Let’s look at both of the optional Cornell supplemental essays.
This is your opportunity to reflect on the personal interests and experiences that make you a strong candidate for Cornell. Remember, you have only 350 words to convey your experiences, so make sure you make each word count!
Ezra Cornell found an institution where any person can find instruction in any study. Cornell is the only Ivy League school that harbors this egalitarian vision. Cornell admits the best of the best but is unique in recognizing that some people who come from weak, diverse backgrounds have the talent and ambition, but have weaknesses in their profile that can be explained by their lack of resources as they were growing up. Cornell started as a farm, where students toiled in the fields as I toiled in the tobacco family business at first. In this egalitarian culture of Cornell, I identify myself and believe that Cornell is the only school that can truly recognize my personality and capability and can provide me with the tools to prove that Ezra Cornell was right in investing in people like me. Selecting a Meaningful Topic
Choosing a topic can feel overwhelming, but the best essays often come from small moments with big impact. Think about challenges or experiences that shifted your worldview. For example, maybe volunteering taught you about perseverance, or a research project sparked your drive for discovery. Cornell values the passion behind the pursuit, so choose topics that reveal something authentic and profound about your journey. Demonstrating Fit with Cornell
Cornell expects students to be purposeful and proactive about their fit with the school. If you’re interested in Cornell Engineering’s emphasis on problem-solving and innovation, mention specific research opportunities or professors that fascinate you. For the Brooks School of Public Policy, perhaps it’s Cornell’s commitment to civic engagement and policy impact that draws you. The more tailored and specific your reasons, the more compelling your essays. Avoid generalities that could apply to any school, like “Cornell has one of the top-ranked engineering programs,” and instead focus on what specifically draws you to their engineering program–classes, labs, professors, internship or study abroad opportunities, and so on. They could talk about their interest in Cornell’s Atkinson Center for Sustainability, particularly research that’s been done there on using lower-quality agricultural land for solar farming instead of food farming, and how that research would connect to their theoretical work in classes like “Analysis of Sustainable Energy Systems” The Cornell supplemental essays are one of your application’s most exciting and personal aspects. These essays provide a unique opportunity to showcase your personality, achievements, and fit for Cornell. Unlike other parts of your application, these essays offer admissions officers deeper insights into who you are beyond your grades and test scores. This is your chance to show them your passions, motivations, and how you will contribute to the Cornell community!
The Why Michigan “Why this College” Essay Example
Cornell University only requires one additional writing supplement—the “Why Cornell” supplemental essay. Applicants are asked to share why they are interested in studying at Cornell and are asked to respond to the specific essay prompt from the undergraduate college or school they are applying to. Cornell University has a total of 8 undergraduate colleges/schools:
The Why Penn “Why this College” Essay Example
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.
The Why Tufts “Why this College” Essay Example
My work at Dangote Foundation gave me the inspiration to start my own NGO and now in the long term I want to grow Ife-Oma into a leading NGO to provide education access to the poorest in Nigeria. At Cornell I aspire to learn how to scale NGOs and create a much larger impact. I also wish to motivate my fellow peers about exciting opportunities in Africa for career development or for giving back to the community. If I can inspire my peers to join me in my cause or the wider Cornell community to consider Africa for their future endeavours, it would be my own little contribution to play a part in nation building and to help propel the continent.
The Why Cornell “Why this College” Essay Example
The “Why Us” supplemental essay is one of the trickiest college application essays to write. Applying to Cornell? Here are 5 successful Why Cornell essay excerpts.
The Why Bowdoin “Why this College” Essay Example
Why avoid this? It's the quickest way to show you're a sloppy researcher. In the example above, the Wildcats play neither at MetLife Stadium nor on Sundays. Also, the “I can see myself in [insert school colors here]” is a cliché of the "Why this College" essay. Avoid it too.