<p>I am applying to Cornell for the third time. I was rejected once out of HS and once for transfer.</p>
<p>I've decided to take a new approach to the essays and wanted to see what others think of it. Cornell requires the Common App essay and the specific supplement "Why Cornell?" essay.</p>
<p>As I am applying to the ILR school within Cornell, I will make the "Why Cornell" essay very ILR-specific, discussing the many opportunities and advantages of the ILR education. I know that this is the preferred approach, since the admissions told that to me, and most successful candidates do just that.</p>
<p>I have already finished the Common App essay, and am very satisfied with it, but I want to make sure that what I'm doing will not be held against me. As I've noted, I've applied to nine schools out of HS and three for transfer, but at the end of it all, I am convinced that Cornell is where I truly want to be. I discuss how I have re-evaluated myself and grown throughout the application processes, my general reasons for transferring, and the many things about I love about Cornell. However, beyond simply mentioning that I am convinced that Cornell is right for me (which is a fair thing to do - it shows admissions that I'm only applying to one school and has been done by successful candidates before) I discuss the Cornell community and my experience with the school in depth. On one hand, I avoid trashing my current school and focus on the positives of what I seek (specifically in Cornell). However, I do not wish to mess with the guidelines. Is it OK for me to discuss the social benefits of Cornell (diversity, campus, school pride & philosophy, etc...) specifically in my Common App essay and focus on the ILR academics in the "Why Cornell" essay?</p>