What are some good examples of college essays about yourself?
I'm starting to brainstorm ideas for my personal statement, but I'm really stuck on how to write a compelling essay about myself. I've read a few generic tips, but I think it would help a lot if I could read some actual examples that people found successful or memorable.
Are there any resources or links where I can find sample essays? Or if anyone is willing, could you share what you wrote for your own application? I want to get a sense of different writing styles and topics, especially those that capture authentic personality without being too cliché.
Any advice or essays that really stood out to you would be super helpful as I try to shape my own story.
Are there any resources or links where I can find sample essays? Or if anyone is willing, could you share what you wrote for your own application? I want to get a sense of different writing styles and topics, especially those that capture authentic personality without being too cliché.
Any advice or essays that really stood out to you would be super helpful as I try to shape my own story.
4 months ago
•
18 views
Camille Luong
• 4 months ago
Advisor
Finding genuine, memorable college essay examples can really help clarify what makes a personal statement stand out. While there are online resources that compile successful essays (the Johns Hopkins website publishes several each year, for instance), it’s also helpful to hear what types of essays resonated with readers or admissions officers based on feedback and shared stories.
Some standout personal statements don’t hinge on a grand achievement or hardship, but rather capture a small, meaningful moment that reveals personality and growth. For example, one student wrote about translating for her parents at a parent-teacher conference, describing her nervousness and pride in bridging two cultures. The focus wasn’t just on translating language, but on translating emotion and experience, which showcased her empathy and maturity.
Another unique approach is exploring how a hobby or interest unexpectedly shaped your life. One memorable essay detailed how a student’s passion for collecting vintage postcards sparked an awareness about storytelling—how each card contained snippets of someone else’s life and history. The student linked this to their own desire to seek out and value different perspectives, tying it to their academic interests.
Authenticity is key. Since many "cliché" topics are only problematic if they don’t show your unique perspective, think about very narrow slices of experience: a first day at an after-school job, an evening spent helping a sibling, or a moment when an assumption was challenged. These smaller lenses can be more revealing than sweeping life summaries.
If you’re looking for additional reading, try searching college admissions blogs from universities like Tufts, MIT, and Johns Hopkins, where they publish applicant essays with permission. Remember, style can vary from narrative to analytic, funny to serious—what matters most is that it feels true to you.
Finally, if you're comfortable, share your drafts with friends, teachers, or use online peer review platforms for feedback on clarity and authenticity. Seeing how readers react to your essay can help you refine what makes your story special.
Approach the essay as a conversation rather than a performance. The most compelling essays are the ones where your voice comes through clearly, making the reader feel like they really understand who you are.
Some standout personal statements don’t hinge on a grand achievement or hardship, but rather capture a small, meaningful moment that reveals personality and growth. For example, one student wrote about translating for her parents at a parent-teacher conference, describing her nervousness and pride in bridging two cultures. The focus wasn’t just on translating language, but on translating emotion and experience, which showcased her empathy and maturity.
Another unique approach is exploring how a hobby or interest unexpectedly shaped your life. One memorable essay detailed how a student’s passion for collecting vintage postcards sparked an awareness about storytelling—how each card contained snippets of someone else’s life and history. The student linked this to their own desire to seek out and value different perspectives, tying it to their academic interests.
Authenticity is key. Since many "cliché" topics are only problematic if they don’t show your unique perspective, think about very narrow slices of experience: a first day at an after-school job, an evening spent helping a sibling, or a moment when an assumption was challenged. These smaller lenses can be more revealing than sweeping life summaries.
If you’re looking for additional reading, try searching college admissions blogs from universities like Tufts, MIT, and Johns Hopkins, where they publish applicant essays with permission. Remember, style can vary from narrative to analytic, funny to serious—what matters most is that it feels true to you.
Finally, if you're comfortable, share your drafts with friends, teachers, or use online peer review platforms for feedback on clarity and authenticity. Seeing how readers react to your essay can help you refine what makes your story special.
Approach the essay as a conversation rather than a performance. The most compelling essays are the ones where your voice comes through clearly, making the reader feel like they really understand who you are.
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Camille Luong
Nomadic
Stanford University, BAH in Urban Studies
Experience
5 years
Rating
5.0 (5 reviews)