Where can I read examples of real college essays from accepted students?
I’m starting to work on my college application essays, and honestly, I feel kind of lost about what direction to take. I’ve read a lot of tips online, but I feel like seeing actual essays from students who got in to selective colleges would help me a lot.
Does anyone know of any websites, books, or resources where I can read authentic essays (not just samples written by counselors)? If you have a favorite essay that inspired you, would you mind sharing a link or excerpt? I’d really like to understand the tone, structure, and topics that work well for actual applications.
Does anyone know of any websites, books, or resources where I can read authentic essays (not just samples written by counselors)? If you have a favorite essay that inspired you, would you mind sharing a link or excerpt? I’d really like to understand the tone, structure, and topics that work well for actual applications.
6 months ago
•
39 views
Roger Lopez
• 6 months ago
Advisor
It's a great idea to learn from real examples—reading essays by accepted students can really help you understand what stands out and feels authentic in a college application.
One of the best places to start is with books specifically focused on real, successful essays. '50 Successful Harvard Application Essays' and 'College Essay Essentials' by Ethan Sawyer both feature real student essays (along with breakdowns). These essays are often paired with admissions officers’ feedback, so you not only see what worked but also why it was impactful.
Online, the website Johns Hopkins University maintains an 'Essays That Worked' section, where each year they publish several essays from their admitted students. These come with comments from admissions counselors, so you can see what resonated with them. Similarly, Tufts University and Hamilton College have dedicated web pages with strong past essays and explanations for why they stood out.
Try to focus on essays that have a unique voice and show something very specific about the writer. Tone should be genuine — not overly formal but not too casual either. Reading through several will help you notice that there’s no one right structure: some are narrative stories, some are more reflective essays, but they all reveal something personal in a memorable way.
Good luck with your writing! Immersing yourself in real essays is a fantastic way to get inspired and find your own direction.
One of the best places to start is with books specifically focused on real, successful essays. '50 Successful Harvard Application Essays' and 'College Essay Essentials' by Ethan Sawyer both feature real student essays (along with breakdowns). These essays are often paired with admissions officers’ feedback, so you not only see what worked but also why it was impactful.
Online, the website Johns Hopkins University maintains an 'Essays That Worked' section, where each year they publish several essays from their admitted students. These come with comments from admissions counselors, so you can see what resonated with them. Similarly, Tufts University and Hamilton College have dedicated web pages with strong past essays and explanations for why they stood out.
Try to focus on essays that have a unique voice and show something very specific about the writer. Tone should be genuine — not overly formal but not too casual either. Reading through several will help you notice that there’s no one right structure: some are narrative stories, some are more reflective essays, but they all reveal something personal in a memorable way.
Good luck with your writing! Immersing yourself in real essays is a fantastic way to get inspired and find your own direction.
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Roger Lopez
Chicago, Illinois
Yale University BA, Political Science | Northwestern Kellogg School of Management, MBA Candidate |
Experience
4 years