Has anyone written a funny college essay and gotten in?

Writing a funny college essay can absolutely work, as long as it’s authentic to you and the humor serves a purpose beyond just making the reader laugh. Several students have successfully gotten into competitive schools with essays that had a comedic touch. Humor, when done well, is a fantastic way to showcase your personality and originality. It also demonstrates self-awareness, creativity, and even risk-taking—all qualities many colleges appreciate.

For example, a student once wrote about his lifelong rivalry with his little brother through the lens of their ongoing prank war. The essay wasn’t just a series of jokes; it revealed his values, his creative problem-solving, and ultimately how the rivalry pushed him to become a better person. He was accepted into a top 20 university and even received compliments from teachers who read drafts. The humor helped the essay stand out but didn’t overshadow the personal insight.

That said, it’s important to remember a few things:
- The humor should never feel forced, mean-spirited, or rely on stereotypes—colleges want to see your genuine voice.
- Balance is key. Your essay can be funny, but make sure the humor isn’t hiding vulnerability or self-reflection. Admissions readers still want to know what motivates you.
- The riskier or more offbeat your humor, the more you’ll want to consider your audience. Some schools may be more traditional, while others (like UChicago or Tufts) often embrace quirky essays. For most colleges, a lighthearted but thoughtful essay is a safer bet than something that’s purely a comedy piece.

Make sure you still answer the prompt and don’t let jokes derail your message. Topics related to tragedy, trauma, or anything sensitive should generally be approached with more care—humor can come across as insensitive if not handled thoughtfully.

Before you submit, it helps to have a few trusted adults or teachers read your essay and check how the humor lands. They can tell you whether the jokes enhance your message or if they’re distracting from it. Getting feedback on tone and clarity is crucial.

If humor really is a core part of how you express yourself and make sense of the world, including it in your essay can be a big plus. Just remember: aim for insight as well as laughs, and make sure the admissions officer learns something real about you by the end.