I'm struggling to understand how to write a long essay for my college applications. Does anyone have an example of a long essay they've successfully written, or can anyone suggest a resource where I can find some examples? Thanks in advance!
While I can't provide you with a specific example of a long essay written by an individual, I can certainly recommend a couple of resources where you can find examples that can help you in writing your own essay. Two reliable resources are the CollegeVine Essay Guides and the Common App Essay guide.
CollegeVine's Essay Guides offer guidance on how to approach different essay prompts for various colleges, along with essay examples written by students who were accepted to those schools. You can find these resources on the CollegeVine website by searching for the school you're interested in. Although these examples may not exactly be long essays, they can still offer you valuable insights into what admissions officers are looking for and how to craft a compelling narrative.
The Common App Essay guide provides a wealth of information about the Common Application essay, as well as examples of successful essays written by students. This resource is particularly useful if you're applying to multiple schools that accept the Common App, since the essay will be a significant part of your application. The guide offers tips on selecting a prompt, brainstorming, and editing, in addition to providing examples.
As you read these examples, remember that each essay is unique and should reflect your own voice, ideas, and experiences. Use the examples as inspiration to help you understand the structure, style, and storytelling techniques that make an essay stand out, but ultimately, be sure to tell your own story in your own words.
Good luck with your college application essay! It's an integral part of the admissions process and gives you an opportunity to showcase your personality, intellect, and creativity. Just remember, there's no one-size-fits-all formula for a long essay, so focus on making your essay uniquely yours.
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.