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
Q: What is the 'Community' essay?
A:
Essay: community's influence on you.
Focus: your personal experience.
Define 'community' yourself.
Q: How to choose a community?
A:
Pick a group where your actions created tangible change.
Select a community that shifted your core beliefs.
Example: "Revitalized a forgotten school garden. Increased fresh produce access for 50 families."
Q: Describe your role?
A:
Detail specific actions, not titles.
Show direct impact. Quantify results.
Example: "Initiated 'Code for Good' project. Secured $500 funding. Developed app connecting food banks to volunteers. Reduced waste 15%."
Q: How did it shape you?
A:
Connect actions to a new skill or worldview.
Show internal shift.
Example: "Leading the debate team: learned to synthesize opposing views. Now approach problems seeking common ground, not just winning arguments."
Generic descriptions: "My school community taught me teamwork."
Activity lists lacking significance: "I played soccer, volunteered, and joined band."
Community focus, not your unique contribution.
Vague impact: "It made me a better person."
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
Q: What are the Cornell CALS essays?
A:
One required essay: Why your major, why CALS? (500 words)
Two optional essays: Public good impact (100 words), Agriculture interest (100 words).
Choose optional essays that add new information.
Q: Why this major at CALS?
A:
State specific major, not broad field.
Connect interests, experiences, goals directly to major.
Example: "My interest in sustainable food systems stems from developing a hydroponic garden. I seek CALS's Plant Sciences major to research crop resilience."
Q: Why specifically CALS?
A:
Research CALS-specific faculty, labs, courses, research centers.
Show deep knowledge of CALS's unique offerings.
Example: "CALS's 'Food Systems and Health' course (FDSC 4000) directly addresses my goal to combat food insecurity. I aim to work with Prof. Smith on urban agriculture initiatives."
Q: Optional 1: Public Good Impact?
A:
Describe one concrete experience.
Show your meaningful impact on people, community, or environment.
Example: "Organized a community recycling drive. Increased local recycling rates by 20% in one month. Reduced landfill waste."
Q: Optional 2: Agriculture Interest?
A:
If applicable, share any background or interest in agriculture.
Even if not your major, show connection.
Example: "Grew up on a family farm. Managed crop rotation schedules. Developed an appreciation for soil science and sustainable practices."
Q: Manage word counts?
A:
Required (500 words): Allocate space to "why major" and "why CALS" equally.
Optional (100 words each): Be concise. One strong example per prompt.
Listing activities without explaining impact or "why."
Repeating information already in your application.
Lack of specific CALS program knowledge.
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
Q: What is the AAP essay?
A:
Connect interests to your intended major (B.Arch, BFA, URS).
Identify a specific problem or passion. Show how your chosen major provides tools to address it.
Example: "My interest in community-led design stems from volunteering in underserved neighborhoods. Architecture provides the framework to build equitable spaces."
Q: B.Arch: Creative project & motivation?
A:
Describe a specific creative project. It must spark motivation for a 5-year professional degree.
Show how the project revealed the depth/complexity of architectural design.
Example: "Designed a sustainable micro-housing unit using recycled materials. The structural challenges ignited my drive for rigorous architectural training."
Q: BFA: Integrate interests & resources?
A:
Explain how diverse interests converge in your art practice.
Cite specific Cornell/AAP resources (studios, faculty, interdisciplinary courses).
Example: "My passion for coding and abstract painting merge in digital art installations. I seek AAP's experimental media labs and Prof. Anya's computational art course."
Q: URS: Enthusiasm & depth?
A:
Demonstrate specific knowledge of urban/regional issues.
Show how a personal experience or observation fuels your interest.
Example: "Witnessing gentrification in my city sparked my interest in equitable urban planning. I seek URS to analyze policy impacts on housing affordability."
Q: Research AAP specifics?
A:
Go beyond department homepages. Look at faculty portfolios, studio project archives.
Identify unique AAP programs, design studios, or research initiatives.
Example: "AAP's 'Design + Environmental Analysis' studio aligns with my focus on climate-resilient architecture."
Q: Manage 650 words?
A:
Allocate significant space to your chosen major's specific requirements.
Develop one strong, detailed example.
Every sentence must contribute to your "why AAP" narrative.
Generic statements about loving design/art/cities.
Listing courses without explaining personal connection.
Vague descriptions of projects or interests.
Not clearly addressing your specific major's prompt.
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
Q: What is the A&S essay?
A:
Essay: how learning passion shapes academic journey.
State exciting areas/majors, explain why.
Show alignment with A&S, how you use opportunities/curriculum.
Q: Passion for learning & journey?
A:
Identify a specific intellectual curiosity.
Show how it drove your past academic choices.
Example: "My fascination with ancient languages led to self-study of Sumerian cuneiform, not just Latin."
Q: Exciting areas/majors & why?
A:
Name specific majors or interdisciplinary fields.
Connect them to your unique intellectual questions.
Example: "The 'Science & Technology Studies' major excites me. It allows me to analyze AI's societal impact, a question sparked by my robotics club's ethical debates."
Q: Align with A&S?
A:
Research A&S's specific strengths: liberal arts foundation, research centers, unique programs.
Show how your interests thrive in A&S's environment.
Example: "A&S's emphasis on critical thinking and its 'Humanities Scholars Program' align with my goal to approach scientific problems with a broad, philosophical perspective."
Q: Use opportunities/curriculum?
A:
Cite specific A&S courses, professors, research labs, or student groups.
Explain precisely how you will engage.
Example: "I will enroll in Prof. Miller's 'Philosophy of Mind' course (PHIL 3400) and join the 'Cornell Undergraduate Research Board' to pursue cognitive science research."
Listing high school achievements without connecting to A&S.
Vague interest in multiple, unrelated fields.
Praise for Cornell, not specific A&S programs.
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
Identify a specific societal problem that sparked your interest in policy.
Show a direct connection between an observation/experience and policy's role.
Example: "Witnessing local housing displacement sparked my interest in urban policy's role in equitable development."
Q: Related experiences?
A:
Detail specific experiences that built your policy interest.
Focus on active engagement, not passive observation.
Example: "Volunteered for a city council campaign. Analyzed zoning proposals. Understood policy's implementation challenges."
Q: Current interests & goals?
A:
State specific policy areas you want to impact.
Connect these to your long-term aspirations.
Example: "My interest in environmental justice drives my goal to shape renewable energy policy for marginalized communities."
Q: Why Cornell Brooks School?
A:
Research specific Brooks School faculty, research centers, unique programs.
Show how Brooks's specific curriculum supports your niche interests.
Example: "Brooks's 'Policy Analysis and Management' major aligns with my data-driven approach. I seek Prof. Chen's research on behavioral economics in public health."
Q: Leverage opportunities?
A:
Cite specific courses, research initiatives, or student organizations within Brooks.
Explain how you will actively engage with these resources.
Example: "I will join the 'Cornell Policy Review' editorial board. I aim to contribute research on social welfare policy."
"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
Q: What is the SC Johnson College of Business essay?
A:
Essay: your type of business student.
Describe topics/issues you care about, why they matter.
Align interests with Dyson or Nolan School.
Q: Define your "business student" type?
A:
Focus on a specific business role or philosophy.
Example: "I am a data-driven strategist, analyzing market trends to optimize resource allocation."
Show a unique perspective.
Q: Topics/Issues (Dyson)?
A:
For Dyson: focus on applied economics, management, social impact.
Connect personal/academic/work experiences to these issues.
Example: "My experience managing a local farmers market revealed supply chain inefficiencies. I care about sustainable agricultural economics."
Q: Topics/Issues (Nolan)?
A:
For Nolan: focus on hospitality, service, experience management.
Connect personal/academic/work experiences to these issues.
Example: "Working at a resort: observed guest satisfaction correlation with staff training. I care about optimizing service delivery through human capital management."
Q: Why do these topics matter?
A:
Explain the real-world significance of your chosen issues.
Show your motivation to solve them.
Example: "Sustainable agricultural economics matters: it ensures food security and environmental health for future generations."
Q: Align with Dyson or Nolan?
A:
Research specific faculty, courses, research centers within your chosen school.
Show how the school's unique offerings support your interests.
Example (Dyson): "Dyson's 'Impact Investing' course (AEM 4000) aligns with my goal to fund sustainable startups. I seek Prof. Lee's research on social entrepreneurship."
Example (Nolan): "Nolan's 'Revenue Management' course (HAD 4200) aligns with my interest in optimizing hotel profitability. I seek Prof. Kim's expertise in hospitality analytics."
Q: Manage 650 words?
A:
Structure: student type (50 words), topics/why (200 words), experiences (200 words), school alignment (200 words).
Every sentence must build your business student profile.
Generic business interests: "I want to make money."
Listing resume items without connection to business issues.
Vague statements about leadership or teamwork.
Not clearly differentiating between Dyson and Nolan.
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
Q: What are the Cornell Engineering essays?
A:
Two long essays (200 words each).
Four short answers (100 words each).
Show problem-solving, Cornell fit, personal qualities.
Q: Long Essay 1: Why Engineering?
A:
Identify a complex problem. Show how engineering solves it.
Connect personal experiences to this problem/solution.
Example: "Observed inefficient urban water distribution. Engineering offers tools to design smart grid solutions, ensuring equitable access."
Q: Long Essay 2: Why Cornell Engineering?
A:
Research specific Cornell Engineering faculty, labs, courses.
Show how these align with your engineering interests.
Example: "Cornell's 'Robotics and Vision Lab' (ROBO 5000) aligns with my goal to develop autonomous systems. I seek Prof. Jones's research on swarm intelligence."
Q: Short Answer 1: What brings joy?
A:
Choose a unique, specific source of joy.
Explain the underlying reason for this joy.
Example: "Deconstructing broken electronics: the puzzle of failure, the satisfaction of restoring function."
Q: Short Answer 2: Contribution?
A:
Identify a unique skill or perspective you offer.
Show how it benefits the Cornell Engineering community.
Example: "My experience in collaborative coding projects: I foster open communication, ensuring diverse ideas integrate into robust solutions."
Q: Short Answer 3: Meaningful Activity?
A:
Describe one activity that holds deep personal significance.
Explain its impact on you.
Example: "Leading my school's rocketry club: taught me iterative design, failure analysis, and perseverance through complex projects."
Q: Short Answer 4: Award/Achievement?
A:
Choose one award or achievement.
Explain its importance to you, beyond the recognition.
Example: "Won the regional hackathon for a smart city app: validated my ability to translate complex data into practical, user-centric solutions."
Q: Manage word counts?
A:
Long essays (200 words): Focus one core idea per essay.
Short answers (100 words): Be direct. One example, one impact.
"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
Q: What is the CHE essay?
A:
Identify a community/industry challenge.
Show how CHE education, your major, and other CHE majors address it.
Convey problem-solving drive.
Q: Identify your challenge?
A:
Pick a specific, observable problem.
Focus on human impact.
Example: "Elderly isolation in urban high-rises." (Community)
Example: "Lack of inclusive design in wearable tech." (Industry)
Q: CHE education addresses it?
A:
Connect CHE's human-centered approach to your challenge.
Cite CHE's interdisciplinary nature.
Example: "CHE's focus on human development and social justice provides a framework to understand systemic causes of isolation."
Q: Your major's role?
A:
Name your chosen CHE major.
Show how its specific curriculum/skills solve the challenge.
Example (Design & Environmental Analysis): "My DEA major will teach user-centered design, creating responsive living spaces for seniors."
Q: Breadth of CHE majors' contribution?
A:
Show how other CHE majors collaborate to solve the challenge.
Demonstrate understanding of CHE's holistic approach.
Example: "Fiber Science & Apparel Design can develop smart textiles for remote health monitoring. Human Development can inform social programming to combat loneliness."
Q: Actionable plan?
A:
Propose a concrete project or research idea.
Show how you will apply CHE knowledge.
Example: "I will research smart home interfaces for seniors, collaborating with DEA and Human Development faculty."
Q: Manage 600 words?
A:
Structure: Challenge (100 words), CHE education (100 words), Major's role (150 words), Breadth of CHE (150 words), Actionable plan (100 words).
Every sentence must link to solving the challenge.
Focusing on past experiences without linking to future CHE studies.
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
Q: What is the ILR essay?
A:
Describe topics/issues you care about.
Explain their importance.
Show interests align with ILR School.
Q: Identify core topics/issues?
A:
Pinpoint specific, granular issues in labor, work, or human relations.
Example: "Impact of gig economy on worker benefits."
Example: "Negotiation strategies in unionizing tech startups."
Q: Experiences?
A:
Connect a direct experience to your chosen issue.
Show active engagement, not passive observation.
Example: "Volunteered at a workers' rights clinic. Documented wage theft cases. Understood negotiation's role in justice."
Q: Why these issues matter?
A:
Articulate the societal or organizational significance.
Research specific ILR faculty, research institutes, courses, or programs.
Show how ILR's unique curriculum/focus supports your interests.
Example: "ILR's 'Labor Relations Law' (ILRLR 3010) course aligns with my goal to advocate for fair contracts. I seek Prof. Smith's expertise in collective bargaining."
Q: Leverage ILR opportunities?
A:
Cite specific ILR student organizations, research opportunities, or clinics.
Explain how you will actively engage.
Example: "Join the 'ILR Global Scholars Program.' Research international labor standards in supply chains."
