Let’s take a closer look at this Cornell essay prompt.
Unlike most of the Cornell supplemental essays, this prompt doesn’t directly relate to Cornell or academics. In other words, you can feel free to discuss whatever comes to mind. You should not feel pressure to describe an aspect of engineering. If that’s the most authentic response for you, though, then go for it!
A great exercise to get you started is to visualize yourself as a student at Cornell. What classes would you be taking? What major would you eventually choose? Which professors would you elect to work with? Imagine yourself as a future engineer at Cornell: not only will help drum up your excitement for applying, but it will also help you craft a more compelling picture of your reasons to the admissions reader.
As you only have 200 words to fulfill this prompt, you must be concise about your interests and how they connect to Cornell Engineering. Don’t hesitate to show you’ve done research on the school. Consider name-dropping classes, professors, or areas of research you would ideally pursue should you be admitted. Although you can write about why you want to study engineering more generally, your essay may be more compelling if you connect that excitement for engineering directly to the engineering opportunities at Cornell.
3 Great Cornell Essay Examples | CollegeVine Blog
You need to research the programs and colleges at Cornell and take the time to plan your essay before you start writing. Cornell prompts are incredibly specific, so you need to be able to provide detailed information to be compelling.
Cornell has eight colleges: The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, the College of Architecture, Art, and Planning, the College of Arts and Sciences, the Cornell SC Johnson College of Business, the College of Engineering, the College of Human Ecology, School of Industrial and Labor Relation, and the newer
Do you have a makeshift robotics lab in your garage? Have you been the head of your robotics team? Or are you simply obsessed with understanding how machines work? Did a teacher spark your love of the topic? Don’t be afraid to share an anecdote and personalize your response. A generic Cornell supplemental essay certainly won’t stand out to admissions. And don’t shy away from creativity if it feels right for you.
Your Cornell essays are an integral part of your application that can have a significant impact on the admissions committee's decision. A student with perfect stats might get rejected because of a poorly written essay, so it is important that you bring your A-game when it comes to your essays.
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To answer the first Cornell essay, let’s start with the basics. Why do you want to apply to Cornell Engineering? Basically, what’s sparked your interest in engineering. Speak honestly.
Cornell U. College of Arts and Sciences suppl. essay.
Note that this prompt doesn’t require a single answer. You can provide a list of things, people, topics, places, etc. that bring you joy. Alternatively, you could focus on one thing with as much nuance as 100 words can hold. Either route requires specificity. If the details you choose to include in this essay are genuinely personal and unique to you, then they’ll also be more memorable and striking for the reader.
Cornell University Supplemental Essay Examples
When answering a “why this college?” question like the second Cornell essay prompt, specificity is key. Represent your future with Cornell in mutualistic terms. What do you hope to gain from attending Cornell Engineering? What will you, in turn, give back to the community, either in the short or long term?
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While choosing uncommon or creative words can help you stand out to admissions officers, be sure that you truly understand the words you select and their proper context before you add them to your application. Like every other aspect of your application, authenticity is key—choose words that you truly feel are appropriate, not just those that you assume will impress admissions officers.
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Understanding the role that your lived experiences and identity play into your Cornell engineering focus will help build your voice in that community. This essay is an occasion for you to use that voice.
Cornell Arts And Science College Essay Sample
The first Cornell supplemental essay prompt asks you to talk about your academic interests. The second Cornell supplemental essay then checks whether you’ve done your homework on Cornell Engineering. Effective responses to these prompts will explain both your interest in engineering and how Cornell specifically fits into your future as an engineer.