Does anyone have examples of college essays about religion?

Writing about religion can be a powerful and effective topic for a college essay, but it does require careful balance and self-awareness. Admissions officers aren’t looking for a sermon; instead, they want to learn about you—your growth, how you think, and how your experiences have shaped your worldview.

There have been many successful essays on religion, but the strongest ones tend to use faith as a lens to showcase a personal journey or a pivotal moment, rather than focusing on the faith tradition itself. For instance, one student wrote about growing up in a multifaith family—her mom was Christian, her dad Hindu—so she explored how navigating both holidays (Christmas and Diwali) taught her to find unity in diversity, and it made her more open to different perspectives. She described a specific moment: feeling torn when choosing how to decorate her locker for both celebrations, leading her to start a multicultural club at school. Notice how faith isn’t the only focus; it’s entwined with community, leadership, and identity.

If you’re concerned about sounding preachy, try to ground your essay in tangible stories rather than abstract beliefs. For example, instead of just writing, “My faith taught me compassion,” you might share about a time you volunteered at a shelter because of a value rooted in your faith, and how interacting with someone experiencing homelessness challenged your worldview. Then reflect on how that changed your approach to helping others or making decisions, even outside religious settings.

For top schools, it’s not at all a "bad" topic if done thoughtfully. Just make sure it adds dimension to your application and doesn’t duplicate other pieces (for example, avoid repeating what’s in your activities list about youth group). Let your authentic voice come through. Keep the essay focused on your transformation, not trying to convince others to adopt your beliefs.

When in doubt, share your draft with someone you trust from a different or no religious background. If it resonates with them and feels deeply personal (not didactic), you’re on the right track. And remember, colleges value authenticity, maturity, and an ability to reflect.

If you’d like some prompts to get started: think about a moment where your faith caused you to make an unexpected choice, or challenged you to view something differently. Those specific stories are often what leave a lasting impression.