Cornell Johnson Business School

Full-time MBA Essays and Deadlines 2025-2026

Essay Prompts

Short Answer

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. (350 words) 

Essay 1: Choose One

Applicants should choose and respond to one prompt.

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) s.

Unique Trait That Defines Me Option: What is something unique about you that others will remember you by, and how will this trait help you contribute and engage with the Cornell MBA community? (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).

2025-2026 Cornell Johnson Full-Time MBA Deadlines

Application
Deadline
Initial
Notification
Final
Notification
Deposit & Official
Documentation
Deadline
Round 1 September 17, 2025 October 31, 2025 December 5, 2025 January 23, 2026
Consortium Early
Application
October 15, 2025 January 23, 2026
Consortium
Traditional
Application
January 5, 2026 April 24, 2026
Round 2 January 8, 2026 March 13, 2026 March 27, 2026 April 24, 2026
Round 3 April 7, 2026 May 8, 2026 May 22, 2026 June 5, 2026
Second Deposit: All Rounds June 5, 2026

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