supplemental essay cornell

Cornell Office of Undergraduate Admissions

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

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

Cornell University Essay Question

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

College- and School-Specific Essay Questions

College of agriculture and life sciences.

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

Instructions: The optional short-answer questions invite you to share additional information about your background, interests, and experiences as they relate to aspects of the Cornell CALS mission. The content of any responses submitted will be included in the holistic review of your application (which is also the case for any optional additional information submitted as part of your Common Application or uploaded through your Cornell Application Portal once you've applied).

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

Select all that apply:

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

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

College of Architecture, Art, and Planning

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

College of Arts & Sciences

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

Cornell Jeb E. Brooks School of Public Policy

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

Cornell SC Johnson College of Business

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

College of Engineering

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

Essay 1: Required response. (250-word limit)

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

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

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

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

College of Human Ecology

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

School of Industrial and Labor Relations

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

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How to Write the Cornell Supplemental Essays: Examples + Guide 2023/2024

What are the Cornell University supplemental essay prompts?
How to write each supplemental essay prompt for Cornell
All Undergraduate Applicants essay
College of Arts & Sciences essay

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Prompt #1: “Why us + Why major” essay
Prompt #2: Optional “Community contribution” essay
Prompt #3: Optional “Agriculture background” essay

College of Architecture, Art, and Planning

Prompt #1: “Three words” short answer essay
Prompt #2: “Why us + Why major” essay
SC Johnson College of Business essay
Brooks School of Public Policy essay

College of Engineering

Prompt #1: "Three words about you" short answer essay
Prompt #2: "Three words about engineering" short answer essay
Prompt #3: "Why major + Why us" essay
Prompt #4: Multiple options essay
College of Human Ecology essay
College of Industrial and Labor Relations essay

What’s the meaning of life? Answer in 150 characters. That’s what a lot of supplemental essay prompts can feel like: Too much content to fit in a tiny amount of space. The Cornell essays are a bit different.

Sure, on the Cornell essays, you’re still going to find a lot of the same themes you see from other schools. However, the Cornell writing supplement asks you to apply to a specific school, and most give you 650 words (the length of a whole personal statement) to explain what you bring to the table. That gives you a little bit more wiggle room than the average application.

If that doesn’t make you feel better and you’re still scared to start writing, that’s okay too. We’re here to help.

Before you begin writing, you may want to get deeper insights into the kind of student Cornell is looking for, and how it views itself. You’ll find an extensive, by-the-numbers look at its offerings, from enrollment and tuition statistics to student life and financial aid information, on its Common Data Set . For a better sense of how Cornell envisions its role, read its mission here .

What are the Cornell supplemental essay prompts?

All undergraduate applicants.

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

College of Arts & Sciences

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

Instructions: The optional short-answer questions invite you to share additional information about your background, interests, and experiences as they relate to aspects of the Cornell CALS mission. The content of any responses submitted will be included in the holistic review of your application (which is also the case for any optional additional information submitted as part of your Common Application or uploaded through your Cornell Application Portal once you’ve applied).

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

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

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

then are offered the prompt “Please feel free to share additional details below.” (100 words)

What three words best describe you? (30 characters per word) How do your interests directly connect with your intended major at the College of Architecture, Art and Planning (AAP)? Why architecture (B.Arch), art (BFA) or urban and regional studies (URS)? B.Arch applicants, please provide an example of how a creative project or passion sparks your motivation to pursue a 5-year professional degree program. BFA applicants may want to consider how they could integrate a range of interests and available resources at Cornell into a coherent art practice. URS students may want to emphasize their enthusiasm and depth of interest in the study of urban and regional issues. (650 words)

SC Johnson College of Business

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

Brooks School of Public Policy

What three words best describe you? What three words would you use to describe Cornell Engineering?

All Engineering applicants are required to write two supplemental essays. Each has a limit of 250 words. Essay 1 is required of all applicants. For Essay 2, you must choose between Question A and Question B. How do your interests directly connect with Cornell Engineering? If you have an intended major, what draws you to that department at Cornell Engineering? If you are unsure what specific engineering field you would like to study, describe how your general interest in engineering most directly connects with Cornell Engineering. It may be helpful to concentrate on one or two things that you are most excited about. (250 words) Choose either Question A or Question B:

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 (CHE)? How will your choice of major impact your goals and plans for the future? Your response should show us that your interests and aspirations align with CHE and your choice of major. (650 words)

College of Industrial and Labor Relations

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

How to Write each Supplemental Essay Prompt for Cornell University

Cornell supplemental essay prompt for all undergraduate applicants.

How have you lived in this world, and how has it shaped you? This prompt seeks to know about the different communities you’ve engaged in and how they’ve influenced your perspective. It’s what we call a Community Essay , and you’ll find an in-depth explanation and more sample essays at the link. It may also be helpful to think of it as a Diversity Essay , which many colleges have added in the wake of the Supreme Court’s decision striking down race-conscious admissions. Cornell endeavors to bring together a group of scholars with a diverse range of lived experiences because the institution and the education it offers is stronger when informed by different values, beliefs, perspectives and lived experiences.

So what are you bringing to Cornell? Think broadly about your identity and the communities—from local to global—you’re a part of. This can include ethnicity, religion, sexuality and economic background, but also upbringing, worldview, interests, and participation in particular communities. Grew up in a complex neighborhood? Exposed to a certain family belief system? Hang with math nerds who crochet? Bring it. Bring all of you—especially those experiences that you’ve had that some others may not have. We love this type of essay because it gives you the chance to show aspects of yourself that might not appear elsewhere in your application.

Step 1: Create a “communities” chart by listing all the communities you’re a part of. Keep in mind that communities can be defined by ...

Place: Groups of people who live/work/play near one another

Action: Groups of people who create change in the world by building, doing, or solving something together (Examples: Black Lives Matter, Girls Who Code, March for Our Lives)

Interest: Groups of people coming together based on a shared interest, experience, or expertise

Circumstance: Groups of people brought together either by chance or external events/situations.

Tip: For the community you pick, give some key details that convey the essence of that community to someone who doesn’t know it.

Step 2: Use the BEABIES Exercise to generate your essay content. Once you’ve chosen a community, map out your content using the BEABIES Exercise . That exercise asks:

What did you actually do? (Tip: Use active verbs like “organized” and “managed” to clarify your responsibilities.)

What kinds of problems did you solve (personally, locally, or globally)?

What specific impact did you have?

What did you learn (skills, qualities, values)?

How did you apply the lessons you learned?

Step 3: Do some “how will you contribute” research.

You’ll want to offer a few specific ways that show how the experience/s you’re discussing in your essay will allow you to contribute to Cornell. The easiest way to do this is to do some “Why Us”-like research and find ways you’ll engage with and contribute to the Cornell community.

Step 4: Pick a structure. The Narrative Structure works well for students who have faced a challenge in or with this community. Otherwise, the Montage Structure works well.

Consider answering these three questions in your essay if you choose the Narrative Structure:

What challenge did you face?

What did you do about it?

What did you learn?

How do those things shape how you will contribute to Cornell? (Ideally with some Why Us detail)

Because this prompt is new for Cornell, we don’t have an example written for this school, but the example below for another school’s very similar prompt would work well.

What are you? Mixed-race people and people of color get this question all the time. While a part of me wants to respond with “a bit tired, thanks for asking”, I usually just end up telling them I am half Indian, half European. I know that my ambiguous features, darker skin, and unusual name makes people uncertain about what my background is, and that in turn makes people uncomfortable -- they don't know what box to put me in. I am both Jewish and half-Indian, an unusual blend of cultures. Although I’m not particularly religious, I often see things from a Jewish point of view: Tikkun Olam and Tzedakah, peace and neighborly love, community and solidarity. I always strive to make my community a better place than it was initially, and to make sure that I stand with those that may be facing economic or social issues. My time as a counselor-in-training for a Jewish summer camp also helped me learn about other people’s interpretations of Jewish values from a wide range of ages, including from my fellow counselors. In addition, the Indian side of my family exposes me to a wide range of Indian culture, from the artwork in my grandparents house, to the stories from when my grandfather moved to America for school. Through this half of me, I have been able to experience, to a small extent, what it’s like to be seen as “different”. Even though I’ve never even been outside the United States, I’m still considered at least slightly foreign to most people. This helps me better empathize with people of color who may be facing much tougher questions than I ever was. The junction between these two identities gives me a unique intersectional identity that I can use to better empathize, communicate, and interact with other people. Intersectional identity is something that everyone has at some level, even if it isn’t apparent in their appearance. As someone who has a diverse set of experiences, I have a genuine curiosity for what intersectional identities other people have hidden away, and appreciate cultural exchanges with those around me. Even just sharing latkes or gulab jamun would allow me to share my side of the story, and can help open them up to new cultures. With the Residential College system, this not just becomes easier, but almost inevitable. Each residential college has its own traditions and culture (such as McMurtry’s association with bananas or Duncan’s Monday Night Lights), which add a unique aspect to their respective residents’ identities, creating an intersectional identity that enriches everyone’s experience. I can use my own background and understanding of identities to help broaden the perspectives of the others in my residential college, on top of letting other people teach me their traditions and perspectives. Everyone benefits from exposure to new ideas and perspectives, and I think that not only can I provide some of these ideas and perspectives, but I can also benefit from others. — — —

Tips + Advice

Give a glimpse inside your world: This author shares illustrative aspects of both their communities: Tikkun Olam and Tzedakah, peace and neighborly love, community and solidarity on their Jewish side; artwork and grandfather’s stories from their Indian side. Bring in those descriptive details—sights, sounds, tastes, images, traditions—that let your reader experience your community(ies) as you do. Pro tip: actual phrases heard within your community can bring this piece to life!

Reflect on your experiences: This student explains what they took from each community: “helped me learn about other people’s interpretations of Jewish values from a wide range of ages” and “able to experience, to a small extent, what it’s like to be seen as ‘different’.” How has participation in your community(ies) shaped you? What have you learned, and how do you see or engage in the world as a result? Help us to see through your eyes.

What’s your particular contribution? The prompt asks how you’ll contribute to a diverse learning community. Here, the author discusses their intersectionality and the increased ability to empathize, communicate, and interact that flows from it. They elucidate this point with specific examples of how they’ll do that on campus—sharing latkes and gulab jamun, stories and ideas. And they indicate their value of mutuality, not only broadening others’ perspectives by sharing their background, but also learning from others’ traditions and perspectives. How do you see yourself sharing your community(ies) and because of your community(ies) at Cornell?

Never hurts to say, “Why Us?”: By naming insider cultural details of Cornell’s residential college system (McMurtry’s bananas, Duncan’s Monday Night Lights), this student signals that they’ve really looked into Cornell’s offerings and can see themselves taking part at this particular institution. Schools are always looking for an answer to the question “Why Us?”: What draws you to this school over any other? Inserting responses to that question into your essays can help lift up your application. Read on below for more about Why Us? .

How to Write the Cornell University “Why Us?” Essay Prompts

Cornell’s various colleges offer prompts with pretty large word counts (most are 650) that essentially boil down to the same questions:

What excites you intellectually and extracurricularly?

How do your experiences reflect that excitement?

How will you bring those skills or experiences to Cornell?

Sure, 650 words can be daunting. But that also means you have tons of space to inject your own personality and creativity into the mix, to show where your interests stem from, and to help Cornell see why you and the college fit together.

And while we’ll primarily look at the prompt for the College of Arts and Sciences as an example, the tips below apply to the other Cornell prompts.

College of Arts & Sciences supplemental essay prompt

This is a combo “Why Major” and “Why us?” essay. (Important note: the other colleges’ prompts are generally combo “Why Major” and “Why us?” as well)

For the “Why Major” aspects, you’ll find a step-by-step guide to writing this essay at this link , but here’s the short version:

Step #1: Imagine a mini-movie of the moments that led you to your interest and create a simple, bullet point outline.

Step #2: Probably put your moments (aka the “scenes” of your mini-movie) in chronological order, as it’ll help you see how your interests developed. It also makes it easier to write transitions.

For the “Why Us?” aspects, here’s a quick step-by-step guide to getting started:

Step #1: Spend 1 hr+ researching 10+ reasons why Cornell might be a great fit for you (ideally 3-5 of the reasons will be unique to Cornell and connect back to you).

Step #2: Use this chart to map out your research.

Step #3: Create an outline based on either Approach 1, 2, or 3.

Some tips before you start writing your essay:

Remember that this is not just another personal statement. Don’t repeat ideas that readers can find in other parts of your application. Bring something fresh to the table or add new dimensions to topics you’ve already mentioned.

Don’t feel pressured to use all 650 words, but take advantage of how much space Cornell gives you. As you’ll see in the example below, great essays don’t need to reach the word limit to do their job. Sometimes, in fact, less is more.

Be specific. Whenever possible, offer memorable details or specific experiences. Don’t just say you like science. Name the particular areas that interest you, what classes you’ve taken to foster your interest, what research you’ve done, how you’ve brought that interest to a certain community, or offer a (short!) specific story you associate with that interest. In addition, a little descriptive language (you’ll see some in the example below) can help the reader understand you in a more visceral way. In other words, the way you describe something is just as important as what you’re describing.

Show the reader you know your stuff. Cornell explicitly requires students to apply to a specific college. While you could include (perhaps at the end) a few details on why you’re interested in Cornell in general, be sure to first share the specific programs, classes, clubs, events, and professors you’re interested in at the specific school you’re applying to.

Lastly, have some fun with it. Don’t let a dull prompt prevent you from getting creative. As you’ll see in the example below, some of the most impressive essays are the ones where applicants think outside the box.

Without further ado, here’s a great essay sample for this prompt:

I hopped into my friend's car, having just finished my first day of Cornell summer macroeconomics class. Exhilarated by what I had learned, I spent the fifteen-minute drive to the gym explaining to him the law of diminishing marginal returns and how the concept encourages manufacturers to adopt automation to eliminate human error... Silence…I asked him if he heard me. He responded, “yes, but whether or not I care is a different question.” In hindsight, his reaction made sense: economics can be boring for some. But economics fascinates me given its interdisciplinary nature—combining math, political science, and social psychology to solve societal issues. Having taken this class and written my IBDP extended essay on US-China trade relations, I’m confident in my desire to pursue a major in economics as part of my college education. The College of Arts and Sciences’ economics curriculum provides an array of courses like International Trade Theory and Policy that would allow me to further pursue my interest in global trade. I anticipate augmenting this primary area of study with a minor or major in computer science, an increasingly important combination given the large amounts of data which can be used to construct more predictive economic models. I look forward to taking unique classes at this intersection such as Data Science for All, where I would learn to leverage technology to aid in my analyses. The Milstein Program would be a natural fit given my interdisciplinary educational interests and demonstrated high school community leadership experience. The First-year Project and Sophomore Seminar would provide useful skills in project scoping and problem-solving using technology. By engaging in the MStudio, I’d gain practical professional skills through courses such as How to Land an Internship in Tech or Public Speaking, as well as connect with fellow Cornellians through team building exercises like the Hoffman Ropes Course Challenge. Applying my acquired knowledge from the Summer Program at Cornell Tech, I’d be eager to research social media’s impact on teenage financial decision making for my Junior Year Project and implement my findings through a financial literacy program with a local non-profit. Embodying Ezra Cornell’s “any person...any study” founding vision, I’m enthusiastic about pursuing subjects beyond my degree. One such area is Latin, which I’ve taken for seven years and would like to continue studying. I’m excited by Conversational Latin, something I’ve never been exposed to in a classroom setting. I also anticipate delving into new academic fields, such as philosophy through the Philosophy in Practice: Issues in Applied Ethics First-Year Writing Seminar. Outside the classroom, I’d like to continue developing my journalistic skills by writing for the historic Cornell Daily Sun’s Money & Business Section. I also look forward to playing men’s club basketball, a sport I love, and exploring the natural beauty and changing seasons of Upstate New York with the Cornell Outing Club. Having heard many heartwarming stories from my father, uncle, aunt, and several cousins who graduated from Cornell, it wasn’t until I took Professor Arnab Basu’s summer macroeconomics class that I understood what they meant. While Professor Basu’s excitement about and knowledge of economics was impressive, it was his dedication to his students, demonstrated by his willingness to meet with me during my campus visit this past summer, which inspired me. The Dairy Bar’s ice cream, McGraw Tower’s chimes, Uris Library’s lakeview, and new North Campus residence halls are “icing on the cake” knowing Cornell has faculty like Professor Basu. Cornell’s strong academic offerings and sense of community is a tradition I sincerely would love to be a part of. From storming the homecoming football game with fellow first-years to watching the dragon slaying on the Arts Quad to celebrating the end of spring classes on Libe Slope, I’d be so lucky to spend my next four years “far above Cayuga’s waters.” — — —

Tips + Analysis

Fun hook: This exuberant opening announces the applicant’s enthusiasm and invites the reader to hop in and whiz along on their econ-fueled journey to Cornell. A great hook can perk up your (probably exhausted) admission reader’s attention and get them interested in your story. Check here for 9 innovative ways to explore building a hook .

Make the match: Great Why Major? and Why Us? essays make strong connections between a student’s experiences and interests and the school’s offerings. This student doesn’t just say they’re into economics and that they want to study it at Cornell; they connect it to what they’ve already done by referencing their IBDP extended essay on US-China trade relations. You might not have had the opportunity to attend the college’s summer program or have several alum family members (‘cause yeah, most people don’t), but look through your resume and activities list to highlight examples that reinforce the reasons you’re interested in this school.

Do your research: This essay is chock full of specific classes (International Trade Theory and Policy, Data Science for All), academic programs and opportunities (The Milstein Program, First-year Project and Sophomore Seminar, MStudio), and enriching extra curricular and social activities (Cornell Daily Sun, Hoffman Ropes Course, Cornell Outing Club) that show beyond a doubt that this student is genuinely fired up about Cornell and can see themself there. And don’t you also get a well-rounded sense of this student from the particular collection of opportunities they recount? With 650 words, you have a golden opportunity to share with Cornell a crystal clear view of your unique constellation of interests. Here’s a link to that handy research chart again to help you gather all the goodies. Pro Tip: Think proper nouns. Your reader’s eyes will naturally catch those capital letters announcing all the terrific offerings you dig up.

And here’s a bonus example written for an older version of this prompt that was more “Why Us” focused, but could still work nicely with some “Why Major” tweaks/additions.

Dear Cornell, When I discovered you, first through Andy Bernard’s resounding a cappella in The Office and then by your amazing stem cell research, I couldn’t help but think how perfect we’d be together. I would chart an educational path centered on interdisciplinary learning in your collaborative community, merging stem cells with linguistics; biology with beatboxing; outdoor adventure with poetry. Cornell offers unique opportunities to expand my medical research interests. Advanced classes like the Regulation of Cell Proliferation, Senescence, and Death—one of the few classes in the country offered on epigenetic regulation and signal transduction-induced pluripotency—perfectly match my interests in stem cells. I am excited by the work of Dr. Brian Rudd at the Cornell Stem Cell Program, as it will allow me to build on my previous work in CRISPR-mediated T-cell development. To my knowledge, similar research is not being conducted anywhere else in the world, and I hope to study signaling pathways and T-cell development under his guidance. Although I have remained focused on stem cell research, I also have great aspirations beyond molecular biology. A double minor in economics and linguistics will allow me to study interdisciplinary mechanisms and examine humanistic issues through a cultural lens. I relish analyzing market trends as my high school’s Investment Team co-leader, and look forward to courses like Behavioral Economics and Public Policy, which will help me build a theoretical understanding of financial markets and relate individual behavior to public policy. A minor in linguistics will further my seven-year-long Spanish journey, and I look forward to academic opportunities encompassing Spanish poetry and poetry of the Americas. While I may not be the archetype paper salesman (think Andy!), I too share a special connection with Cornell A Cappella. Many a middle school car ride were spent listening to Cornell Tarana, and it feels surreal that I may be experiencing campus life with the group I’ve loved and admired for so long. I hope to merge my background in beatboxing and Hindustani Classical music by singing with Tarana, learning from peers and sharing my love of South Asian music with the Cornell community. A kid who grew up racing Hot Wheels on top of my mother’s medical books, medicine was always prevalent in my life. Medicine now excites me because it is a perfect balance between intense scientific inquiry and dedicated personal connection. With Cornell’s unique interdisciplinary environment, I would have the ability to expand my endeavors in medicine, develop a global view of community healthcare, and explore new avenues essential to my diverse aspirations. Oh, Cornell, you are gorges. I long to hold your hand as I walk along the Beebe’s scenic waterfront, take in picturesque sunsets on the Slope, put on awesome Tarana concerts on your hallowed ground. It is the perfect harmony of research, music, and holistic approach to my aspirations, that tells me you are the ideal place to nurture me into a globally aware physician-scientist! Sincerely, [Student Name] — — —

Be creative and add personality. This essay is essentially a love letter from the applicant to the College of Arts and Sciences. The author is able to weave her skills and experience into a really engaging structure that showcases both her sense of humor and playful nature.

Even if we didn’t look too closely at the substance of this essay, we’d get a sense of who the author is just by how she approached the prompt and the way she chose to frame her answer. She loves watching The Office and has fond memories of racing Hot Wheels. Those details may not seem important, but they give us a fuller picture of who this person is and what kind of energy she would bring to a community.

Just because the prompts here are relatively generic doesn’t mean your answer should be. Invest some time in thinking about how you can stand out, and inject personality into your answer.

Combine the unconventional. The best essays come out of nowhere. They take ideas, disciplines, and experiences that you wouldn’t necessarily associate with one another and somehow make them seem like the perfect combination.

We wouldn’t necessarily expect one person to enjoy “biology and beatboxing,” but through the course of the essay, the author shows us how her love of both can be fostered at Cornell.

Be specific. Clearly, this applicant has done her research. She references specific programs, clubs, and classes she would like to explore if she were admitted. If you’re a Cornell admission reader, the specificity of those references makes you feel the student values the school. That’s why it’s so important to look through a college’s website before you apply. Think about your core values or what resources you absolutely need in a college setting, then try to find places for that within Cornell. Doing that research pays off in the long run.

Cornell College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Supplemental Essay Prompts

Cornell college of agriculture and life sciences prompt #1.

Again, this is a combo “Why Major” and “Why Us.” See the guidance, examples, and analysis above: all the same things apply here.

Cornell College of Agriculture & Life Sciences Prompts #2 + #3

(Optional): Cornell CALS is dedicated to purpose-driven study of the agricultural, life, environmental, and social sciences and welcomes students with interests that span a wide variety of disciplines. Given our agricultural history and commitment to educating the next generation of agriculturalists, please share if you have a background or interest in agriculture, regardless of your intended major. An “agricultural entity” for the purpose of this question is defined as cultivating soil, growing crops, and raising livestock (e.g., farm, ranch, greenhouse, vineyard, etc.)
A primary source of income for my parent/guardian(s) comes from ownership of or employment by an agricultural entity.
My extended family owns or operates an agricultural entity.
I have experience working in an agricultural entity.
I have interest in pursuing a career in an agricultural entity.

These prompts might be labeled “optional,” but our philosophy at CEG is that it generally pays to take every opportunity to share more about yourself, AKA your “background, interests and experiences.” Consider how you might use these prompts to talk about aspects of yourself that haven’t appeared elsewhere in your application. Holistic review means the whole you!

For Prompt 2:

Think purpose and impact: This prompt begins with CALS’ mission to support students who’ll use the mastery gained at this school to work for the public good. You’re asked to describe a time when you took action to positively impact people, community and/or an environment. Reflect on your community service, and select a project that has both meant a lot to you, and which has achieved measurable impact.

Essay structure: A great way to approach this essay is with a problem/solution lens, which we refer to as the Powerwall approach. Check it out in the linked guide, or the TL;DR version is:

Identify a problem you observed—locally, nationally or globally.

Raise the stakes—spell out the consequences of the problem.

Say what you did—be specific about your role and activities.

Show impact—how did your efforts affect the situation? If you’re able to quantify your impact (number of people served, policies changed, etc.), include that.

Reflect—what did you learn from this experience? Why does it matter to you and should matter to your reader?

Super Essay potential: You’re likely writing an essay for another school about a community service project you did, which you can repurpose here and potentially for some other schools’ prompts. Check out our guide to Super Essays for how to maximize this super time-saving technique.

For Prompt 3:

This prompt seeks to know about any background or interest you have in agriculture. Although it may not be your intended area of study, if you have any of the experience listed, describe it in as specific detail as you can. Share what you gained from those experiences, and if you intend to carry forward this work, how you’ll do it at CALS and beyond.

Cornell College of Architecture, Art, and Planning Supplemental Essay Prompts

College of architecture, art, and planning prompt #1.

What three words best describe you? (30 characters per word)

Get creative. These don’t all need to be adjectives. Also, hyphenated words of your own creation or short three-word phrases (like “nerdy animal whisperer”) are fair game. Just watch the per-word character count.

Here’s how other students have handled this type of prompt.

Sister Athleisure-lover Hermione — — — Hungry Petrichor Retrouvailles — — — Nocturnal Expressive Nurturing — — —

College of Architecture, Art, and Planning Prompt #2

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

This prompt is a combo “Why Major” and “Why Us.” See the guidance, examples, and analysis earlier in the guide: all the same things apply here. The program-specific guidance encourages you to highlight work you’ve already done in your chosen area (architecture, art, or urban and regional studies), so demonstrate your interest with illustrative examples. Link those with what you intend to do in the B.Arch, BFA, or URS major, and beyond.

Cornell SC Johnson College of Business

Although phrased differently, this is a “Why Major? and “Why Us?” essay, with a request to tailor your response to your chosen program within the College of Business. See the guidance, examples, and analysis above: all the same things apply here.

Some core questions to consider and address:What has led you to study business? What direction do you intend to go with it? Highlight those experiences that convey the issues and topics you care most about, and speak to why they matter to you. Make the link between your examples and the business school of your choice by identifying specific offerings at the Dyson School or the Cornell Peter and Stephanie Nolan School that will enable you to continue to pursue your interests and goals.

“New Data Shows Largest Number of People in Poverty on Record.” I couldn’t stop scrolling through the gut-wrenching graphs and pictures in the New York Times, each painting a more horrifying picture than the last. My sorrow and pity were matched only by my desire to help. But as a young adolescent, I lacked the knowledge and wherewithal to do so. And while I still don’t have the answers to global poverty, as a service-minded, leadership-oriented, and proactive student, I have sought opportunities to help out locally through volunteering at the local library and tutoring for the National Honors Society. At the Dyson School, I will pursue every educational avenue to prepare myself for a career as a high-impact social entrepreneur. A recent summer program introduced me to the fundamentals of finance, economics, and business. I studied different financial ratios, financial statements, and company analysis, and even created a detailed company presentation. A major in Applied Economics and Management with a Finance Concentration will enable me to build upon those fundamentals in courses like Introductory Micro and Macroeconomics with Jennifer Wissink, which will further illuminate concepts like cost of capital and price system, which would thoroughly prepare me for a future in business. I’m also eager to learn Corporate Finance with Jawad M. Addoum and discuss his research on the determinants of investment decision-making and the effects of investors on stock prices. This experience would build off of my experiences with my economic research paper to help establish a deep understanding of investing and finance. Electives such as Toward a Sustainable Global Food System: Food Policy for Developing Countries will enhance my social entrepreneurial senses through case studies, and aid my understanding in how to tackle issues close to my heart, such as world poverty and hunger. Outside the classroom, I frequently look for ways to develop as a leader to make a positive impact. I’m eager to connect with different communities through Leadership by Design at Dyson. Not only will I be able to promote the welfare of the Cornell community with community service, part-time jobs, and club basketball, but I’ll also be constantly refining key skills to be successful in business, such as leadership, collaboration, and adaptability. Additionally, I’m excited to take part in the Dyson Map the Challenge competition, which empowers teams of students to devise solutions to one of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, which will offer me a hands-on opportunity to apply the knowledge I gain at Cornell to the betterment of humanity. I’ve frequently aided my local community through different opportunities, and Map the Challenge will give me a preview of how I can expand those ambitions on a larger scale. Not only will I serve communities close to home, but I will also aid underdeveloped communities around the world through programs such as JET (Japan Exchange and Teaching Program) and World Teach. These opportunities will help me fulfill my ambitions as a service-oriented student. I’ve tutored Chinese students in English since sixth grade, an experience that will help me make a positive impact with JET and World Teach. These programs will help me develop a global perspective that is necessary for success in an increasingly globalized economy and business world today. As an Asian American, I’m also eager to join the Business Inclusion and Diversity Program to engage with people like myself who share values important to me such as inclusiveness, collaboration, and devotion to others. This program will help me nurture critical thinking and communication skills necessary to be successful in a diverse workforce, and work towards providing opportunities and resources to under-represented groups in business. With its unique combination of majors and courses that suit my academic interests and ample volunteer opportunities, the Dyson School of Business is the ideal home for the next phase of my education and the perfect launchpad for a successful career of service and innovation. — — —

Think theme, structure, and clarity: Unlike shorter versions of this essay type (50-250 words), you’ve got 650 words to develop a full essay here. So you can employ elements like an overarching theme, thesis statement and conclusion, as this student does: “At the Dyson School, I will pursue every educational avenue to prepare myself for a career as a high-impact social entrepreneur…” and “The Dyson School of Business is … the perfect launchpad for a successful career of service and innovation.” And your reader will appreciate clear structural elements like effective topic sentences—after all, they’ll be reading hundreds of essays.

Stitch a seamless story between you and the school. Throughout the essay, the author weaves together their prior experiences with the opportunities they plan to seize at the Dyson School—for example, alternating between their summer college program and the courses they’ll take in their major, and from their tutoring experience to JET and World Teach. Establish both your commitment to this area of study and to this school by making these connections. That “Why Us” research chart will help you dig deep to uncover all the opportunities to spotlight in your essay.

Go broad and deep: Discuss your past and planned future involvement in multiple arenas—academics, extracurriculars, community, social and more.

Start with the problem: Notice how the author grabs the reader’s attention by pointing to the problem of global poverty, and then explains that their Dyson education will help them address such issues by becoming a high-impact social entrepreneur? This problem/solution method can make for a compelling essay structure. Check out the Powerwall exercise in this extracurricular activity guide for an in-depth explanation of this approach.

Cornell Brooks School of Public Policy

Cornell college of engineering supplemental essay prompts, cornell college of engineering short answer prompts #1 + #2.

What three words best describe you?
What are three words you would use to describe Cornell Engineering?

See tips and advice above for the same “three words that best describe you” above—they apply to both these prompts. Short answer questions like these are kinda common for elite colleges (in fact, USC has the exact same “three words best describe you” prompt), so you may run into more of these on your college application journey. If so, you may find this comprehensive guide to the short answer questions helpful .

Cornell College of Engineering Prompt #3

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

You can treat this as a “Why us?” essay, with some optional “Why Major” flavoring—focus on really specific details of what Cornell offers and how it fits with your interests and values. Because the word count is fairly short, if you know what you want to major in, you can include some Why Major details, but the majority of the word count can focus on why you and Cornell will make a great team.

Here’s a nice example from a past student. Note that this was written when the prompt had a longer word count, but the approach to Cornell-specific details and “so what” are what you want to focus on here.

At its heart, Cornell is a research institution; at my heart, I am a researcher. With a focus in the control of multi-agent robotic systems, especially drawing inspiration from insect swarm mechanics, the Collective Embodied Intelligence Lab would be the perfect place to apply what I have learned from my own work in that area, while learning from Dr. Petersen and her groundbreaking research in termite-inspired construction robots. I think we could have some very interesting conversations since I have spent the last two years studying firefly swarm behaviors for my science fair projects. I also hope to work in the Autonomous Systems Lab under Professor Campbell and Professor Kress-Gazit as I would love to use their armada of autonomous segway robots as a platform for research. In addition to Cornell’s reputation for research, what really struck me was its unique commitment to project teams. Upon researching the teams, I realized I wanted to join all of them. Take Baja for example; the prospect of building an off-road vehicle from scratch is reminiscent of FTC competitions. Though I am well-versed in CAD, wiring, and chassis building, I’m excited to tackle bigger problems with even more freedom for creativity. On the other end of the project team spectrum is Cornell Autonomous Bicycle. From developing self-correcting gyroscopic balancing mechanisms to the physics of bicycle motion, this team faces several unique challenges. After watching YouTube videos about their work, I have discovered a few ways to improve the design. Although steering of the front wheel is the team’s primary method of bicycle balancing, I wonder if robotic arms could also be incorporated in order to improve balance and allow for more complex maneuvers. (Hopefully we can have that discussion in person). Cornell Engineering’s new website CollabSpace was initially confusing to me because it seemed like a rebranding of instructables. But the more I’ve explored, the more I’ve realized what a unique and collaborative community Cornell is building. The projects on CollabSpace are held to far higher standards than most Maker websites. The fact that students at Cornell have the time, resources, and interest to pursue their own maker projects shows me that Cornell’s engineering program is truly supportive and inspiring. CollabSpace shows a dedication to the maker community that I am, and will continue to be, a part of. Between mentoring new members of my high school robotics team, working with my younger brother on science fair projects, and teaching engineering to elementary schoolers through an LEF grant, I’ve had ample opportunity to pass on what I’ve learned. Through the CURB organization’s mentorship programs and poster forums, among other things, I will get to develop my passion for teaching. I’ve found that teaching is intrinsically tied to leadership, so I also plan to join the Cornell Engineering Leadership Program. And, as if that weren’t enough, Cornell also has its own sustainable farm. This is also a passion of mine, having spent five summers volunteering at Gaining Ground Organic Farm. I look forward to volunteering and learning from new innovations at Dilmun Hill. I’m especially excited about the new movable high tunnel installed last year because I’ve seen firsthand how effective they have been at Gaining Ground. The farm’s other innovation, an irrigation renovation project, also includes a call for design proposals for a solar-powered fertigation unit. Answering the call is a perfect challenge for me: one that harmonizes two of my passions while simultaneously giving back to the community and the planet. With all that, I only have one problem with Cornell: its lack of a robot soccer team. But as my tour guide mentioned, anyone can start a club that doesn’t yet exist; I fully intend to add “coach” to my resume. — — —

Get super specific. You don’t necessarily have to find things that are truly unique to Cornell, but that’s the direction to aim: Find specific classes, professors, and programs that align with your specific engineering interests, and show through your discussion of why you connect with them that you and Cornell fit perfectly. Speaking of which …

Show you belong together. One way we sometimes joke about “Why us” essays is that you’re trying to show the school why their online dating profile and your online dating profile are perfect for each other—you’re going to make a great couple. To that end, details like “Dr. Petersen and her groundbreaking research in termite-inspired construction robots” paired with “since I have spent the last two years studying firefly swarm behaviors for my science fair project” are a great way to show both that this student really did their homework about the school, and that they’re ready to dive in and be an engaged member of its academic community.

Cornell College of Engineering Prompt #4

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?

Question A is fairly straightforward—what’s a problem some level of your society faces that you believe could be addressed through engineering.

We’d recommend spending some time trying to think of problems that other students are less likely to mention. And you only have 250 words, so probably focus on a problem that you can adequately address. Meaning that, while something like climate change is a noble goal to help solve, it’s probably tougher for this essay. But a super specific aspect of it? That could work. Similarly, poor infrastructure is going to lend itself to broad, possibly bland writing. But I want to use civil engineering techniques to turn dangerous intersections in my town into safer, more environmentally friendly roundabouts? Cool.

The example below is taken from an essay written for a USC Engineering prompt, but would fit nicely here.

Every school year, I walk around campus, arms and backpack chock full of heavy textbooks. In the classroom, I read the textbook, review a lesson, and complete a worksheet. Rinse and repeat. And not just me: nearly every other student has had this experience. Enter personalized learning. Personalized learning could mean allowing students to master concepts at their own pace, or it could refer to computer programs designed to match one’s personality. For example, some learn kinesthetically, while others learn visually. The possibilities to unlock true learning potential through personalized learning are endless. As an engineer, I want to develop teaching methods that help both the young and the old acquire new skills and enhance learned ones. Through computer science, I can devise an intelligent tutoring system. And after designing a personality quiz, I can create an algorithm to match the student’s preferred learning style and determine which multimedia is best to teach them. Although I personally do not have a learning disability, a close friend suffers from autism. Surprisingly, if you met him, you probably could not tell. From a young age, he was placed in a regular classroom, not a special ed one. As an extrovert, this personalized learning system enabled him to be a social butterfly while also learning at his own pace. Therefore, I believe that by advancing personalized learning experiences and minimizing inflexibility in education programs, we can reduce perceived learning disabilities. The future of intelligence will be much more well-rounded and diversified. — — —

Structure and clarity are your friends. You don’t have a ton of space here, so if you want to include some kind of hook, you can, but feel free to pretty quickly and clearly show us how you’re answering the prompt. The example essay clearly sets up the problem and why the student feels it’s important to address. They then offer us a glimpse of what the world could look like if we solved this problem, and detail a few different ways in which engineering (and CS) could be used to lead us to this world. And the personal example at the end shows us that this is already something we can achieve—we just need people (like the author) to go and do it.

Show your values. In particular, take a look at your personal statement and the other supplements Cornell is getting. Scan through them and see what values you’re showing. Are any missing? (Or if you don’t have a clear sense of how to define your values, head here for the Values Exercise .) Use this prompt to highlight some values that we maybe aren’t seeing fully, or at all, elsewhere in your application. Above, for example, we can see values like social progress, learning, growth …

Regarding Question B , many schools have a supplemental essay prompt that asks students to reflect on their experiences and demonstrate, essentially, how those experiences would allow them to add to the diversity of a college community. This one is similar, but it asks you to think particularly about the role of diversity in the engineering community and profession.

One common question or confusion is what exactly schools mean by “diversity.” While this can refer to things like ethnicity, class, or sexuality, and those can be strong topics to write about, don’t feel like diversity is limited to these. Instead, think expansively—what is a perspective that you’d bring to campus, particularly one that others might not? If you’re interested in a more specific look into what exactly “diversity” means, check out this post .

One great way to start thinking about what you would bring to Cornell’s engineering community is to brainstorm communities you’re a part of. And remember, community can mean a lot of different things. It can be places you’ve interacted with, actions you’ve taken, interests you’ve pursued, circumstances you’ve been in, or identities you inhabit. After you’ve brainstormed a list of these, connect them back to engineering. How might your identity as a queer Asian-American influence the way you conceptualize projects? How might your obsession with badminton affect how you work in group settings? These are the kinds of questions you should be asking yourself. Then, once you’re starting to see some clear connections between the community you’re a part of and the perspectives you bring to engineering, you can start writing. Don’t be afraid to write it long and cut it shorter after you’ve gotten everything important on paper. Just let the ideas flow and use your brainstorming to guide you.

Cornell College of Human Ecology

Cornell College of Industrial and Labor Relations

And again, this is a combo “Why Major” and “Why Us.” See the guidance, examples, and analysis above: all the same things apply here.

Special thanks to Luci for contributing to this post.

Luci is an audiophile and storyteller with a love of all things radio and writing. In the wild, you might catch her struggling through a NY Times crossword puzzle, snuggling her abnormally fluffy dog Oreo, or saying her favorite expression “cool beans.” Crosswords, cute dogs, cool beans. What more could you ask for?

Top values: Interpersonal connections | humor | openness to new experience

Choose Your Test

Sat / act prep online guides and tips, 3 top tips for a stand-out cornell essay.

College Essays

For the 2022–2023 admission cycle, Cornell admitted less than 8% of their total applicant pool. To be one of the students who gets accepted, you need to write amazing essays as part of your Cornell University application.

In this article, we'll outline the different types of essays you need to write for your Cornell University application and teach you how to write a Cornell supplemental essay that will help you stand out from the thousands of other applicants.

What Are the Cornell Essay Prompts?

Most students applying to Cornell only need to answer one Cornell supplemental essay prompt as part of their application (engineering students are the exception).

Don't get too excited though, because this one essay carries a lot of weight. The word limit is on the longer side (usually around 650 words), and the topic depends on which school within the university that you're applying to.

Cornell University consists of many smaller colleges, each with their own required Cornell writing supplement.

Your Cornell essay prompt will correspond to the school that you plan to study at, so give your future as a Cornell student some thought before you start writing. Be sure to write about the subject or area of study that you are currently interested in, even if that may change when you get to college. As with all college admissions essays, authenticity is key. You may have myriad scholastic interests, but for this essay, stick with what you know best and are most passionate about. Your potential topic must correspond with the areas of study at the college too.

The Cornell essay prompts give ample space for you to express yourself and reveal a more complete portrait of who you are as a student and human simply because of the word limit. You can say a lot in 650 words, so take advantage of it!

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2023–2024 Cornell Supplement Essay Questions

Here are the essays and instructions as shown on the Cornell University admissions website :

College Interest Essays

The primary focus of your college interest essay should be what you intend to study at Cornell. In the online Common Application Writing Supplement, please respond to the essay question below (maximum of 650 words) that corresponds to the undergraduate college or school to which you are applying. Note that the College of Engineering is the only college that requires multiple shorter essays, and the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences lists one required and two optional essays.

Here are this year's prompts:

Brooks School of Public Policy: Why are you drawn to studying public policy? Drawing on your experiences, tell us about why you are interested in your chosen major and how attending the Brooks School will help you achieve your life goals.
Required: Why are you drawn to studying the major you have selected? Please discuss how your interests and related experiences have influenced your choice. How will an education from the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) at Cornell University specifically serve to support your learning, growth, and the pursuit of your goals?
Optional: At Cornell CALS, we aim to leave the world better than we found it, so we seek out those who are not simply driven to master their discipline, but who are also passionate about doing so to serve the public good. Please elaborate on an experience where you had a meaningful mpact on people, a community, and/or an environment of importance to you (200-word limit).
A primary source of income for my parent/guardian(s) comes from ownership of or employment by an agricultural entity.
My extended family owns or operates an agricultural entity.
I have experience working in an agricultural entity.
I have interest in pursuing a career in an agricultural entity.

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

College of Architecture, Art, and Planning: How do your interests directly connect with your intended major at the College of Architecture, Art, and Planning (AAP)? Why architecture (B.Arch), art (BFA), or urban and regional studies (URS)? B. Arch applicants, please provide an example of how a creative project or passion sparks your motivation to pursue a 5-year professional degree program. BFA applicants may want to to consider how they could integrate a range of interests and available resources at Cornell into a coherent art practice. URS students may want to emphasize their enthusiasm and depth of interest in the study of urban and regional issues.
College of Arts and Sciences: At the College of Arts and Sciences, curiosity will be your guide. Discuss how your passion for learning is shaping your academic journey, and what areas of study or majors excite you and why. Your response should convey how your interests align with the College, and how you would take advantage of the opportunities and curriculum in Arts and Sciences. .
Cornell SC Johnson College of Business: What kind of a business student are you? Using your personal, academic, or volunteer/work experiences, describe the topics or issues that you care about and why they are important to you. Your response should convey how your interests align with the school to which you are applying within the Cornell SC Johnson College of Business (Charles H. Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management or the Peter and Stephanie Nolan School of Hotel Administration).
Essay 1 (Required response): How do your interests directly connect with Cornell Engineering? If you have an intended major, what draws you to that department at Cornell Engineering? If you are unsure what specific engineering field you would like to study, describe how your general interest in engineering most directly connects with Cornell Engineering. It may be helpful to concentrate on one or two things that you are most excited about.
Question A: Describe an engineering problem that impacts your local community. This could be your school, neighborhood, town, region, or a group you identify with. Describe one to three things you might do as an engineer to solve the problem.
Question B: Diversity in all forms is intrinsic to excellence in engineering. Engineering the best solutions to complex problems is often achieved by drawing from the diverse ingenuity of people from different backgrounds, lived experiences, and identities. How do you see yourself contributing to the diversity and/or the inclusion of the Cornell Engineering community? What is the unique voice you would bring to the Cornell Engineering community?
College of Human Ecology: How have your related experiences influenced your decision to apply to the College of Human Ecology (CHE)? How will your choice of major impact your goals and plans for the future? Your response should show us that your interests and aspirations align with CHE and your choice of major. (Refer to our essay application tips before you begin.)
School of Industrial and Labor Relations: Using your personal, academic, or volunteer/work experiences, describe the topics or issues that you care about and why they are important to you. Your response should show us that your interests align with the ILR School.

Cornell Supplement Essays Analyzed

In this section, we'll take a look at each Cornell supplemental essay prompt in depth.

Remember, you may only answer one prompt for your application.

We'll also give tips for how to best approach answering the individual essay questions. Some tips will apply to all of the questions, but we will highlight the important differences for each program.

Brooks School of Public Policy

To apply to the Brooks School of Public Policy, you'll need to select a specific major . Be specific about what you want to study and why, and make sure that you clearly state why the Brooks School in particular is the best option for you.

Don't panic if you don't have a lot of experience with your chosen major yet! Instead, think about why you're interested in this field and what experiences led you to it . Maybe you're inspired by something you personally experienced, by research you conducted, or by a documentary or article you read.

You should also research the history of the Brooks School and its different programs. Choose the one that best aligns with your goals , and look to see whether any notable faculty or alumni might further inspire you.

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Applicants must answer one required essay, but also have the option to answer two optional essays. We'll break down your options below.

The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences asks you to have an idea of your major as you apply. In your essay, you should commit to one major and be specific about why it's important to you. Choose a topic of genuine interest to you and that you have a personal connection with, even if that personal connection consists solely of articles you've read and documentaries you've seen.

Do your research about the topic and the school. Dedicate some time to reading about CALS—its history, its current faculty, and its notable alumni. Is there anyone from your research who you can relate to or who you think of as inspiring? Are there professors whom you are looking forward to working with?

Lean into the school's reputation, and choose something specific to write about that has a personal connection to you. For example, instead of writing about homesteading trends across the country, write about a local farm in your area that you visited as a child or how you got interested in food science.

You could also write about your personal connection to a specific project of a professor who teaches in the Cornell College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.

This is a great opportunity for you to show how you want to use your passion for the greater good . Because the prompt tells you to define your impact "on people, a community" broadly, you have a lot of leeway here. Think about your local neighborhood, your family and friends, any trips you may have taken through school or service organizations—anything that shows your commitment to serving others.

Optional: Cornell CALS is dedicated to purpose-driven study of the agricultural, life, environmental, and social sciences and welcomes students with interests that span a wide variety of disciplines. Given our agricultural history and commitment to educating the next generation of agriculturalists, please share if you have a background or interest in agriculture, regardless of your intended major. An "agricultural entity" for the purpose of this question is defined as cultivating soil, growing crops, and raising livestock (e.g., farm, ranch, greenhouse, vineyard, etc.). Select all that apply: A primary source of income for my parent/guardian(s) comes from ownership of or employment by an agricultural entity . My extended family owns or operates an agricultural entity. I have experience working in an agricultural entity. I have interest in pursuing a career in an agricultural entity. Please feel free to share additional details (optional). (100-word limit)

This isn't an essay prompt so much as a way for you to self-identify . If any of these options apply to you, make sure to check them!

College of Architecture, Art, and Planning

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

The College of Architecture, Art, and Planning wants to know how you connect your creative passions with your scholastic interests here. Think about what you learn about or engage with of your own volition, not just because you're required to. In other words, when you fall down an Internet rabbit hole, what are you often researching?

For example, what design trends fascinate you? Which artists, photographers, or architects do you gravitate toward? What sort of urban planning projects would you be inspired to pursue? What transportation, housing, or infrastructure issues in your community or region do you want to work toward solving? Keep in mind that you'll want to not just describe who or what motivates you but also why .

Note also that the question asks you to describe either a "passion" or a "creative project," so if you've already had the opportunity to work on an art installation or design project that has inspired you to pursue your degree at Cornell, then describe that project and explain why it motivates you. Remember, the prompt asks about passions, as well as quirks. Don't feel embarrassed! Share something personal about yourself. Maybe you love watching old cinema or make your own pop-up cards for your family. Maybe you watch hundreds of hours of videos from YouTube photographers. Maybe you visit the City Hall of whatever new town you visit.

Whatever you choose, make sure you elaborate on why you're interested in it and how it's affected your life.

College of Arts and Sciences

The College of Arts and Sciences is the most generalized school of study at Cornell University, and the admissions essay reflects that. If you know that you love to learn but aren't sure what your career will look like after college, it's likely you'll be applying here.

Don't be fooled! Just because the question is broad, you don't have to write a broad essay in response. Don't feel like you have to demonstrate an interest in both Russian literature and molecular biology. Rather, describe your real intellectual pursuits with honesty and sincerity .

You don't have to have huge aspirations or a fancy reason for your intellectual pursuits. Stay true to yourself. If you're interested in Tudor history because of some historical fiction novels you read as a child, that's fine! You can say that. Just be sure to always tie it back to how Cornell's academics will let you study your passion.

If you have multiple areas of study that you are passionate about, you may write about them—but don't write about more than two or three at the most. Otherwise, your essay will feel more like a list rather than an in-depth exploration of your actual interests.

If you do choose to write about multiple interests, be sure to connect them back to you and your individual experience as a Cornell student and community member.

Cornell SC Johnson College of Business

For the Johnson College of Business, the first part of the essay question asks you to think about the business-related topics or issues you are interested in; how they're connected with your life, academic, volunteer, or work experiences; and why. The next part of the prompt invites you to discuss your interests in terms of what's on offer at the business school.

Your best approach, then, is to r esearch the programs so that you know exactly what their approach to business, management, economics, and hospitality is. What topics do they offer classes on? What specific research areas do their professors study? Then, think about what you most often find yourself thinking, reading, or talking about that relates to two or three of these topics. Those connections should be the core of your essay.

For example, did a history class inspire you to research the evolution of print advertising to digital marketing? Did moving from abroad get you interested in international development? Did you grow up in a family of entrepreneurs and want to further explore how to build your own business?

As you build your response, keep in mind that your essay should also indicate why you want to attend Cornell's College of Business rather than any other and how you'll take advantage of the resources it offers. So do some research on what makes the college stand out from others. You can list specific classes you'd like to take or professors you'd like to study with. Doing so will show that you're interested in Cornell, not just any old business school.

If you're specifically interested in the School of Hotel Adminitration and you're having trouble coming up with a topic, use the list of global hospitality industry topics as a jumping-off point. Which are you interested in? How did you become interested in them? Why do you care so much about these topics? What type of career do you want in this industry?

When writing about the experiences that define you and your passions as a future business major, don't generalize. Instead, use stories, anecdotes, and details that actually happened and that show your personality traits and motivations. Follow that old grade-school writing rule: show; don't tell.

College of Engineering

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

Essay 1 (Required): How do your interests directly connect with Cornell Engineering? If you have an intended major, what draws you to that department at Cornell Engineering? If you are unsure what specific engineering field you would like to study, describe how your general interest in engineering most directly connects with Cornell Engineering. It may be helpful to concentrate on one or two things that you are most excited about.

Essay 2 (Required):

And now for something a little different. Instead of writing one long essay, College of Engineering applicants have to write two shorter essays, and they get to choose from three prompts.

Each of the prompts seeks to understand why you want to study engineering and why you believe you'd excel at engineering. For all prompts, be sure to go beyond the surface level with your answers. Don't just say that you want a steady job after graduation. Cornell's College of Engineering wants to see that you have both ambition and interesting ideas.

The first prompt is required and is the most similar to the prompts for the other colleges. It's a basic "why us?" prompt, in which you explain to Cornell what it is about their College of Engineering that made you want to apply. Again, the more specific you can be here, the better. Mention things such as specific professors, classes, or internship opportunities to strengthen your essay.

The second prompt is a chance for you to put your thinking cap on! This is a great place for you to shine. Your job here is to choose a problem that is important to you —and say a little about why before diving into the prompt itself. If you know what type of engineering you want to study, make sure the problem you're addressing can be solved through that subfield. If you're not decided, you have a little more leeway.

For the third prompt, you're focusing on diversity and how you'll add to it. This doesn't just need to be racial diversity; think about what your unique life experiences can bring to Cornell's College of Engineering and how that would contribute to its diversity.

College of Human Ecology

This essay prompt gives you lots of room for creativity. That being said, heed this caveat: don't get carried away in stating your grandiose mission for solving the world's problems. As with the other essay prompts, specificity is key.

For the first question, choose an example from your life to illustrate your answer. Pick something that has truly been formative in your educational and professional goals , dive in deep, and write from the heart.

For example, if you're interested in studying policy analysis and management, you could talk about how your experience with social welfare programs has affected your life. Or if you're looking to be part of the fiber science and apparel design program, you could talk about why clothing has played such an important part in your life and your passion for fashion design.

Be sure to include your future goals in your answer. The College of Human Ecology has a very specific focus—you'll want to reflect that as you discuss your career and life aspirations.

School of Industrial and Labor Relations

This essay is a great opportunity to show off your academic side. You get to write about your topics of study and describe how you will continue to make it a part of your life in your college career and beyond.

You don't have to limit your answer to school experiences. Academic pursuits can grow from hobbies, travels, or personal experiences. Do you take on leadership roles in your religious community? Have you had a particularly influential summer job? As long as you relate the experience back to academics, you are golden.

You should also specify why ILR is the right college at Cornell for you to pursue these interests. What can you study at ILR that you can't study in Cornell's other colleges, such as the College of Arts and Sciences? It can be helpful to list specific courses or tracks of study at ILR that reflect your intellectual interests. Remember, the prompt specifically asks why ILR is your Cornell college of choice.

How to Write a Great Cornell Essay

Regardless of which Cornell essay prompt you're responding to, you should keep in mind the following tips for how to write a great Cornell essay.

#1: Use Your Own Voice

The point of a college essay is to give the admissions committee a chance to get to know you beyond your test scores, grades, and honors.

Your admissions essays are your opportunity to make yourself come alive for the essay readers and to present yourself as a fully fleshed-out person.

You should, then, make sure that the person you're presenting in your college essays is yourself. Don't try to emulate what you think the committee wants to hear or try to act like someone you're not.

If you lie or exaggerate, your essay will come across as insincere, which will diminish its effectiveness. Stick to telling real stories about the person you really are, not who you think Cornell wants you to be.

#2: Avoid Clichés and Overused Phrases

When writing your Cornell essay, try to avoid using clichés or overused quotes or phrases.

These include quotations that have been quoted to death and phrases or idioms that are overused in daily life. The college admissions committee has probably seen numerous essays from students who have grand plans to change the world. Only talk about changing the world if you have legitimate interests to back it up.

Strive for originality and avoid using clichés, which take away from the strength and sincerity of your work.

#3: Check Your Work

It should almost go without saying, but you want to make sure your Cornell essay is the strongest example of your work possible. Before you turn in your Cornell application, make sure to edit and proofread your essays.

Your work should be free of spelling and grammar errors. Make sure to run your essays through a spelling and grammar check before you submit.

It's a good idea to have someone else read your Cornell essay too. You can seek a second opinion on your work from a parent, teacher, or friend. Ask them whether your work represents you as a student and person. Have them check to make sure you haven't missed any small writing errors. Having a second opinion will help your work be the best it possibly can be.

Recap: Writing a Stellar Cornell Essay

The Cornell essay prompts give you a chance to really show the admissions committee who you are. Regardless of the question you're answering, remember to follow these basic dos and don'ts as you're writing:

Be authentic and honest.
Be specific when citing people, places, and things.
Strive for brevity and clarity; less is more!
Be yourself, and do your research—both will shine through in your essays!
Base your essays on what you think the Cornell application committee wants to hear.
Use clichés or broad sweeping statements.
Try too hard to be funny and original. Be genuine and your positive attributes will be visible to the committee.

What's Next?

Are you working on the Common App essay as part of your application? Read our breakdown of the Common App prompts and our guide to picking the best prompt for you .

If you're planning to take the SAT or ACT as part of your application , try out some of our famous test prep guides, like " How to Get a Perfect Score on the SAT " and " 15 Key ACT Test Day Tips ."

Want to write the perfect college application essay? We can help. Your dedicated PrepScholar Admissions counselor will help you craft your perfect college essay, from the ground up. We learn your background and interests, brainstorm essay topics, and walk you through the essay drafting process, step-by-step. At the end, you'll have a unique essay to proudly submit to colleges. Don't leave your college application to chance. Find out more about PrepScholar Admissions now:

Hayley Milliman is a former teacher turned writer who blogs about education, history, and technology. When she was a teacher, Hayley's students regularly scored in the 99th percentile thanks to her passion for making topics digestible and accessible. In addition to her work for PrepScholar, Hayley is the author of Museum Hack's Guide to History's Fiercest Females.

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August 9, 2023

2023-2024 Cornell University Supplemental Essay Prompts

An aerial view of Cornell University's campus, featuring red-bricked buildings and greenery.

Cornell University has released its 2023-2024 supplemental admissions essays for applicants to the Class of 2028 . For years, Cornell asked applicants to respond to an essay of up to 650 words in length that essentially asked, “ Why Cornell ?” But this year, the Ivy League institution has changed things up, creating essays specific to the individual school to which a student is applying within Cornell. So what supplemental admissions essays will applicants to Cornell’s Class of 2028 be asked to write? Let’s dive in!

2023-2024 Cornell Essay Topics and Questions

Essay for all applicants .

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

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

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

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

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

School-Specific Essays

College of agriculture and life sciences.

CALS asks applicants to respond to a required essay of up to 650 words in length followed by optional essays of up to 200 words and 100 words. Of course, no optional essay should ever be considered optional in Cornell’s admissions process. Write it!

Required Essay Prompt

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

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

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

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

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

Optional Essay Prompts

CALS applicants have up to 200 words and 100 words, respectively, to answer the following two optional essay prompts:

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

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

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

Select all that apply:

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

Please feel free to share additional details.

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

College of Architecture, Art, and Planning

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

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

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

College of Arts & Sciences

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

Cornell Jeb E. Brooks School of Public Policy

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

Cornell SC Johnson College of Business

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

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

College of Engineering

College of Engineering applicants must write two supplemental essays, each of up to 250 words in length. The first essay is required of all College of Engineering applicants. For the second essay, applicants have the choice of responding to the first or second essay prompt option.

Cornell’s College of Engineering wants applicants to narrow their engineering focus. If a student is interested in mechanical engineering, their essay response should focus on mechanical engineering. Likewise, if it’s environmental engineering, the student should get specific on their interest in environmental engineering.

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

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

This prompt presents a fantastic opportunity for engineering applicants to showcase how they think and want to change the world in a specific way. Applicants should be sure to pick a small problem in their local community that they encounter — and it need not be a sexy problem. Maybe it’s potholes. Whatever it is, applicants should showcase how they’ll leverage the power of engineering to make the problem better for locals.

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

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

College of Human Ecology

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

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

School of Industrial and Labor Relations

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

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

Ivy Coach’s Assistance with Cornell Essays

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

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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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An Analysis of the Cornell Supplemental Essays 2023-2024

October 9, 2023

After devoting extensive time and effort to crafting multiple essays for your college applications, you may be pleasantly surprised to discover that Cornell University only requires two supplemental essays – one general response and one school-specific response. It is important to note that the specific Cornell school you apply to ultimately determines the supplemental essay question you must address. Therefore, it is essential to approach your response with careful planning and consideration. To assist you in navigating the prompts for each of the eight Cornell schools, I have provided an outline, along with helpful do's and don'ts for crafting your responses. Additionally, I have included valuable tips to aid you in effectively tackling the Cornell supplemental essays for the 2023-2024 application cycle.

Cornell Supplemental Essays 2023-2024

Use these supplemental essay prompts as an opportunity to introduce yourself, what you’re passionate about, and your ambitions and goals. InGenius Prep counselor Reba McCutcheon, who worked as the Associate Director for Undergraduate Admissions at Cornell, recommends that you focus on the deeper why as a general rule of thumb. Avoid simply stating that "X happened and now I want to do Y.” Instead, consider what initially drew you to that experience and why it was important to you. What obstacles did you face and overcome? What kept you going?

For example, if you rescued an injured animal and now want to be a veterinarian, don't explain it in just a couple of sentences. Dive deeper into the story. Share what motivated you to help the injured animal in the first place. Discuss why it was important to you and how it impacted your perspective. Talk about the challenges you encountered and how you persevered. By going beyond surface-level explanations, you can provide a more meaningful and authentic narrative.

Similarly, if you volunteered in a developing country and claim to understand poverty, avoid making such a shallow statement. Instead, explore your experience in depth. Share how it opened your eyes to the disparities between the haves and the have-nots. Reflect on your privilege and how it intersects with the issue of poverty. Discuss why it's important to you to have this newfound understanding and how you plan to use it to make a difference. Acknowledge that there is still more for you to learn and grow from. By following these guidelines, you can enhance the quality and impact of your essays for Cornell University's supplemental application. Having said that, let's now dive into the specific prompts.

Cornell University Essay Question (350 word limit)

In the aftermath of the u.s. civil war, ezra cornell wrote, “i would found an institution where any person can find instruction in any study.” for over 150 years, cornell university has remained deeply committed to ezra’s vision. explain how your life experiences will help inform your contributions to a learning community devoted to “…any person…any study.” we encourage you to think broadly about your life experiences, including how local (e.g., family, school, neighborhood) or global communities you’ve been part of have helped shape your perspective..

For this prompt, Reba notes, "There's no need to quote Ezra back to us. We know it." Instead, reflect on your own life experiences and how they have shaped your perspectives. It's not about having your life figured out yet, but rather about how you have reflected on your experiences and what you have learned from them.

Start by considering the various communities you have been a part of, both local and global. How have these communities influenced your outlook on life and your understanding of the world? Reflect on the values and beliefs that have been instilled in you through these experiences. Think about how your interactions with different people and cultures have broadened your horizons and given you a unique perspective.

The admissions officers are not looking for a list of achievements or a comprehensive plan for your future. Instead, they want to see your ability to reflect on your experiences and articulate how they have shaped your character and values. Show them that you are open-minded, curious, and willing to learn from diverse perspectives. Discuss how your experiences have challenged your preconceived notions and pushed you to grow as an individual.

Remember, the admissions officers are not expecting you to have all the answers. They are more interested in your ability to critically think and learn from your experiences. Share how you have continued to learn and grow, even after facing setbacks or obstacles. Discuss how your experiences have influenced your academic and career goals, and how they will inform your contributions to the Cornell learning community.

In summary, the essay prompt is asking for your personal reflections on your life experiences and how they have shaped your perspective. Show the admissions officers that you are thoughtful, introspective, and open to new ideas. Use this essay as an opportunity to showcase your ability to learn from your experiences and contribute meaningfully to the Cornell community.

School-Specific Essay Questions (650 word limit)

When you add Cornell as one of your schools in the Common Application, you have to pick one of the eight colleges within Cornell, instead of applying to the university as a whole. These are:

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

College of architecture, art, and planning, college of arts and sciences, brooks school of public policy.

Cornell SC Johnson College of Business ( Charles H. Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management & School of Hotel Administration)

College of Engineering

College of human ecology.

School of Industrial and Labor Relations (ILR)

Each college asks you to answer one 650-word supplemental essay question. When writing the other essays, your response should be tailored to the school you’ve chosen and demonstrate an unquestionable passion for the field and knowledge of a particular program at Cornell. Without further ado, let’s look at the prompts for each school and the approaches you should—and shouldn’t—take when it comes to your essay.

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

Since CALS is an undergraduate institution unique to Cornell, there are many Cornell-specific programs and opportunities you can draw from to portray your interest in CALS. You can choose from its 20 program offerings in the life sciences—from Animal Science to International Agriculture and Rural Development—and dive straight into studying the discipline of your choice on day one. These majors are more niche, so the reader must take away a demonstrated fit for the particular program through your writing.

When considering your choice of major and the college community at CALS, it is important to recognize the significance of both. Take the time to thoroughly research what CALS has to offer and identify what aspects you are genuinely excited about. Reflect on how these interests and related experiences have influenced your decision to pursue a particular major. Highlight your commitment by making a clear connection between the work you’ve done in the particular field and your choice of CALS major. Why is CALS the place to explore your passion for life sciences rather than the Biology or Environmental & Sustainability departments at the College of Arts and Sciences?

In your essay, it is crucial to focus not only on the experiences you have had thus far, but also on how you have reflected on them and continued to learn from them. Admissions officers are interested in seeing your growth and development as an individual. Discuss how your experiences have shaped your perspective and influenced your goals. Highlight the lessons you have learned, the skills you have acquired, and the knowledge you have gained.

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

As high school students, it is understandable that you may not have extensive experience in your intended major. However, what truly matters is your passion and desire to learn. The admissions officers at Cornell University are looking for students who are enthusiastic about their chosen field of study and who are eager to explore and expand their knowledge.

When writing your essay, it is important to showcase your genuine interest in your intended major. Talk about what specifically draws you to the field and why you are excited to study it at Cornell. Discuss any experiences or encounters that have sparked your curiosity and motivated you to pursue this particular area of study. Whether it's a class you took, a book you read, or a project you worked on, explain how it ignited your passion and made you want to delve deeper into the subject matter. Demonstrate your commitment to learning by highlighting any steps you have taken to explore your chosen field. This could include attending workshops or seminars, participating in related extracurricular activities, or conducting independent research. Show that you are proactive and resourceful in seeking out opportunities to further your understanding and skills in your intended major.

Additionally, emphasize your willingness to learn and grow. Discuss how you plan to take advantage of the resources and opportunities available at Cornell to enhance your knowledge and expertise. Whether it's through internships, research projects, or collaborations with faculty and peers, show that you are excited about the prospect of continuous learning and development.

Ultimately, the admissions officers want to see your genuine passion and enthusiasm for your intended major. Even if you don't have extensive experience, your desire to learn and explore the field will make a strong impression. So, don't be afraid to showcase your curiosity, eagerness, and dedication to your chosen area of study in your essay.

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

For this prompt, Reba says, "Be curious! It’s not just about the specific major you choose, but rather about the opportunities, curriculum, and campus community within the College of Arts and Sciences and the university as a whole." Take the time to reflect on your passions and interests, and think deeply about why certain subjects excite you. What is it about a particular field of study that captures your curiosity? What drives your desire to learn more? Spend time reflecting on these questions and exploring the reasons behind your interests. Is it the potential for discovery and exploration? The chance to make a positive impact on the world? Or perhaps the opportunity to challenge established ideas and contribute to the advancement of knowledge?

In your response, demonstrate your genuine passion for learning and how it is shaping your academic journey. Discuss the specific areas of study or majors that excite you and explain why they align with your interests and goals. Highlight the unique opportunities and resources available within the College of Arts and Sciences and how they would support your intellectual growth and development. Don't be afraid to delve into the details and provide specific examples that illustrate your enthusiasm. Share anecdotes or experiences that have sparked your curiosity and motivated you to explore further. Whether it's a thought-provoking book, a captivating lecture, or a meaningful conversation with a professor or peer, explain how these encounters have influenced your passion for learning and your desire to pursue a particular field of study.

Remember, by focusing on your "why" and sharing your genuine enthusiasm for learning, you will demonstrate to the admissions officers that you are a curious and engaged learner who will make valuable contributions to the intellectual community at Cornell University. So, take the time to reflect on your passions, explore your interests, and let your curiosity guide you in shaping your academic journey.

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

According to the Inaugural Dean, “The Jeb E. Brooks School of Public Policy brings together scholars across disciplines to tackle the biggest public policy challenges we face as a society, both in the U.S. and globally. Our mission is to make positive change in the world.” If you’re a student who is interested in having a say in how policy gets passed and implemented, you might want to check out the newly opened Brooks School at Cornell.

Reba recommends that you start by asking yourself: "What do you want to change, improve, or create? And why?" To write a successful response, it is essential to delve deep into your motivations and aspirations. Take the time to reflect on the issues that resonate with you and the impact you want to make in the world. This reflection will not only help you clarify your goals but also provide valuable insight into your dedication and passion for public policy.

Think about the societal challenges that you find most pressing and the areas where you believe change is necessary. Is it the lack of access to quality education? The need for healthcare reform? The urgency to address climate change? Or perhaps the importance of promoting social justice and equity? Identify the issues that ignite a fire within you and inspire you to take action. Once you have identified the areas you want to address, consider why these issues matter to you on a personal level. Reflect on your own experiences, observations, or encounters that have shaped your perspective and fueled your desire to make a difference.

As you reflect on your why, consider the long-term impact you hope to achieve. How will your chosen major in public policy enable you to create meaningful change? Think about the knowledge, skills, and resources that the Brooks School of Public Policy at Cornell University can offer you to support your goals. Whether it's through rigorous coursework, experiential learning opportunities, or access to influential networks, highlight how attending the Brooks School will equip you with the tools to make a tangible impact in your chosen field.

Remember, the admissions officers want to see your genuine passion and commitment to public policy. By spending time reflecting on your why, you will be able to articulate your motivations with clarity and conviction. So, take the time to dig deep, explore your personal connections to the issues, and let your passion shine through in your essay.

Cornell SC Johnson College of Business

What kind of business student are you using your personal, academic, or volunteer/work experiences, describe the topics or issues that you care about and why they are important to you. your response should convey how your interests align with the school to which you are applying within the cornell sc johnson college of business (the charles h. dyson school of applied economics and management or the cornell peter and stephanie nolan school of hotel administration)..

Like any other “why this school” essay, the Johnson School prompt wants to know why you’ve chosen Johnson over other undergraduate business schools , and how you would be an asset to the incoming class. In other words, you have to elaborate on what makes the Dyson model ideally suited to your learning style, or the School of Hotel Administration perfect for your future career, and explain the reasons why you will be a valuable addition.

Reba also cautions, "Writing that you intend to make millions and become a hedge fund manager isn’t really in the spirit of Cornell (Ezra was a humble man). " Instead, ask yourself: Are there aspects of business that you would like to change, improve upon, or totally remove?

If you're applying to Dyson, you have to show that you’ve done your research on facilities and opportunities exclusive to Dyson. One of the key ways of doing so is to demonstrate your understanding of the unique Economics and Management B.S or ask yourself how you’d benefit from this degree over a B.S. in economics from another school, for example. What features will prepare you for a career as an entrepreneur or financial analyst? If you’re planning to apply to this school, you should already have ventured into the world of business. Talk about any entrepreneurial initiatives you’ve taken, any business-related summer programs you’ve attended, and mention if you have any unusual goals that can distinguish you from other prospective business students. Expand on the skills and values you picked up on the way. Dyson students are allowed to double major with a major at CALS so if your passion for business has a life sciences aspect to it, you should include that in your essay!

Additionally, Hotel School majors are expected to have some service experience. Draw upon your service mindset. Why is service important to you? For example, for many Hotel School students, service is not just about the act of serving others, but about the opportunity to make a positive difference in people's lives. It is about going above and beyond to exceed expectations and create memorable experiences. Service is a way to show empathy, compassion, and a genuine desire to meet the needs and desires of others. Reflect on your experiences that align with this service mindset.

Essay 1: How do your interests directly connect with Cornell Engineering? If you have an intended major, what draws you to that department at Cornell Engineering? If you are unsure what specific engineering field you would like to study, describe how your general interest in engineering most directly connects with Cornell Engineering. It may be helpful to concentrate on one or two things that you are most excited about. (Max: 250 words)

When writing your essay for the College of Engineering, Reba advises, "Don't regurgitate your transcript or resume. We've already seen that." Instead, focus on highlighting one or two specific things that excite you. Think about the areas of engineering that genuinely spark your interest. Is it the potential to design innovative solutions to real-world problems? Or maybe it's the opportunity to contribute to advancements in technology and improve the lives of others. Whatever it may be, delve into these passions and explain why they draw you to the field of engineering.

Furthermore, consider how engineering principles impact your daily life. Engineering is everywhere, from the bridges you cross to the smartphones you use. Reflect on the ways in which engineering principles have influenced your experiences and shaped your perspective. For example, you could discuss how the principles of structural engineering contribute to the safety and stability of the buildings you encounter, or how electrical engineering plays a role in the functionality of the devices you rely on.

By demonstrating your understanding of the transfer of knowledge between engineering principles and everyday life, you will showcase your ability to connect theory to practice. This not only highlights your knowledge and passion for engineering but also emphasizes your potential to make a meaningful impact in the field.

Essay 2: Choose either Question A or Question B.

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

While you’re not expected to write a report and solve the problem fully, your solutions will need to be feasible. If not feasible, explain that you understand it’s not currently feasible and how you intend to study to discover how it might one day become feasible. Imagine what you still have to learn.

Consider outlining the steps you would take to study the problem and identify potential solutions. This could include conducting research, consulting with experts in the field, and engaging with the affected community to gain a deeper understanding of their needs and challenges. By outlining your proposed approach, you demonstrate your ability to think critically and problem-solve effectively. Furthermore, emphasize the importance of continuous learning and growth. Acknowledge that there may be gaps in your knowledge and understanding of the problem, but express your commitment to filling those gaps through further education and experiences. Highlight specific resources or opportunities at Cornell Engineering that would support your learning and development in addressing the problem.

By demonstrating your humility, curiosity, and proactive mindset, you showcase your potential as an engineer who is not only capable of solving problems but also dedicated to making a lasting impact on your local community.

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

For option B, Reba notes, "One of the best contributions to bring is being open to others and their perspectives. You’re entering college to learn about academics, people, social aspects, and about yourself. Focus on what you can receive as well as what you can give." Upon reading your response, admissions officers should be confident that you are not only a strong candidate for an engineering degree, but also that you’re specifically geared for success as a future Cornell-educated engineer. The university wants your answer to the Cornell supplemental essays 2023-2024 to reflect your strongest personal attributes , and this essay is an effective way of showing what you care about while demonstrating knowledge of Cornell’s engineering offerings.

How have your related experiences influenced your decision to apply to the College of Human Ecology (CHE)? How will your choice of major impact your goals and plans for the future? Your response should show us that your interests and aspirations align with CHE and your choice of major.

The College of Human Ecology prompt asks to see connections between the development of your interests and your choice of major and career aspirations. The tricky thing about this prompt is that the College of Human Ecology happens to cover quite a few different fields that don’t necessarily have obvious relationships to each other. It’s probably a good idea that you know what “human ecology” actually means and are fully informed about programs such as Nutritional Sciences or Apparel Design before sitting down to write your essay.

Again, it’s not just about listing your experiences, but rather, it's important to reflect on how those experiences have shaped you and what you have learned from them. Take the time to delve into the impact your chosen major will have on your goals and plans for the future. You need to focus more on your commitment to the specialized department you’re interested in rather than human ecology as a whole since that is too broad of a topic.

By focusing on your why, you will be able to articulate your motivations with clarity and conviction. Emphasize the importance of your major not only to your personal growth and development but also to the betterment of society. Highlight the ways in which your major can address the pressing issues of our time and create a more just, equitable, and sustainable future.

School of Industrial and Labor Relations

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

ILR, affectionately known as ‘I Love Reading’, is more than just reading. ILR students need to be passionate about the topics, ready to dive into the curriculum. ILR is not solely focused on the theoretical aspects of business; it takes a unique approach by examining the dynamics of the workplace and the intersection of labor and management. As a result, ILR students are equipped with the knowledge and skills to identify and address the changes and improvements necessary in the workplace.

Just like with other prompts for Cornell supplemental essays 2023-2024 , you need to build a narrative showing how your interests overlap with Cornell’s offerings. Since you have plenty of space in this essay, you should draw on anecdotes that affirm your interest in people and policy in the workplace. Conduct research and think about how your goals can benefit from taking certain electives or working with a distinguished professor.

Highlight what sparked your interest in the industry—was there one particular incident or did your concern for topics related to workforce policies develop over time? Was there a high school club or internship that contributed to expanding your knowledge of employment policies? Moreover, think about why you want to attend a school that specializes in Industrial and Labor Relations rather than major in economics at the College of Arts and Sciences. By narrating a unique story that shows why this is the perfect college for you, you can help admissions officers gain a clearer picture of your passion for exploring work, employment, and labor policy issues over the next four years.

Additional Tips for Writing the Cornell Supplemental Essays 2023-2024

Now that you’ve taken a look at the prompts for the Cornell supplemental essays , here are a few tips to help your brainstorming process:

Keep the specific school in mind: It’s not unheard of for students to apply to a less competitive Cornell school such as the College of Arts and Sciences in hopes of later transferring to Dyson or Cornell Engineering. Make sure your essays don’t leave admissions officers doubting whether your interest in the school that you’ve applied to is authentic. Don’t write about your love for life sciences or chemical engineering if you’re applying for an English major at the College of Arts and Sciences! Make sure your essay reflects your particular school choice and its unique offerings.
Don’t repeat your personal statement: Your answers to the Cornell supplemental essays 2023-2024 are supposed to provide admissions officers with more context on your background and passions. That might be difficult to execute if your supplemental essay covers the same topic as your personal statement. It could be tricky to find a new angle—especially when the prompt for the College of Architecture, Art, and Planning is very similar to one of the Common Application personal statement prompts —“Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time.” If you’re applying to the AAP school and you’ve picked this prompt for your Common App, you have to come up with something completely different. Cornell will not appreciate two 650-word essays that overlap in content.
Avoid generic statements at all costs: Cornell received the most applications out of the Ivy League schools this year. And the number isn’t getting any smaller. In order to excel in your Cornell supplemental essays 2023-2024, you have to connect all the factors that make a Cornell education appealing to you. Specifics will allow admissions officers to understand what makes you unique. Stating general facts about the facilities won’t help your case since admissions officers already know that great resources exist at their university!

When crafting your responses to the Cornell supplemental essays 2023-2024, it is crucial to showcase how obtaining a degree from one of Cornell's specialized undergraduate schools will benefit you. Regardless of which college within Cornell you are applying to, it is important that your essays display a deep understanding of the curriculum and highlight any relevant experiences. This will ensure that the admissions officers recognize your genuine interest in the university and that you are not simply applying for the prestige of attending an Ivy League institution.

If you are looking for a college admissions counselor to help maximize your chances of getting into your dream school, we can help! InGenius Prep has helped more than 6,000 students around the world gain admission into the most competitive schools including Harvard, Yale, MIT, Johns Hopkins, Cornell, NYU, and more. Sign up for a free strategy call today and join the 6,000+ students we've helped get accepted into their dream schools.

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How to Complete the 2023/2024 Cornell Supplemental Essays

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

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

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

How to Complete the 2023/2024 Cornell Supplemental Essays

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

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Cornell University Essay Question

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

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

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

Questions to consider:

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

Different schools at Cornell

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

The schools found at Cornell are:

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

College of Architecture, Art, and Planning

College of arts and sciences.

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

College of Engineering

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

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

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

Cornell Jeb E. Brooks School of Public Policy

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

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

“The Jeb E. Brooks School of Public Policy brings together scholars across disciplines to tackle the biggest public policy challenges we face as a society, both in the U.S. and globally. Our mission is to make positive change in the world.”

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

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

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

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Required essay response.

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

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

Talk about:

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

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

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

Questions to consider:

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

Optional Essay #1:

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

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

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

Optional Essay #2:

Cornell CALS is dedicated to purpose-driven study of the agricultural, life, environmental, and social sciences and welcomes students with interests that span a wide variety of disciplines. Given our agricultural history and commitment to educating the next generation of agriculturalists, please share if you have a background or interest in agriculture, regardless of your intended major. An “agricultural entity” for the purpose of this question is defined as cultivating soil, growing crops, and raising livestock (e.g., farm, ranch, greenhouse, vineyard, etc.) Select all that apply: A primary source of income for my parent/guardian(s) comes from ownership of or employment by an agricultural entity My extended family owns or operates an agricultural entity I have experience working in an agricultural entity I have interest in pursuing a career in an agricultural entity Please feel free to share additional details (optional) (100-word limit)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cornell SC Johnson College of Business

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Don’t miss: Top business scholarships

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

Do not drag on
Be purposeful with your responses

Essay #1 (required)

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

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

Questions to consider

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

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

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

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

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

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

Also see: Top engineering scholarships

“How have your related experiences influenced your decision to apply to the College of Human Ecology (CHE)? How will your choice of major impact your goals and plans for the future? Your response should show us that your interests and aspirations align with CHE and your choice of major.” (650 words)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What are you passionate about?

Also see: How to write a 500 word essay

Next steps after applying to Cornell

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

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

This can be done by:

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

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

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

Other colleges to consider

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

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

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

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

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

How Crimson Can Help You Stand Out

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

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

How Crimson Student Max Got Into Cornell

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

What are the Cornell essay prompts for 21/22?

College of agriculture and life sciences.

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

College of Architecture, Art, and Planning

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

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

Cornell SC Johnson College of Business

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

College of Human Ecology

How has your decision to apply to the college of human ecology been influenced by your related experiences how will your choice of major impact your goals and plans for the future, school of industrial and labor relations.

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

College of Engineering: Instructions

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

Essay Option 1

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

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

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

Think about your interests and passions

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

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

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

Show how your interest connects with Cornell’s mission

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

Questions to ask yourself:

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

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

Adapt your writing style

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How to Answer College of Human Ecology Essay Prompt

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

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

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

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

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

How to Answer College of Engineering Essay Prompt

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

Start by freewriting on the following questions:

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

Be as specific and honest as possible.

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

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

The third question is about diversity and differences .

Try to answer the following:

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

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

Final Thoughts

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

Key Resources & Further Reading

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

What would megan fox's (hypothetical) harvard essay look like.

Unleashing Creativity in Research: How High Schoolers Can Find Unique and Engaging Research Topics

Can Colleges See How Many Times You’ve Taken the SAT?

Want Help Gaining Admission to Top Universities?

Crimson education is the world’s leading university admissions consulting company specializing in helping students gain entry to top universities..

How to Write the Cornell Supplemental Essays

Two students writing supplemental essays

Reviewed by:

Former Admissions Committee Member, Columbia University

Reviewed: 8/3/23

You’ll want to present your best self through the Cornell supplemental essays to make a lasting impression on the admissions committee, and this guide will tell you exactly how to do so!

Cornell requires all of its students to answer supplemental essays specific to their program. These essays offer a unique opportunity to showcase your passion, goals, and alignment with Cornell's values, so it’s essential you dedicate an adequate amount of time and effort to them!

The hardest part is starting! Knowing what values and experiences to highlight and how to prove your candidacy can seem overwhelming, especially when Cornell is a highly competitive Ivy League school !

Rest assured; this guide will ease some of your worries by providing you with in-depth tips on how to write each of the Cornell University supplemental essays !

Cornell University Supplemental Essay Prompts

Depending on the program you apply to, you’ll be required to write one or two essays and may be given the option to answer additional short answers.

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Students applying to the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences will be required to answer the following prompt:

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

Your response should not exceed 650 words. You may also answer the following optional short-answer questions:

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

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

Select all that apply:

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

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

College of Architecture, Art, and Planning

Applicants hoping to join Cornell’s College of Architecture, Art, and Planning are only required to answer one essay question and aren’t given any optional short answers:

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.

College of Arts & Sciences

Cornell’s College of Arts & Sciences is one of its largest undergraduate colleges . Thousands of applicants apply each year, and each of them must answer the following 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 majors or areas excite you and why. Your response should convey how your interests align with the College, and how you would take advantage of the opportunities and curriculum in Arts and Sciences.

Cornell Jeb E. Brooks School of Public Policy

Applicants that chose a major at Cornell’s School of Public Policy will be expected to answer the following supplemental essay prompt:

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

Cornell SC Johnson College of Business

To all business enthusiasts hoping to join Cornell’s renowned business school, the admissions committee wants to know what’s important to you and the kind of student you hope to be. To evaluate these factors, you’ll be asked to answer this 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 (Charles H. Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management or the Peter and Stephanie Nolan School of Hotel Administration).

College of Engineering

Engineering is often cited as one of the most challenging majors at Cornell. Considering this, it should come as no surprise that Engineering majors have to write two Cornell supplemental essays:

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

Applicants are given the option to choose between two topics for the second essay:

Describe an engineering problem that impacts your local community. This could be your school, neighborhood, town, region, or a group you identify with. Describe one to three things you might do as an engineer to solve the problem.
Diversity in all forms is intrinsic to excellence in engineering. Engineering the best solutions to complex problems is often achieved by drawing from the diverse ingenuity of people from different backgrounds, lived experiences, and identities. How do you see yourself contributing to the diversity and/or the inclusion of the Cornell Engineering community? What is the unique voice you would bring to the Cornell Engineering community?

You are given a 250-word limit for this essay as well.

College of Human Ecology

Students applying to the College of Human Ecology will need to answer one essay question:

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.

School of Industrial and Labor Relations

Last but not least, applicants hoping to join Cornell’s School of Industrial and Labor Relations are required to respond to the following essay prompt:

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

Now that we’ve gone over all of the Cornell supplemental essays, we’ll provide you with tips on how to ace each one to help you confidently navigate your essay(s) and show the committee just how extraordinary you are!

Let’s begin with how to approach the essay:

Research your major and CALS : Thoroughly research the major you're interested in and the specific offerings of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Cornell. Identify unique programs, faculty members, research opportunities, or campus resources that align with your interests and goals.
Make it highly personal : Share personal anecdotes and experiences that led you to choose the major you've selected. Avoid generalizations; provide specific examples of how certain events, classes, or interactions influenced your interest in the field.
Show passion and enthusiasm : Demonstrate enthusiasm for the major you've chosen. Admissions officers want to see that you are genuinely excited about your academic pursuits. Share what excites you about the subject and how it aligns with your long-term goals.
Be specific about CALS' impact : When discussing how CALS will support your learning, growth, and goals, be specific. Don't just list the general benefits of attending Cornell; instead, focus on how the college's resources and opportunities will directly contribute to your academic and personal development.

Above all, be true to yourself. Write an essay that reflects your genuine interests, motivations, and aspirations! Where do you hope your major will take you? What will it help you accomplish?

Short Answers

If you choose to answer the short answers, the second one is rather straightforward. If any of the options apply to you, provide a brief explanation of how. Stick to the facts and keep it concise.

The first short answer is a little trickier, so here are some features to incorporate into your response to ensure it meets the admissions committee’s expectations:

Choose the right experience : Do not worry about picking an experience you think will impress the admissions committee. Choose one that stands out in your memory and is most meaningful to you. Ensure you can also connect it back to CALS’ mission of making a positive impact.
Set the scene : Begin your essay by providing context for the experience. Describe the people, community, or environment involved and explain its significance to you. Help the reader understand why this particular experience was important and why it had a lasting impact on you.
Use vivid language : Make your essay engaging by using descriptive language and vivid storytelling. Show the reader the impact of your actions through specific examples and anecdotes rather than simply stating it.
Emphasize the impact : Focus on the positive outcomes and the impact your actions had on the people, community, or environment involved. Use evidence and examples to demonstrate the tangible changes or improvements that occurred as a result of your efforts.
Reflect on the lessons learned : Share your personal reflections and insights gained from this experience. Discuss how it shaped your understanding of the world, your values, and your commitment to serving the public good. Admissions officers are interested in your self-awareness and growth.
Connect to your future aspirations : Explain how this experience has influenced your future aspirations and how it fits with your academic and career goals. Show the admissions committee that you have a clear vision of how you want to continue making a positive impact in the future.

Remember, you’ll only have 200 words to implement all of these tips, so keep your ideas succinct and to the point!

Three people looking at architectural designs

Don’t feel overwhelmed by the length of this essay question! While it may seem complex, at its core, you’re being asked to explain your motivation behind pursuing your major. Let’s break it down further:

B. Arch Applicants

Tell a compelling story that shares a specific anecdote that showcases how a creative project or passion ignited your interest in architecture. Don’t be afraid to think outside of the box! The project doesn’t have to be directly related to architecture.

Describe the project, its context, and how it impacted your desire to pursue a 5-year professional degree. Emphasize your acknowledgment of the difficulty of this extended program and your motivation to join it nonetheless.

Ensure you also highlight your vision and discuss how the creative project aligns with your career aspirations.

BFA Applicants

For your essay, you’ll want to demonstrate adaptability. Show how you can integrate multiple interests and utilize the diverse resources at Cornell to develop a cohesive and unique art practice. Do your research to mention specific resources and elaborate on how these resources will enrich your artistic exploration.

It would also be wise to mention your interest in working with peers, particular faculty members, and other artists to expand your horizons, as collaboration is a major part of the BFA program!

URS Applicants

URS applicants need to not only express their passion and enthusiasm for studying urban and regional issues but should demonstrate their wealth of knowledge on the topic.

Think about specific issues you hope to address throughout your career. Take a forward-looking approach by discussing how the URS program can aid you in working towards resolving these issues and making a positive impact on the world.

You should also discuss any relevant experiences, coursework, or extracurricular activities that have fueled your interest in this field.

Follow these tips to craft a compelling Cornell supplemental essay for the College of Arts and Sciences:

Mention the key traits : The admissions committee will expect you to pick up on the key traits emphasized in this prompt: curiosity, passion, and intent. Ensure you highlight all of these qualities in your essay.
Avoid vagueness : Be specific about the majors or areas that excite you. Share personal anecdotes or experiences that sparked your interest in these subjects. Show the admissions committee that your enthusiasm for these fields is authentic and deeply rooted.
Provide evidence of your initiative : If you have already pursued academic opportunities outside of your regular coursework, such as research projects, independent studies, or attending seminars, mention them. This demonstrates your proactive approach to learning and your commitment to intellectual growth.
Make connections to your past experiences : Draw connections between your current academic interests and any related experiences you've had in the past. This could include research projects, extracurricular activities, internships, or even personal experiences that shaped your intellectual curiosity.
Tie your interests to the college's resources : Explain how the College of Arts and Sciences' resources, such as state-of-the-art laboratories, research funding, or study abroad opportunities, will support your academic pursuits and enhance your learning experience.
Reflect on your potential contributions : Share how you envision making a positive impact within the Cornell community and beyond. Discuss how your unique perspective and interests can contribute to the intellectual and cultural diversity at Cornell.
Show your long-term vision : Discuss your long-term goals and how studying at Cornell's College of Arts and Sciences will position you to achieve them. Explain how the academic opportunities, faculty mentorship, and networking connections will be instrumental in your success.

Fortunately, all you need to do to write a successful response to this question is follow the instructions! Of course, you’ll need to add in some of your personality, an interesting anecdote or two, and some engaging descriptions, but the core elements you need to include are right in the prompt!

Unlike the lengthier Cornell supplemental essays, this prompt is concise and straightforward. Its purpose is to simply gauge your interests and motivations. To make your response stand out, consider the following tips:

Start with a strong hook : Begin your essay with a captivating hook that immediately grabs the reader's attention. Consider using a thought-provoking question, an engaging anecdote, or a powerful personal quote, not an overused, impersonal one.
Showcase your passion for public policy : Clearly convey your passion for public policy and why it resonates with you. Share personal experiences, events, or real-world issues that sparked your interest in this field.
Connect your experiences to your chosen major : Draw connections between your past experiences and your chosen major in public policy. Explain how these experiences have shaped your understanding and influenced your decision to pursue this field of study.
Highlight the school's distinctiveness : Not many universities have a public policy school, so you should highlight its uniqueness. Research your program and mention specific aspects that set it apart from other institutions. Talk about unique courses, research opportunities, or other features that excite you.
Emphasize practical applications : Discuss how the Brooks School's approach to public policy education will prepare you with practical skills and knowledge to make an impact on society. Mention any hands-on experiences, internships, or case studies offered at the school.
Use concrete examples : Support your claims with specific examples and evidence. Share instances where your passion for public policy has led to meaningful contributions or actions.

By following these tips, you can create an essay that showcases your genuine passion for public policy, your alignment with the Brooks School's values, and your vision for achieving your life goals through this educational journey!

As an aspiring business major, you’ll be expected to have impeccable communication skills. To ensure you start on the right foot by submitting a stellar supplemental essay, keep these suggestions in mind:

Start with introspection : Before you begin writing your first word, reflect on your personal, academic, and volunteer/work experiences related to business. Think about what you’re passionate about and what interests you. Ask yourself who you are as a person, a student, and a larger member of society.
Narrate a personal experience : Begin your essay by recounting a specific personal experience that sparked your interest in business and sustainability. Maybe it was a moment of realization during an event, a class, or a project that ignited your passion for these topics.
Focus on a core theme : Choose a central theme or aspect of business and sustainability that you are deeply interested in. It could be circular economy initiatives, ethical sourcing, community-based tourism, or any other niche area that excites you.
Highlight your experiences : Relate your chosen topics or issues to real-life experiences you've had. Provide examples of projects, academic courses, or extracurricular activities where you actively engaged with these subjects.
Demonstrate your commitment : Showcase how you've pursued your interests beyond just academics. Describe any initiatives you've taken, such as joining business-related clubs, participating in relevant competitions, or undertaking personal projects.
Showcase your uniqueness : Share what sets you apart from other business students because Cornell has thousands. Maybe you have a multicultural background that gives you a unique perspective on sustainable business practices or a specific skill set that can contribute to the field.

If you implement these tips into your essay, you should be able to create a powerful response that showcases exactly what kind of business student you are and how you will contribute to and benefit from the Cornell SC Johnson College of Business!

Crafting thoughtful responses to the Cornell supplemental essays is crucial for Engineer majors aiming to make a strong impression on the admissions committee. Here are some tips to help you in your writing journey:

Your answer to essay one should be concise and focused. Clearly articulate your interests in Engineering and your future aspirations. Consider these tips to elevate your essay:

Relate your interests to real-world impact : Demonstrate how your interests in engineering have practical applications and potential real-world impact. Discuss how your passion for a particular engineering discipline can contribute to solving pressing global challenges or advancing technology.
Draw on specific faculty research : Research the work of faculty members within Cornell Engineering who are conducting research in your areas of interest. Discuss how their research inspires you and how you hope to collaborate with them in the future.
Discuss future goals : Outline your long-term goals in engineering and show how Cornell's engineering program is the ideal stepping stone to achieve them. Whether it's pursuing graduate studies, launching a startup, or working on groundbreaking projects, convey how Cornell will prepare you for success.
Connect your past experiences : Describe how your past experiences, whether through coursework, projects, internships, or extracurricular activities, have influenced your interest in engineering. Highlight moments that sparked your curiosity and ignited your desire to pursue engineering at Cornell.

Despite having a 250-word limit, you can still include a brief anecdote to open your essay. This will make it more personal and engaging!

If you choose to answer prompt A, here are some suggestions to follow:

Provide concrete and relevant details : Use specific examples, data, or personal experiences to illustrate the issue's significance. Whether it's a lack of clean drinking water, traffic congestion, or inadequate waste management, ensure the reader understands the problem's real impact on people's lives.
Propose innovative engineering solutions : Demonstrate your creativity and problem-solving skills by outlining one to three actionable engineering solutions. These solutions should be feasible, innovative, and tailored to address the specific problem you've identified.
Discuss community impact : Highlight the importance of community engagement in your proposed solutions. Describe how you would collaborate with others to ensure your engineering initiatives align with the community's needs. Discuss the potential long-term impact of your solutions as well.

If you choose to answer prompt B, keep these tips in mind:

Highlight your diverse perspective : Share specific aspects of your background, identity, or lived experiences that make your perspective unique. Discuss how these elements have shaped your worldview and problem-solving.
Discuss past contributions : Describe instances where you have actively contributed to promoting diversity and inclusion in your previous academic or extracurricular settings. Demonstrate your dedication to fostering an inclusive environment.
Prove your strengths in collaboration : Showcase how you excel in collaborating with individuals from diverse backgrounds. Discuss how your open-mindedness, empathy, and respect for others' perspectives enable you to work effectively in diverse teams.
Showcase your passion for impact : Convey your genuine enthusiasm for making a positive impact within the Cornell Engineering community. Discuss how your unique voice and contributions can lead to greater creativity, collaboration, and, ultimately, excellence in solving complex engineering challenges.

Remember, there are various ways to show your diversity! Get creative and dig deep. Think about what makes you unique and what you can offer the Cornell community!

To create a unique and compelling response to the Cornell supplemental essay for the College of Human Ecology (CHE), consider the following tips:

Get to know the college : Spend some time researching the CHE to better understand how your interests fit with its offerings and learning environment. Demonstrate a genuine understanding of what the CHE stands for and how your aspirations align with their values.
Illustrate your problem-solving abilities : Emphasize your problem-solving mindset and how it fits with CHE's emphasis on finding innovative solutions to human-related issues. Provide examples of situations where you've demonstrated creativity and adaptability in solving problems.
Demonstrate a holistic view : The CHE takes a holistic approach to its education. Discuss the importance of this and how it will allow you to approach complex issues more efficiently. Explain how this specialization aligns with your broader goals and plans for the future.
Prove your potential : Share specific areas within your major where you see opportunities for research, innovation, or community engagement. Show how your contributions will further CHE's mission and make a difference in the world.

Use your essay to demonstrate your knowledge of human ecology and how you will be a valuable member of the Cornell community!

Lastly, for students applying to the School of Industrial and Labor Relations, here’s how to tackle your supplemental essay:

Research the ILR School : Begin by thoroughly researching the ILR School's programs, values, and offerings. Understand its unique focus on labor, employment, workplace issues, and commitment to social justice. Identify specific courses, professors, and extracurricular opportunities that interest you.
Identify your key topics or issues : Reflect on your personal, academic, or volunteer/work experiences and identify the topics or issues that have profoundly impacted you.
Tell your story : Share engaging anecdotes that showcase your connection to the topics or issues you care about. Draw the reader into your experiences, illustrating why these matters are important to you on a deep and personal level. Use storytelling techniques to evoke emotions and make your essay memorable.
Explain your passion : Clearly convey why these topics or issues matter to you. Discuss the values and beliefs that underpin your passion for addressing them. Describe how your interests have grown and evolved over time and how they have influenced your career aspirations.
Link to ILR's values : Connect your interests to the ILR School's values and mission. Explain how ILR's focus on labor relations, social justice, and making a positive impact aligns with your own passion for addressing workplace and societal challenges.
Highlight relevant skills and experiences : If you have engaged in relevant research, internships, or projects related to your interests, highlight them in your essay. Showcase any leadership, teamwork, or problem-solving skills that are relevant to ILR's focus.
Address your long-term goals : Discuss how pursuing a degree at the ILR School will help you achieve your long-term career goals. Explain how the education and opportunities provided by ILR will enable you to make a meaningful impact in your chosen field.

You’ll notice none of the Cornell supplemental essays except for the CALS-specific and Engineering ones have word counts. However, you should keep your answers concise, so we suggest you aim for your essays to be around 500-600 words.

Cornell University Supplemental Essay Examples

Now that you know how to write the Cornell supplemental essays, let’s solidify these tips and tricks with a sample essay! Considering a large percentage of applicants apply to the College of Arts & Sciences, here’s an essay that responds to this school’s prompt.

"World's best big sister" was splayed across a bright pink shirt that my parents handed to me with gleaming eyes and hearts full of anticipation. It was a shirt I proudly wore until I had to play tug-of-war with its seams. Now, the shirt sits framed above the mantle in our living room, right between the dozens of collages of the same few pictures of my sister and her tiny urn. There are only so many pictures you can have of someone that barely lived till their second birthday.

The shirt serves as a poignant reminder of the precious moments we shared and the profound impact her battle with brain cancer had on shaping my path towards becoming an oncologist.

But, it wasn’t an immediate revelation. Losing my sister at just seven years old, he thought of being anything other than a firefighter was lost to me in my innocence. I dreamt of donning a firefighter's uniform, bravely saving lives, and heroically extinguishing blazing flames. Little did I know that life had a different calling for me, a calling that would emerge years later and fuel my unwavering determination to confront cancer head-on.

It was during a seemingly ordinary day, years after my sister's passing, when the return of fear to my mother's eyes brought memories flooding back. On that fateful day, my mother had a panic attack and sat shaking on the bathroom floor after feeling what she thought was a lump in her breast. My heart raced, and I found myself reliving the fear that had relentlessly shadowed us when my sister battled cancer. In that moment, I knew I had to transform my grief into purpose.

Fueling my passion for science and discovery, I sought out STEM internships during every summer break of high school, eager to gain hands-on experience and contribute to the ever-evolving landscape of biomedical advancements. As a testament to my commitment to the cause, I have been gratefully selected to partake in the esteemed University of Pennsylvania's Biomedical Research Academy this upcoming summer, a prestigious opportunity that will undoubtedly enrich my understanding and propel my aspirations even further.

As I look to my future at the College of Arts and Sciences, curiosity will be my guide. I yearn to delve into the intricacies of biology, genetics, and medical advancements, seeking the knowledge and expertise needed to combat cancer on both a cellular and systemic level. I am excited about exploring the intersection of science and empathy, understanding that treating cancer requires not only medical expertise but also compassion and understanding for the patients and families facing this harrowing journey.

The opportunity to major in Biology at the College of Arts and Sciences excites me profoundly. I envision utilizing this foundation to unravel the complexities of cancer biology, with the ultimate goal of contributing to groundbreaking research that can revolutionize cancer treatment and improve patient outcomes.

Additionally, I am drawn to the college's commitment to interdisciplinary studies. As an aspiring oncologist, I recognize that addressing cancer's multifaceted challenges requires collaboration across disciplines. I eagerly anticipate collaborating with faculty and fellow students from diverse backgrounds, exchanging ideas, and approaching cancer research from different perspectives.

Beyond academics, I am eager to take advantage of the college's robust extracurricular offerings. By participating in research opportunities and internships at renowned medical institutions, I hope to gain hands-on experience in oncology and further hone my skills.

Armed with curiosity, empathy, the unwavering love of a sisterless big sister, and a fervent desire to make a difference, I am ready to embrace the opportunities at Cornell and spend my life contributing to the fight against cancer.

We also provide more Cornell sample supplemental essays if you’re interested.

FAQs: Cornell Essays

For any remaining questions about the Cornell supplemental essays, read on to find your answers.

1. Does the Cornell Essay Have to Be 650 Words?

The CALS supplemental essay has a limit of 650 words, but it does not have to reach this maximum. Do not try to fill in your essay with unnecessary words, as it will reduce the efficacy of your writing! Focus on quality and ensure your essay stays focused.

The other essays, aside from the Engineering ones, do not have word counts, but 500-600 words should suffice.

2. How Many Essays Does Cornell Require?

Every program, except for Engineering, requires one supplemental essay. Engineering majors are required to write two short essays.

3. How Much Does Cornell Care About Essays?

While your essays won’t be the most important admission factor, they can play a crucial role in the admissions committee's decision. Your supplemental essay is the only part of your application that will humanize and differentiate you!

Final Thoughts

Overall, to excel in your Cornell supplemental essays, you’ll need to go beyond merely stating facts. Elevate your responses to new heights by infusing them with captivating anecdotes and employing the art of storytelling. Draw the reader into your world, where your experiences come alive, and your journey unfolds before their eyes!

Your essays are a reflection of your personality, so let your true self shine through with each word! Good luck!

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How to Write the Cornell University Supplemental Essays 2018-2019

Cornell University , the “Ivy League university with a Big 10 heart,” is an elite private institution with a very public land-grant mission. Founded by two New York State Senators in 1865, Cornell has become the largest member of the Ivy League, and is home to seven undergraduate colleges encompassing 80 majors.

The unique positioning of Cornell led to a record-breaking number of applicants this past year: 51,324 students applied for entry into the class of 2022, with an acceptance rate of only 10.6%, the lowest in the university’s history. The increasingly difficult nature of the admissions scene necessitates increasingly stronger writing supplements—a strong essay is one of the best ways to stand out among tens of thousands of other applications.

Applicants to Cornell are required to select one of seven undergraduate colleges when applying through the Common Application . Each college requires a different supplemental essay (maximum of 650 words), in addition to your personal statement. Below, we’ll dive deeper into each of the prompts and provide tips to help you write an essay that’s sure to make your application shine!

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

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Supplemental Essay

The New York State College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) is one of the three contract, or public, colleges at Cornell. Founded initially to educate rural farmers on the best practices to improve agricultural productivity, CALS has evolved into the second largest college at Cornell, with a host of majors ranging from environmental engineering, animal science, and viticulture to atmospheric science, developmental sociology, and food science.

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?

A strong essay for the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences should answer all three questions posed by the prompt:

Why are you drawn to studying the major you have selected?
How did your interests and related experiences influence your choice in major?
How will an education from CALS and Cornell help you achieve your academic goals?

In the first two questions, Cornell wants to see that you can connect your major with your experiences throughout high school (and ideally the rest of your life). If you want to major in animal science, you can write about your summer on a horse farm, where you became an expert at foal delivery. Maybe you’re applying as an information science major; write about the artificial intelligence project you worked on as a member of the computer club. Whatever your chosen subject is, make sure that your passion for it is evident in the essay—CALS wants to see demonstrated interest in the field you’ve selected.

In responding to the third question posed by the prompt, try to explain how the opportunities and resources at CALS will enable you to pursue your passion (the major which you just finished writing about). This is the time to fire up a web browser and jump onto Cornell’s website. Look for a course, club, or minor that you can link back to your major. Don’t just mention what you’ve found—work on crafting a piece of the essay on how you plan to directly interact with the opportunity if you’re accepted.

For example, instead of simply saying that you’d like to join the food science club, mention how you think it would be really cool to involve nutritional science majors in the club and open a dialogue about the health effects of processed food. By tying in aspects of CALS that are not limited to your major, and explaining how you’d interact with them, it will clear that you’ve put in the time to learn more about the available opportunities on-campus, and truly plan to take advantage of them.

Check out this excerpt from an incoming developmental sociology major at CALS, and notice how she not only mentions the courses she’s interested in, but also elaborates on why they are important to her.

“Studying Developmental Sociology would allow me to finally acquire a deeper understanding of the world around me. Courses such as International Development and Social Inequality would enhance my understanding of the twenty-first century world from a global perspective, and enable me to become a more active citizen in shaping its development in the future. Classes like Immigration and Public Policy and Latinos in the United States would allow me to grasp a more complete understanding of immigration, one of our nation’s most pressing issues. This would prepare me to play a more meaningful role in finding its solution. I hope that I have the chance to experience these courses, along with all of the other tremendous opportunities this major has to offer.”

College of Architecture, Art, and Planning Supplemental Essay

The College of Architecture, Art, and Planning (AAP) is the smallest college at Cornell, and encompasses only three majors: Architecture, Art, and Urban & Regional Studies. The AAP essay prompt is new this year: instead of serving as a run-of-the-mill “why school?” essay as in years past, it’s asking for something more.

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

When applying to AAP on the Common App, you’ll be asked to select your anticipated major from the three available. Whichever major you select, be sure that your essay is focused on that area of interest! For example, if you’re applying as an Art major, your “thing” is art. There are many possible routes to take this essay, but we’ll go over two in particular.

One way to frame this essay is to tell a story about a time doing your “thing” that was especially meaningful, enjoyable, or inspirational. For an Architecture major, you could write about the first time you walked into your neighborhood studio, and felt at home among the materials and machines. Or, maybe you can elaborate on the transformative experience you had designing your first scale model, and the realizations that came with it. Basically, pick a single point in time, and use that to explain why your chosen field is so important to you.

Another option for crafting this essay is to write about your development in your area over time. Instead of selecting one anecdote, and basing the entire essay on it, try to find two to four smaller examples of your growth in the field, and string them together to provide a comprehensive narrative that shows talent development. If you’re applying as an Art major, you can start your essay at your pre-K arts and crafts class and gradually move forward, ending at a prestigious high school photography competition, chronicling the steps you took to get from point A to point B.

College of Arts and Sciences Supplemental Essay

The College of Arts and Sciences (AS) is the largest of Cornell’s undergraduate colleges, and also encompasses the widest range of majors, from Anthropology to Biology and Society to Economics to English.

Students in Arts and Sciences embrace the opportunity to delve into their academic interests, discover new realms of intellectual inquiry, and chart their own path through the College. Tell us why the depth, breadth, and flexibility of our curriculum are ideally suited to exploring the areas of study that excite you.

Unlike the other colleges at Cornell, there’s no common thread running through AS. For that reason, it’s especially important that your supplement be as detailed and specific as possible to the field of study you wish to pursue. Bring in examples of how your experiences throughout high school led you to your desired major.

For example, if you want to major in government, try writing the essay about the experiences you’ve had volunteering at the office of your local state representative or assemblyperson. Or, maybe you’ve been trying to increase voter registration at your high school. Pull in whatever you can about your prior experiences that would apply to your desired major. If you haven’t yet decided on a major, that’s okay too! Students are allowed to enter Arts and Science undecided, so take the opportunity to write about the various fields you’re considering through your “academic interests.”

While it’s important for the focus of your essay to be on your selected major, be sure to also address how other aspects of Arts and Sciences will enable you to better “explore” the fields that interest you. This would be a great time to mention a minor that you might want to pursue (check out the Arts and Sciences website for a full list of available majors and minors). In addressing the minor, try to tie it back to your major. For example, if you want to major in American Studies, you can write about how pursuing a minor in English would provide you with a literary lens through which to analyze the development of American culture.

As you work to include additional aspects of the Arts and Sciences offerings, remember that your goal is still to tell a story—the story of why you belong at Cornell, studying the field(s) that you’re interested in. So while including many references to different opportunities can be good, those references are lost if not integrated into a comprehensive story of your experiences and passion for your interests.

Here, a biology and society major in Arts and Sciences writes about how she became enamored with the study of biology. Notice how she brings in aspects of Arts and Sciences without letting it take away from her narrative.

“In middle school, at the suggestion of my science teacher, I started reading Scientific American. My favorite articles, I soon discovered, were the ones pertaining to the molecular subunits of life. I became infatuated with the secret world of the very small, with the elegance of telomeres and tetrodotoxin, prions and polyomaviruses, with the layers of ordered chaos that comprise all living things. I would stay up late reading Scientific American beside my dad’s old computer, looking up unfamiliar words as I went, and when I finally went to bed, I would imagine my name enclosed between citation parentheses. Cornell’s College of Arts and Sciences is the ideal environment for me to advance my understanding of biology and determine which facet of biology to pursue as a career. I would relish the opportunity to learn from a biology department that contributes so tremendously to scientific advancement. I would strive to participate in research all four years, and I would aim to become a part of the Biology Honors Program and the Biology Scholars Program.”

Cornell S.C. Johnson College of Business – Charles H. Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management Supplemental Essay

The Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management (Dyson/AEM) is a member of both the S.C. Johnson College of Business and the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. This is the second year that Dyson has its own essay prompt—previously, it existed entirely within the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. The acceptance rate for Dyson is much lower than that of Cornell as a whole: in 2018, 122 students were accepted from a pool of 4,164 applicants, resulting in a 2.9% acceptance rate. With such a low acceptance rate, it’s essential that you follow the prompt to the letter.

Affiliated with both the Cornell SC Johnson College of Business and the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, The Charles H. Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management is unique by design. Explain how our approach to business education is the right fit for you, and how your interests, experiences or goals will contribute to the unique composition of the entering class.

You’re asked to do two things with this essay. First, provide justification for why you like Dyson, and why it’s the right place for you. Second, provide justification for why Dyson should like you, and why you’re the right person for the school.

In responding to the first half of the prompt, you’ll need to do some initial research on the offerings at Dyson. Check out the courses, research opportunities, academic requirements, and anything else that you think could help you make a compelling case. For example, you could write about how you are particularly drawn to the entrepreneurial spirit at Dyson, evidenced by the numerous available business plan competitions and the eHub work space. You would then tie in your own entrepreneurial ventures, and explain how the resources at Dyson would help you to further develop your skills.

The second part of the prompt is where the essay could become difficult for some applicants. If you come from a particularly unique background, or have especially remarkable experiences, you’ll have an easier time here. Write about yourself; your journey to where you are now. Make it clear to the admissions committee that you’re not just any old applicant—you’re someone that they don’t see everyday. This is about selling yourself and your personal brand, and as long as you’re able to successfully convey your uniqueness, you’ll be in great shape.

If you’re concerned that your story isn’t exciting enough, don’t worry! This part of the essay can be about more than just your background and experiences. Elaborate on your most impressive business-related extracurricular, or a community service activity where you acted as a leader. Pick something from your life that demonstrates your prior interest in business and management. The most important thing is to write a strong essay that emphasizes your passion for the field and how you’ll use that passion to make Dyson a better place.

Cornell S.C. Johnson College of Business – School of Hotel Administration Supplemental Essay

The School of Hotel Administration (SHA) is widely considered to be the best hospitality management program in the country. Typically, more than 80% of enrolling freshmen in the Hotel School have work experience in the hospitality industry prior to applying. For those that do, this essay should be a breeze.

The global hospitality industry includes hotel and foodservice management, real estate, finance, entrepreneurship, marketing, technology, and law. Describe what has influenced your decision to study business through the lens of hospitality. What personal qualities make you a good fit for SHA?

Provided that you’ve had some professional exposure to the hospitality industry (be it through a paid job, internships, or shadowing), the focus of your essay should be on what you learned about the industry through your exposure. Make sure to explain not only why you are passionate about hospitality, but also about business in general.

For those that don’t have any professional exposure to the service industry, try to pull as much as possible from your high school extracurriculars, thinking outside the box. Even if something may not seem like it connects to hospitality, find a way of connecting it in your essay. Working at a local clothing store may seem to have little to do with a massive field that connects hotels, restaurants, and transportation, but sales associates are very much a customer service-focused (and, by extension, hospitality-focused) bunch—by being creative, you’ll be able to find more than enough to write about.

In addition to the work experience, many applicants to SHA have a passion for hospitality that has been a core component of their life for many years. This passion typically manifests itself through well-developed leadership skills, ever-present compassion and empathy, and a desire to travel the world. Find a way of showing your passion in your essay (personal anecdotes are usually the best way to go). Since the Hotel School has such a specific program, it’s incredibly important that your supplement provide the admissions committee with a full understanding of why you belong in the field of hospitality.

Here, one of our consultants writes about his experiences in the hospitality industry. This is a great example of how to integrate your work experiences into your essay and make it clear to SHA that service is one of your key driving forces.

“During my sophomore year of high school, I finally had the opportunity to learn about the hospitality industry in a more formal manner. I enrolled in a Cornell MOOC [Massive Open Online Course] through edX, Introduction to Global Hospitality Management . This was the first time that I was exposed to hospitality in a learning environment, and I found the course both engaging and informative. Then, in my junior year, I interned at a nearby hotel. Although I had enjoyed learning about the industry online, working in an actual hotel was more rewarding than I ever could have imagined. I experienced firsthand the good, the bad, and even the ugly aspects of hotel management. I rotated through the different departments: laundry, housekeeping, rooms, F&B, engineering, and sales. My favorite position was unquestionably guest services. I enjoyed the face to face interactions with the hotel guests and felt great satisfaction as I helped them with their individual concerns. I also relished the organized chaos of the front desk, when there were guests on line, ringing phones, and packages coming and going. On the days that I worked at the front desk, I would often stay and help for hours after my shift ended – there was no other place I would have rather been.”

College of Engineering Supplemental Essay

The prompt for the College of Engineering (EN) provides you with a wide range of acceptable topics, provided that they’re in some way related to engineering. The first step in crafting this essay would be to find out what exactly you want to study. This prompt is fairly atypical—instead of explaining your past, through extracurriculars and life experiences, it asks you to look towards your future. Even if you’ve had minimal experience with engineering throughout high school, you can still craft an excellent response to the prompt.

Cornell Engineering celebrates innovative problem solving that helps people, communities… the world. Consider your ideas and aspirations and describe how a Cornell Engineering education would allow you to leverage technological problem-solving to improve the world we live in.

The best way to tackle this essay, once you’ve decided what you wish to study at Cornell, is by finding a problem in the world. The problem could be anything that interests you and relates to engineering. Brainstorm a list of problems that you would be interested in solving, and reformat all of them into questions, like this:

How can we provide clean drinking water to everyone that needs it?
What’s the best way to develop a national infrastructure for the next century?
How can we use chemical engineering to design eco-friendly, durable building materials?

From your list, decide which problem fits best into your selected major. Now, you’ll just need to explain how being a student in the College of Engineering will provide you with the tools and knowledge you need to go out and fix your problem. Look into what previous graduates have accomplished, the courses that are offered, and the opportunities for research. You should try to come up with a plan of action to solve your problem (which cites the research you’ve done about the school). Demonstrating what you would actually do to problem solve can be impressive to readers.

For example, in order to develop an iPhone app to encourage students to eat out at local restaurants, it would be crucial to describe the steps you would take to: design app interfaces, research the restaurants around campus, recruit a team of beta testers, set up a database, and consult computer science professors about the functionality of the app. By displaying this high level of analytical thinking about how you would solve a real problem, the admissions team will better recognize your interest in and fit for the College of Engineering.

Here, one of our consultants discusses project teams, a mainstay at the College of Engineering. Notice how she elaborates on how the project teams can enrich her experience at Cornell, and will help her to achieve her goals in the future.

“Cornell Engineering has exactly what I need to pursue my aspirations. Undergraduate research opportunities are widely available in the topics I am interested in, such as Systems Biology and Biomedical Engineering. The Project Teams are the most exciting aspect of Cornell Engineering to me. The opportunity to apply classroom instruction to real life engineering problems, to work with and learn from my peers, and to create something that I am passionate about is not something every school has. Most of the life changing projects we hear about today in engineering or in medicine are rarely created by one person alone. Project Teams are a fun and effective way of incorporating that teamwork into an undergraduate education.”

College of Human Ecology Supplemental Essay

How have your experiences influenced you to apply to the college of human ecology how will your choice of major impact your goals and plans for the future.

The prompt for the College of Human Ecology (Humec/HE) has two distinct components: the past and the future. It first asks you to explain what in your past led you to apply to Humec, and then asks you to elaborate on what your career goals are after you graduate from Humec. In tackling the first half of the essay, you’ll first need to decide which of the eight HE majors you are applying for.

If you’re interested in Human Development, you should write about your experiences volunteering at a preschool, not about your interest in fashion design. Likewise, if you plan on majoring in Policy Analysis and Management, you could explain how you worked with your town council to improve access to healthcare for underprivileged children. This isn’t necessarily the time or place to write about your research on Alzheimer’s—even though that’s really interesting, it’s far more suited to an essay for the Human Biology, Health & Society major. Make sure to be as specific as possible to your desired major, and let your excitement about the subject shine through to the admissions committee.

The second part of the prompt shouldn’t be too difficult, provided that you’re able to link in your future goals and aspirations to your previous experiences (that you wrote about in the first part of the essay). Once again, make sure that your passion for your selected major is evident, and don’t just write in the general sense. If you’re hoping to go to Medical School after college, definitely mention that—explain how what you study at Humec will influence your life in the medical world and guide you through your career.

Here’s an essay excerpt from a sophomore Human Biology, Health, and Society major in Human Ecology. Notice how he directly explains why the particular major he selected will allow him to achieve his career goals:

“The College’s Human Biology, Health, and Society major epitomizes this integrated philosophy and will best prepare me for a fulfilling career in medicine and research. Being able to analyze health in the context of the environment gives physicians and researchers the tools to address matters of health on both individual and global scales. As a future doctor, I aim to create change not only for my patients, but for people everywhere. The Human Biology, Health, and Society major goes beyond a traditional pre-medicine program to prepare students to observe the overarching non-medical causes and implications of ill-health. This, along with the policy experience that the major emphasizes, will let me prevent illness by working with policymakers to shape the environment and thus the health of people around the world. The Human Biology, Health, and Society major will let me explore this relationship and give me the practical tools to effect real global change.”

School of Industrial and Labor Relations Supplemental Essay

Tell us about your intellectual interests, how they sprung from your course, service, work or life experiences, and what makes them exciting to you. describe how ilr is the right school for you to pursue these interests..

The School of Industrial and Labor Relations (ILR) is all about people. Your essay, similarly, should be all about people. Students in ILR learn about the relationships between employees and employers in the workplace—including the history of labor, labor law, organizational behavior and leadership, and economics. An interest in these fields can typically be shown through strong public speaking and communication skills, a passion for debate, and an ability to settle almost any dispute amicably. In your essay, you could explain how you’ve mastered those personality traits throughout your life, citing experiences that emphasize your strengths.

Just as much as this prompt is asking about you, it’s also asking “why ILR?” Make sure to insert some information about the school, be it courses you find interesting, a minor/concentration you wish to pursue, or research being done by professors. Find a way of linking your past experiences to the new ones you hope to have at Cornell.

Hopefully the analysis of each supplemental essay prompt has helped you to fine-tune your plans for your Cornell supplement! Best of luck with your application, and GO BIG RED!

Want help with your college essays to improve your admissions chances? Sign up for your free CollegeVine account and get access to our essay guides and courses. You can also get your essay peer-reviewed and improve your own writing skills by reviewing other students’ essays.

Cornell University 2023-24 Supplemental Essay Prompt Guide

Regular Decision Deadline: Jan 2

You Have:

Cornell University 2023-24 Application Essay Question Explanations

The Requirements: 1 school-specific essay of 650 words or 2 essays of 250 words each

Supplemental Essay Type(s): Why , Community

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

In the aftermath of the u.s. civil war, ezra cornell wrote, “i would found an institution where any person can find instruction in any study.” for over 150 years, cornell university has remained deeply committed to ezra’s vision. explain how your life experiences will help inform your contributions to a learning community devoted to “… any person … any study.” we encourage you to think broadly about your life experiences, including how local (e.g., family, school, neighborhood) or global communities you’ve been part of have helped shape your perspective. (350 word limit).

Admissions wants to know what has made you into the person you are today and how those experiences will affect the way you engage with and contribute to the Cornell community. Start by thinking about the kinds of experiences you’ve had in the communities you’ve been a part of thus far. Then, think about how those meaningful encounters will affect your time at Cornell. Maybe you had to fill in as head camp counselor when your team lead was sick—did that teach you the importance of stepping up when unexpected opportunities arise? Remember: admissions wants to invite students to campus who are excited about the chance to meet people from all walks of life and won’t shy away from newness and difference. So, tell a story about an experience that has shaped you and connect the lessons you learned to the ways in which you will contribute to inclusivity on campus next fall. (And though it’s tempting to mention how excited you are to join the a capella group “Here Comes Treble,” let’s leave The Office references in the drafts folder.)

In the online Common Application Writing Supplement, please respond to the essay question below (maximum of 650 words) that corresponds to the undergraduate college or school to which you are applying.

Brooks school of public policy: why are you drawn to studying public policy drawing on your experiences, tell us about why you are interested in your chosen major and how attending the brooks school will help you achieve your life goals..

This prompt is very simple: Why do you want to study Public Policy and how will the Brooks School help you to realize your dreams? If you’re pursuing a degree in Health Care Policy or Policy Analysis and Management as an undergraduate, it’s likely that you have a very personal tie to social issues and other systemic problems that impact the public domain. This is your opportunity to share your story with admissions. Maybe you are passionate about using your persuasive writing and critical thinking skills to implement policies that will benefit the earth (and all its inhabitants). Perhaps you’re eager to take action to close the gender wage gap or reimagine the U.S. healthcare system. Whatever your reasoning may be, show admissions that you have thought carefully about your decision to not only pursue public policy, but pursue it at Cornell.

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

With such a specific professional focus, the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences is asking for an equally specific commitment from you. Make sure you have concrete reasons and practical experiences to back up your chosen course of study. Why couldn’t you pursue your interests in a more general liberal arts environment? Be specific.

Optional: At Cornell CALS, we aim to leave the world better than we found it, so we seek out those who are not simply driven to master their discipline, but who are also passionate about doing so to serve the public good. Please elaborate on an activity or experience you have had that made an impact on a community that is important to you. (200-word limit)

Cornell wants to hear about an experience you engaged in that made a positive impact on a community close to your heart. Your answer doesn’t have to be connected to Agriculture and Life Sciences in any way, so let your mind wander. Maybe you bring your therapy dog to your local hospital once a month and you love watching everyone’s eyes light up the moment Spunky enters the room. Perhaps you challenged your fear of public speaking to deliver an address at a town hall to advocate for greener public transportation options. When have you gotten involved for the greater good? This essay is optional, but why would you pass up the opportunity to provide admissions with more information about yourself and your motivations?

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

Select all that apply:, a primary source of income for my parent/guardian(s) comes from ownership of or employment by an agricultural entity., my extended family owns or operates an agricultural entity., i have experience working in an agricultural entity., i have interest in pursuing a career in an agricultural entity., please feel free to share additional details (optional)..

If there’s any information that you didn’t include in the two previous optional short essays, this is the place for you to expand as you wish.

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

This is a simple Why Essay , even if the prompt is verbose. Applicants need to write an essay explaining why they want to study their major, specifically, at AAP. Admissions is looking for evidence of previous interest/experience in your major of choice, confirmation that you’ve taken the time to explore Cornell’s resources and programs thoroughly, and (if you’re hoping to pursue a 5-year professional degree program) an indication that you’ve already started putting your passions into practice with a project. You’d be wise to write an essay that weaves together your interest in architecture, art, and/or urban planning with your vision for the future, hopefully one that includes graduating from AAP.

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

You’re never going to guess what we’re about to recommend! (Okay, maybe you will). Before you even put pen to paper, do some research. Spend a little time on the school website, campus, or at local Cornell events to learn everything you can about the academic offerings, opportunities, and curriculum. Cornell’s College of Arts and Sciences is the most generalized of Cornell’s colleges, so take this opportunity to show your well-rounded worth. Why have you chosen not to pursue a more specific or vocation-oriented pathway at this point? What will you gain from having access to a diverse array of academic departments? Is there departmental cross-pollination that excites you? What about an Arts and Sciences education at Cornell compels you, specifically? Finally, don’t forget to weave your “passion for learning” into your response in order to address both questions.

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

Business College hopefuls have also been tasked with writing a why essay , but in this case, it’s more about your fit than the schools’ offerings. Show how your own goals and interests align with the school’s programs and opportunities. But more importantly, demonstrate how your background and pathway to business school sets you apart from your peers. You’ll need to learn how to write a good value proposition eventually, so consider this essay your first foray into marketing—what issues do you care about when it comes to business, why are they important to you, and which Cornell program will help you both address them and achieve your goals?

College of Engineering

Instructions: all applicants are required to write two supplemental essays. each has a limit of 250 words. essay 1 is required of all applicants. for essay 2, you must choose between question a and question b., essay 1: how do your interests directly connect with cornell engineering if you have an intended major, what draws you to that department at cornell engineering if you are unsure what specific engineering field you would like to study, describe how your general interest in engineering most directly connects with cornell engineering. it may be helpful to concentrate on one or two things that you are most excited about. .

You can get an Engineering degree at thousands of schools across the country, so why are you so keen to study at Cornell, specifically? Remember that your choices here aren’t set in stone, so don’t stress over your vision; just show that you’ve done your research. Maybe Cornell’s Environmental Engineering program will propel you toward your dream career in city planning and hazardous waste management. Maybe there’s an alum who is doing what you aspire to do, and you want to follow in their footsteps! Whatever it is that draws you to Cornell (besides Andy’s school spirit in The Office ), admissions wants you to describe that interest and then connect it to your aspirations.

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

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

This is your opportunity to not only show admissions that you’re paying attention to the world around you, but also demonstrate your creativity and vision. Start by brainstorming a few problems or challenges—big and small—that bother you or impact your life in some capacity. Maybe it’s rampant wildfires or accessibility issues in your community. Although the scope and scale of your problem can vary, remember that Cornell is looking to accept applicants who want to be a part of the solution. Show that you’re not only informed and concerned, but also actively engaged in addressing the problem head on (in one to three innovative ways).

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

This is a classic community essay, through and through. Admissions officers want to know not only that you value diversity, but which diverse perspectives you, specifically, will bring to the Cornell community. Where do you come from? What has shaped you as a person and how has that made your perspective unique? What you address can be reflective of larger cultural constructs or a trait specific to you and only you. Consider why your particular background or experience will be useful in an academic setting. How will it help inspire and/or inform others? Were you raised in an indigenous community? Do you identify as nonbinary? Have you lived on three different continents? What has influenced your identity? What do you believe and how will your worldview bring something of value to the engineering community at Cornell?

College of Human Ecology: How have your related experiences influenced your decision to apply to the College of Human Ecology (CHE)? How will your choice of major impact your goals and plans for the future? Your response should show us that your interests and aspirations align with CHE and your choice of major.

Admissions wants you to build a bridge between your past experiences and your decision to apply to CHE. Then they want you to kick it up a notch and build a (more theoretical) bridge from CHE to your future aspirations. Unlike many of Cornell’s specific schools, this one doesn’t necessarily flow directly into a particular career path, so it’s important for you to demonstrate that you have a plan before committing to such a focused course of study. The more you can demonstrate a deep familiarity with CHE and your vision for your future, the better!

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

What subject could you talk about for hours on end with your friends, family, or even a complete stranger? Maybe it’s the need for legislation on regulating toxic chemicals in everything from our cosmetics to our food and water sources. Perhaps it’s the impending water crisis, and the public policy that you believe would change the way Americans use and think about water. With this prompt, it’s a good idea that you touch on when or where your passion first began, how it developed over time, and how you are planning to pursue this issue or interest at Cornell. This prompt gives you a wonderful opportunity to reveal something new about yourself through discussing your enthusiastic engagement with a given issue; in the process, you will showcase your curious, well-rounded nature to admissions — and huzzah for that!

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Blog > Essay Advice , Ivy League , Private University , Supplementals > How to Write the Cornell Supplemental Essays

How to Write the Cornell Supplemental Essays

Admissions officer reviewed by Ben Bousquet, M.Ed Former Vanderbilt University

Written by Kylie Kistner, MA Former Willamette University Admissions

Key Takeaway

Cornell’s supplemental essays are a little different from those at other schools. Instead of giving all applicants the same supplemental essay prompt, Cornell gives you prompts based on the school or college to which you’re applying. So if you’re applying to the College of Arts and Sciences, then you’ll answer the CAS question.

Let’s get straight to it and take a look at the prompts.

Brooks School of Public Policy

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

There’s a lot going on in this prompt:

Why do you want to study public policy?
What experiences have you had that sparked that interest?
What are your life goals?
How will attending the Brooks school help you achieve them?

In your essay, be sure to address all of these questions. The key to acing this supplemental is to make a clear connection between your background, your interests in public policy, and your fit for the Brooks school. Don’t hesitate to draw on specific examples from the Brooks School to make your case.

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

For the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, you’ll have one required prompt and two optional ones. Usually, the more you can show that you put time, care, and effort into your application, the better, so we recommend answering at least one of the optional questions.

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

If you’re applying to CALS, then there’s a good chance you have a background or interest in agriculture or life sciences that has shaped your decision to apply. Your response can be open and authentic about those reasons. Don’t forget to address what your goals are and how CALS and Cornell specifically will help you achieve them. Feel free to draw on specific details from CALS or Cornell that are appealing to you.

Optional (1): At Cornell CALS, we aim to leave the world better than we found it, so we seek out those who are not simply driven to master their discipline, but who are also passionate about doing so to serve the public good. Please elaborate on an activity or experience you have had that made an impact on a community that is important to you. We encourage you to think about community broadly - this could include family, school, or local and global communities. (300-word limit)

This prompt is asking for a classic community essay . While you could focus on something like the “global community,” it’s best to choose a community that allows you to write about a concrete experience where you had a tangible impact. In your response, be specific about what you did, how you did it, and why it mattered—to you and to your community.

Optional (2): The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) is dedicated to the exploration of the agricultural, life, environmental, and social sciences and welcomes students with interests that span a wide variety of disciplines. Given our agricultural history and commitment to educating the next generation of agriculturalists, please share if you have a background in agriculture or are interested in pursuing a career in agriculture, regardless of your intended major. (300-word limit)

You might respond to this prompt if you have a compelling reason for wanting to study agriculture. Perhaps you grew up on a farm, or maybe you grew up in a food desert and want to create more equitable access to food. Whatever your story is, you can use this prompt to make a more compelling case for your admission to CALS.

Finally, you’ll also have the option to include any personal experience you have with agriculture.

Select all that apply:

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

Please feel free to share additional details below (optional)

If you’d like, you can select any of the options and write about anything you think admissions officers should know.

College of Architecture, Art, and Planning

What is your "thing" what energizes you or engages you so deeply that you lose track of time everyone has different passions, obsessions, quirks, inspirations. what are yours.

In this fairly quirky prompt, the College of Architecture, Art, and Planning wants to get to know you better by reading about your passions. As far as passions go, the options may seem limitless. You don’t necessarily want to write about a passion that is so far in left field that it has nothing to do with your academic interests. But at the same time, choosing a strictly academic interest may make your application blend in with all the others. It’s all about finding the right balance. Choose an authentic “thing” that is relevant but also very specific or unique to you. This prompt is begging to hear your personality, so don’t be afraid to show it.

College of Arts and Sciences

Students in arts and sciences embrace the opportunity to delve into multifaceted academic interests, embodying in 21st century terms ezra cornell’s “any person…any study” founding vision. tell us about the areas of study you are excited to explore, and specifically why you wish to pursue them in our college..

Before you start writing, I’d recommend you do some research on Cornell’s website. This is an academic interest and why us essay, so you’ll want to have a good grasp on what Cornell has to offer. Look at courses, faculty research, student research, special facilities, research and internship opportunities, academic clubs, and more. In your answer, explain why you’re drawn to your academic areas, and make clear connections between your background and interests and Cornell’s offerings. If you want, you can also ground your answer in the “any person…any study” guiding framework.

Cornell SC Johnson College of Business

What kind of a business student are you using your personal, academic, or volunteer/work experiences, describe the topics or issues that you care about and why they are important to you. your response should convey how your interests align with the school to which you are applying within the cornell sc johnson college of business (the charles h. dyson school of applied economics and management or the cornell peter and stephanie nolan school of hotel administration)..

Again, you’ve got a lot of layers with this prompt. Let’s take a look:

What kind of business student are you?
What kinds of topics or issues do you care about, based on your personal, academic, or extracurricular experiences?
Why are the SC Johnson College of Business and your specific school the right fit for you?

This prompt explicitly asks you to connect your background to your business interests and to make a clear case for why the SC Johnson College of Business is the best fit for you. To do that, you’ll need to show how a particular experience or viewpoint led to your interest in business. Be specific! Detail the areas of business that intrigue you or the problems you’re hoping to solve. When you’ve got that down, research the business offerings at Cornell. Pick a few of your favorites, and connect, connect, connect.

College of Engineering

Cornell Engineering is one of the most sought-after engineering programs in the country. For your application, you’ll be required to write two supplementals, both of maximum 250 words. For Essay 1, you’re required to answer the first prompt. For Essay 2, you have the option between Question A and Question B.

Essay 1 (required)

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

Like many of the other supplemental essay prompts, the required Cornell Engineering prompt wants to know why you’re interested in attending Cornell. Your goal here is to show academic fit. You need to clearly (and specifically!) articulate what your interests are, and then you need to explain—again, using specific examples!—why Cornell Engineering is the best fit. Your interests, goals, and values should match up with what Cornell has to offer like two perfectly-fitting puzzle pieces.

Essay 2 (choose A or B)

For your second essay, you get to choose one of the following two prompts.

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

This one’s a pretty straightforward take on a community essay . Pick an engineering problem in your community and try to solve it. But the problem you pick, or the type of community awareness you show, can help set you apart from the rest of the “bench” engineers. Be mindful of the community you choose and the impact your solution would have.

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?

And here we have a diversity essay . You might opt for this prompt over Question A if you have an important story to tell about your identity, a particularly unique voice to bring to the Cornell Engineering community, or a specific point to make about diversity or inclusion.

College of Human Ecology

How has your decision to apply to the college of human ecology been influenced by your related experiences how will your choice of major impact your goals and plans for the future.

You’ve got a lot going on with this question: how your experiences influenced your decision to apply to the College of Human Ecology, what your future goals and plans are, and how your choice of major will shape your goals and plans. This supplemental essay is all about school fit. Cornell admissions officers want to see that your background and goals fit perfectly with what’s available at the College of Human Ecology. Do thorough research before you start writing, and feel free to draw on specific examples (like particular coursework, faculty members, or research or internship opportunities) to make your case.

School of Industrial and Labor Relations

To start, you’ll need to pick the topic(s) or issue(s) you want to write about. Remember: these topics should be related to some part of your life, be it personal, academic, or extracurricular. You need to be clear about why these issues matter to you. But you can’t just write about any issue that comes to mind. You want to select something that shows alignment with the School of Industrial and Labor relations. Do some research on the ILR School, and make sure your essay makes that alignment clear.

Phew—that was a lot of prompts! By this point, you should be ready to write the prompt(s) for your academic area (and maybe more, too). If you haven’t already, check out our Cornell Common Data Set post and How to Get into Cornell guide for even more admissions insights.

If you found this guide helpful and want to take your college essays to the next level, consider signing up for the Essay Academy, our digital course that walks you through every step in the college essay writing process.✏️

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October 3, 2022

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Brooks school of public policy.

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

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

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

College of Architecture, Art, and Planning

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

College of Arts and Sciences

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

College of Engineering

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

College of Human Ecology

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

School of Industrial and Labor Relations

College of Business

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

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

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

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

Final thoughts on applying to Cornell

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

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

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

Ivy League and Common Application Tips: How to get Accepted

Related Resources:

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

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Cornell to reinstate standardized test requirements for fall 2026

By james dean, cornell chronicle.

Cornell will reinstitute standardized testing requirements for students seeking undergraduate admission for fall 2026 enrollment, based on evidence from a multiyear study conducted by the university’s Task Force on Standardized Testing in Admissions.

Cornell will remain test-optional for students applying in the upcoming admissions cycle for enrollment in fall 2025, although these applicants are encouraged to submit SAT and/or ACT scores to the Cornell colleges and schools that are currently test-optional.

To provide students with time to prepare and take standardized tests, Cornell will remain test-optional for those applying to enroll for fall 2025 to the College of Arts and Sciences, Cornell Engineering, the College of Human Ecology, the Cornell Jeb E. Brooks School of Public Policy and the School of Industrial and Labor Relations. However, while the submission of SAT and/or ACT scores is optional, it is recommended. For students applying to enroll in fall 2025, the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, the College of Architecture, Art and Planning, and the Cornell SC Johnson College of Business will remain score-free.

Effective for those applying to enroll for fall 2026 or beyond, applicants to all eight Cornell undergraduate colleges and schools will be required to submit standardized test scores.

In 2020, partly due to the COVID-19 pandemic, test scores became optional at five of Cornell’s undergraduate colleges and schools (A&S, Cornell Engineering, Human Ecology, the Brooks School and the ILR School) and were not considered by three others (Cornell CALS, AAP and the SC Johnson College). Analyzing admissions since 2020, the task force found that when reviewed in context with other application materials, such as GPA, academic rigor, extracurricular engagement, essays and letters of recommendation, test scores help to create a more complete picture of an individual applicant.

Though standardized test scores are imperfect measures of a student’s aptitude and potential, the data suggests that when taken in context, these scores provide valuable insights into a student’s potential for academic success while at Cornell, and thereby help to ensure that admitted students are likely to thrive academically. After accounting for other predictors, including high school GPA, student demographics and high school characteristics, those who were admitted with test scores tended to have somewhat stronger GPAs and were more likely to remain in good academic standing.

The data also showed that test-optional policies may have inadvertent consequences. Cornell’s fall 2022 New Student Survey showed that 91% of matriculating first-year students took the SAT and/or the ACT at least once (and 70% had taken multiple tests), but only 28% of applicants opted to provide test scores even though doing so could have advantaged them.

“While it may seem counterintuitive, considering these test scores actually promotes access to students from a wider range of backgrounds and circumstances,” said Provost Michael I. Kotlikoff. “Our analysis indicates that instituting the testing requirement likely enhances, rather than diminishes, our ability to identify and admit qualified students.”

Students’ decisions to share test scores are shaped by social background factors such as the type of high school they attended, their family income, and their access to and use of college counseling. Students from different kinds of backgrounds may decide to withhold scores that are strong enough to help them gain access to Cornell, which means that test-optional policies may undermine equity in admissions. For example, an applicant might choose not to submit a score that is at or slightly below Cornell’s median score, even though a reviewer would note favorably that the score is in the top tier for that student’s high school. Such an application would be stronger with the score included.

“While important, standardized test scores represent only one of many factors we consider in the admissions process,” said Lisa Nishii, vice provost for undergraduate education and interim vice provost for enrollment. “In addition to test scores, Cornell will consider both the context provided by the rest of a student’s application materials and the context of where they are applying from – their high school, personal circumstances and background. We are committed to evaluating an applicant’s academic preparedness as well as how their unique interests, lived experiences and strengths will contribute to Cornell’s vision of ‘… any person … any study.’”

A summary of the task force’s report can be viewed here .

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How to write each supplemental essay prompt for Cornell. All Undergraduate Applicants essay. College of Arts & Sciences essay. College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. Prompt #1: "Why us + Why major" essay. Prompt #2: Optional "Community contribution" essay. Prompt #3: Optional "Agriculture background" essay.
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How to Write the Cornell University Essays 2023-2024. The largest of the eight Ivy League universities, Cornell University is made up of eight undergraduate schools that applicants apply directly to. Because of this, you will be required to submit a school-specific supplemental essay (or essays) in addition to one campus-wide essay.
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The Ultimate Guide to Acing the Cornell Supplemental Essays 2021/22. When you apply to Cornell, you will complete one supplemental essay (maximum 650 words). Each of Cornell's colleges has its own essay topics. The topic of the essay depends on which college within the university you apply to. The majority of the prompts are a variation of ...
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Cornell Office of Undergraduate Admissions

Cornell University Essay Question

College- and School-Specific Essay Questions

College of Architecture, Art, and Planning

College of Arts & Sciences

Cornell Jeb E. Brooks School of Public Policy

Cornell SC Johnson College of Business

College of Engineering

Essay 1: Required response. (250-word limit)

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

College of Human Ecology

School of Industrial and Labor Relations

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How to Write the Cornell Supplemental Essays: Examples + Guide 2023/2024

TABLE OF CONTENTS

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

College of Architecture, Art, and Planning

College of Engineering

What are the Cornell supplemental essay prompts?

College of Arts & Sciences

SC Johnson College of Business

Brooks School of Public Policy

College of Human Ecology

College of Industrial and Labor Relations

How to Write each Supplemental Essay Prompt for Cornell University

Tips + Advice

How to Write the Cornell University “Why Us?” Essay Prompts

College of Arts & Sciences supplemental essay prompt

Tips + Analysis

Cornell College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Supplemental Essay Prompts

Cornell College of Agriculture & Life Sciences Prompts #2 + #3

For Prompt 2:

For Prompt 3:

Cornell College of Architecture, Art, and Planning Supplemental Essay Prompts

College of Architecture, Art, and Planning Prompt #2

Cornell SC Johnson College of Business

Cornell Brooks School of Public Policy

Cornell College of Engineering Prompt #3

Cornell College of Engineering Prompt #4

Cornell College of Human Ecology

Cornell College of Industrial and Labor Relations

Choose Your Test

What Are the Cornell Essay Prompts?

2023–2024 Cornell Supplement Essay Questions

College Interest Essays

Cornell Supplement Essays Analyzed

Brooks School of Public Policy

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

College of Architecture, Art, and Planning

College of Arts and Sciences

Cornell SC Johnson College of Business

College of Engineering

College of Human Ecology

School of Industrial and Labor Relations

How to Write a Great Cornell Essay

#1: Use Your Own Voice

#2: Avoid Clichés and Overused Phrases

#3: Check Your Work

Recap: Writing a Stellar Cornell Essay

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2023-2024 Cornell University Supplemental Essay Prompts

2023-2024 Cornell Essay Topics and Questions

School-Specific Essays

Required Essay Prompt

Optional Essay Prompts

College of Architecture, Art, and Planning

College of Arts & Sciences

Cornell Jeb E. Brooks School of Public Policy

Cornell SC Johnson College of Business

College of Engineering

College of Human Ecology

School of Industrial and Labor Relations