This competition is open to all eleventh grade high school students in the greater Buffalo area. The Cornell Club believes that participation in this contest will aid students in the development of their critical thinking and writing skills. Development of these skills is vital to the maturity of a well-rounded, life-long learner and will make one a much more attractive applicant during the college admissions process.

The Grand Prize will consist of $100, a certificate, a letter of award and a limited edition copy of Cornell University's Reading Initiative book of the year, "The Grapes of Wrath" by John Steinbeck and. Each Second Prize and Honorable Mention prize will consist of: a certificate, a letter of award and a limited edition copy of the "Grapes of Wrath." There will be one first prize awarded, and as many second prizes honorable mentions as the Club sees fit.

For full contest rules and requirements, please click here. All submissions are required by April 1st, 2010.

The Cornell Club of Greater Buffalo offers the prize; winning or placing favorably in the essay contest in no way implies a favorable admission decision by Cornell University.

Are you an alum interested in judging the competition? Please contact c.sasiadek@gmail.comfor more details.