<p>Is it a bad idea to mention how it has been my dream and goal to attend Cornell university in the admission essay?
(mention why)</p>
<p>bad idea. Cornell wants to know how you better the campus and/or the people around you. This is not the place to say you adore Cornell.</p>
<p>It depends on which essay you’re talking about. For the Common App’s generic essay don’t talk about any specific school -for obvious reasons. But Cornell’s supplement has a “why Cornell” essay where your sincere desire to attend Cornell would come in handy. However make sure that this comes of sincerely and is backed up by valid reasoning otherwise it will have the opposite affect. </p>
<p>The forum has a College Essay section. I wouldn’t mention that it is your dream and goal so much as more concrete things about how the college fits you and you fit it.</p>