What are examples of successful Cornell MBA essays?

Question

Divakshi Arora · Accepted Answer

If you're trying to figure out what makes a strong Cornell MBA essay, here&rsquo;s a real example that worked well. One applicant wrote about leading a local project to improve food access in their area. They organized volunteers and set up a meal delivery system for underserved neighborhoods. The essay showed real results and highlighted their ability to lead and solve problems. What made it effective wasn&rsquo;t just the impact&mdash;it was how the story reflected Johnson&rsquo;s value of using business to drive change. If you're writing your essay, focus on a real story where you made a difference and connect it to what Cornell Johnson stands for.

Shruti T · Answer

One strong Cornell MBA essay was written by an applicant who led a local project to improve food access in their city. They organized a team of volunteers, managed delivery logistics, and set up a system to get meals to people in need. The essay showed real results and highlighted their leadership in solving a tough problem. What made it stand out was how well the story matched Johnson&rsquo;s focus on using business to create positive change. The writing felt honest and down-to-earth&mdash;not overly polished&mdash;while still showing strong values and a clear sense of purpose.