What's a typical college essay example?

Hey, guys! I'm trying to get started on my college essays, and I was wondering if any of you had some good examples to share? I'm just looking for ideas on what works and what doesn't. Thanks in advance!

Hey there! It's important to remember that a "typical" college essay can widely vary in topics and style, but I'll still provide you with a general example to give you a better sense of what an impactful essay might look like:

Title: My Grandmother's Stories

Growing up, I was always captivated by my grandmother's stories. As a spirited, well-traveled woman, her anecdotes about the world around her opened my eyes to the endless possibilities waiting to be discovered.

One story, in particular, stood out to me - a tale of a small village in India where she was born. In the village, an ancient Banyan tree stood tall and proud, symbolizing unity and connection to the people. Over the years, the villagers gathered around that very tree for celebrations and discussions, strengthening their sense of community.

This image struck a chord in me, and I began to ponder the concept of unity in my own life. I thought about how my diverse group of friends, much like the branches of the Banyan tree, had shaped me into the person I am today. From my friend Emily, who introduced me to the wonder of graphic novels, to Karim, who taught me to appreciate the beauty of Bollywood films, each of my friends has left an impact through our shared experiences.

As we move through life, we meet new people and are exposed to new ideas and perspectives, much like the intertwining branches and roots of the Banyan tree. I wanted to create my own Banyan tree, a place where people could come together, share ideas, and form lasting connections.

This vision came to life in the form of "Connect: A Cross-Cultural Club" - a high school club created with the goal of bridging cultural gaps and fostering unity within our diverse student body. Together with my friends, we hosted events showcasing various cultural performances, food, and activities. The club created an environment where students could explore the world without ever leaving our school—much like sitting beneath my grandmother's beloved Banyan tree.

I learned that the power of storytelling transcends age and time, as my grandmother's stories inspired me to create something bigger than myself. The Banyan tree no longer exists solely in the confines of that village in India—its roots now reach deep into my own life, cultivating a sense of unity that I will carry with me to college and beyond.

In this example, the writer tells a personal story about their grandmother, focusing on the impact of her stories and the lessons learned from them. The writer also demonstrates personal growth and contribution to their community through the creation of a club at their high school. Remember, there's no one-size-fits-all approach, but this example might help inspire you to think about the unique experiences and moments in your life that have shaped who you are and what you value. Good luck with your college essays!