What are some good examples of personal essays for college applications?

You might be surprised by how varied strong college essays can be in terms of topic, tone, and structure. The key is authenticity—colleges want to see a slice of your life that couldn't be written by anyone else. You don’t have to go ultra-dramatic or have a never-before-seen experience. Instead, focus on what matters to you and how you see the world.

Here are a few general themes that have worked well:
1. "Small Moments with Big Meaning": One student wrote about their fascination with collecting stamps from countries their grandmother told stories about. The essay described sitting by the kitchen table, carefully organizing these stamps, and connected this hobby to a broader sense of curiosity and appreciation for family history. Even though it’s a small, everyday experience, it reveals a lot about the writer’s values and interests.

2. "Unexpected Connections": Someone passionate about baking detailed their attempt to perfect a tricky recipe. The story was less about the cake and more about trial, error, and patience, segueing into how that process mirrored their approach to challenges at school. This technique works well—using a seemingly simple activity to explore bigger aspects of your character.

3. "Moments of Change or Realization": Another compelling example is a student who described a single afternoon mentoring a younger student after school. A difficult conversation they navigated revealed empathy and maturity, and the writer reflected on how that hour changed their outlook on leadership.

It's rare for official essay examples to be publicly available, but some university websites do share real, accepted essays (for instance, Johns Hopkins publishes a few each year). You can also look up essay collections in books like "50 Successful Harvard Application Essays" or sample essays offered by credible college counseling organizations.

The takeaway: focus on a snapshot of your life that feels meaningful—even if it seems ordinary. An honest moment with thoughtful reflection is more compelling than a resume rundown. For brainstorming, jot down moments when you felt something shift, no matter how small, or when you learned something important about yourself or others. These moments can turn into great essays that feel truly personal and set you apart from the crowd.