Where can I find some strong examples of college application essays?

Feeling overwhelmed at the start of your personal statement is totally normal! Reading strong examples is a great way to get inspired and understand what makes essays stand out. There are a few places to reliably find well-written college essays by real admitted students, including those who’ve gotten into top schools.

A classic source is the book "50 Successful Harvard Application Essays"—it’s updated every few years and includes both the essays and short commentary from admissions counselors explaining why each essay worked. Books like "College Essays that Made a Difference" published by Princeton Review, and "How to Write a Winning College Application Essay" by Alan Gelb, are helpful too.

For free, the websites of schools like Johns Hopkins and Connecticut College post actual student essays with admissions commentary. For example, the Johns Hopkins admissions blog has a page called "Essays that Worked" where you can read successful submissions—these are particularly good because you get a range of voices and styles, with a focus on authenticity.

Reddit’s ApplyingToCollege forum has threads where users share their real essays, some of which received acceptances at Ivy League and other highly selective schools. Just remember with Reddit: the essays aren’t always vetted for quality, so use them mainly for idea generation—not as templates.

For a concrete example, here’s a snippet from a successful essay (from Harvard’s collection):

"My phone buzzed. It was a reminder to take my medication. Three years ago, I would have ignored it. Now, I slid the pill into my palm, chased it with water, and smiled. Accepting my anxiety taught me discipline, empathy, and to quietly defy the pressure of perfection."

What makes this work is that it’s personal, specific, and focused. The student doesn’t just state a challenge—they show a small, meaningful moment and reflect on its impact.

As you read examples, pay attention to essays that tell a story, focus on a small but telling moment, and end with some personal insight. Try not to directly copy an approach, but use the essays to spark your own ideas for topics or structure. Good luck, and remember: the best essays sound like you!