What are some examples of the best college essays you've read or written?

The essays that really stand out are almost always the ones that dig into a super specific experience and use it to reveal something deeper about the writer. The 'best' essays aren’t necessarily about big accomplishments, but about honest, thoughtful reflections that only that student could write. Usually, strong essays avoid clichés, surprise the reader, and feel genuine without trying too hard to impress.

For example, I once worked with a student who wrote about her obsession with building elaborate Lego sculptures as a kid. At first, it seemed like a quirky hobby, but she used vivid details to show how it taught her about persistence and creativity. Then, she tied that experience to how she approaches complicated group projects—she likes to break problems down into tiny, manageable pieces, much like the Lego bricks. That essay worked because it was very visual, personal, and tied a childhood passion to skills that matter to colleges.

Another memorable essay came from someone who wrote about their family tradition of Sunday dumpling-making. The student described how each family member had a special technique, and how making dumplings became a way to bridge cultural gaps in their mixed-heritage family. It pivoted from funny stories in the kitchen (like the time someone exploded a bag of flour) to more serious moments about feeling like an outsider and finding community. By focusing on a familiar family ritual, she showed maturity, humor, and a deep appreciation for both her background and her future.

If you’re struggling to get started, think about very specific moments—maybe a weird job you had, a conversation that stuck with you, or a hobby you love but haven’t really talked about before. For instance, someone once wrote about collecting lost shopping lists from the grocery store parking lot, reflecting on the stories behind anonymous strangers’ handwriting and how it connected to her curiosity about people. These unique approaches help readers remember you.

Ultimately, essays that work best reveal something meaningful about you, not just what you’ve done but how you see the world or respond to challenges. If you can share a slice of your real self, even if it feels mundane at first, and connect it to bigger ideas or growth, you’ll go a long way toward standing out.