Hi all, I'm working on my college essays and I'm looking for some inspiration. Does anyone know where I can find samples of good college essays? Any suggestions on how to make my essay stand out are welcome as well! Thanks!
Hi there! It's a good idea to seek inspiration from successful college essays to understand what works well. One place to start is the CollegeVine blog, which has several articles featuring successful essays from students who have been accepted into top colleges. You can also check out college websites like Harvard, Johns Hopkins, and MIT, as they often publish a few exemplary essays from admitted students.
As for making your essay stand out, consider these tips:
1. Be authentic and genuine: The essay is your opportunity to showcase your personality and unique perspective. Write in your voice and stay true to yourself.
2. Focus on a singular experience or story: Choose a specific event, challenge, or accomplishment that has significantly shaped your life and demonstrates your personal growth.
3. Show, don't tell: Instead of listing your qualities or achievements, illustrate them through stories or anecdotes that convey your character and values.
4. Strive for originality: Avoid cliché topics (like sports injuries or moving schools, unless you have a fresh angle) and seek a unique theme or approach that distinguishes you from other applicants.
5. Tie it back to your future: Explain how the experience you're writing about has shaped your perspective on life or helped prepare you for college and future endeavors.
Remember to revise and refine your essay to ensure it's polished and free from errors. You can seek feedback from teachers, counselors, or peers to gain insights on how to improve your essay further. Good luck!
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.