Where can I find strong Ivy League college essay examples for inspiration?

The search for strong Ivy League essay examples is really common and can be a great way to get both assurance and inspiration as you craft your drafts.

While the official admissions pages are sometimes sparse, there are several reputable places where you can find successful essays. One of the best resources is college guidebooks that have whole sections of real student essays, usually with admissions officers' comments. Consider looking at books like '50 Successful Harvard Application Essays' or '50 Successful Ivy League Application Essays.' These books break down what made each essay work and span a variety of backgrounds, writing styles, and interests—some of which focus on humanities like English or history.

Some well-known education-focused websites periodically publish successful Ivy League essays. For instance, The New York Times' 'The Choice' blog archives often post real essays with reflections from the students. You can also explore forums like Reddit’s /r/ApplyingToCollege, where students sometimes share their own essays and peer critiques, with identifying details removed.

If you want to deep-dive into essays especially relevant to your interests in English or history, look for examples where students tie their passion for storytelling, analysis, or research to personal experiences. One standout essay I saw began with the student tracing the origin of a family legend through old letters, weaving in her curiosity about primary sources—an approach that combined narrative flair with a clearly demonstrated love of history.

As you review examples, remember: don't try to copy their exact topics or styles, but instead pay attention to how authors reflect on an experience or idea and connect it to a larger theme. Often, the most memorable essays zero in on a very specific story or moment (say, the first time you shared a poem with a stranger, or a heated debate over a historical event at the dinner table) rather than a broad life summary.

Finally, once you’ve browsed some successful essays, challenge yourself to outline the ones that move you: What’s the hook? How is it structured? What does it show about the student? This process will help you identify elements you might weave into your own personal narrative for a compelling Ivy League application essay.