Where can I find strong college essay examples for inspiration?
I'm a rising senior, and the idea of writing my college essay is kind of freaking me out. I know everyone's supposed to showcase their personality and experiences, but I just can't figure out where to start.
Are there any reliable websites or books where I can read actual, successful college essays? If anyone has links or resources (even personal essays you're willing to share), that would be super helpful. I'd especially love examples that are a bit unconventional or not just about grades and activities because I want to write something memorable.
Are there any reliable websites or books where I can read actual, successful college essays? If anyone has links or resources (even personal essays you're willing to share), that would be super helpful. I'd especially love examples that are a bit unconventional or not just about grades and activities because I want to write something memorable.
6 months ago
•
36 views
Roger Lopez
• 6 months ago
Advisor
Feeling nervous about starting your college essay is totally normal, and reading sample essays can be a really helpful way to get the creative juices flowing. There are several reliable resources where you can find strong, successful essays, and many of them include essays that break the mold—exploring unusual topics, using creative structures, or diving into deeply personal stories beyond academics and extracurriculars.
An excellent resource is Johns Hopkins University's admissions website. They post a collection of essays from admitted students each year, with brief admissions officer comments pointing out what made each one stand out. The Common App website also occasionally releases sample essays from successful applicants.
For books, check out "50 Successful Harvard Application Essays" if you want to see a range of styles, including some that are very unconventional. "On Writing the College Application Essay" by Harry Bauld is another classic—while it focuses on strategy, it also includes sample essays and cautionary tales about clichés.
You should also look for student forums and blogs where people post their own essays. Sometimes Reddit's r/ApplyingToCollege has essay megathreads where students post examples and ask for feedback. Use these ethically, though: Don't copy or overly imitate them, but let them spark ideas for your own voice and story.
Lastly, don't underestimate the value of essays shared by friends, mentors, or teachers. Even just reading a sibling’s, a cousin's, or your school’s previous graduates' essays (if your guidance office keeps a file) can be inspiring. For example, a friend of mine wrote a standout essay about the surprising impact of working as a birthday party magician—completely unconventional, but memorable and authentic.
Once you start looking at real examples—especially those that take risks or zoom in on small, meaningful moments—you'll feel more confident about carving out your own space in your application.
Good luck, and remember: The best essays come from the heart, not from trying to fit a mold!
An excellent resource is Johns Hopkins University's admissions website. They post a collection of essays from admitted students each year, with brief admissions officer comments pointing out what made each one stand out. The Common App website also occasionally releases sample essays from successful applicants.
For books, check out "50 Successful Harvard Application Essays" if you want to see a range of styles, including some that are very unconventional. "On Writing the College Application Essay" by Harry Bauld is another classic—while it focuses on strategy, it also includes sample essays and cautionary tales about clichés.
You should also look for student forums and blogs where people post their own essays. Sometimes Reddit's r/ApplyingToCollege has essay megathreads where students post examples and ask for feedback. Use these ethically, though: Don't copy or overly imitate them, but let them spark ideas for your own voice and story.
Lastly, don't underestimate the value of essays shared by friends, mentors, or teachers. Even just reading a sibling’s, a cousin's, or your school’s previous graduates' essays (if your guidance office keeps a file) can be inspiring. For example, a friend of mine wrote a standout essay about the surprising impact of working as a birthday party magician—completely unconventional, but memorable and authentic.
Once you start looking at real examples—especially those that take risks or zoom in on small, meaningful moments—you'll feel more confident about carving out your own space in your application.
Good luck, and remember: The best essays come from the heart, not from trying to fit a mold!
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Roger Lopez
Chicago, Illinois
Yale University BA, Political Science | Northwestern Kellogg School of Management, MBA Candidate |
Experience
4 years