If you want to apply to Cornell, here’s what you need to know about its supplemental essays: The prompt: 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) What the Prompt is About: This is a pretty straightforward “community” prompt, where Cornell wants you to identify a community important to you and explain how it has shaped you. Tips: Be thoughtful. Before working on this prompt, carefully consider who/what has influenced you in your life so far. Think about your values and goals—who/what is responsible for making you view the world the way you do? This is the “community” you should write about. Structure your essay. As you have 350 words max for this essay, you can consider breaking it down into about 3-4 shorter paragraphs. You should have an introduction paragraph where you define what “community” means to you, body paragraph(s) that provide concrete details about your chosen community, and a short conclusion paragraph wrapping it all up. Tell a story. Make sure your essay uses vivid, descriptive language—this will help your readers at Cornell get to know you better! The prompt: In the online Common Application Writing Supplement for those applying for Fall 2025 entry, please respond to both the Cornell University essay question and the essay prompt that corresponds to the undergraduate college or school to which you are applying. College of Agriculture and Life SciencesRequired: By applying to Cornell’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS), you are also applying for direct entry into one of our 20+ majors. From here, you would be part of a community dedicated to purpose-driven science; working within your major and across disciplines to tackle the complex challenges of our time. 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 Short-Answer Responses:The optional short-answer questions invite you to share additional information about your background, interests, and experiences as they relate to aspects of the Cornell CALS mission.Optional Question #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 Question #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. An "agricultural entity" for the purpose of this question is defined as cultivating soil, growing crops, and raising livestock (e.g., farm, ranch, greenhouse, vineyard, etc.) Select all that apply: A primary source of income for my parent/guardian(s) comes from ownership of or employment by an agricultural entity. My extended family owns or operates an agricultural entity. I have experience working in an agricultural entity. I have interest in pursuing a career in an agricultural entity. Please feel free to share additional details (optional). (100 word limit) 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 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) 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 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) 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) College of Engineering Instructions: 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? Question 2: Why do you think you would love to study at Cornell Engineering? Short Answer Responses (100 word limit) Question 1: What brings you joy? 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? 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. 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. 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) 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) What the Prompt is About: Select the school you are applying to based on your major. Cornell then wants you to provide concrete examples that explain your trajectory/overall goals related to your chosen field of study. You can think of it this way: Cornell’s first prompt is a more “personal” one, while the next set is more “academic.” Tips:1. Read your school’s prompt(s) carefully. Before writing, be sure to familiarize yourself with the logistics of each question and do lots of preliminary research on your chosen school, major, and requirements to make sure you’re well-informed.2. Use concrete examples. This isn’t the time to share vague explanations about why you “love science and math.” Instead, Cornell is asking you to share concrete experiences related to the field you are passionate about—think summer programs, internships, independent studies, research projects, etc.3. Be passionate. Lots of people want to go to Cornell, but not everyone is as passionate about their desired area of study as you are. In your essay, make sure your excitement and love of learning shine through by using purposeful adjectives, descriptive details, and great personal anecdotes.4. Think about current events. Getting accepted into Cornell means you’ll have a chance to make a significant impact on your field—and the world—as you study. So, think about the context of your major, any important current events, and how they could potentially influence you in the future. Cornell wants to know you aren’t just going into your studies blindly.
