Where can I find examples of the best college essays?
As I'm starting to draft my personal statement, I've been trying to figure out what separates a great college essay from just an average one. I feel pretty overwhelmed seeing so much advice online, and I'm not sure what real, successful essays actually look like.
If anyone knows where to read some of the best college essays (maybe ones that got people into Ivies or top schools), please drop links or book recommendations. I’d really appreciate any insight about what specifically made them stand out if you have thoughts!
If anyone knows where to read some of the best college essays (maybe ones that got people into Ivies or top schools), please drop links or book recommendations. I’d really appreciate any insight about what specifically made them stand out if you have thoughts!
4 months ago
•
8 views
Camille Luong
• 4 months ago
Advisor
Finding real examples of outstanding college essays can be a huge help for your brainstorming and drafting process. There are both online and print resources available where you can see what helped other students stand out.
For books, a popular place to start is '50 Successful Harvard Application Essays'—it gives you not just the full text of each essay but also commentary on what made each one work. Another well-regarded collection is 'College Essay Essentials' by Ethan Sawyer, which includes multiple annotated examples and practical tips. Public libraries or local bookstores often have these, or you can find them online.
Online, several college admissions offices have published essays from accepted students. Johns Hopkins University’s admissions page features 'Essays That Worked,' and you’ll find detailed examples there, sometimes with feedback from admissions officers. Tufts and Connecticut College also post strong essays directly on their admissions websites.
What makes the best essays stand out is authenticity and a specific, personal voice. For example, one highly praised essay from Johns Hopkins is a student tracing their journey through the lens of 'puzzle pieces,' showing how their interests fitted together. It’s ordinary at first glance, but the structure and introspective honesty made it memorable. The best pieces avoid broad, generic takes on topics like sports injuries or academic struggle—instead, they zoom in on one vivid experience or moment of change and reflect on why it mattered.
When reading sample essays, look for ones that:
- Focus on a specific moment or story, not a broad timeline of achievements
- Dive deeply into the student’s thought process or feelings, not just a list of what happened
- Show growth or self-discovery, often through strong imagery or a unique lens
A tip: as you read examples, don’t just try to imitate them. Notice which techniques resonate (voice, structure, specific storytelling) and think about how those could apply to your life, rather than borrowing someone else’s topic or style outright. That approach will help your own essay feel genuine and ultimately stand out in the admissions process.
For books, a popular place to start is '50 Successful Harvard Application Essays'—it gives you not just the full text of each essay but also commentary on what made each one work. Another well-regarded collection is 'College Essay Essentials' by Ethan Sawyer, which includes multiple annotated examples and practical tips. Public libraries or local bookstores often have these, or you can find them online.
Online, several college admissions offices have published essays from accepted students. Johns Hopkins University’s admissions page features 'Essays That Worked,' and you’ll find detailed examples there, sometimes with feedback from admissions officers. Tufts and Connecticut College also post strong essays directly on their admissions websites.
What makes the best essays stand out is authenticity and a specific, personal voice. For example, one highly praised essay from Johns Hopkins is a student tracing their journey through the lens of 'puzzle pieces,' showing how their interests fitted together. It’s ordinary at first glance, but the structure and introspective honesty made it memorable. The best pieces avoid broad, generic takes on topics like sports injuries or academic struggle—instead, they zoom in on one vivid experience or moment of change and reflect on why it mattered.
When reading sample essays, look for ones that:
- Focus on a specific moment or story, not a broad timeline of achievements
- Dive deeply into the student’s thought process or feelings, not just a list of what happened
- Show growth or self-discovery, often through strong imagery or a unique lens
A tip: as you read examples, don’t just try to imitate them. Notice which techniques resonate (voice, structure, specific storytelling) and think about how those could apply to your life, rather than borrowing someone else’s topic or style outright. That approach will help your own essay feel genuine and ultimately stand out in the admissions process.
Related Questions
Students also ask…
Camille Luong
Nomadic
Stanford University, BAH in Urban Studies
Experience
5 years
Rating
5.0 (5 reviews)