What makes the best college essays of all time stand out?

This is a great question, and it’s really common to feel a bit overwhelmed after reading some of those 'best of all time' essays! The most impressive college essays don’t come from having the wildest story or Pulitzer-level writing. Instead, they tend to shine because the writer manages to reveal something deeply personal and authentic—while making the reader care.

What sets many of these standout essays apart is a unique voice and perspective. For example, one memorable essay might describe an everyday moment, like making pancakes with a parent, but the student uses that small detail to talk about family, loss, or growth in an unexpected way. The topic itself doesn’t have to be flashy; it just needs to give admissions officers insight into who you are, beyond grades and activities.

'Best of all time' essays also often deliver a clear sense of reflection. It's not just what happened, but what it meant to you and how it shaped the way you see yourself or the world. For example, instead of just stating that you love robotics, you might write about a specific incident where your robot failed miserably—and how that moment led you to rethink your approach to problem-solving or teamwork. That singular experience can showcase depth and growth far more than listing achievements can.

Of course, good writing helps, but you don’t need to sound like a novelist. Simple, clear storytelling with a genuine voice almost always beats forced metaphors or showy vocabulary. Sometimes, humor or vulnerability can help essays stick out, but only if that fits you naturally.

If you want inspiration, look for collections of essays published by college websites (like Johns Hopkins' "Essays that Worked"). When reading, try to focus less on the story, and more on the honest voice and self-reflection that come through.

Bottom line: Top-tier essays are memorable because after reading them, you feel like you truly know the person behind the application—what drives them, what they care about, and how they see the world. That’s what leaves a lasting impact.