Where can I find good Common App essay examples, like the ones College Essay Guy uses?
I'm starting to brainstorm ideas for my Common App essay and have been checking out some advice from College Essay Guy. I know he recommends reading examples, but I'm not sure where to actually find the kinds of essays he references.
Are there online resources or sites where I can see actual essays that got students into colleges, not just sample prompts? I feel like seeing different approaches would really help me figure out what makes a personal statement stand out.
If you have any links to specific examples, especially ones that helped students get into top schools, please let me know. I'm kind of stuck and would love to read as many as possible before I start my first draft.
Are there online resources or sites where I can see actual essays that got students into colleges, not just sample prompts? I feel like seeing different approaches would really help me figure out what makes a personal statement stand out.
If you have any links to specific examples, especially ones that helped students get into top schools, please let me know. I'm kind of stuck and would love to read as many as possible before I start my first draft.
4 months ago
•
28 views
Camille Luong
• 4 months ago
Advisor
Absolutely, reading actual Common App essay examples is a great way to get inspired and understand what works. Since you're already following advice from College Essay Guy, you're on the right track—he does share several real essays on his site. You can find these under his 'Essay Examples' section, which features not only successful essays but also breakdowns of why they work. Simply search for 'College Essay Guy essay examples' on your preferred search engine and his collections should be one of the top results. You'll find essays on a variety of topics, with analysis included, which is especially helpful for identifying effective strategies and unique voices.
Beyond that, Johns Hopkins University publishes a selection of essays submitted by their admitted students. The collection, called 'Essays That Worked,' includes personal statements and supplemental essays, often with brief admissions commentary on what made them effective. This is a reputable source that features students who got into a top-tier university. If you head to the Johns Hopkins admissions site and navigate to 'Essays That Worked,' you'll find a range of strong examples covering different backgrounds and approaches.
Additionally, Tufts University posts a set of successful essays each year on their undergraduate admissions site in their 'Essays That Matter' blog. Harvard and Stanford do not officially publish sample essays, but there are books like 50 Successful Harvard Applications Essays (often available in libraries or online) where you’ll see annotated samples.
A tip as you read: focus not just on the topic but on the storytelling and structure. For example, one of the JHU essays describes a student's fascination with microanalyzing puzzles, and how that ties into their larger worldview. The focus on specific moments and personal perspective helps you see how to craft your own essay in a memorable way.
Remember, great essays don’t need a flashy story; voice and reflection matter most. As you review examples, jot down what you like about them and why—this will help clarify what resonates with you and guide your brainstorming.
Good luck as you shape your ideas!
Beyond that, Johns Hopkins University publishes a selection of essays submitted by their admitted students. The collection, called 'Essays That Worked,' includes personal statements and supplemental essays, often with brief admissions commentary on what made them effective. This is a reputable source that features students who got into a top-tier university. If you head to the Johns Hopkins admissions site and navigate to 'Essays That Worked,' you'll find a range of strong examples covering different backgrounds and approaches.
Additionally, Tufts University posts a set of successful essays each year on their undergraduate admissions site in their 'Essays That Matter' blog. Harvard and Stanford do not officially publish sample essays, but there are books like 50 Successful Harvard Applications Essays (often available in libraries or online) where you’ll see annotated samples.
A tip as you read: focus not just on the topic but on the storytelling and structure. For example, one of the JHU essays describes a student's fascination with microanalyzing puzzles, and how that ties into their larger worldview. The focus on specific moments and personal perspective helps you see how to craft your own essay in a memorable way.
Remember, great essays don’t need a flashy story; voice and reflection matter most. As you review examples, jot down what you like about them and why—this will help clarify what resonates with you and guide your brainstorming.
Good luck as you shape your ideas!
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Camille Luong
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