Cornell Motto: What It Means and Why It Matters

Cornell University’s guiding principle, expressed in its motto, “I would found an institution where any person can find instruction in any study,” reflects the school’s commitment to inclusivity and the pursuit of knowledge across all fields. In this blog, we’ll explore what the Cornell motto truly signifies, how it shapes campus culture, and how you can embody its spirit in your Cornell application.

• What Is Cornell’s Motto?
• History of Cornell’s Motto
• How Cornell Lives Up to Its Motto
• How to Reflect Cornell’s Motto in Your Application
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Takeaways

What Is Cornell’s Motto?

Cornell University’s motto and founding principle—“I would found an institution where any person can find instruction in any study”—is often summed up as: “…any person … any study.” In other words, whoever you are and whatever excites you, you can study it here. There’s no single “type” of Cornell student, and no limit to the paths you can explore.

Whether you’re drawn to engineering, art, agriculture, or philosophy, Cornell encourages you to follow your curiosity and make the most of every opportunity. Living the motto means embracing diversity, staying open to new ideas, and taking charge of your own learning journey.

History of Cornell’s Motto

The Cornell motto comes straight from founder Ezra Cornell. On October 7, 1868, during the university’s official dedication and the inauguration of its first president, Andrew Dickson White, Cornell summed up his vision in one line:

“I would found an institution where any person can find instruction in any study.”

Over time, this idea was condensed into the now-famous Cornell motto: “…any person … any study.” The phrase “any person” reflects Cornell’s commitment to welcoming students from all backgrounds, incomes, races, religions, and genders, while “any study” emphasizes the freedom to pursue any academic passion.

For more than 150 years, the Cornell motto has guided the university, and the rich Cornell University history reflects its commitment to creating a diverse and inclusive community where students like you can explore ideas freely and receive a world-class education like no other.

How Cornell Lives Up to Its Motto

The Cornell motto—“…any person … any study”—isn’t just words on a plaque. More than 150 years after Ezra Cornell first envisioned a place where anyone could pursue any field of study, the university continues to turn that vision into reality.

Science and research efforts

In the field of science, technology, and innovation, Cornell consistently demonstrates how it brings the Cornell motto to life. The university is home to groundbreaking research in fields like artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and biomedical engineering.

For instance, Cornell Tech, located on Roosevelt Island in New York City, is at the forefront of technology and entrepreneurship, offering students a hands-on environment to develop solutions for real-world challenges.

When you dive into the university’s recent research news, it becomes clear that Cornell’s motto is a lens through which you can see Cornell’s priorities and strengths. Recent projects have included AI-driven health technologies, next-generation cybersecurity tools, and urban sustainability initiatives.

Another thing to consider is that Cornell is “the Ivy League’s silver medalist” in sponsored research. In FY 2023, Cornell spent $1.452 billion on research, placing it 13th nationally and second in the Ivy League.

In FY 2022–23, the largest research expenditures were in medicine ($596.8 million), agriculture and life sciences ($274.7 million), engineering ($199.6 million), arts and sciences ($122.3 million), and veterinary medicine ($78.8 million). Even units like Cornell Tech and the Bowers College of Computing and Information Science manage tens of millions of dollars in research funding.

The university also translates discovery into impact—Cornell researchers were granted 221 patents in FY 2022—so your work can reach society.

But numbers alone don’t capture how research at Cornell embodies “any person.” The “any person” half of the motto promises an inclusive environment where anyone can contribute. Programs like the Cornell Center for Social Sciences’ Faculty Fellows show how Cornell invests in scholars across the university. The 2025–26 program selected twelve faculty members from seven colleges to pursue projects ranging from disease spillover and online advertising to AI-human collaboration and histories of freedom movements.

This kind of investment ensures that any student passionate about tech or science has the resources, mentorship, and infrastructure to pursue cutting-edge work, whether it’s designing new materials, decoding the human genome, or creating climate-smart technologies.

Cornell’s commitment to innovation isn’t limited to technology and engineering. The university also excels in life sciences and medical research.

The Weill Cornell Medicine campus in New York City is pioneering breakthroughs in cancer therapy, neuroscience, and precision medicine. During the COVID-19 pandemic, researchers at Weill Cornell were instrumental in developing diagnostic tools, studying virus transmission, and exploring potential treatments, highlighting how the Cornell motto drives research with real-world impact.

Interdisciplinary studies

Whether you’re into art, literature, theater, or public policy, Cornell gives you the freedom to dive deep. You could be curating an art exhibit, producing a digital media project, or tackling global challenges in economics or environmental studies.

Interdisciplinary programs like the Atkinson Center for Sustainability or the Institute for Climate Smart Solutions bring together students from all fields, letting you collaborate across disciplines to solve complex problems.

Inclusivity is baked into the experience, too. The Cornell motto means anyone—from any background—can pursue their dreams. Scholarship programs, diversity initiatives in STEM, and outreach efforts make sure you have the support to thrive, no matter your path.

How to Reflect Cornell’s Motto in Your Application

From your activities and achievements to your recommendations and personal statements, you can highlight your curiosity, versatility, and impact. In this section, we’ll explore ways to demonstrate that you embody the spirit of Cornell’s values throughout your entire application, helping you stand out as a student who truly lives their mission.

Essays

Cornell typically requires the following essays: 

• Personal Statement
• Cornell University Essay Question
• College- and School-Specific Essay Questions

When it comes to writing your application essays for Cornell, thinking about how the Cornell motto—“I would found an institution where any person can find instruction in any study”—can give your responses a real edge.

Start by highlighting your own academic curiosity. Maybe you’ve taken on projects that combine seemingly unrelated subjects or explored topics beyond your required curriculum. Cornell values students who aren’t afraid to cross boundaries, so illustrating your willingness to dive into diverse areas of study will resonate.

Next, think about impact. The Cornell motto emphasizes not just learning for yourself but learning that contributes to a larger community. Share examples where your knowledge has made a difference—whether tutoring peers, leading a club, or initiating a community project.

Finally, show your personal connection. Don’t just state that you admire Cornell; explain why its culture of exploration matches your own aspirations. Use your essay to demonstrate how you’ll carry the Cornell motto forward in your own journey: someone who seeks knowledge, bridges disciplines, and enriches the community around them.

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Extracurricular activities

Cornell looks for students who embody leadership, community impact, and creativity—values at the heart of the Cornell motto. Here’s how you can showcase these qualities through your extracurriculars:

• Leadership. Run for the Associated Student Body or take an active role in organizations like the National Honor Society.
• Community service. Join programs like Habitat for Humanity or start your own initiative to make a tangible impact.
• Research and innovation. Explore opportunities like the Research Science Institute or Cornell’s summer programs for high school students.
• Arts and creativity. Participate in theater productions, regional art competitions, or other creative projects.

Depth matters more than breadth. Focus on activities where you can make a real impact, show dedication, and demonstrate how you live the values behind the Cornell motto, rather than simply listing everything you’ve done.

Are you aiming for a spot at Cornell? AdmissionSight’s extracurricular planning service can help you strategically enhance your application. With personalized guidance, we’ll help you select and refine activities that highlight your strengths and align with Cornell’s values.

Letters of recommendation

All applicants, including homeschooled students, are required to submit a School Report (Counselor Letter of Recommendation) along with two Teacher Evaluations. Cornell recommends that at least two of the three required letters come from individuals who are not related to the applicant.

To secure strong recommendations that reflect your potential, start early by building meaningful relationships with your teachers and counselor. Show curiosity and engagement in class, ask thoughtful questions, and seek feedback on your work—demonstrating the kind of intellectual curiosity and initiative celebrated in the Cornell motto.

Take advantage of office hours or schedule one-on-one meetings to discuss your academic interests and growth. Over time, these connections allow your teachers to understand you beyond your grades, giving them richer insight to share in their letters.

When it’s time to request a recommendation, do so in person if possible, giving at least a month or two’s notice. Explain why you are asking them specifically, and provide a brief summary of your accomplishments or memorable moments in class to help them craft a detailed, personalized letter.

Finally, a polite follow-up email or thank-you note shows appreciation and leaves a lasting positive impression. This demonstrates the thoughtfulness and professionalism that align with the values behind the Cornell motto.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What does the Cornell motto mean?

The Cornell motto, “I would found an institution where any person can find instruction in any study,” reflects the university’s commitment to inclusivity, curiosity, and intellectual exploration. It emphasizes that education should be accessible to everyone, encourages students to pursue knowledge across diverse disciplines, and inspires the application of learning to make a meaningful impact.

2. How can applicants reflect Cornell’s motto in their application?

You can reflect the Cornell motto in your application by demonstrating curiosity, versatility, and a commitment to impact across every part of your submission. Show how you pursue learning beyond the classroom, whether through research, leadership, community service, or creative projects. Highlight experiences where your knowledge has made a difference in your community or school, and choose activities that reveal depth, dedication, and passion.

Even your essays, recommendations, and academic interests can illustrate how you embrace the values of inclusivity, exploration, and intellectual growth that lie at the heart of the Cornell motto.

3. Where does Cornell’s motto come from?

Cornell’s motto comes from Ezra Cornell, the university’s founder. It reflects his vision of creating a university that was inclusive, practical, and committed to offering a wide range of disciplines.

Takeaways

• Cornell’s motto, “I would found an institution where any person can find instruction in any study,” captures Cornell’s revolutionary idea that higher education should be accessible to all, regardless of background, and that students should have the freedom to explore any field of study that interests them.
• Your application should show how you embody the spirit of the Cornell motto through curiosity, critical thinking, and a genuine pursuit of knowledge.
• In your essays, share specific examples where you challenged assumptions, followed evidence rather than convenience, or explored a topic simply because you were eager to understand it.
• Your extracurriculars and recommendation letters should reinforce this narrative, highlighting experiences where you tackled complex ideas, engaged in research, collaborated on meaningful projects, or demonstrated persistence in uncovering new insights.
• Dreaming of studying at Cornell? Consider working with a college admissions consultant to refine your story and highlight your alignment with this Ivy League school.