Cornell University Supplemental Essays 2025-2026: Prompts and Strategies

Required Prompt for All Applicants

Cornell University Essay Question (Required, 350-word limit)

‍"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."

Cornell 'Community' Essay Q&A Slides

College- and School-Specific Essay Questions

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS)

Required: "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) Optional #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-word limit) Optional #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." (Includes a checklist and an optional 100-word elaboration)

Cornell CALS Essays Q&A Slides

College of Architecture, Art, and Planning (AAP)

"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)

Cornell AAP Essay Q&A Slides

College of Arts & Sciences

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

Cornell Arts & Sciences Essay Q&A Slides

Cornell Jeb E. Brooks School of Public Policy

"Why are you interested in studying policy, and why do you want to pursue this major at Cornell’s Jeb E. Brooks School of Public Policy? You should share how your current interests, related experiences, and/or goals have influenced your choice of policy major."

Cornell Brooks School of Public Policy Essay Q&A Slides

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)

Cornell SC Johnson College of Business Essay Q&A Slides

College of Engineering

Long Essay 1: "Fundamentally, engineering is the application of math, science, and technology to solve complex problems. Why do you want to study engineering?" (200-word limit) Long Essay 2: "Why do you think you would love to study at Cornell Engineering?" (200-word limit) Short Answer 1: "What brings you joy?" (100-word limit) Short Answer 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?" (100-word limit) Short Answer 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." (100-word limit) Short Answer 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." (100-word limit)

Cornell Engineering Essays Q&A Slides

College of Human Ecology (CHE)

"Identify a challenge in your greater community or in the career/industry in which you are interested. Share how the CHE education, your CHE major of choice, as well as the breadth of CHE majors, will help you address that challenge." (600-word limit)

Cornell College of Human Ecology (CHE) Essay Q&A Slides

School of Industrial and Labor Relations (ILR)

"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)

Cornell ILR School Essay Q&A Slides

All the best!