<p>I will be applying to CALS come fall and I have been writing supplements for a few weeks now. The prompt asks us to write how our interests or experiences have helped us pick our major. I wrote about the lifetime passions that are related to my major, where they've been evident in recent years and how I've always sought out more information on the topics due to an insatiable curiosity. There is a bit of humor present as well. I know, vague, but I don't want anyone on here to steal ideas..</p>
<p>So basically, for this supplement are they mainly JUST looking for what the prompt states? I see others posting about how their supplement essays include why the school would be the best fit for them, where I focused on why the major itself would be the best fit and what I hope to accomplish with the education. I apologize if there's any confusion here, I'm just afraid I'm not going broad enough! </p>
<p>@purpleroan I would say yes, make sure to recognize the college/specific school/program that your applying to and give them insight on why you think it would help you pursue your career. If you know actual ‘specifics’ about the program than that would be something great for you to develop on, kinda showing your level of interest to that one school(whereas they might think its just another school that your applying to).
For example, im applying to different design/art schools but have kinda made a list of the different qualities each school has to offer in terms of the ‘way’ that art is taught. Mainly through reading about the experiences of many alumni from different schools. </p>
<p>I disagree with the post above. This essay is suppose to be about your interests and how they have influenced you. So while it may be a good thing to indirectly say your major through a story, it may not be a good idea to say “I’m Jim and I’m applying to … and this is why I want to do…” because the college already knows that. Especially with a college like CALS which is very major specific because they already assume that you are passionate about what you are applying to- don’t restate what they already know. Think outside the box and try to come up with stories that directed your interests. </p>
<p>Best of luck with the application! If all goes well, maybe with will both be attending CALS next fall (ED ftw)</p>
<p>I think that relating your knowledge of the school/program you’re applying to to your life’s goals is a good thing. Obviously you wouldn’t just flat out say “Hello, I’m applying to CALS because it’s my dream school and I’m passionate about horses (or whatever ).” Integrate your knowledge of CALS into your story so it is apparent that CALS at Cornell is the only place that would allow you to achieve your academic and professional goals. </p>
<p>@superdub my guess is that you have to select which college within Cornell you’re applying to before the supplemental for that college will show up</p>
<p>@thegrant thank you for your advice! by specifics, do you mean perhaps mention certain research opportunities? courses that are offered that I could bring up, and how I would excel in them in order to further my goals?</p>
<p>@T41997 thank you for your advice as well! however, I’m a bit confused… you state “they already assume that you are passionate about what you are applying to- don’t restate what they already know.” Does that imply to not re-state your actual major or the passions in your life that led you to the major? Wishing you the best of luck this fall (: I’ll be applying ED too…hopefully will be chatting with you about good news come december!</p>
<p>@shockastrike83 thank you!! So, I suppose I’ll ask you like i did above…do you mean perhaps mention certain research opportunities? courses that are offered that I could bring up, and how I would excel in them in order to further my goals (in order to display knowledge of schools specifics)? I actually have written a few around horses haha. One includes a collection of small moments from the past 8 years with horses that eventually led me to realize the perfect career for me. I personally think it all sounds smooth and creative, but I’m a bit worried about the span of time it covers…</p>
<p>@superdub , @Ranza123 is right! there is a school-specific part that comes up after you’ve picked your college (:</p>
).” Integrate your knowledge of CALS into your story so it is apparent that CALS at Cornell is the only place that would allow you to achieve your academic and professional goals. </p>