Where can I find good sample college essays to help with my applications?
I’ve started brainstorming for my college essays but I feel like I’m stuck and could really use some inspiration. I want to make sure my tone and structure are right, but I’m also worried about sounding too generic.
Are there any websites or books that have strong examples of successful college essays? I’ve seen a few online, but I’m not sure which are really considered ‘good.’ If anyone has recommendations or specific essays that really helped you figure out how to write yours, I’d appreciate it!
I’m looking to apply to a mix of state and private schools, and I want to make sure my essays stand out. Any advice would be awesome.
Are there any websites or books that have strong examples of successful college essays? I’ve seen a few online, but I’m not sure which are really considered ‘good.’ If anyone has recommendations or specific essays that really helped you figure out how to write yours, I’d appreciate it!
I’m looking to apply to a mix of state and private schools, and I want to make sure my essays stand out. Any advice would be awesome.
6 months ago
•
15 views
Camille Luong
• 6 months ago
Advisor
Looking at sample college essays is a great way to get unstuck! There are several trusted places where you can read successful essays, plus some tips on how to use them effectively.
One of the best online sources is the official admissions websites of top universities. For example, Johns Hopkins University has a dedicated section with essays from admitted students along with admission officer comments explaining what made each essay stand out. Tufts and Connecticut College publish similar resources, highlighting different tones and structures.
In terms of books, "50 Successful Harvard Application Essays" and "College Essay Essentials" by Ethan Sawyer contain strong essays with explanations. These books break down what makes each essay effective and showcase a range of voices. They're useful for both inspiration and understanding why particular choices work.
Reddit’s r/ApplyingToCollege forum often has sticky threads where users share their essays, sometimes along with their stats and results. Just remember to treat anonymous essays with care—focus on what you like about structure or voice, but avoid copying anything directly.
A good strategy is to read a few essays, then reflect on specific choices: How does the author start? What personal details make their experience unique? Do they tell a big story, or zoom in on a small but meaningful moment? For example, one memorable essay I read focused on a student’s weekly routine of making dumplings with her grandma. The tiny details—her grandma’s laughter, the feeling of flour on her hands—brought the story to life and revealed a lot about her family and identity. It wasn’t about a huge accomplishment, but about what mattered to her.
Try to avoid letting samples intimidate you. The goal isn’t to mimic style, but to spark your own ideas. After exploring, jot down small stories or moments you’re passionate about, and see which could reveal your character.
Summary of resources:
- University admissions websites (e.g., Johns Hopkins, Tufts)
- Books: “50 Successful Harvard Application Essays,” “College Essay Essentials”
- Online forums like r/ApplyingToCollege
Use samples for inspiration, but always bring your own voice and true stories to the page. This is what makes your essay stand out to any school.
One of the best online sources is the official admissions websites of top universities. For example, Johns Hopkins University has a dedicated section with essays from admitted students along with admission officer comments explaining what made each essay stand out. Tufts and Connecticut College publish similar resources, highlighting different tones and structures.
In terms of books, "50 Successful Harvard Application Essays" and "College Essay Essentials" by Ethan Sawyer contain strong essays with explanations. These books break down what makes each essay effective and showcase a range of voices. They're useful for both inspiration and understanding why particular choices work.
Reddit’s r/ApplyingToCollege forum often has sticky threads where users share their essays, sometimes along with their stats and results. Just remember to treat anonymous essays with care—focus on what you like about structure or voice, but avoid copying anything directly.
A good strategy is to read a few essays, then reflect on specific choices: How does the author start? What personal details make their experience unique? Do they tell a big story, or zoom in on a small but meaningful moment? For example, one memorable essay I read focused on a student’s weekly routine of making dumplings with her grandma. The tiny details—her grandma’s laughter, the feeling of flour on her hands—brought the story to life and revealed a lot about her family and identity. It wasn’t about a huge accomplishment, but about what mattered to her.
Try to avoid letting samples intimidate you. The goal isn’t to mimic style, but to spark your own ideas. After exploring, jot down small stories or moments you’re passionate about, and see which could reveal your character.
Summary of resources:
- University admissions websites (e.g., Johns Hopkins, Tufts)
- Books: “50 Successful Harvard Application Essays,” “College Essay Essentials”
- Online forums like r/ApplyingToCollege
Use samples for inspiration, but always bring your own voice and true stories to the page. This is what makes your essay stand out to any school.
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Camille Luong
Nomadic
Stanford University, BAH in Urban Studies
Experience
5 years
Rating
5.0 (5 reviews)