What to write in a "why Cornell" essay?

I’m apply to Cornell University and after talking with one of the admission coaches I think that I have a real chance of getting in, but I’m getting stuck on the essays.

I don’t know what to for the “why do you choose Cornell” besides saying that it is an Ivy League school that also has a highly ranked Computer Science program. Does anyone have any advice they can give me? Or maybe you can give me a link to an example essay.

P.S. Please don’t just say “If you want to go to Cornell then you should already have researched the university”. I didn’t think I had a chance of getting in until recently and I need some help so that I can submit the application in time.

So the deadline for applying for Fall 2015 entry has passed so you must be applying for next year?

You have plenty of time… Applications for next year aren’t due for well… Another year. Look up specific classes, and reasons why Cornell is better for you than any other ivy.

What is an “admission coach”?

  1. I'm a transfer student who is applying for the Fall of 2015 (Application Due March 15th)
  2. An "admission coach" is one of those people who talk to you at the end of a college tour and discusses why the schools is a good fit for you.
  3. If you don't have any actually advice you don't need to post anything, the reason I asked was because I am having writers block.

No one can give u solid advice if they don’t understand the details of your situation. U did not mention in your opening post that u are a transfer student, so the request for clarification in post#1 was a valid question.

Admission coach" is not a usual term. The admissions people will always say encouraging things, so don’t read too much into it.

So, what you’re basically asking for is for someone to tell u what to write.

If u took a college tour and still can’t articulate something specific u observed w your own eyes about the school, which appeals to u, then i’m afraid no one can help u.

Umm, I wouldn’t be rude to the people who are trying to help you. You’re not entitled to any advice, and honestly, you SHOULD know what you want to write for your transfer essay if you’re applying there. “Give [me] a link to an example essay”, give * me * a break.

Does the “Yemen” in your username refer to the country, as in you’re an international? Because you should know that the acceptance rate for internationals, let alone internationals who are applying as transfer students, is astronomically lower than the overall acceptance rate.

If the only thing you can write about Cornell CS is that a.) it’s an Ivy League program and b.) well-regarded, then you might as well not even apply. I’m sorry if I’m coming off as harsh, and I know it’s probably not what you want to hear, but your lack of knowledge about the schools you’re interested in and unpleasant attitude aren’t going to help you in the long run.

Good luck!

My planned major is Economics with either a double major in Spanish or just a minor. I wrote a creative story about how I tutored this kid from Chile one time in math in fluent Spanish. I explained how it sparked an interest in me in Spanish and utilizing the language with different disciplines. I then said how cornells A&S would allow me to major in both, and how they also have a great study abroad program which would aid my Spanish studies as well. The point is…make it personal!! they read a million of those applications, and you want yours to be different and unique, not just a regular run of the mill why Cornell essay.

The bottom line is that no one on CC can tell you what to write about. If you don’t know what to write about “Why Cornell?”, then you need to regroup and do some soul searching as to why you want to go to Cornell in the first place. What is it about the programs that intrigue you? How will you make a contribution to the campus community? Etc etc…

Why would you say in your post: <"P.S. Please don’t just say “If you want to go to Cornell then you should already have researched the university”>, because this is the FIRST thing that most serious prospective students do when considering a certain college. They read the course catalog, scour the website for info about the program. All of this knowledge helps to solidify your decision and it can spark the start to a good essay.

Cornell receives thousands of applications, so it’s best to let your true voice and passions come through. Best of luck.

Here is an article on class of '18 profile http://news.cornell.edu/stories/2014/03/diversity-increases-new-freshman-class

So besides the fact that Cornell has a good CS program, you’re applying for the prestige and because your stats make you think you have a better shot?

The fact of the matter is, Cornell is a reach for everyone. Those admissions reps sit in their offices and read boring, sludgy essays about how people want to go because of the prestige/honor. Sure, I could have applied to Harvard if I wanted to, but I had no desire to go there and nothing specific that drew me in. Cornell is the only Ivy I like because I have a more personal connection with it than I do with other Ivies like Penn, Dartmouth, Brown, Yale etc.

The Why Cornell? essay is basically the same as answering the question in your head. What draws you? Why THAT school? If you could go to any other school but you choose that one, they want to know why. Make it personal. About you. Your passions, your goals…No one can do that for you and no example can help you create the perfect essay. The essay is only perfect if it’s genuine, not the other way around.

I’m going to ignore all the ragging on you (which is and isn’t warranted) and answer the question. I’m also going to ignore your post script. Really go back to research: what makes you think Cornell’s computer science is better than other programs, aside from just its prestige. If you can’t think of specifics, at least go to the department’s website: it takes almost no effort and you can learn a lot about more specific programs, facilities, courses etc. If you can take it a step forward, try to relate your own personal experience to the details you’ve found from your research. The essay is about how YOU will fit into the A&S environment: unlike the personal statement, however, this essay is not just personal essay, it’s partly that but also partly like a school assignment. Honestly though, you have an internet connection at least use that.