Where can I find strong Common App college essay examples for inspiration?

You're already taking a smart step by searching for real examples—it’s a huge help to see how others have told their stories! Some of the best places to find strong Common App essay examples are university admissions offices that share essays from admitted students, blogs by college admissions counselors, and a handful of reputable educational organizations.

For direct links to successful essays, Yale, Johns Hopkins, and Tufts all publish selected past essays (just google “Yale admissions essays that worked” or a similar phrase for each school). These collections come with editor commentary, which can help you quickly see what made the essays stand out. They're also honest about the fact that these essays are from students they accepted, so you know they're legitimate.

Some large educational nonprofits and academic support philanthropies curate strong essays as well. Paying a quick visit to sites like the College Essay Guy or the Harvard Crimson (which sometimes publishes student essays) can give you a mix of voices and backgrounds—some even let you filter by student interests or target colleges. Also, try checking college admissions YouTube channels; some have videos of students reading their essays and explaining the thinking behind them. This can be extra helpful for understanding tone and structure, not just the content.

If your target schools are highly selective, it’s helpful to look for essays from students who were admitted to those specific colleges. For example, if you’re interested in attending a school like Northwestern or Stanford, searching for 'Stanford accepted essays' will surface several sites with relevant examples. Look for patterns—common topics, narrative style, or unique approaches—but be careful not to just mimic these essays. The best ones are always deeply personal and specific to the writer. For instance, one standout essay widely shared online is about a student's fascination with Rubik's cubes and how it taught them about problem-solving beyond puzzles—totally unique, but not out of reach for anyone with a specific interest.

Since you’re the first in your family to go through this process, someone at your high school (like a counselor or teacher) might also have access to a bank of actual essays from former students who got into colleges with similar profiles as your target schools—don't be afraid to ask them.

Just remember: examples are for inspiration and guidance, but your own voice and experience should shine through when you get to drafting. Good luck as you get started—taking time to read before you write is an excellent way to build confidence!