What are some of the greatest college essays of all time and what makes them stand out?

There are definitely some college essays that have gained a kind of 'legendary' status because of how original and authentic they are. These essays usually stand out not because of some dramatic event or over-the-top language, but because the writer’s personality shines through in a fresh, memorable way.

For example, one commonly referenced essay is the 'Costco essay' by Brittany Stinson (accepted to several Ivies), who wrote about her passion for exploring Costco as a metaphor for her curiosity and love of discovery. Instead of focusing on a grand achievement, she described the details of her experience with humor, vulnerability, and genuine excitement. This worked because she connected an everyday thing to her unique outlook and aspirations.

Another famous essay was written as a list (accepted to Stanford), where the student formatted their personal statement as a series of short, punchy statements about themselves—almost like a rapid-fire resume, but with quirky personal insights. This caught the reader off guard in a good way and stood out because it played with form while still telling a coherent story.

What these essays have in common is how they take something seemingly mundane (like shopping at Costco or a list of personal facts) and use it as a lens to reveal the writer's values, mind, and sense of humor. The best essays often zoom in on small, specific moments—the awkwardness of a family dinner, the smell of your favorite bookshop, or the way you feel when singing in the shower. Then, a strong essay will connect those details to something bigger in your life.

If you want to make a normal topic feel extraordinary, focus on your inner reactions or subtle details that matter to you. For example, instead of writing about "a hard math class," you might write about a specific moment when you felt stuck on a problem, the late-night conversation you had with a friend about it, and what it showed you about the way your mind works. Honest reflection and clear, vivid storytelling can transform any subject.

There aren’t always official links available for these essays because of privacy, but you can often find excerpts or summaries in articles from college websites or education blogs. Just remember: the essays that stick with admissions officers aren’t about having a wild story—they’re about writing with your own voice and showing a slice of your real self. That’s what truly makes an essay stand out.