About the Cornell Johnson MBA Program
The Samuel Curtis Johnson Graduate School of Management at Cornell University offers a rigorous and immersive MBA experience in a tight-knit, collaborative community. Located in Ithaca, New York, Johnson’s small class size and supportive culture make it easy to form strong relationships with peers, faculty, and alumni. The school is known for its strengths in finance, consulting, marketing, operations, and more, with unparalleled opportunities to develop leadership skills and gain real-world experience.
What is Cornell SC Johnson College of Business Looking For?
Cornell Johnson seeks students who combine academic excellence with leadership potential, a collaborative mindset, and a desire to make an impact. The admissions committee values:
- Leadership and Initiative: Evidence that you’ve stepped up - whether in your job, community, or academic setting - to take on responsibility and drive results.
- Community Engagement: Commitment to contributing to Johnson’s close-knit environment and giving back as a student and alum.
- Clear Career Goals: Well-defined short- and long-term goals that align with Johnson’s resources, including its faculty, clubs, and programs.
- Resilience and Drive: The ability to stretch yourself, learn from challenges, and maintain a growth mindset.
Cornell MBA Application Process
Cornell Johnson has three application rounds:
- Round 1: September deadline – decisions in November/December.
- Round 2: January deadline – decisions in March/April.
- Round 3: April deadline – decisions in May.
Plan ahead to allow time for campus visits, connecting with the community, and refining your application materials.
Cornell MBA Essay Prompts
Applicants choose one of the following essay questions:
- Impact at Johnson: How do you intend to make a meaningful impact at Johnson and on the Johnson community?
- Reference leadership roles, community engagement, and unique contributions you can bring to campus.
- Connect your past experiences to opportunities at Johnson - clubs, programs, or initiatives where you can get involved.
- Memorable Trait: What’s something unique about you that others will remember?
- Share a personal characteristic, illustrate it with examples, and tie it to your career goals and contributions at Johnson.
Cornell Johnson MBA Test Scores
Competitive applicants generally present GMAT or GRE scores above the program’s averages, alongside strong academic performance. Johnson evaluates scores in context and considers how your quantitative and verbal skills are demonstrated across your application.
Letters of Recommendation
Johnson requires letters from individuals who know you professionally and can speak to your leadership, teamwork, and potential for growth. Choose recommenders who can provide specific examples rather than generic praise.
MBA Application Interview
Interviews are by invitation only and may be conducted in person or via Zoom by an admissions staff member or trained second-year student. Expect:
- Career Motivation: Why MBA? Why Johnson?
- Experience Review: Walkthrough of your professional and academic background, highlighting growth and leadership.
- Goals Discussion: Logical connections between past experiences, MBA study, and post-MBA ambitions.
Prepare to show genuine interest in Johnson’s community and to demonstrate that you will be a collaborative, engaged classmate.
Apply to Cornell SC Johnson College of Business
With consistent top rankings and a stellar brand, the business school has high expectations for applicants. The Cornell MBA application and essay require a great amount of advance planning and a deep understanding of the Cornell school program, culture, and community. Make sure to have a clear idea of where your top schools rank for you personally to help inform what deadline is right for you.
Check Out the Top MBA Acceptance Rates
For more information about the Cornell MBA application process, reach out to us via any of the contact options below.