What is an example of a great college essay?
I keep hearing that a really amazing college essay can make a big difference in your application. I've been working on mine, but I'm not really sure what makes an essay stand out. Does anyone have any examples of essays that worked really well for top schools?
I'd love to see concrete samples or even just detailed descriptions of what topics and writing styles helped applicants get accepted. I'm struggling to find my voice and would appreciate any advice or inspiration from people who have already gone through this process.
I'm especially interested in essays that are personal and authentic, not just super dramatic or "out there."
I'd love to see concrete samples or even just detailed descriptions of what topics and writing styles helped applicants get accepted. I'm struggling to find my voice and would appreciate any advice or inspiration from people who have already gone through this process.
I'm especially interested in essays that are personal and authentic, not just super dramatic or "out there."
4 months ago
•
27 views
Camille Luong
• 4 months ago
Advisor
A memorable college essay stands out when it feels deeply personal and captures something genuine about who you are—not just what you’ve done. Admissions officers read thousands of essays, so they can spot the difference between a story told for impact and one that reflects a real slice of your life or personality.
One example of a great essay is a student writing about the routine of making Saturday morning pancakes with their younger sibling. Instead of framing it as a dramatic or life-changing event, the author uses vivid descriptions—like the smell of batter, the sound of laughter in the kitchen, spilled flour on the counter—to bring the reader into their world. Through this small tradition, the essay illustrates the applicant’s empathy, patience, and the ways they serve as a role model to their sibling. By ending with a subtle reflection on how these Saturday mornings taught lessons in responsibility and joy, the student avoids exaggeration and lets the authenticity shine through.
Another strong example: a student used humor to describe learning to cut hair on their little brother during quarantine. It was awkward at first, with funny mishaps, but through trial and error, the student found confidence in tackling new and uncomfortable challenges. This essay connected a quirky, specific experience to broader qualities like adaptability and resourcefulness, making it memorable.
For writing style, it’s helpful to focus on showing, not just telling. Use dialogue, sensory details, or internal monologue if it feels natural. Avoid formal or forced language, and don’t be afraid to show vulnerability or self-deprecating humor if that fits your personality.
If you’re struggling to find your voice, start by jotting down small moments or routines from your life—a snapshot of a day, an offbeat conversation, or a tradition unique to your family. Think about what those details reveal about who you are and how you see the world. Sometimes the best essays are about the seemingly everyday, but they’re told in a way that’s unmistakably yours.
Remember: The essay isn’t about proving you’re perfect or extraordinary. It’s about helping admissions officers see you as a real person beyond lists of grades and activities. Aim for honesty and focus on a story only you could write.
One example of a great essay is a student writing about the routine of making Saturday morning pancakes with their younger sibling. Instead of framing it as a dramatic or life-changing event, the author uses vivid descriptions—like the smell of batter, the sound of laughter in the kitchen, spilled flour on the counter—to bring the reader into their world. Through this small tradition, the essay illustrates the applicant’s empathy, patience, and the ways they serve as a role model to their sibling. By ending with a subtle reflection on how these Saturday mornings taught lessons in responsibility and joy, the student avoids exaggeration and lets the authenticity shine through.
Another strong example: a student used humor to describe learning to cut hair on their little brother during quarantine. It was awkward at first, with funny mishaps, but through trial and error, the student found confidence in tackling new and uncomfortable challenges. This essay connected a quirky, specific experience to broader qualities like adaptability and resourcefulness, making it memorable.
For writing style, it’s helpful to focus on showing, not just telling. Use dialogue, sensory details, or internal monologue if it feels natural. Avoid formal or forced language, and don’t be afraid to show vulnerability or self-deprecating humor if that fits your personality.
If you’re struggling to find your voice, start by jotting down small moments or routines from your life—a snapshot of a day, an offbeat conversation, or a tradition unique to your family. Think about what those details reveal about who you are and how you see the world. Sometimes the best essays are about the seemingly everyday, but they’re told in a way that’s unmistakably yours.
Remember: The essay isn’t about proving you’re perfect or extraordinary. It’s about helping admissions officers see you as a real person beyond lists of grades and activities. Aim for honesty and focus on a story only you could write.
Related Questions
Students also ask…
Camille Luong
Nomadic
Stanford University, BAH in Urban Studies
Experience
5 years
Rating
5.0 (5 reviews)