cause, or simply extending a helping hand to a neighbor, every act of kindness contributes to a stronger, more vibrant community. Together, we can create a better future for everyone. I’m not so naive to believe everyone will participate in that future, but I do believe everyone will be positively affected by that future.

Do you feel you represent UB Law in your community service? And is it your sense that the law school is perceived as a beneficial force in the community—a partner for good in Western New York?

I feel a deep sense of responsibility to represent UB Law in my community service endeavors. As a law faculty member, it’s essential to educate the next generation of legal professionals and actively demonstrate our power to serve the public good. I volunteer with local organizations and encourage my students to engage in community service.

From my experience, UB Law is perceived as a positive force in Western New York as a whole, but there is always room for improvement. Our school is committed to serving the community, which is evident in our many clinics and programs that provide legal assistance to those in need. We also collaborate with local organizations, student groups and government agencies on various initiatives to address pressing social issues.

Where we can make deeper inroads is being more involved in community projects that reach outside of our legal community. We are uniquely equipped to support people through free educational resources such as “know your rights” classes and pamphlets for residents that show them where to seek legal help for common issues. We have a dedicated and knowledgeable community here at UB law school with great power to create change. And as Uncle Ben [from Marvel Comics] says, with great power comes great responsibility.