We have expert writers with degrees from Cornell University who can help you get in.
When it comes to higher education and stellar undergrad programs, Cornell University does not need any introduction. Since its founding in 1865, the college holds a position of respect and admiration in the whole academic world.
High school graduates are on the lookout to secure admission to the top schools in the country. In this race, Cornell is a lucrative option because of its lofty standing in the contemporary world. But like other Ivy League Schools, getting into Cornell is hard.
With an acceptance rate of around 11%, it takes more than just exemplary transcripts and grades to secure admission.
One thing that can boost the chances of admission is if the aspirants manage to ace the “Why Cornell University” essay. It is an integral part of the admission process and nailing Cornell supplemental essays down properly will surely improve the odds for students.
The “Why Cornell” Essay Prompt
The current “Why College” essay prompt for applicants is given below:
Students in Arts and Sciences embrace the opportunity to delve into multifaceted academic interests, embodying in 21st-century terms Ezra Cornell's "any person … any study" founding vision. Tell us about the areas of study you are excited to explore, and specifically why you wish to pursue them in our College. (650 words)
The applicants who have done great in high school when it comes to essay writing will find it easy. These are only 650 words where they have to show why they want to study at Cornell University.
The answer is simple: Cornell is a great place for young minds to learn and grow their professional careers. It is world-renowned for its science and architecture programs, such as the College of Human Ecology or Cornell SC Johnson College.
This can be a great reply when expanded to the designated word count.
The admissions officers at Cornell University know their college more than any other outsider. Surely they do not want to hear praises in the application forms for undergraduate studies. What they want to hear is something else.
That’s why many applicants dread the sight of that question and employ all kinds of tricks and hacks to ace it. The truth is that it takes some research and excellent writing discipline to get through this trial.
Are Your Applying to Cornell but worried about the odds of getting in? Let us help you with the essays! Our expert writers have already helped hundreds of applicants with excellent, custom-written essays. So, contact us now!
What Makes A Great “Why Cornell” Essay
It is hard to draw exact parallels here because writing is subjective. But what we do understand is that different words carry different meanings. A change in perspective or a premise can change the whole tone and outlook of a writing piece for Cornell SC Johnson College.
When it comes to a great “Why Cornell” supplemental essay, aspirants should be aware of what is asked of them. Most of the time, the true answer is given in the question. In this instance, before even thinking about writing the essay prompt, applicants should read and reread the question multiple times.
The admissions committee at Cornell University wants to see how aspirants see their potential future at any school through their writing, such as the College of Human Ecology. It should be on point from all fronts. Anything lesser and the chances to get admission at one of the country’s finest schools go south.
That’s why writers should keep in mind that these are not just some 650 words. It depends on them as they can turn them into gold or earth.
Pitfalls In The Essay
There is no denying that the tough competition during the college admissions process to attend Cornell Engineering can be frustrating. Many bright young scholars apply to multiple schools and each has its own set of requirements including paperwork and so on. At this time, they may find it easy to go the “easy route” when it comes to their undergraduate college essay.
This may seem easy but it will end them at the bottom of the admission pyramid at Cornell University. To their lack of research and attention, many applicants fall into different pitfalls while writing the Cornell supplemental essay prompt. These potential pitfalls are highlighted in the below section for their guidance:
- The lack of connection and clarity between their goals and ambitions and how Cornell will help them in realizing those. This is the most common trap that many applicants fall prey to
- The lack of true interest or having a sense of false pride in being able to apply to Cornell can lead to rejection. The admissions officers want to learn what led the applicants to choose Cornell over another school.
- Writing vague ideas and generic jargon with no definitive intent and purpose, maybe related to Cornell Engineering Community. This also shows those who are responsible for admissions that that applicant is better off without the admission. Certainly, finding and pasting a high-quality piece of writing is not the solution to that
Cornell expects high achievers to research and learns about both their own goals and what the college has to offer to help them in their realization. Anything less than that puts a big question mark on the admission form.
What Makes A Knockout “Why Cornell” Supplemental Essay
Before composing the answer to a supplemental essay, it is best to go through some digging and find concrete points. This is possible when applicants are willing to set aside time and effort for the prompt essay.
In this regard, the following are some of the aspects of Cornell that, when highlighted with personal stories and ambitions, can make a big difference:
- Highlighting the chance to study a specific major or area of research at Cornell. The most common examples are the department of architecture or Cornell SC Johnson College
- Having the desire to study under the faculty of Cornell is a big plus. Applicants can name and specify individuals who have inspired them the most in coming to Cornell University
- The location of Cornell near New York makes it a great place for economic and growth opportunities with plenty of industrial and labor relations
- A chance to enjoy vibrant campus life with people from around the globe
- Cornell alumni include larger life figures who can be a great source of inspiration and catalytic in someone’s decision to apply to that college
It does not matter how or which way applicants spin it, it has to be personal and their own. If they want to detail a struggle, an achievement, or an incident, anything can be alight in connection with Cornell’s College, but it should belong to them!
Top Tips For A Knockout “Why Cornell” Essay
After discussing in detail what should be included in the why Cornell essay example and what should be nipped in the bud, it is time to move further.
Let us go through some of the top tips that will help students compose a knockout essay:
- Personal Story
- Passion for Cornell
- Research & Background
- Proofing & Editing
Personal Story
No matter which aspect of Cornell University or Cornell SC Johnson College an applicant wants to explore in his or her essay, it should be personal. The Cornell application essays should evoke emotions and a sense of belonging among the admissions officers. The essay should become relatable to anyone.
Passion for Cornell
The admissions committee at Cornell wants passion from the applicants to join a school, such as attending Cornell Engineering. They should be excited to join a lively community of scholars who would become leading professionals in their respective fields.
Research & Background
It is great to have a passion for Cornell University. But applicants should do some research before writing the essay prompt. They should check whether their future goals truly align with what Cornell has to offer before learning how to write why Cornell essay.
Proofing & Editing
650 words may not seem much to applicants but these words should reflect the best of them. That’s why it is only prudent that they go through the proofreading and editing steps with the essay. Parents, siblings, and teachers can be helpful in this part.
A Knockout “Why Cornell” Example & How It Is Perfect
Here is an example of a great undergraduate college essay:
Since my childhood, I was torn between different worlds. One was a world of emotions. Everything there was loud and visible. The other world had subtlety in it. You had to look closely at things and determine what was there and what was not.
This continued when I started middle school. There was art and humanities that many don’t care about. But those who do were very devoted to them. Then there was science. It was a miracle of the modern world and those who were supposed to pursue it can become great and famous.
I was torn.
I thought about mixing the two and making a new whole. A whole that could cover all the aspects of art and science. The idea of a poet who is also a scientist; or an author with a degree in Medicine felt so distant yet so exhilarating.
In high school, I was convinced to pursue a line that touches both bases. This led me to opting core science and arts subjects. My friends laughed at the idea and my parents were worried about my grades. I wasn’t worried for either because when you are on your way to excellence, everything else follows.
We had a literary club at school but it was only nominal. I set out to make it a great place where students can write and show off their literary prowess. I found and persuaded students to come to join the club. Later, I changed the literary club to a dream club. That was the beginning of my dream!
It was open to everyone. No matter the major or interests, every student was welcome there to come, create, and show his or her creation to the school.
No one believed in it, at first. Many said that it was not “sustainable”. The coexistence of art and science could be catastrophic to the rigid academic model. But I persisted. Or should I say, we persisted? And it paid off!
During my senior year, we marketed our club and talked with people in the city and online, and shared our vision with them. One of those people was an executive at IBM. He paid us a visit at school and was impressed by how we were creating gadgets like vacuum cleaners, robots, and so on while at the same time we were composing poetry, verses, and talking about the social and economic issues through our weekly papers.
A fortnight later, our school received a call. IBM has offered a $50,000 yearly grant for the dream club. It was surreal. We were completely struck with awe. No one believed in us before. Even though we did not know we could achieve that much, still we did.
Since my graduation, I have researched many schools and colleges and thought about my future stream of studies. The thing is – I want to keep my dream alive. I want to study both science and art and excel in them.
This is where Cornell came into the picture! The Department of Arts & Sciences and Cornell Engineering Community combined is a much bigger picture of what I saw in my dream club. The emphasis on interdisciplinary courses and “multifaceted academic interests” makes it a dream college for me.
That’s why I am forwarding my name as the prime candidate for a vacant seat in the Department of Arts & Sciences. I hope to learn more about the two fields and bridge the gaps between the two in the foreseeable future. Cornell is a natural choice; my only choice to keep the dream alive!
Why It is Perfect
Here is a rundown of the reasons why this essay is perfect:
- It tells a great personal story
- It shows why a specific department at Cornell is perfect for the writer
- It reveals the ambitions and goals in a clear manner
- It exudes passion and respect for Cornell
