Could anyone share a strong personal essay example for college applications?

Absolutely, seeing strong examples can really help you figure out how to craft your own voice. A memorable personal essay isn’t about having a groundbreaking topic; what matters is your unique perspective and how honestly you share your story.

Here’s an example (details changed for privacy) of a compelling essay that stood out:

"The first time I baked bread by myself, the loaf was flat as a pancake and nearly inedible. I watched as steam curled up, smelling more like disappointment than fresh dough. My grandmother, who had guided me through dozens of recipes, sat beside me in silence. Instead of taking over, she pushed the flour jar my way and said, 'Again.'

Every weekend that year, I tried—and failed—to get it right. My earliest attempts were sticky, lumpy, a little sad. My grandmother never criticized but always observed, waiting for me to ask the right questions: Was the dough too wet? Had I rushed the kneading? Making bread became a kind of quiet language between us. The process wasn't just about food; it was about humility, patience, and learning from imperfection. By winter, not only had I finally made a proper loaf, but I'd also realized the lessons I’d kneaded into every batch: resilience isn’t about quick results but the willingness to return with flour-dusted hands. This is what I hope to bring to college—not just the recipe for bread, but the recipe for persistence."

What makes this essay strong isn’t the topic itself; baking bread isn’t unusual or dramatic. Instead, the writer uses a specific memory to reveal personal growth, a relationship, and their way of approaching challenges. The sensory details (the smell, the texture), the dialogue ('Again'), and the reflection at the end, all help the reader feel close to the story.

If your topic feels ‘average,’ try zooming in on a single moment or interaction that reveals something real about you. Focus on how you think, what you notice, and what you learned. Admissions officers want authenticity and self-awareness more than a flawless resume.

Your own voice comes out when you describe your feelings and the changes that happened in you, even from something as simple as baking or riding the bus to school. Think about your topic: Is there a specific day, challenge, or conversation that sticks with you? Start there, and see what you discover as you write.