What are some examples of the best college entrance essays you've read or written?
I keep hearing that standout college entrance essays can really make a difference in admissions, especially for selective schools. I've read so many tips online, but I feel like actual examples of super strong essays would help me understand what works.
Does anyone have favorite essays they've come across, maybe from their own applications or shared by friends? I'm mostly trying to figure out what kind of topics, tones, or structures really hit home with admissions officers. For context, I'm applying to a couple of Ivies and a few liberal arts colleges. I want to write something that's memorable, but also truly reflects who I am and doesn't sound fake.
If you're willing to share what made your essay successful (even just in general terms), I'd really appreciate it. Also, were there any topics you avoided because you thought they were overdone or risky? Any advice would help!
Does anyone have favorite essays they've come across, maybe from their own applications or shared by friends? I'm mostly trying to figure out what kind of topics, tones, or structures really hit home with admissions officers. For context, I'm applying to a couple of Ivies and a few liberal arts colleges. I want to write something that's memorable, but also truly reflects who I am and doesn't sound fake.
If you're willing to share what made your essay successful (even just in general terms), I'd really appreciate it. Also, were there any topics you avoided because you thought they were overdone or risky? Any advice would help!
6 months ago
•
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Camille Luong
• 6 months ago
Advisor
There are definitely some memorable college entrance essays that get talked about a lot, but what really stands out is when a student’s voice and personal experience shine through. One of the best essays I’ve read was about a student’s fascination with vending machines—seriously! Instead of a sweeping life lesson, she zoomed in on her childhood curiosity about how the machines worked and how, as she got older, she started repairing broken vending machines in her neighborhood. The essay was quirky, full of vivid detail, and showed how her interest in small mechanisms reflected a larger interest in solving unexpected problems.
Another strong essay came from a student who described the ritual of baking bread every Sunday morning with her grandfather. The essay wasn’t just about the baking process, but how it connected her to her culture and family history, tying in memories, sensory details, and what she learned about patience and tradition. It felt genuine, specific, and full of warmth—and never tried to sound like anyone else’s story.
What most standout essays have in common is a focus on a unique angle or a truly personal story, told in an authentic voice. Often, the most memorable essays use specific, even small moments, to reveal something honest about the writer. For structure, a lot of effective essays are narrative-driven: they let you experience a story or moment, rather than just listing achievements or traits.
As for topics I’d personally avoid: anything that reads like a very general hardship (moving, a sports injury, etc.) unless you have a hyper-specific moment or detail that really shaped your outlook. Sometimes I’ve seen people take a risk by writing about failure or an unpopular opinion. These are great if you can tie them back to growth or self-awareness, and avoid being negative or preachy.
If you want your essay to really hit home, focus on a moment that shaped you or shifted your perspective, and let your natural voice come through. Ask yourself: could someone else write this essay, or is it truly unique to me? If it’s the latter, you’re on the right track!
Another strong essay came from a student who described the ritual of baking bread every Sunday morning with her grandfather. The essay wasn’t just about the baking process, but how it connected her to her culture and family history, tying in memories, sensory details, and what she learned about patience and tradition. It felt genuine, specific, and full of warmth—and never tried to sound like anyone else’s story.
What most standout essays have in common is a focus on a unique angle or a truly personal story, told in an authentic voice. Often, the most memorable essays use specific, even small moments, to reveal something honest about the writer. For structure, a lot of effective essays are narrative-driven: they let you experience a story or moment, rather than just listing achievements or traits.
As for topics I’d personally avoid: anything that reads like a very general hardship (moving, a sports injury, etc.) unless you have a hyper-specific moment or detail that really shaped your outlook. Sometimes I’ve seen people take a risk by writing about failure or an unpopular opinion. These are great if you can tie them back to growth or self-awareness, and avoid being negative or preachy.
If you want your essay to really hit home, focus on a moment that shaped you or shifted your perspective, and let your natural voice come through. Ask yourself: could someone else write this essay, or is it truly unique to me? If it’s the latter, you’re on the right track!
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Camille Luong
Nomadic
Stanford University, BAH in Urban Studies
Experience
5 years
Rating
5.0 (5 reviews)