Can anyone share examples of college essays about identity?

Writing about identity is a powerful direction if you can tap into specific moments that highlight your experience. Since you mentioned growing up in a mixed-race family in a small town and navigating feelings of not being “enough” for either side, you’re already sitting on a real and unique perspective.

One effective approach to an identity essay is to zoom in on a single event that forced you to face your mixed heritage. For example, someone once wrote about feeling out of place when organizing a school cultural night. They initially felt uncomfortable choosing which club to represent, but eventually created a new booth celebrating mixed cultures, sharing food and crafts from both sides of their family. The essay focused less on general ideas and more on the moment they decided to celebrate every part of themselves. That specific incident made the essay memorable and showed their initiative.

You don’t need to tell your whole life story. Instead, focus on a small but meaningful episode that reflects your struggle and growth. Maybe there was a holiday where your two family cultures clashed, or a time a classmate made you question where you fit in. If you can describe the setting, your emotions, and what you learned from that event, your essay will feel authentic.

Try to avoid language that feels too broad or like you’re summarizing a biography. Admissions officers want to see how your background influences your perspective and actions now, not just a description of your identity. For example, let’s say you developed a habit of bridging cultural gaps in your school community because you’re used to doing that at home — that’s a real, concrete detail.

Aside from looking at published example essays on college admissions blogs, consider asking older students or local mentors for essays they’re comfortable sharing. Sometimes English teachers keep anonymous student copies too. But remember, the most compelling essays are those that genuinely reflect you, not a mold from someone else’s story.

Stay specific, ground your essay in real events, and show how your identity shapes the choices you make. That way, readers gain insight not just into your background, but into who you really are.