Where can I find good sample college application essays?

Looking at sample college essays can definitely help you get a sense of tone, structure, and the kind of storytelling that makes an essay memorable. Some of the best sources for authentic, successful essays are the official websites of schools like Johns Hopkins, Tufts, and Connecticut College. These colleges publish examples of real essays from accepted students, along with notes on what admissions officers liked about each one. These are genuine, vetted examples, so you can trust them for quality and relevance.

Books like “50 Successful Harvard Application Essays” and “Essays That Worked for College Applications” are also solid resources. They're compiled by admissions professionals and feature a range of topics and writing styles—with some commentary, which is helpful for understanding what makes those essays work.

Reading essays can absolutely be motivating, but it’s normal to feel overwhelmed if you read too many or try to compare your draft to every sample. The key: use them for inspiration, not imitation. For example, reading an essay about a student’s love for baking might inspire you to write about your own hobby, but in a way that highlights your unique perspective or growth. The point isn’t the topic itself, but how you connect it to who you are.

When I was applying, I found it helpful to read just a handful of essays that stood out to me—then put them away so I could focus on my own story. You’ll notice that the best essays almost always reveal something personal and specific, not just a list of achievements. If you’re feeling unsure, reading a couple with different styles might help you find your own voice and decide what feels authentic for you.

If you want general structure tips, admissions blogs from top universities often share advice too (for instance, MIT Admissions has great blog posts about writing essays, even if you’re not applying there). Just remember not to stress if your style or story looks different from theirs—colleges want a wide range of voices and experiences!

So in summary: check out official college websites, vetted essay collections, and advice blogs. Use them for brainstorming and structure guidance, but always bring it back to your story and what you genuinely want an admissions reader to learn about you.