Cornell is known all over the world as one of the most prestigious and desired universities to study at. Based in Ithaca, New York, students from all over the world turn in their applications for a chance to pursue their passions and become leaders in their industries. With so many students all competing for limited admissions, only the most exceptional students receive an acceptance letter. For the best chance of admission, every aspect of your application must be well-thought-out—including your supplemental essays. The way Cornell approaches its supplemental essays is unique compared to other schools, so to help students craft the best responses, here’s InGenius Prep’s guide to the Cornell supplemental essays for 2024-2025.
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Cornell University Essay Question
We all contribute to, and are influenced by, the communities that are meaningful to us. Share how you’ve been shaped by one of the communities you belong to. Remember that this essay is about you and your lived experience. Define community in the way that is most meaningful to you. Some examples of community you might choose from are: family, school, shared interest, virtual, local, global, cultural. (350 word limit)
This is a new prompt for the 2024-2025 admissions cycle. Community is an important aspect of Cornell, and Admissions Officers are looking for students who embody the school’s values.
For this question, think about the community you identify with and the impact it’s had on your development. This is your opportunity to share anything that’s meaningful to you—whether it’s regarding race, ethnicity, familial background, or if it’s about academics, extracurriculars, or personal interests.
Admissions Officers want to know how you were influenced by your specific community. Be sure to consider not only how your community has impacted you but also how your experiences have affected your perspective. Consider what it is about your background that makes you unique, but also talk about what you have given back to your community as well. In what way do you remain connected with those you identify with? Admissions Officers at Cornell want to understand what kind of world you come from, what experiences have shaped you, and how you might contribute to your community if admitted.
See what opportunities and offerings are available at Cornell. By doing your research and envisioning yourself as an active member of the Cornell community, you’ll be able to better approach this essay prompt and show Cornell’s Admissions Officers what you’ll contribute to the community.
Kevin Dupont, Former Admissions Officer from Cornell, says this about how students should approach their supplemental essays: “At the [supplemental essay] stage of the application process, what really stands out is, ‘How does this student fit into Cornell’s culture and values?’ How will this student come on campus, bring what they’re already doing, and enhance what Cornell already has? In particular, how will Cornell’s offerings enhance what [the student] has?”
College and School-Specific Essay Questions
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.
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
Why are you drawn to studying the major you have selected and specifically, why do you want to pursue this major at Cornell CALS? You should share how your current interests, related experiences, and/or goals influenced your choice. (500 word limit)
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.
College of Architecture, Art, and Planning
How do your interests directly connect with your intended major at the College of Architecture, Art, and Planning (AAP)? Why architecture (B.Arch), art (BFA), or urban and regional studies (URS)? B. Arch applicants, please provide an example of how a creative project or passion sparks your motivation to pursue a 5-year professional degree program. BFA applicants may want to consider how they could integrate a range of interests and available resources at Cornell into a coherent art practice. URS students may want to emphasize their enthusiasm and depth of interest in the study of urban and regional issues. (650 word limit)
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.
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)
For this prompt, Reba McCutcheon, Former Admissions Officer from Cornell, 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.
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)
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 a business student are you? Using your personal, academic, or volunteer/work experiences, describe the topics or issues that you care about and why they are important to you. Your response should convey how your interests align with the school to which you are applying within the Cornell SC Johnson College of Business (Charles H. Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management or the Cornell Peter and Stephanie Nolan School of Hotel Administration). (650 word limit)
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.
College of Engineering
All engineering applicants are required to write two long essays and four short essays.
Long Essay Responses (200 word limit)
Question 1: Fundamentally, engineering is the application of math, science, and technology to solve complex problems. Why do you want to study engineering?
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.
Question 2: Why do you think you would love to study at Cornell Engineering?
This is a new question for Cornell’s College of Engineering. Here, students are prompted to share why they want to study engineering at Cornell. Kevin Dupont, a Former Admissions Officer from Cornell, gives this advice to students to answer this question.
“Students have to align themselves with Cornell Engineering. In particular, what Cornell values in the admissions office is solution-oriented thinking. Engineers are solution-oriented by nature, and in that sense, I recommend that students look at the values and offerings of Cornell Engineering that align with their goals—whether it be through academics, extracurricular activities, or something about their personal lives. Particularly, if a student has done an activity that they can continue at Cornell, [they should] use that experience to highlight how they plan to further their commitment in that area of engineering.”
Mentioning activities and areas of engineering that interest you will show Admissions Officers that you’re invested in Cornell, its offerings, and are dedicated to contributing to the community.
Kevin goes on to say, “Let’s say that Cornell Engineering is particularly keen this year on sustainable engineering and engineering related to the climate. Then, if students have a background in that area in some way, they could talk about it in their supplemental essay.”
Aligning your goals and interests with the values of Cornell’s College of Engineering will better tie your profile with what Admissions Officers are looking for.
Short Answer Responses (100 word limit)
Question 1: What brings you joy?
This is another new question for the Cornell College of Engineering. This question is unique in that it asks students to consider something not necessarily related to academics. Students have the opportunity to open up about something they may not have had the chance to in other sections of their application.
For this question, Kevin says, “This is where students can be themselves. This is a great prompt because it’s so open-ended. There is no one way to answer a prompt like this one because it’s a very personal answer. What I personally found [helps] is if a student can highlight something that we would not know about them through their application. It could be about one of their activities; it could be about something that they do in their personal life. Generally speaking, the student can highlight something that gets them out of bed every day. It’s about that thing that gets them excited, but that also provides new insight into themselves during their application.“
For this question, write about something that motivates you. Something you feel is important and unique to you. Show Admissions Officers why this aspect of your personality is meaningful and give them an insight into your personality in a way that’s different from other sections of your application.
Question 2: What do you believe you will contribute to the Cornell Engineering community beyond what you’ve already detailed in your application? What unique voice will you bring?
Similar to the previous question, this prompts students to showcase their personalities and speak on something unique to them. Kevin adds, “This is where the student has to be really creative because the Cornell admissions office is looking for students who are already trying to solve the world’s problems. They want to bring [these students] together to essentially be a place of the world’s problem-solvers.” Community is important at Cornell, and Admissions Officers want to know what you can contribute to a community of like-minded peers.
Kevin continued, “What I would say here is to have students highlight what makes them unique as engineers. For example, if they have a certain background in sustainable engineering, if they’ve seen how effective sustainable engineering can be because of a personal experience or because of an internship—students should really highlight their own engineering-related background and how they themselves would be a unique candidate within that engineering school.”
Look at your areas of interest within engineering. Consider what experiences led you to pursue engineering and what unique perspectives you bring to the field and to Cornell.
Question 3: What is one activity, club, team, organization, work/volunteer experience or family responsibility that is especially meaningful to you? Please briefly tell us about its significance for you.
For this question, we recommend that students exercise caution.
There are many sections of an application where students can talk about their achievements and activities. Don’t waste this prompt by talking about something already covered in another section of your application. Use this prompt to highlight something new that your Admissions Officer won’t see elsewhere.
For Kevin’s advice on this prompt, he says, “For this one, I would say that students need to be very careful because we talk a lot about activities in other essay prompts. If they haven’t had the opportunity yet, students should use this chance to speak about how they’re a leader in their community.”
“How are they leading? How are they creating opportunities to engage with others, collaborate, and work on a project in a group? All of those would be particularly useful, especially because this prompt mentioned a couple of clubs. It prompts the student to highlight collaboration and teamwork in some way because engineers do work in teams quite often. That would be quite a crucial thing to highlight if they have not done so already.”
Question 4: What is one award you have received or achievement you have attained that has meant the most to you? Please briefly describe its importance to you.
For the final College of Engineering prompt, Cornell is asking you to reflect on an accomplishment from your past that’s helped shape your perspective. Students may have many achievements from their time in high school, and this prompt asks you to speak on one that’s held significance for you.
“This is one that I think is the hardest for students to answer because there are so many awards out there… What I recommend for this prompt is to highlight an award or achievement that would not necessarily be something that is academic. Something that gives them a unique role in their society.”
Many students may choose to write about something academic. Kevin recommends that engineering students consider breaking the mold and instead speak on something that’s less academic and more personal. Examples may be serving as a school ambassador or leading as captain of the debate club.
“…Whatever it might be, [those activities] are achievements in themselves. It doesn’t have to be a piece of paper. It doesn’t have to be a big shiny trophy. It can be something smaller, and then describe why that’s really important to [you].”
Sometimes, students can get so caught up in academics that they forget about the personal aspect. The truth is that a large part of the admissions process at the top schools is personal. Admissions Officers are looking for those who would be a good fit for the community, so don’t neglect the personal aspects. Speak authentically about what’s meaningful to you, and that will help make an impression on your Admissions Officers.
College of Human Ecology
How has your decision to apply to the College of Human Ecology (CHE) been shaped and informed by your related experiences? How will what you learn through CHE and your chosen major impact your goals and plans for the future? Your response should demonstrate how your interests and aspirations align with CHE’s programs and mission. (Refer to our essay application tips before you begin.) (650 word limit)
The College of Human Ecology prompt asks you 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. (650 word limit)
ILR, affectionately known as ‘I Love Reading,’ is more than just reading. ILR students need to be passionate about the topics and 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 2024-2025, 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 majoring 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 2024-2025
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 2024-2025 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 last year. And the number isn’t getting any smaller. In order to excel in your Cornell supplemental essays 2024-2025, 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!
Cornell stands as one of the top schools in the world, and its admissions process is equally selective and competitive. The supplemental essays for Cornell are broken down by college, so students will have to dive deep into the reason behind their major to stand out in the admissions process. It can be a daunting task, but by keeping these tips in mind, students will have a better chance of making an impression on Cornell’s Admissions Officers and increasing their chances of getting that acceptance letter.
To learn more about how to write the perfect supplemental essays for Cornell, InGenius Prep is here to help! Our Former Admissions Officers from schools like Cornell have read through thousands of applications, and they know what it takes to get accepted. Our coaching programs are designed to get top students like you into the school of their dreams. Book a free strategy call today and become one of the 6,000 students we’ve helped get accepted at the top U.S. schools!
