Where can I find strong example essays like the ones on College Essay Guy?

One of the best ways to get a sense for what makes a personal statement stand out is by reading a variety of real essays from successful applicants. Besides College Essay Guy, there are several other places where you can find high-quality example essays that showcase authentic voice and creativity.

Johns Hopkins University’s “Essays That Worked” section is a great resource. Here, you’ll find essays from admitted Hopkins students, along with admissions committee commentary explaining what made each essay memorable. The range is quite broad—students cover everything from their love of Rubik’s Cubes to personal reflections on identity or quirky habits.

The New York Times has a popular annual feature where they publish several college application essays from students of all backgrounds. These typically center on students with interesting or challenging personal stories, so they’re good for showing the essay’s emotional range and voice, not just technical skill. Search for "New York Times college essay examples" to find recent editions.

Medium and the website Teen Ink also feature essays written and uploaded by students, which can be a great way to see different writing styles and levels of polish. While editing might be lighter, reading these can give you a broader perspective on what makes an essay unique and relatable.

Reddit’s r/ApplyingToCollege forum has threads where students have voluntarily posted their essays, sometimes including essays that got them into selective colleges. While you should always look for essays that present original ideas (and not just cliché topics), these open, crowdsourced examples might offer just the kind of inspiration you need.

As you read, pay attention to how each essay showcases the writer’s personal journey or voice. For example, you might come across an essay about baking with a grandmother that turns into a reflection on cultural heritage, or one where the writer’s passion for birdwatching leads to unexpected life lessons. These types of unexpected connections and authentic moments are what will set your own essay apart.

Remember, don’t just copy the structure or topic—look for the sense of storytelling and the way the writer makes ordinary moments feel important. Let these examples spark your creativity as you craft a story that’s uniquely yours.