how to answer the what brings you joy cornell question

Natashya

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23-12-2024

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How to Answer the "What Brings You Joy?" Cornell Question

The Cornell University supplemental essay question, "What brings you joy?" can seem deceptively simple. It's not just about listing hobbies; it's an opportunity to reveal your personality, values, and what motivates you. This guide will help you craft a compelling and insightful response that showcases your best self to the admissions committee.

Understanding the "Why" Behind the Question

Cornell isn't just curious about your leisure activities. They want to understand what truly resonates with you on a deeper level. This question assesses:

• Passion and Drive: What are you intrinsically motivated to pursue? What ignites your enthusiasm?
• Values and Priorities: What activities align with your core beliefs and shape your worldview?
• Resilience and Perseverance: Do you demonstrate commitment and dedication even when facing challenges?
• Personal Growth: How have your joyful pursuits contributed to your self-discovery and development?
• Fit with Cornell: How does your source of joy align with Cornell's values and academic opportunities?

Crafting Your Response: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Brainstorm Your Sources of Joy: Don't limit yourself to obvious answers. Consider activities, relationships, accomplishments, or even simple moments that bring you genuine happiness and fulfillment. Examples could include:

   • Academic Pursuits: A challenging math problem, the "aha!" moment of understanding a complex concept, the satisfaction of mastering a new skill.
   • Creative Endeavors: Painting, writing, music, coding, design – the process of creation and the feeling of self-expression.
   • Community Involvement: Volunteering, leading a club, mentoring, advocating for a cause – the feeling of making a positive impact.
   • Personal Relationships: Close friendships, family connections, mentoring relationships – the strength and support found in meaningful connections.
   • Outdoor Activities: Hiking, camping, gardening – the connection to nature and the sense of peace and rejuvenation.

2. Choose a Specific Example: Don't try to cram multiple joys into one essay. Select one experience that you can explore in detail and depth. This allows for a more focused and impactful response.

3. Show, Don't Tell: Use vivid language and specific details to illustrate your joy. Instead of saying "I enjoy playing the piano," describe a particular performance, the feeling of the keys under your fingers, or the emotional connection you experience while playing.

4. Reflect on the Impact: Explain how this source of joy has shaped you. What have you learned? How has it influenced your goals and aspirations? This demonstrates self-awareness and personal growth.

5. Connect to Cornell (Subtly): While not mandatory, subtly connecting your joy to Cornell's resources or academic programs can strengthen your application. For example, if your joy comes from environmental science, mention how Cornell's renowned environmental programs align with your passions.

Example Response Structure:

• Introduction: Briefly introduce the activity that brings you joy.
• Body Paragraphs: Describe the activity in detail, focusing on sensory details and emotional impact. Discuss challenges overcome and lessons learned. Subtly connect to relevant Cornell programs or opportunities.
• Conclusion: Summarize your key takeaways and reiterate the significance of this activity in your life. Reiterate your passion and how it aligns with your future goals.

What NOT to Do:

• List hobbies: Avoid simply listing activities without depth or explanation.
• Choose cliché answers: Overused responses like "traveling" or "spending time with family" need specific examples and personal reflection to stand out.
• Focus solely on achievement: While accomplishments are important, emphasize the joy derived from the process, not just the outcome.
• Neglect the "why": Explain why this specific activity brings you joy, and how it connects to your personal values and aspirations.

By following these steps, you can craft a response that is both genuine and compelling, showcasing your unique personality and making a strong impression on the Cornell admissions committee. Remember, authenticity is key. Let your passion shine through!