Cornell Human Ecology Supplemental Essay

Hi guys, I'm working on my college applications and applying to Cornell's College of Human Ecology. Can anyone give me some tips or examples for their supplemental essay? I'm struggling a bit with what to write about.

Hello! The Cornell Human Ecology supplemental essay is a great opportunity to showcase your interest in the College and how your experiences and goals align with its values. I understand that getting started can be challenging, so here are some tips and pointers to help you craft an effective essay:

1. Understand the prompt: The College of Human Ecology wants to know about your intellectual interests, and how attending the College of Human Ecology will help you pursue your goals. Make sure to answer both parts of the prompt in your essay.

2. Do your research: Familiarize yourself with the College of Human Ecology's programs, faculty, research opportunities, and clubs. An important thing to know is Human Ecology's emphasis on improving human lives, whether through psychology, design, nutrition, or medicine. Knowing facts about the school will help you better understand what sets the College apart and show how your goals and experiences align with the opportunities available there.

3. Be specific: Use specific examples from your past experiences and interests to illustrate your points. Avoid generic statements like "I want to help people." Instead, delve deeper into your motivation and how your past experiences connect with your future goals within the College of Human Ecology.

For example, if you're passionate about fashion and sustainable development, you could mention a project where you designed and sewed a collection of clothing from thrifted materials. Talk about how this project sparked your interest in combining fashion design with sustainable practices and how Human Ecology's interdisciplinary approach would enable you to explore this further, potentially through a major like Fiber Science and Apparel Design.

4. Show your fit: Explain why you believe the College of Human Ecology is a good fit for you and how its resources will help you achieve your goals. Mention specific faculty members, coursework, research projects, and extracurricular activities that align with your interests and goals, reinforcing your understanding of the College's offerings and demonstrating how you will contribute to the community.

5. Keep it concise and organized: Remember, you are limited to 650 words, so make sure each sentence has a purpose. Use clear paragraphs and transitions to help your readers follow your train of thought.

6. Revise and edit: After writing your first draft, take some time away from the essay before revisiting it. This will help you see it with fresh eyes and catch any errors or areas that need improvement. Finally, be open to feedback from others, as they may offer valuable insights.

Keep these tips in mind as you work on your essay, and you'll be able to craft a thoughtful and engaging response that effectively highlights your fit for the College of Human Ecology. Good luck!