Where can I find strong argumentative essay examples for college applications?

Great question! First off, it's important to clarify that the Common App essay is a personal statement—it's about telling your story. While the word "argumentative" usually refers to essays that make a claim and defend it (like you might write in high school English), college application essays use elements of argumentation, but are typically more reflective, narrative, and personal. That said, a strong admissions essay often shows you advocating for an idea, value, or lesson you've learned.

If you want to see essays that have a compelling argument or perspective, look for collections of successful application essays published by reputable sources. Johns Hopkins has a fantastic set called "Essays That Worked" on their admissions site, many of which are persuasive in tone—students assert something meaningful about themselves, then back it up with evidence from their lives.

For example, there’s an essay about a student who takes a clear stance on the value of curiosity, using anecdotes about her attempts to make a potato battery and her reading habits to illustrate how curiosity shaped her journey. This approach weaves argument with storytelling, which admissions officers appreciate. Schools like Tufts and Connecticut College also publish student essays on their admissions pages. These samples usually highlight a student's point of view—whether defending an unconventional passion, advocating for a value, or explaining a personal transformation.

You can also check out books like "College Essay Essentials" by Ethan Sawyer or "50 Successful Harvard Application Essays"—they contain annotated examples with commentary about what makes each essay effective. Remember, the best examples don't read like classic argumentative essays with thesis statements and three academic body paragraphs, but they do present strong, authentic opinions and back them up through narrative.

If you want to make your Common App essay persuasive, focus on a specific belief, value, or lesson you've embraced—then show (not just tell) admissions readers how you reached that conclusion through vivid, honest storytelling. For instance, instead of just claiming you value adaptability, you could recount a time when travel interruptions forced you to improvise on the spot, sparking a passion for problem-solving that drives you today.

Start with a browse of the 'Essays That Worked' collections mentioned above, and you'll find plenty of effective models to guide your brainstorming!