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Been wondering how to ace your Cornell interview? Keep reading to learn about Cornell interview questions!
You got a top rank GPA, extracurriculars from rowing to varsity football, and you’ve aced the SAT. Now, all that’s left is to make a lasting first impression at your Cornell interview. Knowing what to expect during your interview and what to talk about can help you with this critical final step.
While students generally feel anxious about college interviews, there’s no need to get worked up. The interview is meant not only for schools to learn more about you, but also for you to get a sense of the education and experience they provide. This article will discuss what kinds of questions you can expect, and what the best ways to prepare are.
Read on to learn about Cornell interview questions
Knowing how to prepare for the Cornell interview is an important step in the admissions process. This is especially true for students interested in Architecture or Art, where they’ll be required to have work from their portfolio to show and talk about.
To prepare for the Cornell University admissions interview, try to break it down into several steps, so you have a mental framework of what you’ll talk about. Having general points, an idea of how to present yourself, and an overall structure to the conversation can lower your anxiety when the time comes for the actual interview itself.
After your interview, ensure that you send your interviewer a thank you email to show appreciation!
To start, consider general questions about yourself as a person. This could include topics such as what subjects excite you in school, what your background is like, and any personal interests such as hobbies or extracurriculars you may have.
Rather than give a simple and straightforward reply, it might be a good idea to unpack your answer to help the interviewer better understand you. Instead of just stating your interest or favorite subject, try to communicate why it’s important to you and the impact it has had on you.
If you’re still lost, consider making a high school resume and springboarding from there.
Here’s an example to help illustrate this point. If you were asked a question about your favorite high school classes, you might give an answer like this:
“I’ve always been pretty outdoorsy and fascinated by nature, so I loved learning about biology, specifically food chains and ecosystems. I think we can learn a lot from nature and how the natural world operates! Learning about it in class has made me really curious about the plants and wildlife that I see in my backyard or on hikes.”
Along with job interviews, interviewing for Cornell will most likely entail a specific example of personal growth. Remember, these types of answers need not be directly about academia.
In fact, showing you’re a well-rounded person with outside commitments and obligations can demonstrate important student qualities, such as time management, emotional resilience, and tenacity.
If there were any instances in your personal life where you faced an obstacle, and overcame it, this can give some perspective as to how you handle challenging situations and persevere through difficult times.
Afterwards, you can discuss how the situation helped you grow as a person, and gain any skill set for success for Cornell.
Here’s an example answer for you to take a look at:
“I love playing soccer, and I really wanted to join the team. But my skills weren’t where they needed to be, and I didn’t make the roster in my freshman year. I knew that if I wanted to make the team the next year, I was going to have to really work at it, especially on my dribbling and ball control skills. So I set up a dribbling course in my backyard, watched a bunch of YouTube videos, asked my friends on the team to give me some tips, and practiced every day after school. I made the team the next year! It really helped me learn that dedication and motivation can really make a difference. Plus, I got to learn some time management skills since I needed to keep my grades up while still practicing soccer.”
Finally, your direction after Cornell will likely come up. Having a robust alumni network and successful graduates is something any post-secondary institution prides itself on.
A conversation about how Cornell’s program will benefit you and equip you with tools to succeed on your future journey can bring reassurance to the department that you’re not interested in the school for the wrong reasons.
Having a clear post-college plan enables you to come across as more certain of yourself and more likely to benefit from an education from Cornell. Take a look at the example answer below:
“I plan on attending law school after my undergrad and becoming an immigration lawyer. I think that majoring in international studies will help provide me with the skills to succeed in law school and beyond. I’m also interested in Cornell’s Study Abroad programs, as I think that will also help to prepare me well to interact with immigrants from other cultures.”
Another area to keep in mind is your interest in Cornell as a school. Admissions ambassadors want to get a feeling and sense of why their school is right for you. This is where doing research beforehand can really help out.
In our webinar on how to answer “Why This College?”, admissions expert Darryl Tiggle offers the following advice:
“They understand that, because of freedom of choice and because there are so many great schools out there, that you might be applying to more than one, or two, or five colleges. So to enable them to understand that you’ve really done the research and have been able to ascertain why you’re a good match for that place academically and personally… that specificity is key.”
Perhaps you found a unique club or student organization that you like, or there are special alumni that give you inspiration. Whatever the case may be, having a clear answer as to why the school interests you is an important step in getting accepted to Cornell. Here’s an example:
“I really appreciate Cornell’s approach to applied learning. As a practical, hands-on learner myself, I think I’ll thrive in the learning environment that Cornell offers. I also appreciate the flexibility and diversity of programs at Cornell since I’m eager to explore my interests in college and take a variety of elective courses.”
Now, this is probably the section when interviewing for Cornell you’ll feel most comfortable with, which is why it’s important to really think through what to study in college. Also, don’t forget to do some college research to come up with good questions to ask during the interview.
For those interested in Architecture or Arts, make sure you can give information on your pieces. Discussing their creation process and any influences that may have inspired them is always a good idea. Having a favorite artist or architect can also illuminate your direction as a student.
When applying to the Urban and Regional Planning program, you can give insight into your views by talking about specific locations that implement effective design and land usage principles.
For example, here’s how you might talk about the AAP program at Cornell:
“I’ve always been fascinated by architecture, and the AAP program feels like the perfect place for me to pursue that passion! I love Roman architecture, and I’ve always wanted to see it in person, so the Cornell in Rome program really calls to me.”
Our experts have put together a ton of college admission cheat sheets, including one on interviews! You can download the sheet now to get some insider tips on college interviews and how to ace them.
Only students applying to the College of Architecture, Art, and Planning need to be concerned with Cornell University admission interviews. If you’re interested in architecture, then the interview will be mandatory.
For those applying to art or urban and regional planning, an interview is highly advised but not officially required. Students will start by scheduling a virtual interview with a Cornell faculty member or alumni near their home.
Regular decision applicants must request an interview by December 9th and complete it by January 2nd. For early decision applicants, the dates are October 20th for requests and November 1st for completion.
Students will bring samples of their work if applicable and can generally expect some questions about themselves, their area of interest, and their choice of applying to Cornell. A formal portfolio isn’t required, but relevant samples of your artwork are suggested.
If you cannot complete an interview for any reason, you must complete an interview essay. You’re encouraged to discuss things that are important to you as well as why you’re interested in the program you’re applying for at Cornell.
To get the most out of your Cornell Interview, it can be helpful to go through some common Cornell interview questions and answers. These examples will help you with the Cornell alumni admission interview questions.
Potential Answer: “I have a longstanding interest in art therapy. Seeing how visual input can have a healing or therapeutic effect on individuals makes me want to get involved with artistic creation and practices. Being able to use creative skills to aid a community or improve someone’s living conditions is something I feel passionate about.”
For this question, you can lead the Cornell interviewer through any interests you have. For urban planning, you can consider discussing how you find group behavior intriguing and relating it back to social sciences as a whole.
If you’re applying to the architecture or art program, you could talk about your interest in seeing how different cultures establish and progress through artistic movements.
Keep in mind that your interests actually don’t need to be related to the discipline you’re applying to. Being a diverse candidate with broad interests and values can set you apart. If you have experience in tech or programming, for example, there are a lot of creative fields making use of computer-based approaches to art.
Potential Answer: “Cornell has an established Urban and Regional Planning program. It’s important for me to be surrounded by peers that are very involved with their discipline and this is something Cornell has to offer. I hope to establish a network and connections that will enable me to rise with my colleagues and contribute to future city planning.”
The best way to answer this question is by mentioning something about Cornell specifically that appeals to you. Whether it’s the unique program structure or eclectic student body, it’s important to reassure your interviewer that there are legitimate reasons why you want to attend Cornell instead of any other school. Perhaps you feel the Cornell Alumni Association can help you in your future career.
Remember that during your interview you’re essentially trying to communicate why you’re more deserving of a spot in your program than other students. To convince the interviewer why it makes sense for you to be admitted, you should show them how Cornell-specific resources will benefit you.
Potential Answer: “This architect served as a creative foundation for this piece. Her use of structure and open plan residential design was something that I made sure to implement in my work. With careful planning, this blueprint addresses isolation and loneliness with thoughtful maneuvering.”
Here’s where you can really highlight your trajectory as an artist while interviewing for Cornell. Rather than giving a vague answer, consider talking about the planning stages for your piece. If there were influences that motivated you to take your art in a certain direction, talk about that.
Maybe there were problems with the piece on its first rendition. Show how you interpreted what aspects weren’t working and what steps you took to make your piece more effective and presentable. Communicating the personhood and personality behind your work can add life and authenticity to your projects.
While you won’t be asked about portfolio pieces if you’re applying to the Urban and Regional Planning department, that doesn’t mean you can’t talk about ideas or considerations you’ve thought through in relation to regional planning.
If you have political or environmental interests, you could discuss how you feel these should influence regional planning in the future during your Cornell interview. Perhaps you feel there’s an overarching social or psychological impact on communities and individuals.
Explaining how you could address different societal issues in relation to regional planning can give you credibility, as well as show critical thinking and problem solving skills.
Potential Answer: “Effectively overseeing many research projects concurrently demands a methodical strategy for organizing and prioritizing tasks. My typical approach begins with understanding the extent, goals, and timeframes for each project. This enables me to establish task priorities based on their level of urgency and significance. Additionally, I use project management tools to monitor advancement, establish crucial milestone reminders, and optimize resource allocation.”
Reflect on your experience and approach to managing multiple projects. Describe your task prioritization methods, utilization of organizational tools, and delegation when the situation warrants it. Emphasize instances where your adept multitasking resulted in successful project accomplishments.
Showcase your capacity to sustain concentration and uphold quality standards across all projects, demonstrating your adaptability and robust problem-solving skills.
Potential Answer: “I envision the possibility of pursuing an advanced degree after completing my undergraduate studies, but I'm not entirely certain about this decision just yet. I anticipate gaining more clarity about my higher education goals as I progress through my program.”
If faced with this question, it's perfectly acceptable to acknowledge that you're currently uncertain. However, if you are indeed planning to attend graduate school, feel free to mention it in your response.
Potential Answer: “My aspiration for my first year in college is to enhance my understanding of applied mathematics and excel in my political science courses, aiming to achieve top scores. I believe that accomplishing these objectives will contribute to the refinement of my critical and creative thinking skills.”
This question is designed so that admissions can understand what your goals are and if you’re a good fit for the school. You should answer by mentioning what your goals are and how you plan on achieving them.
Since the only program that requires an interview is the Architecture Art Planning Department, students applying to Cornell AAP will need to prepare for program-specific questions in their evaluative interviews. Here are some questions that you may be asked:
The interview evaluation form for the Art interview states that Cornell is looking for “evidence of conceptual thought and technical ability.” Try to demonstrate your creative mind and skills through your interview answers.
These Cornell queries will help you ace your interview! For some further tips on how to get into Cornell, check out the short video below!
If you have any additional questions regarding the Cornell interview, see below for some of our most commonly asked questions.
No, only those applying to the College of Architecture, Art, and Planning can get an interview. Architecture students will require a personal interview, while art and urban and regional studies students are highly advised to book one, despite it not being mandatory in their case.
Cornell interviews are evaluative and can certainly increase your chances of admission. Not only is it an opportunity for you to learn more about the school and program, but it can also be a chance to show some of your sample work. Also, you can use it to address any underlying questions you may have.
Every applicant to the architecture program must be interviewed to be considered. While Cornell doesn’t release interview statistics for students applying to the Department of Art or Urban and Regional studies, it can be assumed to be fairly high given it is strongly recommended and the appointment is made early enough.
Be sure to keep in mind when decisions come out.
Although Cornell doesn’t specify an exact length for interviews to students applying to these three programs, they can generally be expected to be in line with other Ivy League interviews at approximately half an hour and be more open-ended than, say, a job interview.
Getting an interview can make or break your application. For students applying to the College of Architecture, Art, and Planning, the interview is a large factor when it comes to admissions and is necessary for architecture students.
It also helps you understand the program a bit better, and gives you the ability to ask any relevant questions about the school and department.
Getting an interview at Cornell is an important step in their application process. Even though most students aren’t able to get an interview, anyone applying to the Department of Architecture, Art and Planning needs to take them into consideration.
Bringing your sample pieces and being able to communicate your personal background and interest in the school not only help you gain insight into the program, but demonstrate to the interviewer why you’d be a good fit for Cornell.
With careful planning and review of sample Cornell interview questions, you can ace your Cornell interview and make the admissions committee eager to have you as a future alumni.
If you’re wondering whether you’ll get into Cornell, whether you have an interview or not, we can provide some clarity! Give our quiz a try to determine your chances of getting accepted.
