Johnson (Cornell) MBA Program Guide 2025

Short Answer Use this short answer question to succinctly share your short and long term goals. If invited to interview, you will have the opportunity to elaborate further and should be prepared to connect your prior experience with your future aspirations.

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:


How has your experience prepared and encouraged you to pursue these goals?

Essay 1: Choose One Impact Essay Option: 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)

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

Optional Essay (Required for Reapplicants) You may use this essay to call attention to items needing clarification and to add additional details to any aspects of your application that do not accurately reflect your potential for success at Johnson (350 words maximum).

If you are reapplying for admission, please use this essay to indicate how you have strengthened your application and candidacy since the last time you applied for admission. Please also review our Application Guide for additional information about reapplying (350 words maximum)