Cornell Essay Prompt 2 (2026-2027)
Cornell University's supplemental essay 2 of 15 for the 2026-2027 application: the prompt, the limit, when it is due, and how to answer it. Verified on August 7, 2026.
“What interests you about the major you selected? Tell us about experiences (both in and outside of the classroom), questions, and goals that influenced your choice.”
Limit: 350 words. Deadlines: Early Decision: November 1, 2026. Regular Decision: January 2, 2027.
What Cornell is really asking
What experiences, questions, and goals led to this major?
The mistake most applicants make
Describing the major.
Do this instead
One experience in class, one outside, one question they left you with, one goal. Keep the chain visible.
How to spend 350 words
350 words leaves room for a scene and a reflection. Open inside the moment rather than before it, spend most of the words on what happened and what you noticed, and keep the "what it means" to the final third.
How to start
Jim starts by asking you: “What experience outside school pushed you toward this major?” Answer it with Jim, free →
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What is the Cornell essay 2 prompt for 2026-2027?
"What interests you about the major you selected? Tell us about experiences (both in and outside of the classroom), questions, and goals that influenced your choice." The limit is 350 words.
How long should the Cornell essay 2 be?
350 words. 350 words leaves room for a scene and a reflection. Open inside the moment rather than before it, spend most of the words on what happened and what you noticed, and keep the "what it means" to the final third.
When is the Cornell essay due?
With the application: Early Decision: November 1, 2026. Regular Decision: January 2, 2027.
Can Jim help me write the Cornell essay?
Yes. Jim, the AlphaApply.ai counselor, has every Cornell prompt and deadline loaded. He asks the questions that surface your story and gives feedback on each draft. He never writes it for you. Free to start.
The other Cornell prompts
Prompt and limit for 2026-2027, verified on August 7, 2026. Always confirm on Cornell University's official admissions site before submitting.