Where can I find good examples of personal statement essays for college applications?
I'm really struggling to get started on my personal statement for college apps and was wondering if anyone knows where I can read strong sample essays. I'm hoping to see how people talk about their backgrounds and unique experiences so I can get inspired, but I also don't want to just copy the style.
If you have any links or know any legit websites or books where admissions officers have shared real student essays, it would be super helpful. Bonus if you know of any that share essays from students who got into competitive schools. I just want to get a sense of what works and what doesn't before diving into my own writing.
If you have any links or know any legit websites or books where admissions officers have shared real student essays, it would be super helpful. Bonus if you know of any that share essays from students who got into competitive schools. I just want to get a sense of what works and what doesn't before diving into my own writing.
6 months ago
•
41 views
Caroline Benson
• 6 months ago
Advisor
Finding high-quality examples of personal statement essays can be a big help when you're getting started. There are a few solid resources where you can read real essays from students accepted to top colleges and see commentary about what made those essays stand out.
One recommended place to look is on official college admissions websites. Some universities publish essays each year from accepted students, sometimes even with admissions committee comments. For example, Johns Hopkins has a page called "Essays That Worked" where you’ll find successful applications and a breakdown of why they resonated with readers.
Another good book is "50 Successful Harvard Application Essays." It brings together essays from students who were admitted, covering a wide range of backgrounds and experiences, and includes brief analysis. Browsing through a book like this gives you a sense of the diversity in voice and style that works.
If you want a modern and broad collection, there are websites like the New York Times “Learning” section, which occasionally publishes accepted college essays from across the country. These often include stories from students with different backgrounds, which can be especially helpful if you’re looking for inspiration on how to approach your own unique experiences.
As you read, pay attention to how students center their essays around a specific moment or theme, use personal reflection, and reveal something deeper about themselves. For example, one memorable essay from an accepted Princeton student focused not on a huge achievement, but on a family tradition of making dumplings every Sunday—the essay used this simple ritual to explore identity, connection, and ambition.
Just remember: the goal is to get inspired by these examples, not to mimic them. Admissions officers read thousands of essays; the most memorable ones are honest, deeply personal, and showcase unusual perspective. Focus on your own story first and use these resources to get a sense of structure, tone, or creativity.
Good luck with your writing! Taking the time to review examples is a smart first step, but your own voice will make your essay truly stand out.
One recommended place to look is on official college admissions websites. Some universities publish essays each year from accepted students, sometimes even with admissions committee comments. For example, Johns Hopkins has a page called "Essays That Worked" where you’ll find successful applications and a breakdown of why they resonated with readers.
Another good book is "50 Successful Harvard Application Essays." It brings together essays from students who were admitted, covering a wide range of backgrounds and experiences, and includes brief analysis. Browsing through a book like this gives you a sense of the diversity in voice and style that works.
If you want a modern and broad collection, there are websites like the New York Times “Learning” section, which occasionally publishes accepted college essays from across the country. These often include stories from students with different backgrounds, which can be especially helpful if you’re looking for inspiration on how to approach your own unique experiences.
As you read, pay attention to how students center their essays around a specific moment or theme, use personal reflection, and reveal something deeper about themselves. For example, one memorable essay from an accepted Princeton student focused not on a huge achievement, but on a family tradition of making dumplings every Sunday—the essay used this simple ritual to explore identity, connection, and ambition.
Just remember: the goal is to get inspired by these examples, not to mimic them. Admissions officers read thousands of essays; the most memorable ones are honest, deeply personal, and showcase unusual perspective. Focus on your own story first and use these resources to get a sense of structure, tone, or creativity.
Good luck with your writing! Taking the time to review examples is a smart first step, but your own voice will make your essay truly stand out.
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Caroline Benson
Upstate New York
Columbia University (BA); American University in Cairo (MA); Middlebury College (MA)
Experience
9 years