Samuel Curtis Johnson Graduate School of Management: Everything You Need to Know
Cornell University’s Samuel Curtis Johnson Graduate School of Management (Cornell Johnson) offers both the intimacy of a close-knit college town and the vast possibilities offered by the more metropolitan cities nearby. In addition to the traditional two-year MBA program, Cornell Johnson offers a one-year tech MBA that is based in New York City. This means that students in the two-year MBA program have the business school campus to themselves, which, combined with the college town feel of Ithaca, allows for a tight-knit, collaborative atmosphere. The Cornell name is well known around the world and Johnson alumni have no issues finding post-MBA employment: 97% of the Class of 2022 received job offers within three months of graduation. Cornell Johnson 2022 graduates accepted positions in such fields as financial services (39% of the Class of 2022), consulting (30%), and technology (15%), in addition to smaller percentages that went into consumer products (5%), manufacturing (3%), and law/legal services (1%).
Cornell Johnson Graduate School of Management Insider’s Guide
The Samuel Curtis Johnson Graduate School of Management, founded in 1946, can today be considered among the top graduate business schools in the country. A relatively small class size and an idyllic location close to New York City allow students to experience both the intimacy of a close-knit college town and the vast possibilities of nearby cities. We are proud to offer you the first-ever Cornell Johnson Insider’s Guide, where you can learn more about the quickly growing MBA program, its various immersion opportunities, the Cornell Tech campus on Roosevelt Island, and how students form relationships through such activities as Sage Socials and the annual Follies show.
The Cornell Johnson Graduate School of Management Interview Guide
Cornell Johnson interviews are conducted by second-year students and admissions committee members and are often described by our clients as friendly and relaxed. Nevertheless, you should expect a combination of behavioral, goals-focused, and probing interview questions; these are meant to help your interviewer get to know you and your accomplishments better. Further, you will need to have a strong grasp of how you believe the Cornell Johnson MBA program will help you reach your career goals. Finally, you will want to be prepared to discuss why you are a good fit for the school. Be sure to research the school, its curriculum and extracurricular offerings, Ithaca and the college town atmosphere that makes Johnson such a tight-knit business school experience, and what current students say about the school. With this research and our Interview Guide, you will be prepared for the Cornell Johnson interview.
Cornell Johnson MBA Essay Analysis, 2024–2025
With its straightforward approach to the traditional goals statement and just one other required essay (now with two prompt options that applicants can choose from), the Johnson Graduate School of Management at Cornell University seems interested in getting right to the heart of the issues it considers most valuable when evaluating its applicants. The admissions committee wants to first know your professional aspirations in both the short and long term, along with how you envision benefitting from the Johnson MBA program and what related strengths you already possess. For the other essay, you can elect to discuss how you see yourself being a contributing member of the Johnson community or what is special about you that makes you memorable. An optional essay is available, if needed, to address the usual topics of problematic candidacy issues or any outstanding qualifications that might not be represented elsewhere in your application.
In our essay analysis, we provide in-depth guidance on each of Cornell Johnson’s 2024–2025 application essay questions:
- 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 (350 words maximum)
- Essay 1 – 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 a meaningful impact on the Johnson 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)
Cornell Johnson Graduate School of Management MBA Class Profile (Class of 2026)
| Enrollment | 2823 |
| GMAT Median | 710 |
| GPA Median | 3.435 |
| Average Age | 28 |
| Average Years of Full-Time Work Experience | 5.34 |
| Women | 413% |
| LGBTQ | 7% |
| U.S. Minorities (Black/African American, Native American, and Hispanic American) |
2235% |
| International Students | 3542% |
| Countries Represented | 349 |
| U.S. Military | 910% |
Cornell Johnson Graduate School of Management Rankings
Cornell Johnson typically ranks among the top 15 or top 20 business schools. In the U.S. News and World Report 2024 ranking, Johnson was in 15th place for the seventh year in a row. The school was also included in the U.S. News top 15 in such specialty rankings as real estate (fifth), executive MBA (11th), entrepreneurship (14th), and management (14th). In the 2024 Financial Times MBA ranking, Johnson was fifth within the country and ninth in the world. Johnson was ranked 13th in the country in the Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 ranking. Finally, the Poets&Quants 2023–2024 national ranking placed Johnson in the seventh spot.
Cornell Johnson Graduate School of Management MBA 2024 Acceptance Rate
Cornell University’s Johnson Graduate School of Management boasts an acceptance rate of approximately 33% for its MBA program. This competitive rate reflects the school’s commitment to fostering a diverse and dynamic cohort of future business leaders. For prospective MBA students, understanding this acceptance rate is crucial in gauging the selectivity of the program and preparing a standout application.
Aspiring candidates should focus on showcasing their unique strengths, leadership potential, and alignment with Cornell’s values. With a holistic admissions process, the school looks beyond numbers to find candidates who will thrive in its collaborative environment. By emphasizing your professional achievements, personal growth, and vision for the future, you can enhance your chances of joining this esteemed institution and embarking on a transformative educational journey.
Cornell Johnson MBA Admissions Deadlines (2024-2025)
Round 1 Application Deadline
September 18, 2024
Round 1 Final Decision Notification
December 6, 2024
Round 2 Application Deadline
January 9, 2025
Round 2 Final Decision Notification
April 4, 2025
Round 3 Application Deadline
April 10, 2025
Round 3 Final Decision Notification
May 30, 2025