Where can I find good examples of college essays that got accepted?

Reading actual college essays that helped students get accepted is a great way to develop an understanding of what works. While many sites have essay examples, it’s true that some feel too edited or generic. Here are a few strategies and sources to check out for recent, authentic essays:

1. University admissions websites: Some schools, like Johns Hopkins and Hamilton College, share real essays from accepted students, often with admissions commentary explaining what made each one strong. These are especially valuable because they’re recent and include insights into why they stood out. Once on their site, look for sections like “Essays That Worked.”

2. Student-run publications and platforms: Some college newspapers or online magazines publish successful application essays by their own students. For example, The Harvard Crimson and Yale Daily News have seasonal features highlighting accepted essays, sometimes organized by Common App prompts or supplemental questions. Reading these can give you a sense of both tone and structure.

3. YouTube and blogs by current students: Lots of students share their essays (sometimes reading them aloud and analyzing them) on YouTube or personal blogs. For instance, searching for "college essays that got me into X school" will bring up recent examples with commentary. These videos can help you see the range of voices and topics that have worked, especially at competitive schools.

To give you an example, one recent essay published by Johns Hopkins stood out because the student described their small after-school job at a bakery, focusing on a single day when a mistake turned into a moment of connection with a coworker. The essay was simple and honest, showing self-reflection and maturity. It didn't use big words or dramatic events, but instead showed personality and growth—qualities admissions officers value.

If you want to find essays broken down by school or prompt, try searching for "[School Name] accepted student essays" or "Common App essay examples 2023" to find more relevant, timely samples. While samples are helpful, remember your own story is unique, so use them as inspiration rather than a blueprint.

If you want feedback on your ideas or drafts, sharing with current students or recent applicants (for example, through online forums or mentorship platforms) can offer more up-to-date insight than polished, old examples.