Where can I find strong Yale supplemental essay examples?

You can find strong Yale supplemental essay examples in a few reputable places online and in print. Two popular books that are updated often—'50 Successful Yale Application Essays' and 'College Essay Essentials'—contain real essays with commentary. For free online resources, Yale's own admissions website sometimes shares excerpts from standout essays, especially in blogs or FAQ sections. Websites like the Yale Daily News or student-run platforms can also showcase student writing, though these are rarely official admissions essays.

When reading examples, especially for the 'Why Yale?' prompt, pay attention to how the writer connects their personal interests, values, or goals with specific things Yale offers. The strongest essays often avoid generic praise and instead mention Yale’s unique programs, professors, traditions, or extracurriculars that align with the applicant’s narrative. For instance, rather than writing "Yale's residential colleges look fun," a well-crafted essay might discuss a specific project in the Directed Studies program and how it matches the student’s love of interdisciplinary learning.

Try not just to admire structure, but also to notice voice and specificity. Ask yourself: Does this essay clearly show why only Yale fits this student? Does it reveal something surprising about the applicant? How does the opening grab your attention?

Avoid writing essays that could easily swap 'Yale' for any other university. Common pitfalls include only listing rankings, vague references to prestige, or repeating information found easily on the homepage. Instead, dig into classes, clubs, traditions (like 'Master’s Teas' or the 'Yale Political Union'), or even favorite buildings, and relate those specifically to your experiences and ambitions.

If you read essay examples, treat them as inspiration rather than templates. Imagine how your own quirks or moments of discovery fit with offerings at Yale. For example, maybe you’re passionate about environmental policy and cite a Yale research lab or professor whose work aligns perfectly with your ambitions—that's the kind of detail that admissions officers remember.

In summary: look for both content and style in examples, but always pull your own experiences to the foreground. With the right approach, your 'Why Yale?' will stand out because it's a story only you could write.