Where can I find good example essays for college applications?

You're definitely not alone—reading strong example essays can be a great way to get inspired and see the range of styles that work well for college applications. It’s smart that you want to avoid plagiarism and are thinking carefully about how you use these samples!

Many reputable colleges actually post essays from accepted students online, sometimes with feedback. For example, Johns Hopkins University has a section on their admissions website called “Essays That Worked” featuring several past applicants’ essays with short commentary. Hamilton College also publishes a handful of successful essays, and these are especially helpful since they’re organized by different prompts and themes.

You might also check out published essay collections, like the book “College Essay Essentials” by Ethan Sawyer (The College Essay Guy), which includes real essays along with breakdowns about what makes them effective. Some high school counseling offices or teachers collect anonymized examples from past students, so asking your counselor directly could give you access to essays from applicants at your own school or district.

One caution: while forums and online communities sometimes share essay samples, it’s always best to get examples from official university resources or books with permission from the writers. That way you avoid any gray areas around authorship or authenticity.

When you’re reading examples, focus on how the writer tells their story—the voice, the structure, and the specific details they use—rather than just the topic or format. For instance, one standout essay showed how an applicant’s part-time job at a bakery taught her the value of patience in unexpected situations, using vivid anecdotes and reflective insights. Instead of replicating the story, notice how she shaped her personal growth around a simple, relatable experience. That’s what made the essay memorable.

Good luck with your writing—remember, the best essays are always the ones that feel the most honest and true to you!