Where can I find strong example college essays for inspiration?

You’re definitely not alone in feeling overwhelmed by the college essay process! Reading strong sample essays can be a huge help for inspiration and understanding the tone, structure, and authenticity admissions officers look for. One of the best places to find high-quality examples is directly on official college admissions websites. For example, Johns Hopkins University posts "Essays That Worked" each year, with commentary from their admissions officers about what made each essay stand out. These give authentic insight into what top colleges appreciate, and you’ll see a mix of voices, structures, and topics.

Another solid resource is books like "50 Successful Harvard Application Essays" or "College Essay Essentials" by Ethan Sawyer. These usually include a variety of topics and provide analysis on what works. Libraries and bookstores often have copies if you’d rather not buy them right away.

When I was applying, I found reading essays on the MIT Admissions blog and the University of Chicago's essay archive particularly helpful because they’re famously unique and varied. Even if you’re not applying to those schools, seeing how students took risks or infused their personalities into their essays can spark ideas.

I would avoid using massive "random online collections" because sometimes they feature essays from students who may not have actually been admitted, or the quality can be inconsistent. College admissions forums also sometimes post essays with applicant commentary, which helped me, especially for understanding how unconventional topics can be effective if they're personal and honest.

When it came to writing my own essay, I didn’t copy any particular style, but I noticed a common thread in the best ones: they focused on specific moments or stories instead of trying to summarize the applicant’s entire personality in 650 words. For example, one student wrote about a weekly dinner tradition with their family and wove in a lesson about communication and culture. That inspired me to choose a small but meaningful experience in my life as my essay’s focus.

Use the examples as guides for authenticity and voice rather than strict templates. Your story will always stand out best when it sounds like you, but it’s normal to borrow structural ideas or narrative techniques you find effective.

If you need more specific links or want feedback on your drafts, you can always reach out here for help too!