Where can I find examples of famous college essays?
I'm currently working on my main college essay and I'm feeling kind of stuck. I've heard people talk about some "famous" or super well-known college essays that went viral or got a lot of attention from admissions officers. It would be really helpful to see what made those essays stand out.
Does anyone know where I can read some of these essays or at least find specific examples? I want to see the types of topics and writing styles that have worked for students in the past. Also, has anyone tried emulating any of these essays, and if so, did it help your writing or make it feel too forced?
Any resources or tips on how to find these famous essays would be awesome. Maybe even some links or book recommendations?
Does anyone know where I can read some of these essays or at least find specific examples? I want to see the types of topics and writing styles that have worked for students in the past. Also, has anyone tried emulating any of these essays, and if so, did it help your writing or make it feel too forced?
Any resources or tips on how to find these famous essays would be awesome. Maybe even some links or book recommendations?
4 months ago
•
33 views
Camille Luong
• 4 months ago
Advisor
It's a smart move to look for inspiration from well-known college essays, but keep in mind that the real magic often comes from a student's authentic voice and unique experiences.
Some of the most talked-about essays have been published through university admissions blogs or news outlets. For example, Johns Hopkins has a section on their admissions site called “Essays That Worked” featuring real essays that impressed their readers. The New York Times usually publishes a handful of standout essays each application season, highlighting what editors and admissions professionals find compelling. Collections like these offer a clear look at a range of topics and voices, from quirky and humorous to deeply reflective.
If books are more your thing, "College Essay Essentials" by Ethan Sawyer (the "College Essay Guy") not only has sample essays, but breaks down what made them effective structurally and emotionally. You can also check out "50 Successful Harvard Application Essays" if you want a broader set, but remember not to get too caught up in the Ivy League label—great essays come from all corners.
One famous essay that made the rounds years ago is the "Costco Essay," where a student wrote about her love for Costco and connected it to curiosity and self-identity. Another popular one delved into a love for Rubik's Cubes as a metaphor for understanding people. These essays, often shared because they're memorable or unique in approach, tend to highlight an everyday passion or an unusual perspective, not just a dramatic life story.
A word of caution: if you try to copy the style or narrative arc of these essays too closely, your own writing might start to feel a little stiff or unnatural. Instead, notice how these writers inject personal details, use specific anecdotes, and reveal something honest about themselves. For example, if you liked a food-themed essay, think about a food or family tradition unique to your experience, rather than trying to mimic the exact storyline.
So, check out those sites and books for examples, but use them as a starting point. Don’t worry about being famous-essay-level quirky unless it comes naturally. The best essays sound like you, just at your most reflective and self-aware.
Good luck—the fact you're looking for examples already puts you on a path toward a strong essay!
Some of the most talked-about essays have been published through university admissions blogs or news outlets. For example, Johns Hopkins has a section on their admissions site called “Essays That Worked” featuring real essays that impressed their readers. The New York Times usually publishes a handful of standout essays each application season, highlighting what editors and admissions professionals find compelling. Collections like these offer a clear look at a range of topics and voices, from quirky and humorous to deeply reflective.
If books are more your thing, "College Essay Essentials" by Ethan Sawyer (the "College Essay Guy") not only has sample essays, but breaks down what made them effective structurally and emotionally. You can also check out "50 Successful Harvard Application Essays" if you want a broader set, but remember not to get too caught up in the Ivy League label—great essays come from all corners.
One famous essay that made the rounds years ago is the "Costco Essay," where a student wrote about her love for Costco and connected it to curiosity and self-identity. Another popular one delved into a love for Rubik's Cubes as a metaphor for understanding people. These essays, often shared because they're memorable or unique in approach, tend to highlight an everyday passion or an unusual perspective, not just a dramatic life story.
A word of caution: if you try to copy the style or narrative arc of these essays too closely, your own writing might start to feel a little stiff or unnatural. Instead, notice how these writers inject personal details, use specific anecdotes, and reveal something honest about themselves. For example, if you liked a food-themed essay, think about a food or family tradition unique to your experience, rather than trying to mimic the exact storyline.
So, check out those sites and books for examples, but use them as a starting point. Don’t worry about being famous-essay-level quirky unless it comes naturally. The best essays sound like you, just at your most reflective and self-aware.
Good luck—the fact you're looking for examples already puts you on a path toward a strong essay!
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Camille Luong
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Stanford University, BAH in Urban Studies
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5 years
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