Are there any good examples of college essays about overcoming obstacles?

It's really common to feel unsure whether your challenges count as 'significant enough,' but the key is less about the size of the obstacle and more about how you communicate your personal growth or change. Admissions officers care most about your reflection and growth, not whether your challenge was dramatic or headline-worthy.

A strong essay about overcoming obstacles often does a few things:
- It zooms in on a particular moment or turning point, not just a summary of a long struggle.
- It avoids cliché topics unless there's an especially unique angle.
- It focuses on how you changed or what you learned rather than just describing the problem.

For example, an essay might not be about moving to a new country in general, but rather about the first day you had to translate for your parents at a grocery store and how it sparked your interest in linguistic justice. Or, a student who didn’t make the varsity team could write about how that forced them to explore music or another entirely different field, rather than how 'working hard led to improvement.'

If you're looking for examples, The New York Times publishes a collection of standout college essays each year. Look for their "College Essays That Stand Out" articles (you can search this phrase online), which often include several essays about challenges, ranging from family illness to failing a class. Johns Hopkins also posts essays selected by admissions officers, called 'Essays That Worked.' (Go to the Johns Hopkins admissions site and look for their essays section.)

One student wrote about navigating their family's eviction and how it led them to become an advocate for housing security in their community. The essay wasn't just about losing a home, but focused on the moment the student attended a city council meeting for the first time and found their voice on local issues.

When you write, aim to illustrate how the experience shaped your mindset or choices. For instance, maybe you suffered a setback and realized the value of asking for help. Describe a specific moment of realization, how you responded to the challenge, and, most importantly, how it changed your future actions or perspective.

If you need more inspiration or want your draft reviewed, you can always submit your essay to a trusted review service where you'll get feedback focused on this exact aspect. But bottom line: even small or everyday obstacles can make for powerful essays if you reflect honestly about their impact on you.