Cornell University is another sought-after Ivy League University, attracting students for its high academic standards, diverse student body, and commitment to innovation through its various programs. Some of its schools like the SC Johnson Graduate School of Management are known to provide the high ranking MBA program, the College of Engineering is at the top among the Ivy League Schools, and the Nolan School of Hotel Administration is one of the top hospitality schools in the US. Getting admitted to one of these schools requires more than top grades and standard test scores. The application essays play a crucial role along with your grades in showcasing your personality, future plans, and how all of this makes you fit for the Cornell community. Therefore, crafting strong and compelling essays is essential to stand out among your competitors.
How To Write Effective Admission Essays for Cornell
There are several aspects that you need to cover while writing your admission essay for Cornell. The questions would be asked in the form of prompts asking you about your goals or more specifically your expectations from the program, how Cornell is going to fit into your future plans, and how you can contribute towards the growth of the Cornell community. Each essay question would be a way for the university to know about your background and character as an individual.
Understanding the Question: The prompts asked are in the form of reflection questions regarding your personal and professional experience so far. It could be an impact question or a typical question like “Why Cornell.” It could be asked in different ways. The answer to this question would specifically focus on why you want to join Cornell and how the university is going to play a significant role in your future aspirations. You can refer to the why Cornell essay examples to see how the applicants have researched the program, understood its offerings, and have connected their professional goals to some specific aspects of Cornell like its teaching methods, the nature of the program, any faculty member with whom they wish to work with, and the desire to be part of the community.
Give Honest and Original Answers: Cornell University receives thousands of applications, and they know which applicants have responded honestly and authentically to the questions asked. These essays should reflect your life and personal motivations. The admission committee should be able to tell how you have articulated your personal experiences, challenges faced, and triumphs into a driving force to achieve your goals in the future. By exploring your values and ambitions, you can write an effective Cornell personal statement that would resonate with the admission committee.
Answering the Community Questions: Cornell asks for a community impact essay. It asks how any of the communities you are part of, be it your family, school, a group sharing similar interests, or any other cultural group have shaped you. The idea is to know how you define your community and your lived experience through them. This is where the Cornell community essay examples can be helpful. These Cornell essay examples demonstrate how successful candidates highlighted their potential contribution to their community as well as what they learned through their community. Review the Cornell essay examples that work to gain insights into how to reflect on how you could contribute to the Cornell community as well, both academically and socially.
Program-Specific Questions: Apart from the university’s common essay, you would be asked program-specific questions as well. For example, if you are applying to an MBA program, you could be asked how this MBA program aligns with your academic, professional, and personal experience. To draw inspiration, you can take the help of Cornell MBA essay examples, that highlight how students have highlighted their different motivations, backgrounds, and experiences in several ways. The Cornell sample essays can also help to know about the structure, style of writing, and kind of content that makes an essay impressive for admission officers.
Below is the Sample Admission Essay for Cornell University
IMPACT ESSAY
The SC Johnson College of Business takes pride in providing students with the resources and guidance to help them gain expertise in a field that they are passionate about. Housing a community that consists of individuals from varied cultural and educational backgrounds, this illustrious institution offers a one-of-a-kind learning experience. I want to be a part of the community to not just gain prowess in my area of interest but to also contribute meaningfully to the tide.
Being a private equity professional with more than eight years of experience under my belt, I now want to push myself out of my comfort zone and challenge myself. It is not the academic credential that I seek to acquire; it is the experiential learning that I crave. As I advance my business skills by the way of this tailored, STEM-designated program, I am equally eager to contribute to the cohort in several ways.
Throughout my professional trajectory, I have not just handled equity assets but have also nurtured relationships with investors along the way. I am certain that I can leverage my networking skills and industry experience in a way that benefits my classmates. Also, having worked for top asset management firms for a while, I have garnered a sound understanding of asset and investment management. To further enrich the understanding of my peers, I can invite prominent industry leaders whom I have worked with to speak at college events. Moreover, working at top international firms such as Catalyst, SCN, Matrix Mavens, and Accord Consulting, I believe that I can leverage my network by sourcing case studies, while also facilitating career development opportunities at Johnson.
I also intend to be a part of the Johnson Women in Business and Women Management Council communities and contribute to initiatives that promote and support women in business. In addition to integrating my past academic and professional experience, I also look forward to channeling my 12 years of theatre experience toward spearheading the annual production ‘Follies’. Given the chance, I will prove my mettle and be a valuable asset to the Cornell community.
OPTIONAL ESSAY
I would like to reflect upon my reasons for applying to the chosen MBA program at Cornell, despite having an MBA degree from an Indian university. After completing my major in Commerce from St. Johns University in 2011, I wanted to grow into bigger shoes and gain managerial knowledge. Owing to this burgeoning desire, I opted for a General MBA program with a major in Consulting. While pursuing this program, I also appeared for examinations for my UG program to improve my existing score. This is why my BA transcript shows 2014 as the year of completion instead of 2013. I also completed Level 1 of the CFA examination during my MBA program. My other credentials include certifications in Real Estate Finance and Investments from CFI and DS and Business Analytics from Xavier School of Management. My academic credentials paved the way for me to enter the professional world. My 10 years of experience had me working in Business Strategy, Business Communication, and Supply Chain Management sectors in the private equity segment. As I worked for the top firms in this sector, I gained experience in rigorous quantitative analyses of companies, formulating exit strategies for dispositions, and ensuring greater profitability of our portfolio companies.
I then moved to the USA in 2023 and secured the position of Associate Management Consultant at Alix Partners and have been working there for the past three months. Though I moved in March, my application for ‘employment authorization’ took six months for approval. Working in the USA has exposed me to the global business environment and has made me realize that my existing knowledge and skills need an elevation. I need to have an edge in this competitive and ever-evolving business arena, for which, an MBA program from Cornell is an ideal stride. With a special emphasis on technology, data analysis, and finance; I will have the chance to take a plunge into the intricacies of the contemporary business world. I am certain that this program will further enhance my chances of landing more rewarding career opportunities in the times ahead.
FAQs
1. What are the written documents Cornell requires at the time of admission?
At the time of admission, Cornell University asks for a personal essay (also called a personal statement) as well as supplemental essays. The supplemental essays are different for each program. You can take the help of Cornell University personal statement examples to craft your essays.
2. What are some common questions asked in Cornell essays for admission?
The common prompts asked for Cornell essays are what was the impact of community in your life, what achievement is most meaningful to you, how the program is going to help you in the future, etc.
3. I wish to be admitted to the MBA program at Cornell. What should be the main points of my Cornell MBA essay?
Cornell MBA essay should include your leadership capabilities and future goals you wish to achieve through the MBA program. It should also demonstrate how you would fit in the program and your potential contribution to Cornell University.
4. Where can I find Cornell essay examples?
You can find Cornell essay examples on various admission advice websites such as Contentholic. Contentholic also provides Cornell sample essays.
5. What should the structure of my Why Cornell essay look like?
In the Why Cornell essay, be specific about why you want to join Cornell University. Mention some unique aspects of the university or the program, such as faculty, courses, or values, that align with your career goals. Use Cornell essay examples for structure and inspiration.
6. How can I make my Cornell personal statement stand out?
A standout Cornell personal statement is authentic, engaging, and demonstrates your personal and professional growth. It should explain why you’re pursuing the program and how you’ll contribute to Cornell’s community and values.
