Hey y'all! I'm struggling with my college essays right now and I'm looking for inspiration. Do you guys have any go-to sources for sample college application essays that really stand out? Please let me know, I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed here.
Hey! I understand how overwhelming the essay writing process can be. Fear not, there are resources out there to help you get inspired.
A great place to start is CollegeVine's blog, which has numerous articles and examples of successful college essays. Their approach is to not only showcase excellent essays but also offer tips on how to come up with winning essay ideas based on your own life experiences and passions. They also provide guides for specific colleges' supplemental essay prompts. You can find the example essays here: https://www.collegevine.com/category/essays/essay-examples
Another good resource is "50 Successful Harvard Application Essays." This book is frequently updated and features a variety of essay topics that have helped applicants get into Harvard, giving you the chance to analyze what worked for them.
While you read these examples, keep in mind that one key to a compelling essay is a unique approach and an authentic voice. Admissions officers want to learn about you and what makes you special. Avoid common essay themes like sports victories, moving to a new school, or the standard "immigrant's story." Instead, focus on a unique aspect of your life that will set you apart from other applicants.
A helpful exercise is to brainstorm a list of notable experiences, challenges, or personal achievements and reflect on how they shaped you or taught you crucial lessons. You could also write about a seemingly mundane event with an unexpected twist or a significant impact on your life.
Remember, writing college essays is a process of self-exploration, and it often takes multiple drafts to perfect your piece. Don't be afraid to write multiple versions or start from scratch if you have new ideas. Good luck on your college essay journey, you got this!
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.