Cornell University Supplemental Essay Guide
Cornell University is seeking curious, thoughtful, and community-driven students who are passionate about their interests and understand how they’ll benefit from their college experience. Your essays are your chance to show that you have a clear sense of purpose — that you know yourself, your goals, and why Cornell is the right place for you.
The Community Essay
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.” (≈ 350 words)
What Cornell wants:
To understand how your background, people, or environment shaped you
To see what kind of community member you’ll be on campus
What this means:
“Community” can mean anything — family, school, culture, club, or online space
Show what you’ve learned from your community and how you’ve made an impact
Scaffolding questions:
What community do I feel most connected to?
What role do I play in that community?
What lessons or values did I gain?
How will those values help me contribute to Cornell?
How to tie it together:
End by linking your community experience to the kind of student and friend you’ll be at Cornell.
The College-Specific Essay
Prompt Example (College of Arts & Sciences):
“Students in the College of Arts & Sciences explore a broad range of ideas while pursuing their academic passions. Tell us why this is the right place for you.” (≈ 650 words)
What Cornell wants:
To see that you’ve researched their programs
To understand how your interests and goals connect with Cornell’s offerings
What this means:
This is your “Why Cornell?” essay
Show genuine excitement and a clear academic direction
Scaffolding questions:
What subjects or topics excite me most — and why?
How have I explored them so far?
What specific Cornell courses, professors, or programs interest me?
How will Cornell help me reach my goals?
How to tie it together:
Connect your past experiences → your current passions → your future goals → Cornell’s opportunities.
Engineering or Business Short Prompts (if applicable)
Example (College of Engineering):
“Why do you want to study engineering at Cornell?” (≈ 200 words)
What Cornell wants:
To see your motivation and curiosity
To understand how you’ll use Cornell’s hands-on programs
What this means:
Be specific about why you love this field
Show how Cornell’s learning style fits you
Scaffolding questions:
What sparked my interest in this field?
What projects or experiences deepened that interest?
What real-world problems do I want to solve?
Why is Cornell the right place to do that?
How to tie it together:
Keep it short, focused, and personal. Explain your journey and show genuine enthusiasm.
How to Thematically Tie All the Essays
Community Essay: Shows who shaped you and what values you bring.
College Essay: Shows your academic curiosity and why Cornell fits.
Short Essays: Show how you think and what drives you.
Together, your essays should tell one clear story — you’re a curious, community-minded student who knows what you want to learn and how Cornell will help you grow.
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