What are some good examples of 'Tell us about yourself' college essays?

The 'Tell us about yourself' prompt is broad by design, so there's no single right way to approach it. The best essays tend to zoom in on a specific element of your life or personality and use a story, moment, or vivid detail to reveal how you think, view the world, or interact with others.

Here are a couple of strong approaches and examples:

1. Focusing on a Quirky Interest: One student described their obsession with collecting foreign coins. They explored how this hobby opened doors to friendships at school, taught them about global cultures, and sparked a habit of looking for meaning in ordinary things. Instead of simply listing achievements or activities, the writer started with a scene: organizing coins by age in a shoebox while narrating their journey from a kid just loving shiny things to someone deeply curious about the world. This essay worked because it painted a vivid picture of the student's curiosity and openness to learning.

2. A Family Tradition: Another applicant centered their essay around Sunday morning dumpling-making sessions with their grandmother. Through small, tangible details—the texture of dough, stories shared in the kitchen, the sound of laughter—they illustrated their deep family bonds and how those values shaped their resilience and adaptability. The admission officers could see this student's appreciation for their roots and their ability to find meaning in tradition.

3. Turning a Challenge Into Growth: A memorable essay shared how a student, who initially struggled with a speech impediment, started volunteering at a local theater, helping backstage. Eventually, being behind the scenes sparked the courage to try acting, leading to self-acceptance and new confidence. Instead of summarizing the obstacle, the student highlighted a pivotal rehearsal where everything changed for them, anchoring the essay in a single transformative experience.

Admissions officers are not looking for a list of accolades or a dramatic life story. They want an authentic story that captures your voice, highlights personal growth, and gives a sense of who you would be on campus. The most effective essays are rooted in specifics, not generalities. Don’t worry about covering everything; focus on one story or moment that says something important about you.

If you’re deciding what angle to take, think about what you’re most passionate about, or a unique passion, value, or lesson that only you could share. Ask yourself: what story would a friend use to describe the real you? For example, a student passionate about chess might, instead of writing generically about tournaments, describe the ritual of playing nightly matches with their grandfather and how that shaped their strategic thinking in unexpected areas.

Ultimately, effective essays give readers a window into your life that they wouldn’t otherwise see just from your activities list or transcript. Be honest, choose a story you care about, and show why it matters to you. That’s what will make it memorable.