Cornell University MPS Essays 2024

Key Takeaways:

- Understand the specific essay prompts for Cornell's MPS program and their significance in the application process.

- Learn effective strategies for addressing each essay question, focusing on personal experiences and future goals.

- Gain insights into the key qualities and experiences that Cornell values in prospective MPS students.

- Discover tips for tailoring your essays to highlight your alignment with Cornell's academic philosophy and program objectives.

- Explore common pitfalls to avoid when writing your MPS application essays.

Applying to Cornell University's Master of Professional Studies (MPS) program is an exciting step towards advancing your career in technology and information science. A crucial component of your application is the essay section, where you have the opportunity to showcase your unique experiences, aspirations, and fit for the program. This guide will provide you with valuable insights into crafting compelling Cornell University MPS essays that resonate with Cornell's admissions committee, helping you stand out in a competitive applicant pool.

Cornell University MPS Essays 2024-25

Cornell University MPS essays highlight the school's unique qualities, including its immersive, innovative, and international approach. As part of the Cornell SC Johnson College of Business, students benefit from exceptional academics, faculty expertise, and a supportive learning community. Located in Ithaca, New York, Cornell's picturesque campus provides a vibrant environment and access to numerous networking opportunities, enhancing both your personal and professional growth.

The Master of Professional Studies (MPS) in Management from the Samuel Curtis Johnson Graduate School of Management at Cornell University offers rigorous academics combined with real-world learning experiences. This program, tailored for students with undergraduate degrees in non-business areas, allows you to align your studies with your professional interests, as emphasized in the Cornell University MPS essays.

Cornell MPS SOP

The MPS program at Cornell requires applicants to submit a Statement of Purpose, Personal Statement, and Supplemental Essays. These components help the Admissions Committee understand your background, aspirations, character, and personal goals. Here are the key elements you need to include:

This one- or two-page statement states your reasons for undertaking graduate work and explains your academic interests, including their relation to your undergraduate study and professional goals. Include your full name and your proposed field of study at the top of every page.

In addition to a Statement of Purpose, candidates to the MPS in Management program are asked to complete two required supplemental essays. Each supplemental essay has a 100-word limit. Please follow the same formatting suggestions.

Tips and Guidelines

• Reflect on your academic, professional, and personal background. Identify key experiences and achievements relevant to your field of study.
• Detail your undergraduate studies, including major, relevant courses, and projects. Explain how these have prepared you for a graduate degree.
• Highlight relevant professional experiences, roles, and responsibilities. Discuss the skills and knowledge gained from these experiences.
• Clearly state your reasons for pursuing a graduate degree in management. This can include any skill gaps you want to bridge through the Cornell MIM program.
• Define your short-term and long-term career goals and how the Cornell CEMS MIM program will help you achieve them.
• Research the program thoroughly, including courses, faculty, resources, and opportunities. Identify specific aspects of the program that align with your goals.

Cornell MPS Sample Answer

Since my childhood, I’ve believed in challenging myself to develop holistically. I was hence motivated to excel in academics and ended up graduating with one of the highest GPAs my school has ever seen. I similarly fostered an interest in dance and decided to co-found a traditional dance club that serves over 40 people, aiming to increase the cultural and ethnic awareness of the local community. Nevertheless, founding my own business, which employs over 20 people, has been the most inspiring challenge of my life so far. I now wish to challenge myself and develop my managerial understanding and believe that the MPS in Management from Cornell is the best place for me to do that.

Growing up in an agricultural household in rural India, I have directly worked in the field since the age of 6 to help my family make ends meet. We often used to wake up early morning to collect the tobacco leaves, skip nights of sleep to irrigate the fields, and push through weather adversities to save the plants from withering. This taught me the value of hard work and collaboration at a young age. Furthermore, by taking part in the negotiations with the wholesalers for the sale of our produce I gained imminent exposure to the business world. Besides learning more about sales and trade, I realized that though some people don’t work as hard as others, they work smarter and hence profit more. Even though the family business was doing well, I saw that there were many things we could improve in the business side as well as in the technical side. I hence took up the Industrial Management and Technology degree, from one of the best schools of my country. By this time, I had also delved into discussions about business with my family and other entrepreneurs, which fostered a passion in me to create my own business in the future, so that I can directly create value. I felt that this degree would compel my mind to work in diverse ways and strengthen my imagination.

Through courses such as financial management, operations research, and supply chain management, I gained a basic theoretical understanding of business, which later helped me start my business. The courses were very insightful and inspired me to pursue a deeper understanding, but they were not paired with projects and hence the practical takeaways were reduced. I wished to apply the skills learned from my undergraduate degree in a practical context and hence started looking for internships. I found a role that I liked in a bank and I used all my available time learning about this role. I even signed up for an open-day event of the company. Even though I was not able to bag the selective internship, I gained immense exposure in here and the business culture of the big companies. I even impressed one of the employees who recommended me for the position. Undeterred by this setback, to compensate for my lack of practicing my skills I took up part-time jobs such as cold calling and ticket sales for a travel agency. These jobs enhanced my interpersonal and communication skills, my persuasion skills as well as my marketing abilities.

After graduating with honors, first of my class with one of the highest GPA (9.18/10) my school has seen in the last 10 consecutive years, I noticed the opportunity to start a business and create an impact. Taking into consideration many factors, I decided to go ahead with the almond business because it was the most sustainable option offered, and it fitted the profile of my family and the demands of the local market. I created a business plan and persuaded my family to chip in, even though they were reluctant to invest amidst the recession. Using the strategy skills developed in school, I devised a plan of investment that would bring in more investment and give us the boost we needed. My family put up their savings to start the process, and in the following year, I was able to manage the foundation of the business. After covering the requirements for a funding application, I presented a strong business pitch, and. bagged INR 2000000, which was quickly reinvested in machinery for our processing unit. To make the most out of the business, I constantly devised different plans to acquire land, researched for the best varieties of trees that would fit the plan, read books on almond production, and designed innovative irrigation and draining, besides efficiently managing the business. I, alongside my sisters who are my business partners, collected our old machinery and fixed it ourselves, allowing us to operate on the fields without spending excessive amounts of capital on new machinery in this early stage of operation. We are planning to vertically integrate the business, which will own the production as well as the wholesale and retail branches of the supply chain. In 5 years I am planning to get into the almond milk industry and in 10 years I am hoping to ally with other almond producers to launch a campaign with the aim of substituting the relatively unhealthy cow milk with almond milk. However, I lack the in-depth understanding of business principles and understanding of different industries that is required to reach these goals and create a sustainable business. I also noticed that I lack some knowledge of finance and marketing, which was exemplified when I was trying to create a valuation for my business as well as drafting offline and social media strategies. 

Through the MPS in Management course from Cornell, I can bridge my gap of knowledge, and achieve my goals. Cornell’s innovative curriculum includes courses such as ‘The Management Communication’ which will help me manage negotiations for future alliances and conversations with stakeholders and the Managerial Economics course which will hone my strategy skills and help me tap new markets to expand my business further. Furthermore, I hope to participate in The Cornell Entrepreneurship Club and the Entrepreneurship and Venture Capital Club, to share my ideas and get useful open-minded feedback. After gaining a detailed understanding of the core disciples of management, I plan to work as an analyst for a consultancy firm for 3-4 years to learn more about different industries and organizational problems faced by different types of companies in different situations as well as hone my problem-solving skills and client management skills, which I have realized are essential for running any business. In fact, the Cornell alumni network could also help me build connections with people from different companies and industries, and help me bag that elusive first consulting role. With the newfound knowledge attained from this experience, I wish to apply the principles to my business and take it to new heights.

I truly believe Cornell is the best possible school to help me achieve my goals. Cornell has this unique model of entrepreneurship, which inspires students of all different disciplines to be self-starters and even create their own businesses. In fact, I believe Cornell is the best school to learn about entrepreneurship in the agricultural sector as the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, the very foundation of Cornell University, has produced over 278 new varieties of fruits and vegetables. I hope to discuss more about my business plan based on enhanced varieties of almond trees with distinguished professors and Cornell alumni and gain insights from them.

Ezra Cornell found an institution where any person can find instruction in any study. Cornell is the only Ivy League school that harbors this egalitarian vision. Cornell admits the best of the best but is unique in recognizing that some people who come from weak, diverse backgrounds have the talent and ambition, but have weaknesses in their profile that can be explained by their lack of resources as they were growing up. Cornell started as a farm, where students toiled in the fields as I toiled in the tobacco family business at first. In this egalitarian culture of Cornell, I identify myself and believe that Cornell is the only school that can truly recognize my personality and capability and can provide me with the tools to prove that Ezra Cornell was right in investing in people like me.

Check out the questions & more details at Cornell- How to Apply | Cornell MIM

Supplemental Question 1 (required):

“In graduate business school, much of the learning takes place in teams. Tell us specifically what qualities you will bring to the program that will enhance the learning of your classmates.”  (100)

Tips Guidelines

• The question seeks to understand what unique qualities you will contribute to team-based learning at the business school. Reflect on your strengths, skills, and experiences that are relevant to collaborative learning environments.
• Think about qualities such as leadership, communication, collaboration, problem-solving, and diversity of experience. Choose qualities that are not only your strengths but are also impactful in a team setting.
• Use specific examples from your past experiences to illustrate these qualities. Focus on how these qualities have positively impacted your previous teams or group work.

Cornell MPS Sample Answer

During a fashion show where I was functioning as part of a team of 12 people, we had to adapt rapidly to an unexpected surge of attendees. Our team's adaptability shone through as we put together a group to verify identities at the entrance. When an unforeseen issue arose backstage, obstructing the models' preparation, we swiftly communicated the situation to those causing the issue. These experiences have specified my ability to think on the spot and solve problems effectively, qualities that are essential for group learning in a graduate business environment.

Supplemental Question 2 (required):

“Please describe a recent goal you have accomplished or challenge you have overcome outside the realm of academics, and describe what lessons you have learned from that experience.”

Tips and Guidelines

• This question is looking for a specific recent goal or challenge outside of academics that you have accomplished or overcome. The focus should be on the lessons learned from the experience.
• Select a recent and significant goal or challenge that had a meaningful impact on you. Ensure it is outside the academic realm, such as personal, professional, or extracurricular experiences.
• Clearly describe the goal or challenge. Briefly outline the steps you took to achieve or overcome it.
• Emphasize the key lessons you learned from the experience. Reflect on how these lessons have influenced your personal or professional growth.

Cornell MPS Sample Answer

To support animal welfare, I organized a city-wide pet adoption drive. Leading a team of 50 volunteers, we collaborated with local shelters and businesses. Without any initial funding, we secured sponsorships through persistent outreach efforts. We held multiple planning meetings and partnered with local media for promotion. The event saw over 300 attendees, resulting in 75 pets finding new homes. This experience taught me the power of community, effective communication, and the impact of dedicated teamwork.

Supplemental Question 3 (optional):

Although not required, you are invited to submit a short statement with additional details regarding your candidacy to the MPS in Management. (100 words)

Tips and Guidelines

• This is an optional statement to provide any additional details that can enhance your candidacy. It should complement, not repeat, information from your main personal statement.
• Consider what unique or additional information you can provide. Think about aspects not covered in your personal statement that highlight your strengths, experiences, or motivations.
  Use this space to address any potential gaps or weaknesses in your application. Highlight any unique experiences, skills, or attributes that make you a strong candidate.

Cornell MPS Sample Answer

Acting has taught me to communicate effectively. I have completed 4 professional acting courses and acted in 10 videos in the last 2 years, covering various social topics. The goal has been to generate awareness through social media and we were able to reach thousands of people which in turn increased the footfall for the events conducted considerably.

In a bid to drive change, I applied for the position of President of our University Council, and through a strong presentation of previous experiences, I went on to become the youngest president, and the only UG student ever to be elected.

Cornell MPS Personal Statement

Please describe (within 300-500 words) how your background and experiences influenced your decision and ability to pursue a graduate degree. Additionally, provide insights into your potential to contribute to a community of inclusion, belonging, and respect where scholars representing diverse backgrounds, perspectives, abilities, and experiences can learn and work productively and positively together.

Tips and Guidelines

• Identify key experiences from your academic, professional, and personal life. Think about how these experiences have influenced your decision to pursue a graduate degree.
• Be clear about why you want to pursue a graduate degree. Discuss your short-term and long-term goals and how the Cornell MIM program will help you achieve them.
• Research the Cornell MIM program thoroughly. Identify specific courses, faculty, resources, or opportunities that align with your goals.
• Think about your experiences with diversity and inclusion. Identify examples where you have promoted or experienced a sense of belonging and respect.
• Think about how you can contribute to the Cornell community. Identify specific initiatives, clubs, or activities where you can make a difference.

Cornell MPS Sample Answer

Reading John Brooks' book "BUSINESS ADVENTURES" introduced me to the chaotic nature of market disruptions, unanticipated challenges, and the exhilarating shifts that fuel innovation. My fascination embodies my zeal for learning and my intent to thrive in the dynamic world of business. This passion led me to pursue my bachelor's in business administration, specializing in retail.

As I studied business communication, marketing, and supply chain management parallelly, I was also intrigued by India's dynamic retail sector. So, I co-founded "EcoTrend Market," an e-commerce venture, and sold approximately 650 t-shirts featuring local films. Despite a strong start, intense competition and challenges in supplier reliability and quality control led to our closure after eight months. This experience taught me the importance of understanding pricing strategies, product positioning, and consumer preferences in business.

With this realization, I joined Aukiaa Footwear as a Strategy and Operations Associate to gain experience in labor management, negotiations, and market research to improve efficiency. However, the company's lack of funds overshadowed its commitment to sustainable practices. Then, I joined NexGen Techworks in Hyderabad as an AlML Annotation Associate to improve the performance and craft new guidelines for localized enhancements. However, I found my role monotonous and inhibited my imagination, prompting an earlier departure than expected.

After witnessing disorganization among small manufacturers in cities including Srinagar and Madurai, I initiated a six-member team, ABHR, to boost the sustainability of the clothing business. We launched the first collection, leveraging Adobe, CAD, and unique digital avatars, which was a success during the early stage. Later, challenges arose when two designers left, leading to slow operations and reduced funding, ultimately leading to closure.

However, I realize that I lack skills in organizational behavior and management. A master's degree will help me understand how design methodologies affect organizations and employees.

My short-term goal is to be a product manager in Palantir and Nvidia. I aim to understand the company's mission, improve its global image, and optimize traditional supply chains through sustainable practices. I also want to tackle challenges, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and improve delivery efficiency.

My long-term goal is to hold a leadership position like Global Supply Chain Head at Amazon Robotics or SAP and build tools that remove obstacles to transparency, with a focus on the Indian culture. I can develop tech solutions that streamline operations by understanding user and business needs. Analyzing supply chains and coordinating data processing will help create a better societal impact.

Cornell's MPS program perfectly matches my ambitions. Its mix of theory, hands-on experience, and emphasis on tech and entrepreneurship excites me. Subjects like Management Communication and Sustainability Strategies will equip me for success. Excited for Prof. Wesley Sine's classes on social entrepreneurship, global business, and tech management - they align with my interests.

Cornell Tech's commitment to inclusivity resonates with me. I see myself engaging in the Sustainable Global Enterprise Club, networking with alumni, and utilizing resources. This program will provide essential skills and connect me with innovative individuals.

Visit official program page for more- Cornell MPS

Cornell MPS AEM & CEMS MIM - Take Your Business Education Global

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Conclusion

Crafting compelling Cornell University MPS essays requires applicants to clearly articulate their objectives, highlight relevant experiences, and demonstrate their passion for management. Thorough research on faculty and program offerings and showcasing one's unique perspectives and cultural understanding is crucial. By following these tips, applicants, including Indian students, can create a persuasive application that reflects their suitability for the Cornell MPS program and their potential to contribute to its diverse and dynamic community, making it one of the best MIM colleges in the USA.