Where can I find strong examples of college application essays?
I'm starting to work on my college application essays, and honestly, I'm really feeling overwhelmed about how to even begin. I've read a few tips online, but I think it would help to see some actual essays that got students into good schools. The writing doesn't need to be perfect, but I want to get a sense of what tone and stories work.
If anyone knows of resources, books, or websites that provide real sample essays (especially ones with comments or feedback), I’d really appreciate the help. Success stories would be awesome, but honestly, I’d also like to see examples that maybe didn’t work so I know what to avoid. What inspired you when you were writing your own essays?
Also, does anyone have advice on how not to sound too generic or cliché? I want my essay to stand out, but I also don’t want to try too hard and seem fake. Any personal recommendations or links would mean a lot.
If anyone knows of resources, books, or websites that provide real sample essays (especially ones with comments or feedback), I’d really appreciate the help. Success stories would be awesome, but honestly, I’d also like to see examples that maybe didn’t work so I know what to avoid. What inspired you when you were writing your own essays?
Also, does anyone have advice on how not to sound too generic or cliché? I want my essay to stand out, but I also don’t want to try too hard and seem fake. Any personal recommendations or links would mean a lot.
4 months ago
•
26 views
Camille Luong
• 4 months ago
Advisor
It’s totally normal to feel overwhelmed at the beginning—reading example essays can really help you get a sense of voice, structure, and what kinds of stories resonate. There are several resources you can dive into for real student essays:
A classic starting point is '50 Successful Harvard Application Essays' (and similar titles for other universities). These books include essays with commentary about what made each one effective. "College Essay Essentials" by Ethan Sawyer (the College Essay Guy) is another solid choice; it breaks down essays topic-by-topic and provides annotated examples. For free online resources, Johns Hopkins University shares admitted student essays on their website with feedback from admissions officers. Hamilton College also publishes a great set of accepted essays.
If you want to see what not to do, some college admissions blogs offer breakdowns of generic or ineffective essays, and occasionally, colleges will post examples of essays that missed the mark (an online search for "essays that didn't work" can turn up a few). Just be cautious about random sites—you want real examples, not generic templates.
To answer your second question, avoid clichés by focusing on a specific, personal moment rather than broad themes. For instance, instead of writing about 'leadership' in general, describe the moment you convinced your robotics team to try a new approach even though half the group disagreed. Specificity is your friend. One applicant I know wrote about the time their cake collapsed right before the county fair baking contest and the creative scramble that followed—funny, vulnerable, and unique.
What inspired many writers is reading many different styles (from quirky to earnest), then freewriting about an event that's unique to them, even if it seems 'small.' Often, the everyday can become extraordinary if told authentically. As you're reading examples, pay attention to what sticks with you as much as what simply sounds polished.
Hope this helps you get started! If you want to talk through possible ideas, you can always reach out for peer feedback or advice.
A classic starting point is '50 Successful Harvard Application Essays' (and similar titles for other universities). These books include essays with commentary about what made each one effective. "College Essay Essentials" by Ethan Sawyer (the College Essay Guy) is another solid choice; it breaks down essays topic-by-topic and provides annotated examples. For free online resources, Johns Hopkins University shares admitted student essays on their website with feedback from admissions officers. Hamilton College also publishes a great set of accepted essays.
If you want to see what not to do, some college admissions blogs offer breakdowns of generic or ineffective essays, and occasionally, colleges will post examples of essays that missed the mark (an online search for "essays that didn't work" can turn up a few). Just be cautious about random sites—you want real examples, not generic templates.
To answer your second question, avoid clichés by focusing on a specific, personal moment rather than broad themes. For instance, instead of writing about 'leadership' in general, describe the moment you convinced your robotics team to try a new approach even though half the group disagreed. Specificity is your friend. One applicant I know wrote about the time their cake collapsed right before the county fair baking contest and the creative scramble that followed—funny, vulnerable, and unique.
What inspired many writers is reading many different styles (from quirky to earnest), then freewriting about an event that's unique to them, even if it seems 'small.' Often, the everyday can become extraordinary if told authentically. As you're reading examples, pay attention to what sticks with you as much as what simply sounds polished.
Hope this helps you get started! If you want to talk through possible ideas, you can always reach out for peer feedback or advice.
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Camille Luong
Nomadic
Stanford University, BAH in Urban Studies
Experience
5 years
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5.0 (5 reviews)