Hey guys, I'm working on my personal statement for college apps and I'm feeling a bit lost. Are there any resources or examples of personal essays that got students into top colleges? I think reading some would help me understand what works and what doesn't when writing my own.
Hello! I can understand why you're feeling overwhelmed, but seeing examples of successful personal essays is a great way to gain inspiration and understand what makes a compelling story.
1. CollegeVine has a collection of free essay examples available on their website covering a variety of essay prompts and topics. These essays worked for students who were accepted into top colleges and could serve as inspiration for your own writing. This blog post has those examples: https://blog.collegevine.com/personal-statement-essay-examples/
2. Johns Hopkins University shares some "Essays That Worked" on their admissions website. This collection includes personal essays from students who were accepted into JHU, along with commentary from admissions committee members on what made the essays stand out.
3. The New York Times publishes an annual series called "Standout College Application Essays" featuring a selection of exceptional personal essays written by students. Some of these essays were written by students who gained admission to top-tier colleges, and their stories can provide valuable insights and ideas for your own writing.
When reading these essays, remember that there is no single formula for writing a successful personal essay. But, you can take note of the storytelling techniques and writing styles that resonate with you, and consider incorporating them into your own essay.
One tip to keep in mind is to focus on showing your unique perspective and voice. Admissions committees want to understand who you are as a person, so take the time to reflect on your own experiences, values, and aspirations. Pick a topic that genuinely inspires you and is distinctive to your own life, and then tell your story in a way that highlights your personality and growth.
Good luck with your personal essay, and I hope reading these examples helps you find your own voice and create an essay that reflects who you are!
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