Where can I find good essay examples for college applications?

You're not alone in feeling overwhelmed by college essays, but reading strong sample essays can absolutely spark ideas and show you what stands out to admissions officers.

Your first stop for authentic, accepted essays should be university admissions websites. Some schools, like Johns Hopkins, publish a selection of essays from real admitted students, often with commentary or notes on what made them effective. Harvard's admissions site occasionally features excerpts as well. These sources let you see the diversity of essay topics and styles—sometimes the best essays are about everyday moments told in a fresh way.

If you want a broader view, there are a few classic books like '50 Successful Harvard Application Essays' or 'College Essay Essentials' by Ethan Sawyer, which compile essays with analysis. The advantage of books is you usually get some explanation about why each essay worked and what traits made them memorable.

Another tip is to check for blogs or YouTube channels run by college admissions officers or college essay coaches. Some of these break down essay samples and offer behind-the-scenes insight into the review process.

For example, Johns Hopkins features essays like 'The Princeternship Placebo,' which tells a quirky, honest story about feeling out of place professionally. Instead of just listing accomplishments, the student shows vulnerability and personality, which is often what admissions officers love to see.

When reading essay examples, look for how the writer uses voice and structure to stand out. Notice whether their introduction is creative, how they reflect on experiences instead of just describing them, and how they finish—do you learn something new or see them grow in some way?

Finally, your school's college counselor or English teacher might have a library of past essays from students who were accepted to a range of schools. Don't hesitate to ask them for access! Reading even a handful of these can help you recognize that there's no one “perfect” approach—your authentic story matters most.

Remember, while examples can inspire, your best essay will always sound like you. Good luck—reading and analyzing examples is a great first step!