What should I write in the Cornell MBA Back of the Resume essay?
Asked by A.D Singh about 1 month ago
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’s not in the rest of your application. One applicant wrote about coaching youth soccer in an underserved neighbourhood—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—what drives you, what you care about, or how you’ve grown. You don’t need to mention Cornell here—it’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.
MS in Computer Science Student at University of Oxford
In Cornell’s “Back of the Resume” essay, the focus is on personal qualities, not school fit. Here’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—reflect who you are at your core
- Include unique hobbies: From hiking solo trails to restoring vintage bikes—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—this is your chance to connect as a person, not a résumé.
Use this space to reveal what admissions might not learn elsewhere in your application. That’s exactly what it’s for.