How to Write the Cornell Supplemental Essays: Examples + Guide 2024/2025

 
 

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

Required: We all contribute to, and are influenced by, the communities that are meaningful to us. Share how you’ve been shaped by one of the communities you belong to. Remember that this essay is about you and your lived experience. Define community in the way that is most meaningful to you. Some examples of community you might choose from are: family, school, shared interest, virtual, local, global, cultural. (350 words)

College of Arts Sciences

Required: 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)

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences


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

2. Required: By applying to Cornell’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS), you are also applying for direct entry into one of our 20+ majors. From here, you would be part of a community dedicated to purpose-driven science; working within your major and across disciplines to tackle the complex challenges of our time.

3. Why are you drawn to studying the major you have selected and specifically, why do you want to pursue this major at Cornell CALS? You should share how your current interests, related experiences, and/or goals influenced your choice. (500 words) 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.

At Cornell CALS, we aim to leave the world better than we found it, so we seek out those who are passionate about serving the public good. Please elaborate on an experience where you were able to have a meaningful impact on people, a community, and/or an environment of importance to you. (100 words) 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.

College of Architecture, Art, and Planning

Required: 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

Required: 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

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

College of Engineering

  1. What three words best describe you? (30 characters per word)
  2. What three words would you use to describe Cornell Engineering? (30 characters per word)
  3. What is one activity, club, team, organization, work/volunteer experience or family responsibility that is especially meaningful to you? (35 characters)
  4. Please briefly tell us about its significance for you. (100 words)
  5. What is one award you have received or achievement you have attained that has meant the most to you? (35 characters)
  6. Please briefly describe its importance to you. (100 words)
  7. Fundamentally, engineering is the application of math, science, and technology to solve complex problems. Why do you want to study engineering? (200 words)
  8. Why do you think you would love to study at Cornell Engineering? (200 words)
  9. What brings you joy? (100 words)
  10. What do you believe you will contribute to the Cornell Engineering community beyond what you've already detailed in your application? What unique voice will you bring? (100 words)

College of Human Ecology

How has your decision to apply to the College of Human Ecology (CHE) been shaped and informed by your related experiences? How will what you learn through CHE and your chosen major impact your goals and plans for the future? Your response should demonstrate how your interests and aspirations align with CHE’s programs and mission. (650 words)

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)

Cornell Jeb E. Brooks School of Public Policy Question

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

How to Write each Supplemental Essay Prompt for Cornell University

Cornell Supplemental essay prompt for all undergraduate applicants

Required: We all contribute to, and are influenced by, the communities that are meaningful to us. Share how you’ve been shaped by one of the communities you belong to. Remember that this essay is about you and your lived experience. Define community in the way that is most meaningful to you. Some examples of community you might choose from are: family, school, shared interest, virtual, local, global, cultural. (350 words)

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:

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

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

  3. What specific impact did you have?

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

  5. 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: 

  1. What challenge did you face?

  2. What did you do about it? 

  3. What did you learn?

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

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

Example:

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

  1. 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!

  2. 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.

  3. 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?

  4. 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

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)

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:

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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. 

  5. 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: 

Example:

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

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

Example:

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]

— — —

Tips + Analysis

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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

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.

Examples:

  1. Sister

  2. Athleisure-lover

  3. Hermione

- - -

  1. Hungry

  2. Petrichor

  3. Retrouvailles

- - -

  1. Nocturnal

  2. Expressive 

  3. Nurturing

– – –

Cornell College of Agriculture & Life Sciences Prompts #2

Required: By applying to Cornell’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS), you are also applying for direct entry into one of our 20+ majors. From here, you would be part of a community dedicated to purpose-driven science; working within your major and across disciplines to tackle the complex challenges of our time. Why are you drawn to studying the major you have selected and specifically, why do you want to pursue this major at Cornell CALS? You should share how your current interests, related experiences, and/or goals influenced your choice. (500 words)

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

Optional Short-Answer Responses:

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

  1. At Cornell CALS, we aim to leave the world better than we found it, so we seek out those who are passionate about serving the public good. Please elaborate on an experience where you were able to have a meaningful impact on people, a community, and/or an environment of importance to you. (100 words)

  2. Given our agricultural history and commitment to educating the next generation of agriculturalists, please share if you have a background or interest in agriculture, regardless of your intended major. An “agricultural entity” for the purpose of this question is defined as cultivating soil, growing crops, and raising livestock (e.g., farm, ranch, greenhouse, vineyard, etc.).

    Select all that apply:

    • A primary source of income for my parent/guardian(s) comes from ownership of or employment by an agricultural entity.

    • My extended family owns or operates an agricultural entity.

    • I have experience working in an agricultural entity.

    • I have interest in pursuing a career in an agricultural entity.

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 1:

  1. 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. 

  2. 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?

  3. 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 2:

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

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.

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

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)

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.

Example:

“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. 

— — —

Tips + Advice

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

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

  4. 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

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

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 Engineering supplemental essay prompts

How to Write the Cornell University College of Engineering Short Answer Prompts #1 - #6

  1. What three words best describe you?
  2. What are three words you would use to describe Cornell Engineering?
  3. What is one activity, club, team, organization, work/volunteer experience or family responsibility that is especially meaningful to you? (35 characters)
  4. Please briefly tell us about its significance for you. (100 words)
  5. What is one award you have received or achievement you have attained that has meant the most to you? (35 characters)
  6. Please briefly describe its importance to you. (100 words)

See tips and advice above for the same “three words that best describe you” above—they apply to both of the first prompts here. 

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.

For the 100 word “tell us about its significance/importance” responses, use the opportunity to show a value or two you maybe aren’t showing (or showing as strongly) elsewhere in your Cornell application, along with focusing on reflection/meaning. And maybe see if you can surprise us a little with what you connect to. For example, playing football teaching you the importance of grit or teamwork isn’t surprising. Football teaching you about something like healthy boundaries or art could be.

How to Write the Cornell University Engineering Essay Prompts

Fundamentally, engineering is the application of math, science, and technology to solve complex problems. Why do you want to study engineering? (200 words)

This essay is what we call a “Why Major” essay. 

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: 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.

  • Step #3: Decide if you want to include a specific thesis that explicitly states your central argument—in this case what you want to study and why. This thesis can be at the beginning, middle, or end of your essay.

  • Step #4: Write a draft!

In addition to the structural approach above, it could help you write a stronger essay if you frame your origin story/interests around complex problems that intrigue you and that you’d like to help solve.

Here’s an example “Why Major” essay written for CMU. Though the focus here is math + data science rather than engineering, it nicely illustrates the approach you’ll want to take for Cornell.

Example:

It was while solving Towers of Hanoi that I really fell in love with abstract math. At the Stanford Pre-Collegiate Summer Camp math program, I got hooked on finding algorithms to solve puzzles. I continued this passion by reading Fermat's Enigma by Simon Singh. I was fascinated by the quest to solve Fermat's Last Theorem, which states that no three positive integers a, b, and c satisfy the equation a^n + b^n = c^n for any integer value of n greater than two. It surprised me to learn that it took over 350 years to solve this simple-looking math equation. But as I read the book, I was intrigued by the complexity of proving something that might look straightforward.

My love of abstract math led me to data science, my newest obsession. In the TED Talk “Why you should love statistics” by Alan Smith, he claims that statistics is the “science of us.” That captured my imagination and is critical to why I chose to major in data science. This summer, during my internship at Simches Research Center in Boston, a reproduction biology laboratory, I was able to see firsthand the different uses of data, such as organizing antibodies for immunohistochemistry experiments, organizing probes for PCR experiments, and sectioning tissues for RNA in situ. My passion for data extends beyond science though. In January, I will intern at a private equity company where I will study data from a financial perspective: analyzing investment memoranda and financial Excel models of these companies so that I can understand the background and analysis process for these investments.

 

At CMU, I’m excited to meet people similar to my interest, and become an even bigger data nerd than I already am. (287 words)

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Tips + Analysis:

  • Show how you got from Point A to Point B: Something this writer does well is explain the journey from their love of Abstract Math to their decision to major in Data Science. There is a traceable path to their intended major—one that shows their curiosity, their excitement about numbers, and how Data Science pulls together the threads of their interests and experiences. This is what makes this essay personal and unique and saves it from being a run-of-the mill (and potentially boring) response to this prompt about chosen majors. 

  • Avoid re-stating your resume: While it’s a great idea to share the academic journey that helped you decide on your major, you do want to be careful about just listing your accomplishments, internships, and extracurricular programs. There is a place for that in your application, and it’s usually not in your essay responses. It can be hard to find the right balance, but if you can zero in on a few particularly meaningful experiences and then discuss their impact on you, you’ll end up with a much more interesting essay. Remember that the key here is more “why” than “what.”

  • A little self-deprecation can be really effective: Sometimes, after you spend your 200 allowable words showcasing all that’s awesome about you, shifting the tone a little can create some interest and variety for your reader (remember, they’ve read hundreds of these). This writer ends with the endearing statement about being a “data nerd,” and it works well with this essay. The essay ends on a humorous note, the writer pokes a little fun at themselves, and the overall tone is upbeat and excited about the possibility of majoring in Data Science.

Prompt #2

Why do you think you would love to study at Cornell Engineering? (200 words)

This is a standard “Why us?” essay—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, try to pack in a good amount of detail on why you and Cornell will make a great team.

Example:

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. (620 words)

— — — 

Tips + Analysis

  1. 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 …

  2. 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.

And here’s an example written for Columbia’s engineering “Why Us,” so you can see what you’re aiming for with the shorter word count.

I want to be the first transgender woman to travel to space. Since I was young, I have been fascinated by particle physics and space travel and searched for ways to combine my interests to forge a career path. The answer – becoming a spacecraft propulsion engineer! By majoring in Applied Physics with a minor in Mechanical Engineering at Columbia, I believe I will receive unparalleled preparation for graduate studies that I need to achieve my goal.  

  In SEAS, I look forward to enrolling in APPH E4010: Intro to Nuclear Science and APPH E4301: Introduction to Plasma Physics to develop a strong base of knowledge in fusion energy studies. Additionally, I hope to secure research opportunities at Columbia’s Plasma Physics Laboratory or Princeton PPL (through the SEAS partnership) to obtain real-world exposure in plasma physics and controlled fusion, which I will apply to the development of space propulsion technologies.

Through participating in CE2, excelling in the rigorous academic coursework, and engaging in cutting-edge research opportunities, I believe Columbia SEAS will provide the foundations required for being a top spacecraft propulsion engineer and will serve as my launching pad for becoming the first transgender astronaut. (193 words)

Prompt #3

What brings you joy? (100 words)

Choose something that actually brings you joy. In other essays and application components, you’ve already bragged about your accomplishments and submitted your resume in paragraph form. You don’t have to sound serious or perfect here. 

What are you really into? 

Don’t mislead or exaggerate! If you truly love doing this thing, it’ll show. And that in turn will tell something interesting and important about you. Take a look at your brainstorming work and see whether there are any random/odd/fun parts of you that haven’t yet made their way into your application.

Here are some examples written for a similar prompt from Princeton.

Examples:

The “Aha!” moment in learning. When you’re on the edge of giving up, believing that you aren’t wired to understand a topic, that you should quit, try something else, and just forget it. Then, it clicks: Aha! It all makes sense, I wasn’t smart, I just persevered, and was rewarded. (50 words)

– – – 

Every November 1st, my family starts on Christmas Lego: first the new set, then ones from past years. It takes until the week before Christmas to complete the sprawling brick village across the dining room sideboard. Nothing gets me more in the Christmas spirit (and I really love Christmas). (49 words)

– – –

And a longer one written for Brown’s longer version of this prompt.

Whispers and giggles in the dark. I step on a knee and climb up to the blue awnings above the elementary school playground. Lying flat on our backs with eyes pointed to the sky, we are eager for a glimpse of the twinkling lights above. Surrounded by my best friends, my squad, my people, my family—I never feel more at home. Free from the world below, nothing is off-limits. Our hopes, dreams, and fears are shared as the stars reflect off our eyes. 

Other times I contemplate the stars in solitude. My mind quiets, the wheels stop churning, and I am alone with my thoughts. Staring up at the night sky filled with balls of burning gas, I realize those stars are a window into the past—millions of years ago. My brain immediately wanders to what Earth was like when those stars were still burning. Humans weren’t roaming. The ideas I love to analyze were not yet conceived. The history books I love to read weren’t written. Human history, our history, hadn’t even started. 

For that magical moment, lying there and gazing up at those stars, I can catch my breath. I escape from a world that only seems to get busier and more stressful every day. Looking up in wonder, I feel nothing but peace. Stargazing brings me joy. (220 words)


Tips + Analysis:

  • You don’t have to use complete sentences!: Since you’re writing an application essay instead of an essay for your English class, you don’t have to follow the same rules when it comes to sentence structure and grammar. In fact, being creative and taking risks with these things often adds an extra little something to your essay responses. This writer creates an image in their very first sentence, and they do it using a sentence fragment! You don’t want to go overboard with this because it can get distracting, but a well-placed fragment or run-on sentence can play with cadence and emphasis in really nice ways.

  • Appreciate the prompt for what it is: They are giving you a chance to write about joy, so choose something you actually find joyful and let your tone reflect that! So much of your application requires you to check off what feels like a million boxes and to showcase yourself in ways that can feel weird and sometimes uncomfortable if you’re not used to writing about yourself. But this prompt can be a breath of fresh air for you. They’re giving you a chance to take a mental break in some ways, so think about what really lights you up and makes you happy (and then write about it)! In particular, remember that for highly selective schools, most applicants are academically admissible—they’re also thinking about the class they’re bringing together, and how you’ll influence each other as human beings.

  • End with your thesis: As you read this essay, it doesn’t take long to figure out what brings this writer joy, and what they do so well is “show” us instead of “telling” us. We get to read about connecting with loved ones in the outdoors and taking the time to be self-reflective, and it isn’t until the final sentence that this writer directly addresses the language in the prompt. And it works really nicely here. This essay builds to the main idea instead of starting with it though we’re pretty clear on it from the first few sentences), and this can be a particularly effective way to keep your reader engaged until the very end.

Prompt #4

What do you believe you will contribute to the Cornell Engineering community beyond what you've already detailed in your application? What unique voice will you bring? (100 words)

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. For a full guide to these “how will you contribute” prompts, head here.

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.

Here’s an example essay written for a similar prompt for Colgate:

Example:

Aside from my inherent love for bagels, my Jewish background has led me to become more embedded in my community, joining Jewish activists and building a website on Holocaust education.

In the 1930s, 36 members of my family were lost to the Holocaust, and that fact has led me to carry on the memory of my ancestors through tradition—with my Bar Mitzvah—as well as with an educational lens—teaching others about the Holocaust and about specific stories of survivors.

Feeling disconnected from Jewish activism, I decided to become an educator on the Student Leadership Board of the Seattle-based Holocaust Center for Humanity last year. Each week, we met to discuss present-day instances of oppression and discrimination across the world, and finished the year by building a website to share the story of a Holocaust survivor. 

Being on the board connected me to a network of other passionate Jewish activists, and helped me to channel the pride for my culture and ancestors into visual media that reaches many viewers. At Colgate, I hope to find myself surrounded not only by like-minded Jewish students, but by a diverse group of people with whom I can learn and make connections. (196 words)

— — —

Tips + Analysis

  1. Highlight a core identity. In the example essay, the applicant highlights their Jewish heritage and the profound impact it has had on their life choices and commitments. This is a great way to approach this prompt—think of communities/identities that you claim, pick one that Cornell isn’t seeing elsewhere, and show how that aspect of you + your experiences will allow you to contribute to the Cornell community. Similarly, for the Cornell prompt, ensure you shed light on the aspects of your background that have shaped your identity. This could be cultural, familial, or personal attributes that have molded you into the individual you are today.

  2. Provide concrete examples of impact. Just as the sample essay vividly narrates the applicant's journey in Jewish activism, so you’ll want to offer specific instances that exemplify the impact your background has had on your decisions and pursuits. Whether through personal experiences, engagements, or projects, share specific moments where your background has led you to initiate meaningful actions. In short, show us.

  3. Connect to Cornell's community. The sample essay could be stronger if the writer reflected even more on how they might continue to nurture their identity at Cornell. How can you do that? Address how your background, values, and commitments align with Cornell’s vision and how you intend to extend these connections on campus to foster learning and shared growth. For example, perhaps you plan on joining (or creating?) relevant student clubs, volunteering at a local museum, or finding innovative ways to connect with students who share a similar background.

Cornell College of Human Ecology

How has your decision to apply to the College of Human Ecology (CHE) been shaped and informed by your related experiences? How will what you learn through CHE and your chosen major impact your goals and plans for the future? Your response should demonstrate how your interests and aspirations align with CHE’s programs and mission. (650 words)

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 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.

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