Samuel Curtis Johnson Graduate School of Management

Cornell Johnson reads three essays as one application: a 350-word Goals Statement, a 350-word Impact Essay, and the one-page Back of Resume. The Back of Resume is Johnson's signature surface — it decides close calls and is where most applicants quietly self-eliminate by paraphrasing what's already on the front.

• 01A specific post-MBA role, function, and employer — not 'consulting or product'
• 02A named Johnson immersion (Investment Banking, Strategic Marketing, Digital Tech) tied to the goal
• 03Evidence you want a small, residential Ithaca cohort — not just an Ivy brand
• 04A Back of Resume page that adds a real off-CV dimension with concrete detail
• 05Impact framed with a named stakeholder and a measurable change

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. Please share your short- and long-term goals.

350 word limit

Grade with this prompt

Impact Essay: At Cornell, our students and alumni share a desire to positively impact the organizations and communities they serve. How do you intend to make an impact during the next several years of your career?

350 word limit

Grade with this prompt

Back of Resume Essay: The front of your resume shows your professional experience. The back tells us who you are. In a single page, tell us who you are beyond the bullet points.

Grade with this prompt

• ✗ A Back of Resume that paraphrases the front — adds no new dimension
• ✗ Impact framed as a feeling, with no stakeholder or measurable change
• ✗ Goals that ignore Johnson's immersion-led curriculum or treat Ithaca as a downside

1. 01

   Paste your Johnson draft and the prompt.

2. 02

   We grade against the Johnson-specific rubric, not generic essay rules.

3. 03

   You get an overall score, paragraph-level flags, and the three fixes that move your score the most.

• How HBS readers actually score your essay
• Why ChatGPT can't grade your MBA essay