Supplemental essays · 2026–27 application
Cornell University supplemental essays.
All 10 essay questions Cornell University asks this year, word for word, with the word limits and how to approach each one.
Checked against admissions.cornell.edu on October 17, 2026
What you write: Answer the prompts for the Cornell college you're applying to.
Each Cornell college sets its own essay. Arts & Sciences, CALS, Human Ecology and Engineering are here; the others (AAP, Brooks, Dyson, Nolan, ILR) are coming. Your exact prompts show in the Common App once you pick a college.
Arts & Sciences
At the College of Arts and Sciences, your education is yours to shape. Describe an intellectual passion, question, or idea that has captured your attention—whether it emerges from your studies or extends beyond your coursework. What specific aspects of our liberal arts curriculum would you draw on to explore and connect your varied interests?
College of Arts and Sciences applicants.
How to approach it
- Start with the moment the interest began.
- Show what you’ve already done about it: a class, a project, a book, a job.
- Say where you want to take it, even if you’re not sure yet.
CALS: your major
What interests you about the major you selected? Tell us about experiences (both in and outside of the classroom), questions, and goals that influenced your choice.
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences applicants answer both CALS prompts.
How to approach it
- Start with the moment the interest began.
- Show what you’ve already done about it: a class, a project, a book, a job.
- Say where you want to take it, even if you’re not sure yet.
CALS: why CALS
What draws you to Cornell’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS)? Reflect on the learning, community, or impact opportunities that matter most to you, and share how they align with Cornell CALS (as you understand it currently).
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences applicants.
How to approach it
- Name things you could only find at this college: a class, a professor, a program, a tradition.
- Tie every detail to something true about you.
- Swap test: if another college’s name fits your sentence, it’s too general.
Human Ecology
Think about an extracurricular/community engagement/work experience that most closely connects you to the CHE mission and your intended choice of major. Tell us what that experience taught you about your broader community and its needs, and the impact you can make. How will your intended CHE major help you make that impact?
College of Human Ecology applicants. The prompt opens with the college's mission: preparing students to respond to human needs.
How to approach it
- Say plainly what the community is.
- Show your place in it with one real scene.
- End with what you’d bring to campus.
Engineering: why engineering
Fundamentally, engineering is the application of math, science, and technology to solve complex problems. Why do you want to study engineering?
Duffield Engineering applicants answer both essays and all four short answers.
How to approach it
- Start with the moment the interest began.
- Show what you’ve already done about it: a class, a project, a book, a job.
- Say where you want to take it, even if you’re not sure yet.
Engineering: why Duffield
Why do you think you would love to study at Duffield Engineering?
Duffield Engineering applicants.
How to approach it
- Name things you could only find at this college: a class, a professor, a program, a tradition.
- Tie every detail to something true about you.
- Swap test: if another college’s name fits your sentence, it’s too general.
Engineering: what brings you joy
What brings you joy?
Duffield Engineering applicants.
How to approach it
- Every word counts. Cut warm-up phrases like “I believe that”.
- Specific beats impressive: a real song, a real food, a real place.
- It’s fine to be funny if that’s you.
Engineering: your contribution
What do you believe you will contribute to the Duffield Engineering community beyond what you've already detailed in your application? What unique voice will you bring?
Duffield Engineering applicants.
How to approach it
- Say plainly what the community is.
- Show your place in it with one real scene.
- End with what you’d bring to campus.
Engineering: a meaningful activity
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.
Duffield Engineering applicants.
How to approach it
- Pick one activity, not your whole resume.
- Show one moment of what you actually did.
- Say why it matters to you, not only what it is.
Engineering: an achievement
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.
Duffield Engineering applicants.
How to approach it
- Every word counts. Cut warm-up phrases like “I believe that”.
- Specific beats impressive: a real song, a real food, a real place.
- It’s fine to be funny if that’s you.
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