sample admission essay

In the list of notable universities in the United States, Cornell University ranks as one of the top educational institutions, priding itself for its notable history, distinctive educational programs, and upheld ideals. Its contributions to the overall educational experiences of a student body of various races and backgrounds have made Cornell a historic university that has not only built a foundation on the classic educational field, but has also forged new paths and opportunities for eager minds. Cornell is part of the Ivy League .

History of Cornell University

Founded in 1868 , Cornell built its first foundations on the farm of founder Ezra Cornell . With Cornell’s endowment of half a million dollars, construction of the University on the area of little Ithaca, New York began. Additional aid was received through the Merrill Act , which allocated public land solely for educational institutions.

The University’s first President was co-founder Andrew Dickson White , who was also instrumental in seeking scholars that would compose the faculty.

Cornell University quickly established itself as a pioneer institution, being the first in the country to provide education centered on hotel administration, veterinary medicine, and labor relations, along with the classic educational programs. It also presented the country’s first doctorate degrees in electrical engineering and industrial engineering, signifying the level of attention it gave to industry-related education.

The institution’s reputation of being of distinctive and egalitarian ideals during its inception was further pushed forward when it presented a degree to its first female graduate in 1873, and another to its first African-American graduate in 1897.

Today, Cornell offers over 4,000 courses to a student body of nearly 20,000 individuals, from more than 100 countries. It has an overall faculty composed of 2,588 educators, both national and international.

An Institution of Notable Prestige

Cornell University has received numerous commendations from a vast number of notable educational authorities.

Washington Monthly’s 2007 college rankings placed the university in the #7 spot, with an overall score of 71 out of 100.

In its 2007 list of 100 best North and Latin American universities, the Academic Rankings of World Universities gave Cornell the #10 spot in the national universities, and #12 among the international institutions.

A study by the Princeton Review also revealed the university to be the ninth most considered by high school students and parents as a “dream college”, with the considerations based on both admission standards, and costs.

Famous Alumni

Cornell’s list of alumni, considered “Cornellians,” includes an extensive list of Nobel awardees, including Robert F. Furchgott (Physiology and Medicine, 1998), Douglas Osheroff (Physics, 1996), Robert W. Fogel (Economics, 1993), and Toni Morrison (Literature, 1993).

Other notable Cornellians include Joyce Brothers, psychologist and author; Dean Arthur, former U.S. Ambassador to Korea; Ruth Bader Ginsburg , U.S. Supreme Court Justice; Bill Maher, comedian and author; Sidney Kingsley, author and playwright; and E.B. White, author of Charlotte’s Web and Stuart Little.

Application Procedures

Undergraduate programs are available for high school graduates, and students who have enrolled and completed courses in other institutions.

Documents required for submission include a filled-out Common Application form, a copy of either the final high school or college transcript, whichever is applicable, official SAT test scores, if available, and the completed current Financial Aid form for those interested in applying.

An interview may be either encouraged or required, depending on the field.

The University also offers Graduate programs for students with either a baccalaureate degree, or the equivalent for students with credits from foreign institutions.

Only one application form will be accepted per student, and those who were not offered application are encouraged to request for a reevaluation. Unsolicited documents such as theses, award certificates, and other similar documents will not be entertained without a given approval by the field of study.

Deadlines for applications may vary, depending on the field.

Applicants of either undergraduate or graduate programs are required to pay the $70 application fee.

Additional Information

Undergraduate Admissions Office
410 Thurston Ave.
Cornell University
Ithaca, NY 14850-2488

Website: admissions.cornell.edu

Telephone: (607) 255-5241
Fax: (607) 254-5175
Email: admissions@cornell.edu

Office hours are from 8 am to 10 pm, Monday through Friday, and 8 am to 5 pm on Saturdays.

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