The Cornell Tech MBA program is a two-year degree focused on technology innovation and entrepreneurship. Given its focus, the admissions essays play a significant role in evaluating applicants beyond just grades and test scores. Applicants are evaluated on their fit for the program culture and potential to contribute unique perspectives and experiences.
The application requires three essays: the Required Essay, the Innovation Spark Essay, and the Optional Essay. Strong submissions will demonstrate passion for tech and creativity, convey a clear understanding of the program, and highlight relevant experiences that set the applicant apart. With word limits of 650-700 words each, applicants have the space to showcase their writing abilities and story in a compelling manner.
The Required Essay provides a general introduction to who you are and why you are a strong candidate. It asks “Please share with the Admissions Committee your background, interests, and why you are applying to Cornell Tech and believe that you would be a strong fit for the program.” This is a chance to give an overview of your qualifications while tying them back to the program’s mission.
Some tips for the Required Essay include emphasizing any technology experience through work, projects, or studies. Providing specific examples shows passion and knowledge beyond just stating interests. Give context for personal or professional experiences to demonstrate growth and versatility. Highlight transferable skills from past roles that are valued at Cornell Tech like creativity, collaboration, leadership, and problem-solving. Connect experiences to the program elements that appeal most like the entrepreneurial focus, unique curriculum, and New York City location. Show self-awareness of strengths and areas to develop further. Maintain a clear narrative structure and use concise, compelling writing.
The Innovation Spark Essay focuses on creativity and entrepreneurship. It prompts “Describe an original idea you have had that expresses your interest in innovation and technology entrepreneurship. How would you develop this idea into a viable business/venture/project? What challenges or obstacles might you encounter and how might you address them?” This allows applicants the freedom to present any innovative concept.
For this essay, think big but be realistic. Demonstrate deep thought into turning an idea into reality whether through business models, development plans, target customers or user testing. Outline concrete next steps and address potential roadblocks proactively instead of hypothetically. Referencing technical specifications is acceptable if explained accessibly. While concepts do not need to be fully formed businesses, they should feel grounded and inspired. Reviewers want to see an entrepreneurial mindset through creative problem-solving applied to a compelling solution.
The final Optional Essay is unprompted, allowing applicants to provide any additional context the previous essays did not cover. This 500-650 word essay can expand on individual experiences, shed light on background details, or address areas of concern in the application such as low grades or testing that do not reflect full potential.
Some examples of how the Optional Essay can strengthen a candidacy include explaining unique circumstances like career gaps, discussing noteworthy responsibilities or accomplishments not already mentioned, speaking to personal growth or setbacks overcome, emphasizing specific program fit factors, describing meaningful community involvement, or expanding on cultural or geographic diversity one brings to Cornell Tech’s mission of inclusion. It should not rehash content already covered; find an angle to genuinely add value to their evaluation.
In all three essays, strong writing mechanics and staying true to the word limits are baseline expectations. Beyond this, a few traits that separate strong applicants include authenticity, clarity, passion, and creativity. Reviewers are not just evaluating experiences and qualifications, but also the capacity for leadership, collaboration, and out-of-the-box thinking valued within the Cornell Tech community. Presenting diverse perspectives, having insight into challenges faced by underrepresented groups in tech and proposing realistic solutions shows initiative reviewers appreciate.
Some general tips applicable across all three essays include having others proofread, ensuring topics and tone feel consistent, utilizing specific examples and anecdotes from personal or professional life, and tying experiences back to how it has shaped applicant as an innovator and leader. Most importantly, applicants should select essay topics they feel genuinely excited about and shine through their unique voice and story. If reviewers get a strong sense of fit and potential through vividly portrayed qualities, it significantly enhances candidacy for admission.
In summarizing, the Cornell Tech essays provide ample opportunity for applicants to highlight their technological passion and entrepreneurial spirit beyond academics. With compelling storytelling applied to thoughtful responses tailored towards the program, they can differentiate themselves as strong candidates aligned with Cornell Tech’s culture of multidisciplinary collaboration and world-changing innovation. Those who authentically convey a clear vision, problem-solving mindset and fit for the community through rich experiences and insights stand the best chance of success.
Andrew Stroud