Where can I find a good example of a college-level essay for applications?

Looking at successful college essays is a great way to get a feel for what works and how students bring their personalities and experiences to life on the page. Some universities, like Johns Hopkins and Hamilton College, actually publish examples of real student essays that were part of admitted applications. These essays often include comments from admission officers about what made them stand out, which can provide even more guidance on what colleges value in this part of your application.

Try searching something like "Johns Hopkins essays that worked" or "Hamilton College sample essays" to find pages with these examples. Another useful resource is the book "On Writing the College Application Essay" by Harry Bauld, which not only offers advice but also features excerpts from essays with commentary. Books like "50 Successful Harvard Application Essays" are also popular options if you want to see multiple essays in one place.

If you want something interactive, educational resources or essay review services sometimes provide online databases of essay samples, often categorized by prompt or theme. For instance, you might find essays organized by topics like identity, a challenge you've faced, or community involvement.

When reading samples, pay attention to voice, story structure, and how the writer connects their experiences back to their values or future goals. One especially effective example comes from a student who described fixing a family car with their parent. On the surface, it was about repairing an engine, but it cleverly revealed lessons about patience, learning from failure, and the importance of family—layering meaning without just listing traits.

Let samples inspire you, but remember your essay will be strongest when it’s personally meaningful and specific to you. Notice how the best essays are unique, often focusing on a specific moment or small story that captures a bigger aspect of who the writer is. Once you're familiar with what works, you'll be better equipped to start brainstorming your own essay!