As the 2025 Fall application season approaches, Cornell University's latest supplementary essay topics have been officially released! As a top university, Cornell University supplementary essays not only test students' writing skills but also test their in-depth understanding of the school and the display of their characteristics.

Whether you are a confident applicant or a student who has just started preparing, these new topics will be the key to your standing out. Next, Embark tutors made an in-depth interpretation of Cornell University's 2024 supplementary essay topics to help students show their best selves in their applications and strive for their dream school offers!

Cornell University Essay Topics

As an applicant for the 2025 Fall, no matter which college you choose, you need to answer this question. Focus on each student's unique perspective and way of thinking. Therefore, the key to standing out from many applicants is whether you can show yourself with a novel perspective and unique expression. When writing, you must pay attention to creativity and personality and show unique highlights.

Ø Cornell University Essay Question

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 communities you might choose from are family, school, shared interest, virtual, local, global, and cultural. (350 word limit)

Source: Cornell University official website

Prompts and Advice

The purpose of this question at Cornell is to understand how students grow and shape themselves through the communities they belong to. Emabrk’s advice to students:

1. First, students need to choose a community that has a significant impact on their growth and value formation for in-depth analysis.
2. In the first half, students can talk about their roles and contributions to the community, such as using specific activities, events, or projects to show how they participate in the community, and what they have learned or what changes have occurred through these experiences. Students can start with their own experiences and describe their roles and contributions in a specific community. You can also talk about the knowledge and skills you have learned by participating in certain activities or projects in the community.
3. In the second half, students need to reflect on the impact of these experiences on themselves, how they grew up under the influence of the community, and how these experiences shaped their values, goals, and personality. It is important to show the long-term impact of the community on themselves and how this impact guides their future choices and actions. Students can reflect on how these experiences have shaped their values and personality. You can also discuss in the essay how community experiences have influenced your future goals and actions.

Specified essay topics for each college of Cornell University

Cornell has arranged designated essay topics for different majors and colleges. Students can check the specific essay answer ideas according to the college of their interested major

Currently, the colleges open for application at Cornell include:

1. College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
2. College of Architecture, Art, and Planning
3. College of Arts & Sciences
4. Cornell Jeb E. Brooks School of Public Policy
5. Cornell SC Johnson College of Business
6. College of Engineering
7. College of Human Ecology
8. School of Industrial and Labor Relations

Except for the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and the College of Engineering, which are more special, all other colleges have a mandatory question. Next, let's analyze the designated essay topics for each college step by step.

1. College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

This college includes 1 mandatory question and 1 choice of two.

Ø Required questions

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)

Prompts and Advice：

1. students applying to the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences must be passionate about a major in this college. Now is the time for you to talk about your interest in the major! You can talk about it in combination with academic, extracurricular, or personal unique experiences~
2. you can share any projects, internships, or courses related to your chosen major, and explain how these experiences have prepared you (relevant experiences). And talk about how this major fits into your long-term career plan?

Third, in the second half, we can combine our own interests with Cornell CALS. Through research on Cornell CALS's specific projects, research opportunities, and faculty expertise, find out how the unique characteristics of CALS fit with your interests and goals. What specific CALS laboratories, professors, or projects are your interests? Explain how these academic and research opportunities are consistent with your academic and career goals.

3. you can highlight the resources or extracurricular opportunities provided by CALS and explain how these have enhanced your learning experience and career preparation.

Ø 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)

Prompts and Advice：

1. First of all, this question shows that CALS values students who are passionate about serving the public good. In short, I hope you can choose a specific example to show how you actively participated and brought about positive change.

Because of the word limit, it is very important to choose a concise and powerful specific example. It can be volunteer service, community projects, environmental protection actions, or any experience that can show your influence. Make sure this example can highlight your initiative, leadership, and influence.

2. Next, briefly describe the specific actions you took. Avoid too much background introduction and get straight to the point. The focus is on what you did and how you did it. Then explain what kind of positive impact your actions have had.

This can be quantitative (e.g., number of lives improved) or qualitative (e.g., increased sense of community). Although the word count is limited, try to briefly reflect on your experience and how it shaped your values and inspired your passion to continue serving the public good.

Ultimately, relate to how you hope to continue this impact at CALS.

Ø 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:

1. A primary source of income for my parent/guardian(s) comes from ownership of or employment by an agricultural entity.
2. My extended family owns or operates an agricultural entity.
3. I have experience working in an agricultural entity.
4. I have interest in pursuing a career in an agricultural entity.

Please feel free to share additional details (optional). (100 word limit)

Prompts and Advice：

This essay topic requires you to show your experience in agriculture and the fit with CALS values.

1. clearly state whether you have a background or interest in agriculture. Don't worry if you don't have direct agricultural experience, you can talk about how your interest in agriculture came about.
2. if you have experience working on a farm, ranch, greenhouse, vineyard, etc., describe the work you were involved in. Focus on what skills you learned, what experiences you gained, and how these experiences shaped your passion for agriculture. CALS focuses on agricultural education and the training of the next generation of agricultural workers. Relate your background to the mission and values of CALS. Show your passion for agriculture and your vision for contributing to agricultural development.
3. you can look to the future and discuss how you hope to continue to develop your agricultural interests or background at CALS. You can mention specific courses, projects, or research opportunities and how these resources will help you achieve your academic and career goals.

2.College of Architecture, Art, and Planning

Ø Required questions

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)

Prompts and Advice：

Compared with the College of Agriculture and the College of Engineering, which have multiple topics and fewer words, the remaining colleges all specify a single topic, but the length is longer. The main purpose of this question is: I hope applicants will explore in depth how their interests are directly related to the major of AAP. Students need the opportunity to demonstrate a deep understanding, enthusiasm and suitability for the major.

1. clarify the connection between interests and majors. Whether you choose Architecture, Art, or Urban and Regional Studies, make sure your interests are closely aligned with the core content and goals of your chosen major.
2. answer the ‘why’ question and elaborate on why you chose this specific major. What motivated you? How does this major fit into your long-term career plans and personal values? Then, we need to provide specific examples, such as B.Arch applicants need to describe a specific creative project or passion project that motivates you to pursue a five-year professional degree program. Demonstrate your design thinking, innovative ability, and deep understanding of architecture.
3. show your knowledge of AAP and your understanding and interest in the unique opportunities Cornell offers. And combine it with your academic and career goals.

3.College of Arts & Sciences

Ø Required questions

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)

Prompts and Advice：

Liberal arts colleges are always the most popular because of the wide range of optional majors. So you must take the essay seriously and find a novel angle to stand out.

1. you can describe your passion for learning. This can be demonstrated through specific experiences, hobbies, or personal stories. Emphasize your thirst for knowledge and curiosity.
2. elaborate on your development on the academic path, highlighting key academic experiences and how these experiences have shaped your academic and career goals. Clearly state which areas of study or majors you are most interested in, and explain why these areas attract you. For example, you can talk about specific courses, research areas, and extracurricular activities that interest you. Finally, like the essays for the previous colleges, discuss the academic and career goals you hope to achieve at Cornell College of Arts and Sciences, and how to cleverly combine with some of the unique resources of the college.

4.Cornell Jeb E. Brooks School of Public Policy

Ø Required questions

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)

Prompts and Advice：

We can split this essay into two parts.

1. why did you choose public policy as your major? You need to explore in depth what made you interested in public policy. You can combine your academic background, extracurricular activities, personal experiences or other relevant stories to illustrate your passion for public policy.
2. talk about how Brooks School can help you achieve your life goals. You are required to specifically explain why you choose to study public policy at Brooks School and how it can help you achieve your future career and life goals. You need to combine your understanding of Brooks School and point out what unique resources, courses or professors you can use that fit your future goals.

Think about whether you have relevant courses or research experiences? For example, how have courses such as sociology, political science, and economics inspired your interest in public policy? Have you participated in any relevant clubs, volunteer activities, or internships? How have these experiences deepened your understanding and interest in public policy? Have there been certain personal experiences or events that made you realize the importance of public policy and stimulated your interest in this field? Take these answers and combine them with Brooks School's specific projects, courses, and academic resources (such as internship opportunities, interdisciplinary collaborations, global projects, etc.)? How do these resources help you prepare for your future career?

5.Cornell SC Johnson College of Business

Ø Required questions

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)

Prompts and Advice：

Business school is a popular option, so you should pay extra attention to your essay. The business school topic is divided into three parts.

First, what kind of business student are you? Students need to show your uniqueness by describing your academic, personal or professional characteristics and achievements.

Next, through personal, academic or volunteer/work experiences, explain which topics or issues you care about and explain why they are important to you. Finally, combine some of the resources and characteristics of the business school and talk about how your interests are combined with it.

As an applicant to the business school, the school hopes to see your teamwork, leadership, problem-solving or innovation qualities, which can be expanded from these aspects. In terms of topics of concern, you can break through from the directions of corporate social responsibility, sustainable development, entrepreneurship, international business, hotel management, etc.

6. College of Engineering

This college has a heavy task of writing essays. All applicants need to complete 2 long essays (200 words limit/article) and 4 short essays (100 words limit/article)

Ø Long essay topic 1:

Fundamentally, engineering is the application of math, science, and technology to solve complex problems. Why do you want to study engineering?

Prompts and Advice：

Because of the word limit for each essay, the College of Engineering must use refined language to accurately express the meaning.

1. First of all, regarding academic background, do you have relevant course or project experience? For example, how did courses such as mathematics, physics, and chemistry inspire your interest in engineering? Regarding extracurricular activities, have you participated in relevant clubs, competitions, or internships? How have these experiences deepened your understanding and interest in engineering? If the above examples are too common, you can also talk about your personal experience. Are there any personal experiences or events that made you realize the importance of engineering and stimulated your interest in this field?
2. Next, combine your personal background to explain the importance and appeal of the School of Engineering. For example, the specific problems or challenges you encountered, how these problems were solved through engineering methods; your love of mathematics, science and technology, and how their application in problem solving attracts you; or, how engineering can help you achieve your career goals? What kind of impact do you hope to have on society through engineering?

Ø Long essay topic 2:

Why do you think you would love to study at Cornell Engineering?

Prompts and Advice：

For this question, you can choose the most attractive one from the three perspectives of academic resources, professors and scientific research opportunities, and laboratories and facilities. Think about it, what special courses or projects at Cornell Engineering attract you? How can these resources help you achieve your academic goals? Are there specific professors or research centers that align with your interests and goals? What research projects do you hope to participate in? How do the laboratories, technical facilities or other unique resources of the School of Engineering support your studies?

Ø Short Essay Topic 1:

What brings you joy?

Prompts and Advice：

Admissions officers want to know about your interests and passions outside of academics. You can start with your personal hobbies, family activities, or volunteer services. Then describe how and why this activity makes you happy, and what kind of personality and values you can show through this activity? It doesn't have to be related to engineering. Admissions officers want to see a comprehensive image of you.

Ø Short Essay Topic 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?

Prompts and Advice：

This question is very straightforward. You are expected to answer what unique contributions and perspectives you can bring to the Cornell Engineering community. Note that the perspective must be unique! You can talk about it in combination with personal experience, background, and interests. Within the limited number of words, try to describe the skills, knowledge, or characteristics you can provide as specifically as possible, and how these can play a role in Cornell Engineering.

Ø Short Essay Topic 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.

Prompts and Advice：

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.

Ø Short Essay Topic 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.

Prompts and Advice：

Like the previous topic, this award or achievement must be the most important to you. Briefly describe the background of this award/achievement and how you worked hard for it? Finally, briefly explain its importance to your personal and academic development, and how it motivates you to continue to pursue excellence?

7.College of Human Ecology

Ø Required questions

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)

Prompts and Advice：

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)

8.School of Industrial and Labor Relations

Ø Required questions

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)

Prompts and Advice：

The essay topic of industrial and labor relations requires students to combine specific experiences to explain how you became interested in a certain topic or issue. For example, a volunteer project made you understand the importance of labor rights, or a class made you have a strong interest in labor-capital relations. By describing these experiences in detail, let the admissions officer understand the reasons and motivations behind your interest.

Next, talk about why you think these topics or issues are important on a larger scale. You can discuss their impact on society, fairness, economy, or personal life. If you use specific examples and data to support your point of view, it will make it more convincing~

Finally, describe how you hope to solve or promote the topics/issues you care about in your future career through your studies at ILR. You can also explain how you will apply the knowledge and skills you have learned in the ILR School to contribute to the areas you care about.

In summary, in addition to a more general essay topic that all applicants are required to write, the specific essay topics provided by Cornell based on the different colleges you apply to are also very professional and targeted. It is not easy to think about how to write a 650-word document that is rich, novel and not boring. For schools like the College of Engineering and the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, which use short and concise language to highlight their strengths, students need to think more.

Mastering essay writing skills and the preferences of dream schools is one aspect, but being able to say something meaningful in the essay is the key! If you want to write an essay that has both personal characteristics and can impress admissions officers, participating in high-quality scientific research competitions is a good choice!

Speaking of high-quality scientific research competitions, participating in the world-renowned Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair is a good choice! ISEF sends 40+ contestants to MIT in a year, which is a good help for top American college applications.

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