Cornell Johnson Graduate School of Management (Samuel Curtis)

Essay questions

For 2026-27, applicants write a goals statement and one of two essays:

Goals statement: Name the role, company and industry you want right after the MBA and in 5 to 10 years, then share how you plan to leverage your unique qualities and utilize the resources available to you at Johnson to transition to your immediate post-MBA career goal.

Essay 1, Impact (350 words): At Cornell, our students and alumni share a desire to positively impact the organizations and communities they serve. How do you intend to make a meaningful impact on the Johnson community?

Essay 2, Table of Contents (350 words if written): You are the author of your Life Story. Please create the table of contents for the book in the space provided or upload it as an attachment. A slide presentation or links to existing media are also accepted.

Optional essay (350 words, required for reapplicants): Call attention to items needing clarification or add details that show your potential for success at Johnson.

Essay questions

Personal statement (400 words):
In a concise statement, tell us why you are seeking an MBA. Specifically, what are your short- and long-term career goals? And, how will an MBA earned through an executive MBA program at Cornell University help you achieve your goals?

Leadership (400 words):
Describe your first experience as a leader in a professional setting and your current leadership role. Explain how your first experience in a leadership position influenced your style and how you act as a leader today.

Open-ended (250 words):
What else would you like us to know? Please use this statement to address potential concerns such as gaps in employment or prior academic difficulties. You can also use this statement to highlight any achievements or significant life events that are not included elsewhere in the application.