What should I write in the Cornell MBA Back of the Resume essay?

Question

Divakshi Arora · Accepted Answer

The "Back of the Resume" Cornell MBA essay is your chance to show what makes you you, beyond your job titles and GPA. Use it to share a personal story, experience, or side of yourself that&rsquo;s not in the rest of your application. One applicant wrote about coaching youth soccer in an underserved neighbourhood&mdash;showing empathy, mentorship, and commitment to impact. Another shared how being a first-gen college student shaped their values. The goal is to show depth&mdash;what drives you, what you care about, or how you&rsquo;ve grown. You don&rsquo;t need to mention Cornell here&mdash;it&rsquo;s about authenticity and life outside the office. For tips and strong examples, check out this  blog on writing the Cornell MBA "Back of the Resume" essay.

Shruti T · Answer

In Cornell&rsquo;s &ldquo;Back of the Resume&rdquo; essay, the focus is on personal qualities, not school fit. Here&rsquo;s what works well:

Share a life experience: Grew up moving across countries? Cared for a sibling? Share how it shaped you.
Show values in action: Volunteering, caregiving, building community&mdash;reflect who you are at your core
Include unique hobbies: From hiking solo trails to restoring vintage bikes&mdash;quirky passions show curiosity and drive.
Highlight personal growth: Did you bounce back from a failure or push past fear? Cornell values resilience
Be real: No need to impress&mdash;this is your chance to connect as a person, not a r&eacute;sum&eacute;.

Use this space to reveal what admissions might not learn elsewhere in your application. That&rsquo;s exactly what it&rsquo;s for.