Where can I find real Harvard college essays that worked?

There are a few reputable sources where you can find real Harvard essays written by admitted students, which can serve as helpful inspiration as you start drafting your own.

One of the most reliable options is the book '50 Successful Harvard Application Essays,' published by the Harvard Crimson. This collection features essays from students who gained admission, with commentary about what made each essay effective. Many university or public libraries carry this book, and you can also purchase it online if you want your own copy. Some essays from this book occasionally appear excerpted on trusted educational blogs and article sites.

Additionally, you can check out admissions-related blogs like the Harvard College Admissions Office blog, where current students sometimes share excerpts of their application essays or reflect on the topics they chose. While these examples might be briefer, they’re authentic and show the diversity of approaches that work.

Collections like 'Essays That Worked' are found on several respected college admissions blogs, and sometimes Harvard-specific forums have threads where students anonymously share essays after being admitted. As you review samples, look for concrete stories and personal reflections.

Just remember, while examples are helpful for sparking ideas about tone and originality, Harvard looks for authenticity. Don’t try to copy a specific style or storyline, but instead use these essays to figure out how others brought out their unique voice. Your own story, told honestly and thoughtfully, is what will stand out most.