Hello college applicants,
In this blog post I will share my Cornell accepted essays and give you tips and advice on how to write essays that will get you accepted to your dream school.
If you'd like to read all of my college essays and get high yield advice that will get you into your dream school, you can read all of them for free here - accepted1.substack.com
Cornell University Writing Supplement
Writing Questions
Arts and Sciences Response
“No way!” I stammered. I stood there in my monogrammed lab coat, holding a euthanized mouse that, seemingly, refused to accept its death: it tossed and turned violently as its autonomic nervous system continued to fire off signals.
The poor creature was born lacking the vital Sox11 gene in its cortical cells, thus becoming an unwitting ally in my quest to learn more about brain development. Over the next week, I stained the tissue samples with fluorescent antibodies and visualized the cell structure under a microscope. The event was unforgettable—and yet a typical experience during last summer's 8-week internship at Georgetown University’s Donoghue Neuroscience Laboratory.
The brain genuinely intrigues me. I am astonished that sublime emotional experiences and great intellectual pursuits are all rooted in the simple firing of neurotransmitters and tidbits of DNA. With access to transgenic technology at my internship, I could help map the very program that makes us conscious. I advanced my lab’s evolutionary mapping project by comparing mouse and frog neuronal morphology. I was thrilled when the American Academy of Neurology recognized my research among the top 15 neuroscience projects in the country.
My curiosity continued far beyond my enriching internship. At science fairs, I met experts who critiqued my procedures and cross-examined my knowledge of neuroscience, which encouraged me to keep reading primary- source articles from my mentor’s neuroscience reading list.
Actually, my final project begged more enticing questions, such as: How can experience itself strengthen the signaling power of the synapse? Which proteins in the nervous system respond to injury? I hope to continue researching the answers at Cornell under renowned experts such as Professor Elizabeth Adkins-Regan and Professor Christiane Linster.
Cornell’s College of Arts and Sciences is the perfect venue for me to pursue and refine neuroscience research endeavors. I want to major in biology with a concentration in Neurobiology and Behavior (NBB). I am excited by the Department of Neurobiology and Behavior’s creative teaching method that combines lectures, group learning, and independent research. On that note, two courses that interest me are “Principles of Neurophysiology” (BIONB 4910) and “Modeling Behavioral Evolution” (BIONB 4220) particularly because they encourage class dialogue on latest neurobiological research developments and in-depth analysis of research papers. Outside of academics, I would love to partake in community outreach efforts such as the Everyday Neuroscience! Program lead by the Society for Neuroscience. I would also actively participate and contribute to Cornell’s student-run scientific journal Synpase.
I’m equally interested in Cornell’s unique liberal arts approach that emphasizes discovery and creativity. Last year, I watched Professor Nima Arkani-Hamed’s lecture on the Morality of Fundamental Physics on Youtube to better understand a debate topic, and I was amazed by how interesting he made the complex material and how his questions forced me to contemplate the broader ramifications of scientific advancements. Through debate, I’ve read numerous books by philosophers such as David Hume, Immanuel Kant, and John Locke, and I’ve learned the importance of clearly articulating philosophical ramifications of scientific experiments to a layman. As such, I want to minor in philosophy at Cornell. Neuroscience and philosophy give rise to numerous questions such as the source of consciousness and the possibility of a human soul, questions I would enjoy positing to Professor Laurent Dubreuil or Professor Derk Pereboom.
Finally, the vibrant student body’s unbridled enthusiasm about school culture would make my college experience exciting. The Cornell Speech and Debate Society would provide an excellent opportunity to enhance my debate skills. An avid dancer who has performed at Indian weddings in front of hundreds of people, I would enjoy being part of Cornell Sitara. My friends at Cornell from my high school who told me that the faculty always make themselves available to students during free time, which fosters a relaxed and productive environment. At Cornell, I know that for my next four years, I will find my place both academically and culturally.
Breakdown, Analysis, & Tips
In crafting my Cornell application essay, I aimed to weave together my personal experiences and academic aspirations to paint a comprehensive picture of my fit and enthusiasm for Cornell University. The essay opens with an engaging anecdote from my internship at Georgetown University’s Donoghue Neuroscience Laboratory. This narrative not only captures a memorable and defining moment in my research journey but also serves to immediately draw the reader into my world of scientific inquiry and discovery.
The description of my hands-on research experience was designed to showcase my ability to engage deeply with complex neuroscience topics and to handle real-world laboratory challenges. By detailing the specific nature of my research and the recognition it received, I intended to highlight my commitment to the field of neuroscience and my capability to contribute meaningfully to Cornell’s research community.
As I transitioned from recounting my internship experiences to discussing my academic future at Cornell, I meticulously mentioned specific courses, professors, and research opportunities that aligned with my interests. This was a strategic choice to demonstrate my thorough understanding of what Cornell offers and how it directly connects to my academic goals. The inclusion of specific courses like “Principles of Neurophysiology” and “Modeling Behavioral Evolution” was intended to show my proactive approach to my education and my eagerness to engage with Cornell’s curriculum.
Additionally, I made it a point to integrate my extracurricular interests, such as debate and dance, to illustrate my well-rounded character. Mentioning my involvement in activities like Cornell’s Speech and Debate Society and Sitara not only highlighted my diverse interests but also underscored my potential to contribute to campus life beyond the academic sphere.
However, upon reflection, I recognize that the integration of my interest in philosophy could have been more seamless. I could have better articulated how the philosophical underpinnings of neuroscience influence my approach to the subject and my broader academic inquiries. This would have enriched the narrative by providing a deeper insight into how I merge diverse disciplines in my educational pursuit.
Overall, the essay was designed to present a narrative that was both intellectually engaging and personally authentic. I aimed to not just list my achievements and qualifications, but to tell a story that reflected my unique perspective and aspirations. By closely aligning my narrative with the opportunities at Cornell, I sought to make a compelling case for why I would be an excellent fit for the university.
This reflective analysis not only reaffirms the strategic decisions I made while writing the essay but also provides a critical evaluation of areas where I could have improved, offering valuable insights for future academic and professional applications.
Conclusion
In conclusion, crafting a compelling college application essay involves more than just listing accomplishments and academic interests—it requires a thoughtful integration of personal experiences with specific institutional offerings. My essay for Cornell University aimed to do just this, weaving together a narrative that demonstrated both my passion for neuroscience and my readiness to actively engage with the university's academic and extracurricular resources.
Through this reflective analysis, I've highlighted the strategic choices that made my essay successful, such as the vivid opening anecdote, the detailed discussion of academic and extracurricular interests, and the personalization of my future plans at Cornell. I've also acknowledged areas for improvement, which remind me (and hopefully other aspiring college students) of the importance of seamless integration of interdisciplinary interests and deeper personal reflection.
I hope sharing my essay and its analysis helps illuminate the path for future applicants striving to articulate their unique stories and academic dreams. Remember, a well-crafted essay is not just about showcasing what you have done, but also about expressing your enthusiasm and fit for the opportunities that lie ahead. Good luck to all future college applicants in crafting essays that resonate with admissions committees and pave the way to your dream schools!
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