Where can I find examples of really good college essays?
I'm a rising senior and getting ready to start my college applications this summer. Everyone says the essay is super important, but I don't really know what a "really good" one looks like. I feel like all the sample essays I can find online are either way too fancy or seem kind of fake.
Does anyone know where to look for solid, real examples of essays that worked? If you have any links or specific essays that stood out to you, I'd love to check them out. Also, it would be helpful to know what made those essays effective beyond just the actual writing style.
Does anyone know where to look for solid, real examples of essays that worked? If you have any links or specific essays that stood out to you, I'd love to check them out. Also, it would be helpful to know what made those essays effective beyond just the actual writing style.
8 months ago
•
87 views
Anonymous
• 8 months ago
Verified by Advisor Bryan W.
There are several ways to find strong, authentic college essay examples, and you're right to want essays that feel genuine rather than overly polished or artificial.
Many college admissions offices publish real essays from accepted students, usually with commentary about why they stood out. Schools like Johns Hopkins, and Hamilton offer collections of "essays that worked" on their admissions websites. For instance, the Johns Hopkins 'Essays That Worked' page showcases a range of styles and topics, each paired with notes on what admissions officers found compelling. These are especially trustworthy because you get both the essay and expert feedback.
Some college prep books, like 'On Writing the College Application Essay' or collections by current college students, also include real, successful essays. When browsing online, be cautious with essays posted in forums or unmoderated sites since it's hard to know if those actually resulted in admission or if they authentically reflect a student's voice.
If you're in a school with a strong guidance program, your counselor may keep a file of essays from past students (anonymized for privacy) who were accepted at selective schools. Teachers or advisors who've read a lot of applications may have insights, too.
When you read examples, focus not just on grammar or style but on authenticity and voice. The most effective essays usually tell a story that's unique to that person and reveal how they think or what they care about. For example, one memorable essay I read described how a student’s part-time job at an auto-shop changed her—and the essay wasn't about loving cars, but about how she found her place in a tough environment and learned to connect with people from all walks of life.
As you browse, ask yourself what you learn about the writer through that story—beyond accomplishments listed elsewhere. Notice how strong essays often use specific anecdotes and reflection to connect past experiences to future goals or values. Combining these elements makes for an effective, memorable college essay.
Many college admissions offices publish real essays from accepted students, usually with commentary about why they stood out. Schools like Johns Hopkins, and Hamilton offer collections of "essays that worked" on their admissions websites. For instance, the Johns Hopkins 'Essays That Worked' page showcases a range of styles and topics, each paired with notes on what admissions officers found compelling. These are especially trustworthy because you get both the essay and expert feedback.
Some college prep books, like 'On Writing the College Application Essay' or collections by current college students, also include real, successful essays. When browsing online, be cautious with essays posted in forums or unmoderated sites since it's hard to know if those actually resulted in admission or if they authentically reflect a student's voice.
If you're in a school with a strong guidance program, your counselor may keep a file of essays from past students (anonymized for privacy) who were accepted at selective schools. Teachers or advisors who've read a lot of applications may have insights, too.
When you read examples, focus not just on grammar or style but on authenticity and voice. The most effective essays usually tell a story that's unique to that person and reveal how they think or what they care about. For example, one memorable essay I read described how a student’s part-time job at an auto-shop changed her—and the essay wasn't about loving cars, but about how she found her place in a tough environment and learned to connect with people from all walks of life.
As you browse, ask yourself what you learn about the writer through that story—beyond accomplishments listed elsewhere. Notice how strong essays often use specific anecdotes and reflection to connect past experiences to future goals or values. Combining these elements makes for an effective, memorable college essay.
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Bryan W.
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