Where can I find good college essay examples for inspiration?
I’m trying to work on my main college essay and I’m feeling a bit stuck. I’ve read the basic tips on structure and what makes a good essay, but I feel like I really need to see some actual examples written by other students to get a better idea of what works (and what doesn’t).
Does anyone know websites or books where I could read some actual college essays that helped students get accepted? If you’ve used any specific sources that were especially helpful, please let me know. I want to make sure I’m on the right track before going too far with my first draft.
Also, if anyone is comfortable sharing their own essays (with personal info removed), that would be really appreciated!
Does anyone know websites or books where I could read some actual college essays that helped students get accepted? If you’ve used any specific sources that were especially helpful, please let me know. I want to make sure I’m on the right track before going too far with my first draft.
Also, if anyone is comfortable sharing their own essays (with personal info removed), that would be really appreciated!
4 months ago
•
21 views
Camille Luong
• 4 months ago
Advisor
Looking at successful college essay examples can definitely offer valuable inspiration and concrete ideas for your own writing. Some reliable places to find these sample essays include official university admissions pages, select books, and reputable online resources.
Many colleges publish sample essays on their admissions websites. For example, Johns Hopkins University features essays from accepted students with comments on what stood out in each one. Tufts University’s admissions blog has some strong examples too. These are especially helpful because you can see what the schools themselves value in an essay.
There are also well-known books that compile standout essays. The "College Essay Essentials" by Ethan Sawyer (the College Essay Guy) is helpful; he breaks down structure and includes a variety of real essay samples. "50 Successful Harvard Application Essays" gives another wide-ranging look with essays from lots of backgrounds and interests.
Online, educational magazines and websites sometimes share essays as part of their college prep sections—NPR’s "This I Believe" is technically not college essays, but the personal reflection style is similar and inspiring. Reading these can spark ideas or new storytelling approaches.
When you look at these examples, focus on the unique angles or moments the writers chose—the unexpected turns, specific details, or the way they tie in personal growth. For instance, you might find an essay about baking bread that actually reveals the student's approach to setbacks, or a story about fixing an old bike that turns into a reflection on persistence and curiosity. These bits of personality and voice make essays shine, not just the topic itself.
If you’re hoping to see even more diverse essays, some online forums or writing communities have threads where students share their essays (with names and sensitive info removed). If you want, I’m happy to point you toward a few reliable sources.
As you read, try not to copy structure or content exactly—use what you find to brainstorm distinctive moments from your own life and how you can present them with similar authenticity. Best of luck starting that first draft!
Many colleges publish sample essays on their admissions websites. For example, Johns Hopkins University features essays from accepted students with comments on what stood out in each one. Tufts University’s admissions blog has some strong examples too. These are especially helpful because you can see what the schools themselves value in an essay.
There are also well-known books that compile standout essays. The "College Essay Essentials" by Ethan Sawyer (the College Essay Guy) is helpful; he breaks down structure and includes a variety of real essay samples. "50 Successful Harvard Application Essays" gives another wide-ranging look with essays from lots of backgrounds and interests.
Online, educational magazines and websites sometimes share essays as part of their college prep sections—NPR’s "This I Believe" is technically not college essays, but the personal reflection style is similar and inspiring. Reading these can spark ideas or new storytelling approaches.
When you look at these examples, focus on the unique angles or moments the writers chose—the unexpected turns, specific details, or the way they tie in personal growth. For instance, you might find an essay about baking bread that actually reveals the student's approach to setbacks, or a story about fixing an old bike that turns into a reflection on persistence and curiosity. These bits of personality and voice make essays shine, not just the topic itself.
If you’re hoping to see even more diverse essays, some online forums or writing communities have threads where students share their essays (with names and sensitive info removed). If you want, I’m happy to point you toward a few reliable sources.
As you read, try not to copy structure or content exactly—use what you find to brainstorm distinctive moments from your own life and how you can present them with similar authenticity. Best of luck starting that first draft!
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Camille Luong
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Stanford University, BAH in Urban Studies
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5 years
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5.0 (5 reviews)