S3E13: The Best Approach to the Cornell Supplement (2024)

In this episode of the "Admittedly" podcast, host Thomas Caleel explores the Cornell supplement essay, which asks applicants to discuss a community that is meaningful to them. With a 350-word limit, Thomas offers guidance on how to effectively narrow down your focus and craft a compelling narrative that reflects your personal identity and how it will shape your experience at Cornell.

Summary of Key Points:

1. Selecting the Right Community: Cornell's essay invites you to discuss a community that is significant to you. Thomas advises selecting one or two key communities to focus on, ensuring your essay remains concise and impactful within the 350-word limit.

2. Personalizing Your Community: It's essential to define your chosen community not just in general terms but in a way that highlights its unique significance to you. Thomas emphasizes the importance of discussing how this community has influenced your life, your perspective, and your journey to this point.

3. Connecting to Cornell: Thomas encourages applicants to tie their community experience to their future at Cornell, whether through academic pursuits, campus activities, or clubs. Demonstrating how your background will inform your contributions to the Cornell community is key to a successful essay.

4. Understanding the Prompt: Cornell provides a broad definition of community, encompassing family, school, shared interests, virtual spaces, and more. Thomas reminds listeners to read the prompt carefully, as it reveals what the university values and seeks in its applicants.

5. Bringing Your Experience to Life: Your essay should reflect both the positive and negative aspects of your community experience, showcasing how these experiences have shaped you. Thomas advises being honest and introspective, as this will help convey a more authentic and relatable narrative.

The Cornell supplement is an opportunity to share a meaningful aspect of your identity and how it will influence your contributions at Cornell. By following Thomas Caleel’s advice, applicants can craft a focused, personal, and impactful essay that resonates with admissions officers.

For more insights and tips on college admissions, follow @admittedlypodcast on TikTok and Instagram.