Where can I find real sample college application essays?
I've heard a lot about how important the personal statement is, but I'm struggling to visualize what a good essay actually looks like. I know there are a lot of websites out there claiming to show the "best" essays, but I'm never sure if they're authentic or just made up for clickbait.
Are there any places where I can read actual essays that got students into top schools? Ideally, I'd love to see a variety from different types of applicants, not just perfect scores or valedictorians. Bonus if there is commentary or feedback on the essays, because I want to understand what works and why.
If you've found some resources that helped you (or older siblings/friends), please let me know! Trying to get started but I keep running into writer's block because I don't really know what direction to go in.
Are there any places where I can read actual essays that got students into top schools? Ideally, I'd love to see a variety from different types of applicants, not just perfect scores or valedictorians. Bonus if there is commentary or feedback on the essays, because I want to understand what works and why.
If you've found some resources that helped you (or older siblings/friends), please let me know! Trying to get started but I keep running into writer's block because I don't really know what direction to go in.
4 months ago
•
9 views
Camille Luong
• 4 months ago
Advisor
Seeing real essays can make a huge difference when you're feeling stuck or want inspiration for your own application. Reliable sources for genuine college essays include official college admissions websites from schools like Johns Hopkins, Tufts, and Hamilton. For example, Johns Hopkins has a 'Essays That Worked' section on their admissions page, containing actual essays from successful applicants with thoughtful admission officer commentary. You’ll often find a variety of voices and backgrounds there, not just Ivy League stereotypes or 1600 SAT students.
Another good resource is books like '50 Successful Harvard Application Essays' or 'Essays That Worked for College Applications.' These include a wide range of essays, and while some focus on highly competitive schools, they feature different writing styles and approaches. Just make sure copies are up to date; older collections might not reflect current expectations.
Some educational organizations and college counseling centers also publish real essays with comments about why they work. Occasionally, Reddit’s r/ApplyingToCollege hosts essay threads where students share their essays and sometimes include their results, although you should always be mindful of privacy and verify authenticity since these forums are not monitored by colleges.
If you want feedback alongside the essays, focus on collections that include admission officer or counselor notes. These can help you see what an admissions reader notices—the unique angle, voice, structure, or moments of insight. For example, a standout essay might describe a student fixing cars with their grandfather, with commentary pointing out how their problem-solving skills and curiosity shine through personal storytelling, not just by listing accomplishments.
Remember, essays that worked well are rarely formulaic. Look for essays with strong personal voice and a clear sense of self. Varied examples will show you the huge range of topics and approaches that can be successful, and seeing these can definitely spark your own ideas or help beat that writer’s block.
Another good resource is books like '50 Successful Harvard Application Essays' or 'Essays That Worked for College Applications.' These include a wide range of essays, and while some focus on highly competitive schools, they feature different writing styles and approaches. Just make sure copies are up to date; older collections might not reflect current expectations.
Some educational organizations and college counseling centers also publish real essays with comments about why they work. Occasionally, Reddit’s r/ApplyingToCollege hosts essay threads where students share their essays and sometimes include their results, although you should always be mindful of privacy and verify authenticity since these forums are not monitored by colleges.
If you want feedback alongside the essays, focus on collections that include admission officer or counselor notes. These can help you see what an admissions reader notices—the unique angle, voice, structure, or moments of insight. For example, a standout essay might describe a student fixing cars with their grandfather, with commentary pointing out how their problem-solving skills and curiosity shine through personal storytelling, not just by listing accomplishments.
Remember, essays that worked well are rarely formulaic. Look for essays with strong personal voice and a clear sense of self. Varied examples will show you the huge range of topics and approaches that can be successful, and seeing these can definitely spark your own ideas or help beat that writer’s block.
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Camille Luong
Nomadic
Stanford University, BAH in Urban Studies
Experience
5 years
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5.0 (5 reviews)