What is the deal with Hugh Gallagher's college essay and why is it so famous?
So I keep seeing people talk about the 'Hugh Gallagher college essay' and it honestly sounds legendary. I tried to find the actual essay and read it because people say it’s super creative and funny, but also kind of controversial? Does anyone know what made it stand out so much? Was it really submitted to NYU and did it help him get in, or is it just an internet myth at this point?
Also, do you think writing an essay in that style would work nowadays, or would admissions officers think you’re not taking the application seriously? Curious how risky something like that would be for someone applying this year.
Also, do you think writing an essay in that style would work nowadays, or would admissions officers think you’re not taking the application seriously? Curious how risky something like that would be for someone applying this year.
4 months ago
•
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Camille Luong
• 4 months ago
Advisor
Hugh Gallagher's college essay is famous because of its wildly unique, humorous, and over-the-top approach that really made it viral among students and college essay communities. The essay is written in a mock-boastful tone with lines like “I am a private citizen, yet I receive fan mail,” and “I have been caller number nine and have won the weekend passes.” It keeps escalating in absurdity, showing creative writing flair and ridiculous self-aggrandizement—all in good fun.
It caught the internet’s attention for its wit and how it subverted expectations of what a college admissions essay should sound like. Many people are impressed that Gallagher wrote such a bold essay, and there’s something a little mythical about its legacy.
As for the facts: Yes, it was submitted to NYU (in the early ‘90s), and, according to multiple interviews and sources, it did help him get admitted. He later published the essay and expanded on that style in his writing career.
If you’re wondering whether you could pull off an essay like this today: it’s a big risk. Back then, quirky or humorous essays were far less common, so Gallagher’s style stood out even more. Today, admissions officers still appreciate a sense of humor or creativity, but there’s also an expectation that you reflect real personal insight or growth. If you write an essay in a similar style, it should be clear that you’re being intentionally tongue-in-cheek and still reveal something genuine about who you are.
For example, if you wanted to write a humor-based essay today, you might weave in some funny self-awareness about your quirks but then tie it back to a real passion or value. Maybe you describe your quest to find "the world’s best hot chocolate" as a playful way to show open-mindedness, curiosity, or perseverance. But the essay should avoid feeling like a total joke—the reader should finish it knowing you’re both fun and thoughtful.
So overall, Gallagher’s essay gained fame for its memorable creativity and risk-taking, but if you choose to channel that spirit, balance is key. The boldness needs to be anchored in authenticity and self-reflection to convince today’s admissions folks.
It caught the internet’s attention for its wit and how it subverted expectations of what a college admissions essay should sound like. Many people are impressed that Gallagher wrote such a bold essay, and there’s something a little mythical about its legacy.
As for the facts: Yes, it was submitted to NYU (in the early ‘90s), and, according to multiple interviews and sources, it did help him get admitted. He later published the essay and expanded on that style in his writing career.
If you’re wondering whether you could pull off an essay like this today: it’s a big risk. Back then, quirky or humorous essays were far less common, so Gallagher’s style stood out even more. Today, admissions officers still appreciate a sense of humor or creativity, but there’s also an expectation that you reflect real personal insight or growth. If you write an essay in a similar style, it should be clear that you’re being intentionally tongue-in-cheek and still reveal something genuine about who you are.
For example, if you wanted to write a humor-based essay today, you might weave in some funny self-awareness about your quirks but then tie it back to a real passion or value. Maybe you describe your quest to find "the world’s best hot chocolate" as a playful way to show open-mindedness, curiosity, or perseverance. But the essay should avoid feeling like a total joke—the reader should finish it knowing you’re both fun and thoughtful.
So overall, Gallagher’s essay gained fame for its memorable creativity and risk-taking, but if you choose to channel that spirit, balance is key. The boldness needs to be anchored in authenticity and self-reflection to convince today’s admissions folks.
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Camille Luong
Nomadic
Stanford University, BAH in Urban Studies
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5 years
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