Does anyone have examples of strong personal narrative essays for college applications?

You're definitely on the right track by focusing on the storytelling aspect of your personal narrative. A strong personal narrative essay is much more than just a series of events—it zooms in on a specific moment or theme and unpacks its deeper meaning for you.

When you're brainstorming ideas, consider focusing on:
- A single turning point or moment of change
- A recurring activity or ritual that represents something meaningful to you
- An experience where you challenged your own assumptions

The best essays often use sensory details and honest reflection. Instead of saying, 'this was challenging and I learned a lot,' show what happened, how you felt, how you changed, and why it matters now.

There are some great resources online with sample essays and commentary. Johns Hopkins University, for example, publishes 'Essays That Worked' on their admissions website. These samples come with admissions officers' explanations of what made them effective. Reading through a few can help you see the variety of topics and writing styles that work.

If you're feeling stuck choosing a topic, try jotting down short vignettes—moments that stick in your mind, whether they’re funny, awkward, confusing, or proud. Then reflect on what you took away from them. Often, those small, unique stories become the most memorable essays.

Bottom line: Speak authentically in your own voice, focus tightly on a moment or theme, and connect it to who you are now and who you hope to become. The originality comes not from picking a topic no one has ever written about, but from sharing your unique perspective.