Where can I find examples of great Common App essays?

Reading actual sample essays can definitely help clarify what an authentic, successful Common App essay looks like in practice. There are a few reliable resources where you can find essays written by past applicants who were accepted to top colleges, along with comments about why the essays worked.

One popular source is the College Essay Guy’s website, which has a full page dedicated to sample essays with direct analysis about what makes each essay effective. You’ll see essays on a range of topics, from food to family to quirky hobbies, with notes on voice, structure, and narrative techniques. Another trusted resource is Johns Hopkins University’s "Essays That Worked" page. Each year, Johns Hopkins posts several real essays that helped applicants earn admission, and they often include admissions committee commentary to highlight what stood out. Tufts and Hamilton College also post curated collections of successful essays online.

If you prefer something in print, books like "College Essays That Made a Difference" by The Princeton Review or "50 Successful Harvard Application Essays" showcase a variety of approaches and writing styles. Libraries often have these on hand so you don’t need to buy them.

When browsing these samples, focus less on copying specific topics and more on how the authors organize their stories, choose unique moments, and reveal personal depth. For example, you might find one essay about how a student’s fascination with calculus influences their worldview, or another that’s entirely about folding origami with a grandparent. Notice how these essays zoom in on a specific moment or perspective to make a broader point about the applicant’s growth, resilience, or curiosity.

A tip: if you read an essay about a common topic, like moving schools, pay attention to how the writer makes it feel fresh. Maybe they recount a single, vivid interaction with a new classmate that changed their outlook. This helps ideas come to life.

Don’t stress about having a perfectly polished essay at this stage. Use the essays you read for inspiration, then reflect on your unique experiences and voice. Good luck with your drafts—you’re already taking a smart step by learning from those who’ve gone through the process!