Cornell University

Cornell University requires a writing supplement in addition to the Common Application.
All applicants must complete two parts:

1. University-wide essay – A 350-word reflection on Ezra Cornell’s vision of “any person… any study” and how your experiences will contribute to the Cornell community.

2. College-specific prompt(s) – You’ll answer a prompt (or prompts) for the undergraduate college/school to which you’re applying.

Cornell Supplemental Essay: University-wide Prompt

Prompt: In the spirit of Ezra Cornell’s founding vision for the university, describe how your life experiences will contribute to the diversity and vibrancy of the Cornell community. (Up to 350 words)

Interpretation:

This essay is Cornell’s way of gauging how your personal background, values, and life experiences will enrich its diverse community. “Any person… any study” is not just a slogan — it’s about openness, inclusion, and a curiosity for the world. They want to see how your identity, upbringing, cultural background, challenges faced, and intellectual or extracurricular passions will make you an active contributor to campus life. This is less about “why Cornell” and more about “why you belong here and how you will make an impact.”

Approach:

1. Start with a defining story, experience, or value that shapes who you are.

2. Show how it influences the way you learn, collaborate, and approach challenges.

3. Connect these qualities to the energy, diversity, and opportunities at Cornell.

Cornell Supplemental Essay: College of Arts & Sciences

Prompt: Students in the College of Arts & Sciences embrace a broad and deep education across disciplines. Tell us about the academic areas you are most excited to explore and why you want to pursue them at Cornell. (Up to 650 words)

Interpretation:

The College values intellectual breadth and depth — they want students who thrive at making connections across disciplines while pursuing a deep academic interest. They’re not just asking “what’s your intended major” but “what intellectual journey are you on?”

Approach:

1. Start by identifying an intellectual curiosity or central theme in your learning.

2. Show how your experiences have deepened this interest (classes, readings, projects, conversations).

3. Connect your curiosity to specific Cornell programs, professors, or interdisciplinary opportunities.

Cornell Supplemental Essay: College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS)

Prompt: Why are you drawn to the major(s) you selected? Please discuss how your interests and related experiences have influenced your choice. (Up to 650 words)

Interpretation:

CALS is about applying science, research, and policy to real-world issues like sustainability, food systems, and community health. They want students with hands-on engagement and a mission-driven mindset.

Approach:

1. Define your chosen major and explain the real-world problem or passion driving it.

2. Use concrete experiences — fieldwork, research, internships, community engagement — to show commitment.

3. Tie directly to CALS’ applied, problem-solving ethos and programs.

Cornell Supplemental Essay: College of Architecture, Art, and Planning (AAP)

Prompt: What three words best describe you? How do these qualities connect to your interest in AAP and the field you wish to study? (Up to 650 words)

Interpretation:

AAP seeks creative thinkers who combine artistic vision with social awareness. They want evidence of reflection, originality, and a clear personal identity in your creative work.

Approach:

1. Use the three descriptive words to anchor your narrative.

2. Illustrate each with a specific project, challenge, or creative exploration.

3. Link your traits to AAP’s interdisciplinary, socially engaged approach to design and art.

Cornell Supplemental Essay: SC Johnson College of Business

Prompt: Describe an issue or challenge that matters to you and explain how studying at the SC Johnson College will help you address it. (Up to 650 words)

Interpretation:

The Johnson schools value entrepreneurial thinking, social responsibility, and the ability to address real challenges through business tools.

Approach:

1. Identify an issue that genuinely matters to you — personal, local, or global.

2. Show why you care and what you’ve already done to address it.

3. Explain how Johnson’s curriculum, clubs, and resources will help you scale your impact.

Cornell Supplemental Essay: Brooks School of Public Policy

Prompt: Why are you interested in studying public policy at Cornell? What specific areas of policy interest you most? (Up to 650 words)

Interpretation:
Brooks looks for students who are aware of societal challenges and have a vision for improving policy outcomes.

Approach:

1. Focus on a specific area of policy (healthcare, education, environment, human rights).

2. Explain why it matters to you and show personal or academic engagement with it.

3. Connect to Brooks’ interdisciplinary policy training and Cornell’s resources.

Cornell Supplemental Essay: College of Engineering

Prompt 1: Describe an engineering problem that you’d like to solve. Explain how your ideas and skills could contribute to solving it. (Up to 250 words)
Prompt 2: What is one experience that has inspired you to pursue engineering? (Up to 250 words)

Interpretation:
They want problem-solvers who think deeply about challenges and have hands-on experience or curiosity in creating solutions.

Approach for Prompt 1:

• Pick a specific engineering problem you want to tackle.

• Show why it matters and your early ideas for addressing it.

• Highlight skills or perspectives you bring.

Approach for Prompt 2:

• Choose a defining moment or project that sparked your interest in engineering.

• Show how it reflects your mindset and approach to challenges.

Cornell Supplemental Essay: College of Human Ecology

Prompt: How have your experiences influenced your choice of major in Human Ecology? What impact do you hope to make in the field? (Up to 650 words)

Interpretation:
Human Ecology emphasizes applying research and design to improve human well-being, with majors ranging from policy to design to nutrition science.

Approach:

1. Define the human-centered problem or area that drives you.

2. Show academic and personal experiences tied to that interest.

3. Connect to specific Human Ecology programs, faculty, and labs.

Cornell Supplemental Essay: School of Industrial and Labor Relations (ILR)

Prompt: What issues related to work, employment, or labor relations are most important to you, and why? (Up to 650 words)

Interpretation:
ILR focuses on the intersection of people, work, and policy. They seek applicants who are curious about labor issues and can think critically about the future of work.

Approach:

1. Identify a pressing workplace or labor-related issue.

2. Show why it’s important to you (personal connection, research, activism).

3. Link to ILR’s interdisciplinary approach — law, economics, history, sociology.