Cornell Johnson MBA Essays 2026-2027: Prompts and Word Limits

Essay Overview

For the 2026-2027 cycle, Johnson's Two-Year MBA application includes a goals statement and one of two required essays (the Impact essay or the Table of Contents essay). An optional essay is available and is required for reapplicants. The prompts below are quoted from Johnson's application requirements page. Applicants to the one-year Johnson Cornell Tech MBA follow Cornell Tech's application.

Goals statement

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: Immediately post-MBA, my goal is to work as a(n) [Role] at [Company] within [Industry]. In 5 - 10 years post-MBA, my goal is to work as a(n) [Role] at [Company] within [Industry]. Please share how you plan to leverage your unique qualities and utilize the resources available to you at Johnson to transition to your immediate post-MBA career goal.

Essay 1: Impact essay (350 words maximum)

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)

Essay 2: Table of Contents essay

You are the author of your Life Story. Please create the table of contents for the book in the space provided or upload it as an attachment. We value creativity and authenticity and encourage you to approach this essay with your unique style. Alternative submission formats may include a slide presentation, links to pre-existing media (personal website, digital portfolio, YouTube, etc.), as well as visually enhanced written submissions. Maximum file size is 25 MB. If you choose to submit a written Table of Contents, please limit your submission to 350 words. Multimedia submissions should be under 3 minutes.

Optional essay (required for reapplicants, 350 words maximum)

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).

Park Leadership Fellows Program essay (500 words, by invitation)

Candidates considered for the Roy H. Park Leadership Fellowship (a two-year, full-tuition fellowship for U.S. citizens and permanent residents applying to the Two-Year MBA) are invited after the admissions interview to a virtual Leadership Exploration and Assessment Day and must answer this prompt: Describe a past formal or informal leadership experience and how it informs your goals for growth as a leader. How would the Park Leadership Fellowship assist with these goals?

Test waiver statement (100 words)

Applicants requesting a standardized test waiver submit a short statement for why they will flourish in Johnson's academic environment (100 words) as part of the application.

Sources

1. 1. Cornell SC Johnson College of Business, Cornell MBA application requirements & FAQs (2026-2027 essays, tests, English proficiency)