Cornell MBA Application Guide

Cornell Johnson looks for MBA applicants with:

• Outstanding academic credentials and a commitment to academic excellence
• A resume that outlines notable professional accomplishments
• Thoughtful application essays that communicate the candidate’s fit and potential contributions as a community member
• Competitive standardized test scores (GMAT or GRE)
• The desire to make a positive impact
• The ability to clearly communicate their career goals and the role Cornell Johnson will play in the process

Transcripts

• Transcripts should be provided for all completed coursework along with proof of graduation from a bachelor’s degree program
• Candidates with a previous MBA degree are eligible to apply. Candidates should use the optional essay to explain their reasons for pursuing a second MBA
• A separate transcript for coursework completed abroad is not required so long as the courses of study and grades received are listed on the transcript(s) from the candidate’s degree-granting institution
• Candidates may apply for admission using unofficial or official documentation. Official transcripts will be required prior to enrolment
• Some students can qualify for certain courses’ exemption by providing certificates from professional designations (such as the CPA or CFA)

GMAT/GRE requirements:

• Cornell MBA accepts both GMAT or GRE scores. MBA applicants providing a valid GMAT or GRE score can upload a score report as part of their application
• There is no minimum GMAT or GRE score requirement for Cornell’s residential MBA program. However, the middle 80% of Cornell MBA’s applicants submit GMAT scores between 660 and 760. GRE equivalencies are comparable
• Both GMAT Focus and GMAT 10th Edition test results are accepted
• Cornell MBA will use and evaluate the exam with the highest total score

English language proficiency requirements

• All candidates applying for the Two-Year MBA program are required to show their proficiency in the English language. This can be achieved through citizenship, the completion of a previous academic degree, or by taking an English language proficiency test such as the TOEFL or IELTS.
• For entry into the residential MBA program at Cornell Johnson, the admissions committee seeks applicants who report at least 100 Internet-based TOEFL (with a minimum score of 25 in each section) or 7.0 band score IELTS (with a minimum score of 7.0 in the speaking and writing modules)
• Cornell MBA will not accept TOEFL MyBest scores and will not superscore bands within the TOEFL

While full-time work experience is not a prerequisite for application, most students typically have between two to five years of full-time employment before they join. Johnson is open to considering a limited number of exceptional candidates who have less than one year of full-time experience. As is standard for MBA applications, the resume must be limited to one page. Applicants are encouraged to refer to the official Johnson Resume Template.

Applicants to the Two-Year MBA program must complete a Goals Statement as well as one of two required essay prompts.

Goals Statement:

A statement of your goals will begin a conversation that will last throughout the admissions process and guide your steps during the MBA program and experience. To the best of your understanding today, please share your short and long term goals by completing the following sentences and answering the enclosed short answer question (350 words maximum):

Immediately post-MBA, my goal is to work as a(n) [Role] at [Company] within [Industry].

• Targeted Job Role:
• Target Job Company:
• Industry:

In 5–10 years post-MBA, my goal is to work as a(n) [Role] at [Company] within [Industry].

• Targeted Job Role:
• Target Job Company:
• Industry:

Please share how you plan to utilize the resources available to you at Johnson as well as any existing resources you bring to the program to help you secure your post-MBA career goal.
If you’re invited to interview, you will have the opportunity to elaborate on your statement further, and you should be prepared to connect your prior experience with your future aspirations.

• Cornell Johnson’s straightforward method for gathering information about candidates’ professional aspirations highlights their preference for clear and concise responses. The prompt indicates that if you reach the interview stage, you’ll have a chance to elaborate, emphasising the importance of sticking to the facts in your initial submission.
• The mini essay prompt regarding your targeted offerings at Cornell MBA and your existing resources suggests that the admissions committee seeks context for your goals and a clear rationale for your application to their program.
• In your 350-word response, focus on showcasing your strengths and assets that will aid your career ambitions, while also explaining how the MBA experience at Cornell Johnson will help bridge any gaps. Centre your discussion on the unique offerings of the Cornell Johnson MBA and how they will facilitate your journey toward your goals. Invest time in exploring the school’s curriculum, specialised programs, and extracurricular opportunities by connecting with alumni or current students, or by using resources available on the Johnson website. This effort will help you establish meaningful and specific links.
• A compelling answer will demonstrate that you have researched the requirements for your goals, understand your current position on that path, and recognise how an MBA from Cornell Johnson will propel you forward.

Inclusive Impact:

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? (350 words maximum)

• In previous years, the Admissions Committee has urged candidates to connect with students, alumni, faculty, and staff. Building these relationships can enhance your application by demonstrating how these interactions have shaped your ability to contribute positively to the Cornell Johnson community. Reflect on aspects of the Johnson community that resonate with you and identify how your past experiences align with these elements. Including one or two specific examples (100-150 words) that showcase your skills and potential for making a positive impact will strengthen your narrative.
• The focus is not on past achievements but on the impact you plan to have within the Cornell Johnson community. Engaging with current students, alumni, and the broader MBA network is essential for crafting a compelling essay. If you haven’t started these connections yet, now is the time to do so.
• Go beyond the school’s promotional content to gain a deeper understanding of the Johnson MBA experience. Explore press releases, news articles, and student blogs, and watch videos on the Cornell Johnson YouTube channel. Use the insights you gather to reinforce your decision to pursue an MBA at Cornell Johnson and articulate how you envision making a meaningful contribution to the school.
• The sense of belonging at Johnson extends beyond graduation, and the admissions committee may be interested in your long-term vision for impact. If space allows, conclude your essay by sharing your post-MBA aspirations and how you plan to continue contributing to the community.

 The Unique Trait that Defines Me: What is something unique about you that others will remember you by? (350 words maximum)

• This is your opportunity to share your identity with the Admissions Committee. Focus on a specific trait that sets you apart, as the prompt emphasises “The Unique Trait that Defines Me.” To pinpoint the best trait, create a list of your notable qualities and seek feedback from friends and family, who may highlight attributes you overlook but that others appreciate.
• Choose the characteristic that truly represents who you are today and connects with the values and offerings of Johnson’s culture and community. It’s essential to select a trait that aligns with the Johnson MBA experience, demonstrating to the Admissions Committee that you will be a valuable addition to their community while also bringing your unique perspective.
• Whenever possible, enhance your essay by sharing a brief story that illustrates your chosen trait. This narrative approach will help the admissions reader visualise how you can contribute your distinctiveness to Johnson, making your essay more impactful and memorable.

A single letter of recommendation is mandatory, although candidates have the option to provide up to two for the committee’s consideration. It is advisable for candidates to request recommendations from individuals who can effectively assess their professional, leadership, and intellectual abilities. The most valuable insights come from those who can confidently discuss the candidate’s leadership qualities, maturity, teamwork, analytical prowess, and interpersonal skills. Suitable recommenders might include a current supervisor, a colleague, a client, or a previous supervisor.

Recommenders will receive an email invitation to fill out the letter of recommendation online through the Common Letter of Recommendation. It is advisable for the recommender to download the template and fill it out offline before pasting the responses into Cornell’s invitation email.

Candidates who progress in the admissions process will be invited for interviews. These invitations will be sent via email after a preliminary assessment of their application materials. To be considered for admission to the Two-Year MBA program, candidates are required to complete an admissions interview.

Interviews can take place either in person in Ithaca, NY, or through Zoom. The Admissions Committee does not favour one format over the other, and opting for a Zoom interview will not adversely affect the candidate’s evaluation.

Cornell MBA recommends that candidates arrange their admissions interview within a week of receiving their invitation. All interviews must be scheduled and completed by the deadline associated with the application round.

Admissions interviews are conducted by professional staff from the admissions and MBA programs, as well as trained second-year MBA students who are part of the Johnson Admissions Group (JAG). Each interview is assessed on an equal basis, regardless of who conducts it.