Where can I find examples of standout college essays?
I've been working on my Common App essay, and honestly, I'm kind of second-guessing myself at every turn. I keep hearing that reading exemplar essays can help, but most of the ones I find online feel generic or don't really show why they were successful.
Does anyone know of any reliable websites, books, or maybe even threads in this forum that can point me toward essays that actually got students into top schools? If you have recommended sources or your own examples you're comfortable sharing, I'd really appreciate it. Any tips on what makes those essays stand out would also be helpful!
Does anyone know of any reliable websites, books, or maybe even threads in this forum that can point me toward essays that actually got students into top schools? If you have recommended sources or your own examples you're comfortable sharing, I'd really appreciate it. Any tips on what makes those essays stand out would also be helpful!
6 months ago
•
32 views
Roger Lopez
• 6 months ago
Advisor
You're absolutely right—reading standout essays can help a lot, as long as they're authentic and you understand what made them successful. Here are some avenues you can explore for reliable examples:
1. Official University Sites: Some schools like Johns Hopkins, Tufts, and Connecticut College publish accepted essays on their admissions pages. These essays typically come with annotations explaining what made each essay effective. For example, Johns Hopkins’ "Essays That Worked" series is often cited because it not only showcases essays but also gives context and insider feedback.
2. Notable Books: Books like "50 Successful Harvard Application Essays" provide real essays from admits with commentary. Similarly, “College Essay Essentials” by Ethan Sawyer includes dozens of sample essays from a wide array of students, which can help illustrate different styles.
3. Reliable Forums and Online Resources: Your instinct to check forums is great; some community-driven platforms gather essays voluntarily shared by students. Often, older threads have good examples, especially if other users upvoted or commented on specific essays being particularly insightful or unique.
4. School Counselors or Teachers: Occasionally, guidance counselors or English teachers have a (confidential) library of essays from former students, which they can share with you for inspiration. These are especially valuable because they're typically recent and relatable.
What makes a standout essay? More than just unique topics, standout essays usually:
- Show vulnerability and real personal insight—not just achievement, but growth or changed perspective.
- Focus on a singular, memorable incident over a lifetime summary. For example, one memorable accepted essay described a student’s summer job in a hardware store and used that lens to reflect on community, patience, and curiosity.
- Leverage specific details and voice. Don’t tell, show—use sensory details, dialogue, or humor when appropriate.
Read a few, but resist the urge to copy structure or tone exactly. Instead, notice what draws you in as a reader. If an essay makes you feel like you know the writer personally, it's doing its job. If you’d like, you can also share your draft here for some tailored advice after you’ve reviewed a few examples.
Good luck, and remember: the best essay will always come from your story, not someone else’s!
1. Official University Sites: Some schools like Johns Hopkins, Tufts, and Connecticut College publish accepted essays on their admissions pages. These essays typically come with annotations explaining what made each essay effective. For example, Johns Hopkins’ "Essays That Worked" series is often cited because it not only showcases essays but also gives context and insider feedback.
2. Notable Books: Books like "50 Successful Harvard Application Essays" provide real essays from admits with commentary. Similarly, “College Essay Essentials” by Ethan Sawyer includes dozens of sample essays from a wide array of students, which can help illustrate different styles.
3. Reliable Forums and Online Resources: Your instinct to check forums is great; some community-driven platforms gather essays voluntarily shared by students. Often, older threads have good examples, especially if other users upvoted or commented on specific essays being particularly insightful or unique.
4. School Counselors or Teachers: Occasionally, guidance counselors or English teachers have a (confidential) library of essays from former students, which they can share with you for inspiration. These are especially valuable because they're typically recent and relatable.
What makes a standout essay? More than just unique topics, standout essays usually:
- Show vulnerability and real personal insight—not just achievement, but growth or changed perspective.
- Focus on a singular, memorable incident over a lifetime summary. For example, one memorable accepted essay described a student’s summer job in a hardware store and used that lens to reflect on community, patience, and curiosity.
- Leverage specific details and voice. Don’t tell, show—use sensory details, dialogue, or humor when appropriate.
Read a few, but resist the urge to copy structure or tone exactly. Instead, notice what draws you in as a reader. If an essay makes you feel like you know the writer personally, it's doing its job. If you’d like, you can also share your draft here for some tailored advice after you’ve reviewed a few examples.
Good luck, and remember: the best essay will always come from your story, not someone else’s!
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Roger Lopez
Chicago, Illinois
Yale University BA, Political Science | Northwestern Kellogg School of Management, MBA Candidate |
Experience
4 years