Where can I find good sample essays like the ones on College Essay Guy?

Great question! Exploring different sample essays is a smart way to get a feel for structure, tone, and creativity, and can really help you brainstorm topics and approaches.

Besides College Essay Guy, there are several places where you can read strong, successful college essays written by real applicants. One useful resource is the Johns Hopkins admissions website—they publish several 'Essays That Worked' every year. These essays are usually accompanied by admissions commentary explaining what stood out. For example, you'll find essays covering topics from climate activism to personal hobbies, with diverse writing styles and voices.

Another place to check is Hamilton College's 'Essays That Worked' page. Hamilton publishes essays by applicants who were admitted, and these essays are often quirky or creative—like one about learning the art of a 'good apology' through sibling squabbles, or another describing a moment of growth during a failed science experiment. These collections tend to avoid cliche topics and focus on unexpected moments or unique perspectives.

There are also books that compile successful essays, such as '50 Successful Harvard Application Essays.' While books cost money, you can often find excerpts online or borrow from the library. Additionally, Reddit’s r/ApplyingToCollege has a 'Mega-thread' where people share their essays and provide feedback; you might see everything from deeply personal essays about family, to ones about building robots or struggling in a new town. Just be careful when browsing Reddit—take comments with a grain of salt and always focus on essays that resonate with your personality and interests.

When you’re reading these essays, pay attention to what makes them unique: Do they start with an engaging anecdote? Do they reveal a surprising aspect of the writer’s life? Maybe the topic isn’t huge, but it shows growth, self-awareness, or passion. One example: instead of writing about their love of music in general terms, a student might describe the exact moment they realized composing was their true passion—like improvising a song for a family member in the hospital.

Getting inspiration from a variety of sources will help you develop your own voice and story. If you want, try jotting down key moments from your own life after each essay you read—something might spark a topic that feels just right for you.