Essay examples for college admissions?

Hi everyone, I'm starting to brainstorm ideas for my college essays and I'm feeling a little stuck. I would love to see some examples of essays that worked for other students, just to get a sense of what admission officers are looking for. Where can I find some good, successful college essay examples? Thanks in advance!

Hi there! It's totally normal to be feeling a little stuck at the beginning of the essay brainstorming process. Fortunately, there are great resources available online to help you get a sense of what admission officers are looking for in successful college essays.

1. College websites: Many colleges, including top institutions like Johns Hopkins, MIT, and the University of Chicago, post successful essays from previous applicants on their websites. Just search for "[College Name] successful essays" or "[College Name] essay examples," and you're likely to find some great examples and analyses of what made those essays successful.

2. CollegeVine: CollegeVine has a fantastic essay guide that not only provides tips for brainstorming and writing your essay, but also features several successful essay examples accompanied by expert analysis. Be sure to check that out for some inspiration and guidance.

3. Books: Several books have been published compiling successful essays. While books may not be as up-to-date as online sources, they can still provide valuable insight into what makes an essay stand out. One such example is "50 Successful Harvard Application Essays" by the Staff of the Harvard Crimson.

Remember, as you review these examples, that each student and their experience is unique. Use these essays as a way to jumpstart your own brainstorming process and think about what aspects of your own life and experiences you want to showcase in your application. The key is to write an authentic, personal essay that demonstrates your personality, passion, and interests.

Good luck with your essay-writing process!