<p>Hey guys, I'm applying ED to the College of Arts and Sciences and I'm working on the essay right now... I'm applying undecided though, so it's a little difficult to write about all of my intellectual passions and their evolution, etc. when I'm capped at 500 words... Is anyone else in the same boat? Or has anyone out there written this essay as an undecided major before? Any advice would be appreciated. Also, if there's anyone out there with some experience who'd like the read my first draft, I gladly send it to you.
Here's the prompt for the essay:
"Describe your intellectual interests, their evolution, and what makes them exciting to you. Tell us how you will utilize the academic programs in the College of Arts and Sciences to further explore your interests, intended major, or field of study."</p>
<p>When I applied to CAS, I indicated that I wanted to be an English major, but I was truly undecided. I used my essay to explain all of the academic areas I was interested in - English/journalism, sociology, and Asian studies - and why I thought Cornell was best suited for my interests. If you can pinpoint a few different subjects that you might want to pursue, that should be fine. </p>
<p>Also, remember that you’re not locked into anything. I’m currently planning to major in psychology and minor in Information Science, which isn’t exactly what I wrote in my supplement essay, haha.</p>
<p>Be aware, that your intended major on your application can be changed later. Applying as a major in X and then changing your mind is perfectly acceptable and happens to many/most Arts and Sciences students. (I applied for CS and then decided to do physics.) So, you always have the option of writing your essay about a possible major. </p>
<p>Anyways, you obviously can’t tell your entire life story in 500 words, but you can tell a story in 500 words. Don’t worry if you leave details out. Just try to tell a story about that topic, but don’t include every detail on everything.</p>
<p>Your intended major can be changed in the summer before you even enroll.</p>
<p>If there’s anything you’re even remotely passionate about, even if you aren’t sure about majoring in it, put it down and write about it.</p>
<p>I was going to put chemistry, but I was too lazy to write another essay, so I changed it to bio. lol</p>
<p>Thanks for the advice guys!
Ok, I tried out another essay, this time I focused on possibly being pre-med or pre-dental, but I know you can have any major and have these concentrations, so I left it undecided and talked about why the CAS is a good fit for my undecided major… whereas before I was just all over the place and unspecific…
Would anyone be willing to read what I’ve written and tell me what they think? I’d really appreciate it!!</p>
<p>Pre-med is not a major, and I would strongly discourage writing about it unless you have an extremely convincing essay.</p>
<p>I read a stat somewhere that said Cornell produces more doctors than any other school. Whether it’s valid or not, I’m not sure, but I can say for certain that there are, pardonnez mon fran</p>
<p>Is pre-dental under the umbrella of pre-med? Because I haven’t met anyone here yet that’s pre-dental (compared to 5321635265326 pre-meds and even a couple of pre-vets)</p>
<p>I think pre-med/vet/dent are all rolled up into the same pre-health umbrella. Just that pre-dent or pre-vet is a little (or maybe even considerably) less common.</p>
<p>i would recommend just writing an enthusiastic essay about diverse fields you’re truly interested in to show that you fit in the CAS instead of picking a major you’re not sure you want or one that doesn’t exist at all</p>
<p>I know pre-health sciences aren’t majors, which is why I said I still chose to be undecided but talked about my interest to be pre-med or pre-dental, etc. I spend the majority of my essay talking about how I’d like my major to be non-related to chem or bio, etc. so I could have a balance and explore other subjects, but I wasn’t specific at all… when I tried to be I went way over the word count… I hate the 500 word limit… Is anyone willing to read my draft, please??
Also… would it be a bad idea to pick a major you haven’t had courses in? I was considering economics, but I haven’t had an economics course (yet! I will next semester… before I apply).</p>
<p>The 500 word isn’t very strict, from what i remember. They don’t count, they just eyeball it. So don’t go over around 750, or else it is obvious</p>
<p>Even 750 is probably too much. Keep your essay as close to 500 as possible.</p>
<p>you know economics is just as popular as pre-med lol. Pick a more obscure one.</p>
<p>^dont pick obscure just because it is obscure. admissions officers can easily pick up on forced bs essays. just go for what you are passionate about, even if that is pre med. they cant possibly reject you just because you want econ or bio like a lot of other students. that is a common misconception. and do you really like econ? you see yourself in the health related field so i dont know how it is relevant…</p>
<p>Also, you can use the essay as a time to express excitement about some particular programs in the college. </p>
<p>For instance in my application, I essentially said, I like doing things, and I’ve done some things (list things), but I don’t know exactly what things I want to do in the future. And then I shifted and was all like, but thats exactly why I like cornell, cause the place is so big and has so many programs that I can see myself being interested in (list some) that I know theres a place for me at the university. </p>
<p>If you look at the prompt, you’ll notice that this is basically the essay they are looking for. A sort of where are you going/where have you been sort of deal. They are perfectly aware that a large portion of people in your position don’t know exactly what they want. They just want to be sure you know why you are even applying to the school. If you can convince yourself of this, then you should be able to convince the school.</p>
<p>Good luck! If you need additional help feel free to pm.</p>
<p>Thanks everybody, I really appreciate the help! I think I’ve got my essay… I discussed being interested in med/dental but that the CAS perfect for me because I really I want to explore everything they offer and pick the major that’s really best for me. And honestly, that’s not far from the truth and I feel more comfortable with that than making up an interest.
Again- thanks everyone and I hope to be among you next fall!!!</p>
<p>Best of luck! :)</p>