Creating a standout college essay is crucial for college admissions, but it can also be tough. If you’re struggling to find ideas for your essay, you’re not alone. In this article, we’ll share some great college essay examples to help you write a memorable personal statement for college.

While you’ve probably written plenty of essays in high school, your college personal statement is a chance to write about yourself. That’s where our sample college essays can come in handy.

The best college essays show who you are, what’s important to you, and how you’ll contribute to campus life. It’s a big task, but looking at examples of college essays is a good way to start. Before we jump into our sample college essays, let’s cover some basics.

What is a college essay?

A college essay is a piece of writing that answers a prompt on applications like the Common Application, Coalition Application, or a school’s own form. These essays can be short (around 50 words) or longer (up to 800 words).

There are two main types: personal statements and extra essays. Normally, you write one personal statement and use it for all your college applications. But for extra essays, you’ll need to create a different one for each school you’re applying to.

Why do college essays matter in the admissions process?

Your college essays reveal parts of your personality that might not come through in other parts of your application. Even if two students have similar grades and activities, their essays will be unique. That means your essays can really help you stand out. Our sample college essays are here to help you do just that.

In this course, we’ll guide you through a variety of sample college essays covering different topics. We’ll look at examples from each category so you can feel confident when writing your own. Each sample college essay shows how to tackle various essay topics with clear, focused writing. By studying these examples, you’ll gain valuable insight into crafting your essays.

Different colleges approach essay prompts differently. Some have required prompts, while others offer optional ones. Most selective colleges will ask for a personal statement. Some also include school-specific supplemental prompts and short answer questions. Below, you’ll find sample college essays that worked, showing how students like you approached these prompts and impressed top schools.

This includes a variety of essay types such as:

Sure! Here are some types of essay examples you might find helpful:

• Short essay examples
• Common App essay examples
• Examples of personal essays
• Supplemental essay examples, which can include “why this college” essay examples and “why this major” essay examples, among others.

Soon, we’ll look at different examples of college and personal essays. But first, let’s talk about what makes a good college essay and how to make yours stand out. Our college essay samples show that there’s no one right way to approach college essay prompts or a specific technique for creating the best college essays. However, as you’ll see from these sample college essays, there are still plenty of important strategies that can help your writing shine.

Good college essays and the college admissions process

As you delve into college essay topics and sample essays, you might wonder, “What makes a good college essay?”

Our collection of college application essay examples, ranging from Common App essay samples to short essay examples, offers valuable glimpses into applicants’ personalities. These sample college essays effectively addressed their respective college essay prompts, making them stand out to admissions officers as excellent examples.

Later in this guide, we’ll delve deeper into the top college essays. But first, let’s examine some sample college essays to provide you with a sense of what to consider as you learn how to craft compelling college essays. These examples offer significant insight into writing some of the finest college essays admissions committees have encountered.

Below is an excerpt from one of our successful personal essay examples:

One hundred and fifty bagels, all frozen solid. I couldn’t believe it. The Model UN Conference at my school was starting in just thirty minutes, and there was still no breakfast for the participants. My friends looked worried as they stared at the mountain of frozen bagels. As the Secretary-General, it was my job to make sure everything ran smoothly, but it seemed like that wouldn’t be the case this time. I took a moment to think about what to do next. Then, I asked Rachael, our “logistics coordinator,” to heat up the frozen bagels in the home economics room. Knowing Rachael’s love for baking, I trusted her to figure out a way to defrost them, even if it meant breaking into the closed room.

Below is an excerpt from one of our successful why NYU essay examples:

I’m interested in the Bachelor of Science in Business Program because it covers a wide range of important business topics. What stands out to me about Stern is its focus on understanding the global perspective, which is really important in today’s fast-changing economy. With the International Business Exchange Program, I’ll get to experience different cultures firsthand, which will help me become a more well-rounded global citizen and leader in business. Plus, I’ll have the chance to study at top-notch business schools around the world and connect with alumni for valuable networking opportunities.

College essays vary greatly in style and content. What’s important is that they are clear, specific, and show how the writer would contribute to campus life. When we look at more examples of college essays, we’ll discuss why they were successful.

We’ll break down:

• Let’s take a look at how they tackled their college essay prompts.
• What approach did they take?
• What sets their essays apart?
• Here are some useful tips and methods for crafting your own college essays.

As you start exploring college essay samples, you might be curious about their importance in your application. The answer? They’re incredibly significant.

Top colleges and universities take a holistic approach to evaluating applications. This means they examine your essays along with your academic record, extracurricular involvement, and test scores to understand who you are, what influences have shaped you, and what you can contribute to campus life.

Just like our Harvard and Stanford essay samples demonstrate, great college essays allow applicants to showcase themselves to a school. They offer colleges a more complete understanding of who you are as an individual and serve as the only opportunity for a school to hear directly from you in your own words.

Providing details and telling your story

Our college essay examples show key aspects that might not be clear from your application alone. Each Common App essay example tells a unique story. Some essay topics, like the Stanford roommate essay, ask applicants to explore different parts of who they are, not just their grades and test scores.

Many colleges try to make the admission process easier by giving helpful information. Schools like Johns Hopkins and Hamilton even share successful college essay examples, including ones for the Common App. These examples give you an idea of what their admissions team looks for.

You’ll come across various topics for your college essays, each needing a different approach. To handle them well, it’s useful to check out different essay examples, like ones about why you chose a certain college or major. Also, since the Common App essay is crucial for your application, it’s a good idea to look at some examples we provide.

Later on, you’ll find complete sample college essays in this book, including both Common App essay examples and short essays.

Keep reading to explore the different topics for college essays. Then, we’ll dive into the examples we offer later in our guide.

Types of college essay prompts you’ll encounter

Each college essay question needs your best writing and ideas. Understanding the differences between examples can help you tackle these prompts effectively.

Our examples of college essays fall into two main categories:

• Personal Essay Examples (Common App essay examples/Coalition App essay examples/Personal essay examples)
• Supplemental Essay Examples (short essay examples)

Our diverse range of college essay examples will show you how to approach different topics and what your final essays might look like. For example, when you compare Common App essay samples to shorter supplemental essay samples, one key difference is the word count. Short essay examples demonstrate that the details in Common App essays go beyond the 150- or 250-word limits. Our short essay samples reveal how supplemental essays challenge you to make the most of a limited word count.

Looking through various college essay examples will help you get ready to write your own. If you’re still unsure about which schools to apply to, you might not know what additional essays to write or which college essay samples to study. In such cases, start with our personal essay samples, often referred to as Common App essay examples.

The Personal Statement

Writing personal statements for college is a big part of the application process. You’ll usually have to pick a topic and write a longer essay (around 500-800 words) about your experiences, who you are, and what you hope to achieve.

These essays are the longest part of your application, so it’s important to spend time editing them to make sure they tell a clear and interesting story. If you’re looking for ideas, you can check out examples of Common App essays. Each one tells a unique story that can grab the attention of the admissions team.

Many colleges request additional essays along with your personal statement. Our examples of college application essays cover various extra essay topics, such as why you’re interested in a specific school or major.

Some schools have a section where you can share any extra details that might have affected your grades or overall profile. This could include information about your home life or any unique challenges you’ve faced.

In this guide to college essay examples, we’ll explore examples from the Common App to help you write your personal statement.

The school-specific college essays that worked, we will review below include:

• Harvard essay examples
• Stanford essay examples
• UPenn supplemental essays
• Dartmouth essay examples
• Why NYU essay examples
• Why UChicago essay examples

In this collection of effective college essays, you’ll find short examples, like the “why this college” and “why this major” essays. But before we dive into these samples, let’s talk about what makes the best college essays really stand out.

What makes the best college essays?

When you’re checking out good college essays, like personal essay examples or short essay examples, it can be hard to figure out what really makes one awesome. Our guide to college essay examples has essays that meet different criteria and are formatted correctly.

The criteria to keep in mind while you are considering how to write a successful essay are:

• Structure
• Content
• Personality

These guidelines work for any college application essay examples, whether they’re Common App essays, personal essays, or short essays. A good sample college essay, no matter how long, will include these three things to tell an interesting story about how you’ll make the campus better.

Our college essay examples show that good essays have a clear structure. Because college essay prompts often have word limits, it’s important to follow these examples and make sure your essay flows well. Exciting personal essay examples usually tell a story that sticks with the reader.

Just like our sample college essays, yours should have a clear beginning, middle, and end. As shown in our college essay examples, there’s no one right way to structure your essay. Your structure might be chronological, starting broad and getting more specific, or starting with a specific memory and then widening out. Whatever you choose, make sure your story makes sense.

Not all essays have to look the same

Your college essay can come in many different forms, just like our examples show. The most important thing is to let it reveal who you are to the admissions committee. Even though our examples cover a wide range of topics, they all show the writer’s personality while addressing the essay’s challenge.

As you check out our samples and write your own essay, focus on highlighting your unique identity. Think about what’s important to you, moments that made you grow or change, challenges you’ve faced, or realizations that shaped you. Once you’ve picked a topic, make sure it connects back to the essay prompt. No matter how interesting your story, if it doesn’t answer the prompt, you’ve missed the point. If you’re having trouble choosing a topic, try reflecting on your experiences to come up with ideas.

Standing out

We chose these college essay samples because they really stood out when colleges were picking students. Besides being well-written, what makes a sample college essay great is that it’s unique. In this guide, we’ve included lots of different college essay examples, from Common App essays to shorter ones, showing all kinds of voices and styles.

As you look through our college essay samples, you might struggle to pick a topic that feels totally original or super impressive. Instead of stressing about what makes you different from other applicants, just focus on being honest and true to yourself. Remember, there’s no one else exactly like you. So, while checking out our sample college essays, just be yourself.

If you’re funny, let it shine in your writing! But if humor isn’t your thing, don’t worry about it. The best college essays are genuine and true to who you are.

Our example college essays stress the importance of putting effort into your personal statement and extra essays. So, what made these essays so good, and how can you make yours just as impressive?

How to use these college essay examples

Are you wondering how to use these writings to create your own college admission essay examples about yourself?

We’ve explained why we included these college application essay examples. We also spoke about what you may learn from various types of college essay samples. Now, you might be wondering, “How should I use these college application essay examples to begin writing my own?”

Each college essay example handles a distinct prompt within a set word count. As a result, our Common App essay examples may be more useful as a guide for crafting your personal statement. In contrast, our short essay examples may be more useful as you work on your supplementary essays.

Consider these college essay samples, including Harvard and Stanford essay examples, as a reference. We understand that the college admissions process can be overwhelming. That’s why we are committed to providing you with information and essay tips to assist you with your college applications.

These successful college essays should encourage you. As you go through these college essay samples, use them as a guide rather than a template. Your college essay should be completely original and written by you. However, by reviewing these sample college essays, you will gain an understanding of what to emphasize as you describe your real story.

Coming up: college admission essay examples about yourself

We’ve checked out a few college essay examples already. These samples can help kickstart your own writing process. By going through these college essay examples, you now have a better idea of what to aim for and why these samples are useful. Now, let’s move on to creating your own college admission essays.

Next up, we’ll look at some college essay examples and discuss how to write your own essays for college applications. To start, we’ll take a look at some Common App essay samples to help you with your personal statement. As we go through these personal essay samples, we’ll explain why they work and how you can make your own personal statement stand out.

Common App Essay Examples–How to approach your personal statement for college

Are you desperately looking for “college admission essay examples about yourself”? You’re not alone. Crafting good answers to college essay questions is one of the toughest parts of applying. With so many topics and samples out there, it’s hard to know where to start. That’s why we’ve gathered examples of personal essays covering a range of college essay topics.

In this section, we’ll focus on Common App essay examples that talk about yourself. We’ll look at two successful college essays and see what made them stand out. The Common App essay is crucial for almost every school you apply to. Looking at other college application essay samples can help you improve your own writing.

Each of these examples is from our group of advisors. Plus, every sample essay helped its author get into top schools. So, they’re great examples to use as you start writing your own essays.

Getting started with examples of college essays

Writing a personal statement for college can be tough. Many people look for college entrance essay examples about themselves for help. But if you want to impress top colleges, your Common App essay—like these Common App essay examples—needs to be really good. Lots of college essays don’t make much of an impact on the people reading them. And finding good topics can be hard. That’s where these Common App essay samples come in—they show you how to deal with these challenges.

Now, let’s check out some personal essay examples—or college application essay examples about yourself. Each one tackles a different Common App essay question. These personal essay examples tell stories about the writers that you can’t see from the rest of their application. That’s why our college essay examples have helped people get into top colleges.

Our guide will take you through these college essay samples and teach you how to write amazing college essays. Later on, we’ll talk about why these sample college essays worked and give you tips for writing your own college personal statement.

Common App Essay–Example 1: Elinor

Meet Elinor, a student who has a lot to share through her Common App essay. Elinor’s essay stands out for being original and exciting as she talks about her involvement in a club. Her essay’s tone, structure, and style make it truly different from other college essays.

Now, let’s read Elinor’s entire essay. Later, we’ll discuss why this college essay is worth your attention.

Elinor’s Common App Essay:

“One hundred and fifty bagels, all completely frozen. I couldn’t believe it. My school’s Model UN Conference was to start in thirty minutes, and breakfast for the delegates was nowhere near ready. I looked with dismay at my friends’ concerned faces peering out from behind piles of frozen bagels. As Secretary-General, it was my job to ensure that this conference went smoothly. However, it seemed that was not going to be the case. I took a moment to weigh my options before instructing Rachael, our “logistics coordinator,” to heat up the frozen circles of doom in the home-ec room. I knew Rachael enjoyed baking, so I trusted her to find a way into the locked room and thaw the assortment of bagels. 

Cold bagels were not the only thing weighing heavily on my mind that morning. As I walked from classroom to classroom helping set up committees, I couldn’t help but feel nervous. Our conference wasn’t going to be like those of the private schools- there were no engraved pens or stylish water bottles. Instead, people got post-it notes and whatever pens we could steal from the supply closet. Forcing myself to stop worrying, I chose instead to think of why we made that choice. Since most of the food was donated, and all of the supplies had been “borrowed” from the supply closet, we could afford to charge only a nominal fee to everyone attending. Making Model UN accessible was one of my top priorities as Secretary-General; the same desire motivated me to begin including middle school students in the club. I hurried back down to the cafeteria, and was relieved to see that all the bagels looked warm and ready to eat. 

The bagels would not be the sole crisis that day. As debates were about to start, one of the Chairs sent me a panic stricken text: “We only have 5 people in our committee! We can’t reenact the creation of the Treaty of Versailles!” I hurried to where his debate was taking place, and sure enough, only five people were there. I quickly considered my options- cancel the committee?  Convince some delegates to switch into this debate through bagel bribery? Or maybe, come up with a completely new topic? 

I settled on idea number three. But what topic could a committee of only five people spend a day discussing? I mulled it over until an idea began to form. I explained to the room, “Each one of you will represent one of the five major Democratic and Republican presidential candidates. The chair will guide you as you tweet, make campaign videos, and debate the most important political issues.” I spent a few minutes figuring out how to go about moderating such an unconventional committee, before heading off to check in on the other debates. 

As I walked from committee to committee, fixing problems and helping move debates along, I felt a sense of pride. I had spent months working on this conference, along with the other members of my team. At times, I worried I could never pull it off. A part of me had wished our faculty advisor would just organize the whole thing for us. After all, I’m just a high schooler, how could I put together such a big event? But as the day went by, I realized that with the help of my peers, I had done it. All the little crises that cropped up weren’t because I was doing a bad job; they were inevitable. The fact that I could find solutions to such a wide variety of problems was a testament to my leadership skills, and my level-headedness. I didn’t just feel like a leader—I felt like an adult. As I look towards my future in college and later the workforce, I know that I can succeed, even if my obstacles seem as insurmountable as a mountain of frozen bagels.”

Reflecting on this sample college essay

One of the best college essay examples starts off strong with its introduction. The opening sentence of this sample college essay is quite intriguing: what happened to the bagels? It grabs the reader’s attention right away. Good college essays often have engaging beginnings like this one, setting the tone for the rest of the essay. In this example, the mention of frozen bagels creates suspense, drawing the reader in.

Great college essays often resemble short stories, where the writer is the main character. While Elinor, in her Common App essay, does mention other people, she mainly focuses on her own actions and feelings. In the third paragraph, she goes into detail about how she handled a particular situation. She starts by explaining her thought process and then describes the steps she took to address the issue.

When you’re looking at various college entrance essay samples about yourself, remember to stay true to your unique identity. Effective personal essays should include personal details about the author. College essay prompts aim to get to know you on a personal level. Exceptional college essays make the most of every opportunity to showcase the writer’s positive qualities.

Tell YOUR story

Great Common App essay examples often feature a story about the author, and college essay examples are no different. Strong sample college essays frequently use a story to show who the student is. Take Elinor, for example. She talks about her experience at a model UN convention to show she’s a good leader, mature, and can solve problems. Like a good story, Elinor’s personal statement for college talks about challenges she faced and how she dealt with them. By sharing these experiences and talking about her reactions, Elinor’s Common App essay shows she’s ready for whatever comes her way.

The best college essays show things instead of just saying them. Saying you’re a leader in your college entrance essay is one thing, but showing it with your actions is another. In Elinor’s case, she talked about wanting to make the model UN more accessible as Secretary General. Then, she explained how she did it by getting food donations and charging a small fee for the conference. In these Common App essay examples, the writers use details and evidence to highlight what they’re good at.

Elinor’s sample college essay ends well. She talks about what she learned about herself from this experience, so the admissions team can understand her better. In this college essay sample, Elinor shows she’d be a great student and contribute a lot to campus life. The best college application essay examples use evidence and storytelling to explain why students should be accepted. Our Common App essay samples do exactly that.

Common App Essay–Example 2: Arham

The second one takes a different approach compared to the first. But it’s still a standout example of personal writing. Arham, the second author in our lineup of college essay examples, starts by sharing a memorable moment from his fifth-grade class. Then, he talks about how that moment has shaped his life.

While some personal essay examples focus on recent events, others show how the author has changed over time. To understand why this essay is one of the best college application essay examples, it’s important to look at the essay itself and see how it uses techniques commonly seen in top-notch college essays.

Arham’s Common App Essay:

An hour into President Obama’s inauguration, I stifled a yawn and raised my hand. “Ms. Edgell, who did you vote for?”

Instantly, nineteen fifth-graders shattered the silence: “Of course she voted Republican!” “No, she’s a Democrat!” “Obama was born in Kenya!”

“Don’t ask people about their politics,” she chided. 

“So . . . you’re a Republican!” 

“Arham. Outside.”

As Ms. Edgell fruitlessly tried to explain that politics didn’t belong in the classroom, I struggled to suppress a smile–I couldn’t help it. For a few moments, fifth grade’s single-variable algebra and spelling tests had been replaced by a more intriguing conversation: one without a definitive answer. Snippets of boisterous debate continued to drift through the closed door, and I was eager to rejoin the conversation–that day, I learned disagreements were fascinating.

Eager to understand the “why” of each and every belief, I turned to my living room: a constant cacophony of political commentary, occasionally punctuated by my father’s frustrated jabs at the pause button and exasperated interjections. In my quest to decipher the cryptic nightly news, my parents became my personal dictionary, fielding a nightly barrage of questions. Forget just explaining where babies come from–over the next four years, I asked them to articulate almost every conceivable stance on gun control, abortion, and the death penalty. Through that television screen, I first encountered the full diversity of human opinions, and I was enthralled; I wanted to triumph in every dispute.

Dodging my parents’ dinnertime queries of how my day went, I delved into new lines of questioning: the viability of Medicare for All, the feasibility of 100% green energy, the merits of chicken tikka masala mac & cheese fusion. After watching the 2016 Presidential Debate, I spent hours pondering the economic consequences of a more cohesive border–sadly, the living room walls didn’t offer much feedback on my ideas. Soon, I realized that some of my “solutions” were a bit near-sighted; eliminating poverty by printing money wasn’t exactly the modern-day Wealth of Nations, and the solution to global warming was a tad more nuanced than planting trees. I learned that I wouldn’t always be right–instead, the desire to win was slowly replaced by a yearning to understand. With every discussion, I synthesized new information, pinpointed gaps in my knowledge, and reevaluated my views; then, aided by the latest edition of The Economist and a plethora of Google searches, I’d unearth the next set of questions. 

Late nights in my living room have defined a lifelong passion: using disagreements as a lens to explore, understand, and influence the world. In Congressman DeSaulnier’s office—where interns were instructed to hang up on adversarial callers—I instead found myself engrossed in half-hour conversations with frustrated constituents. There, I delved beneath the partisan rhetoric to truly understand why people support a wall, desire nationalized healthcare, or champion coal–and, in return, I offered a bit of my own worldview. On elevators, I’ve been known to strike conversation on the whimsical (Should gyms offer a package where you pay for every day you don’t go?); overseas, I invite teams from Germany, Singapore, and Mexico to opine on whether or not Amazon should be considered a monopoly. Whether it’s discussing capitalism or everyday life, the resulting conversations shed light on our culture, upbringing, and aspirations–the willingness to disagree is what builds rapport. In recognition of that, I beckon for dialogue; I constantly invite the world to teach me more.

In fifth grade, I learned that we fear disagreement–feigning unity will always be more comfortable. But, through ignoring each other’s most fundamental beliefs, we simultaneously abandon our ability to understand our peers. In my living room, disagreements provided a venue for questioning and navigating a world of conflicting perspectives: though I didn’t know it at the time, they set the stage for a lifetime of questioning. So, be it in the classroom, through a phone call, or on stage, I continue to raise my hand.”

Why is this a college essay that works

In the first college essay example, it hooks the reader right from the start, which is a big reason it works well. The writer begins with a quote, diving straight into an interesting conversation—a trick often used in good personal essays. Instead of boring explanations, they jump into something engaging. This not only makes the essay fun to read but also makes it stand out among others.

Another thing that makes top college essays different is the use of varied and exciting words. You don’t have to force fancy words into your writing. Our examples don’t rely on complicated vocabulary. Instead, they pick words carefully to make the writing better and more emotional. For example, the phrase “shattered the silence” in the second paragraph shows how a strong word can make a sentence much better. Also, using poetic tricks like alliteration in “constant cacophony of political commentary” makes the essay more interesting.

Now, what about the second college essay example? This personal story stands out because it tells an interesting tale about a young man’s journey of growth in self-expression and values. Many good college essays show a process of change or development. These changes involve difficulties, which great essays talk about openly and share with readers.

The value of authenticity

Let’s talk more about another important part of our college essay examples: being real. Some students think the best college essays should only talk about their good sides. But that’s not true. Instead, the most effective personal essay examples show the writers’ struggles and how they dealt with them.

These college essay samples are all about honesty and sincerity. Arham’s great college essay shows his true passion for arguing. He gives lots of examples, both personal and academic, to explain why he loves the topic. Importantly, good Common App essay examples include details that aren’t in other parts of your application. This gives readers a better idea of what you care about. These examples of college essays show the author’s unique qualities and interests, which make him different from other students.

Both of these effective college essay examples end with strong conclusions that look ahead to the future. These personal essay examples show how the writers will contribute to the college community. Arham says he’ll keep questioning things for his whole life, showing he’ll bring curiosity and a love for learning to any college he goes to. Good college application essay examples explain why you should get in and what you’ll bring to their school.

Though these college essay samples are different, each worked well for different reasons. Now, let’s talk about how to use these college essay examples in your own writing!

Personal Essay Examples–How to get started writing your own college essays that work

Are you ready to write your own college personal statement? Let’s talk about some tips to help you use our sample college essays effectively. Remember, every writer has their own style, so try to apply these tips to your own college admission essay examples about yourself!

So, what can we learn from these college application essay examples? After looking at these two Common App essay samples, there are several steps you can follow in your own writing to create a college essay that’s great for top colleges.

Along with checking out other college essay examples, we suggest doing some prewriting exercises to improve your essays. Start by thinking about your own strengths as an applicant. Then, pick three to five words that describe you best. After reading our college essay examples, check out this list of strong words to make your writing even better.

Consider the word count

Focusing your essay on the most important topics is a good idea. College essay subjects cover a wide range, so students often try to cover a lot. However, the best Common App essay samples understand the limits set by the word count. These college essay examples use specific details to illustrate broader ideas. While you may have plenty to say, the best college essays highlight qualities that aren’t already obvious in your application. Take a look at our personal essay samples as you write. Instead of listing your extracurricular achievements again, take inspiration from our Common App essay samples. Share a story with the admissions team that they haven’t heard before.

Once you’ve identified your five key traits, review the Common Application’s college essay prompts. Then, choose one that allows you to showcase the qualities you’ve identified earlier. When writing examples of college application essays about yourself, it’s better to delve deeply into a single story rather than giving a broad overview of all your achievements. Our first Common App essay sample focuses on a day in Elinor’s high school life. She uses this story to illustrate her problem-solving skills more broadly. The second college essay sample begins with a story from a fifth-grade class before exploring other themes. Pay attention to detail when selecting college essay topics.

Expect to write multiple drafts

Creating excellent college essays takes time and effort. Be sure to give yourself plenty of time to work on your personal statement for college. The college application essay samples in this guide weren’t written quickly. They went through many revisions to become great college essays. So, use our personal essay examples for inspiration. After you finish your first draft of the Common App essay, come back to it after a day or two for a fresh look. Getting feedback from others can also help make your college essays even better.

There’s no one-size-fits-all way to write effective college essays. But reading articles and looking at example college essays from other students can help you find your own voice. As mentioned before, looking at personal essay samples can help you find your unique voice and story as you start writing. This U.S. News article has more college essay samples and short essay examples for extra prompts. It also has advice from admissions counselors on making college application essay examples that stand out. Colleges like Tufts, Johns Hopkins, and Connecticut College often share examples of successful college essays. Reading Harvard essay samples and other college essays from top schools can show you what it takes to get into those colleges.

Showing vs. telling

In the examples of Common App essays we shared earlier, we’ve showcased two great college essays. Instead of just telling, they show important parts of the writer’s identity. These samples give a clear picture of the kind of students these writers are. Schools can easily imagine having these students on their campus after reading these essays. That’s why these examples really stand out.

Beyond the Common App Essay

This article will discuss different types of personal essays, not just Common App essays. After that, we’ll check out examples of shorter college essays, typically ranging from one hundred to four hundred words.

These college essay prompts are unique to each school. However, looking at a variety of short essay examples can help you prepare for the different college essay prompts you might come across. Let’s take a look at some college essay examples!

Short essay examples: What types of college essay topics will you see?

Now that you’ve checked out some helpful examples from Common App essays to guide you in writing your own college personal statement, let’s explore more college essay samples. As we’ve mentioned, there are different kinds of college essays.

We’ll be looking at short essay examples that get to the point and stick to the word limit you’ll likely face. Reviewing these college essay examples will give you an idea of how to write. But remember, the best college essays reflect your true self. Think of our samples as a helpful tool, not something to copy.

In this section, we’ll show you four types of college essay samples: the “why this college” essay, the “why this major” essay, various unusual supplemental essay examples, and examples of “additional information” essays. We’ll highlight what makes them stand out and how you can use them to craft your own essays.

Don’t let our samples hold you back. Feel free to explore beyond what you see here. While looking at examples can give you ideas, your stories should be yours alone. Remember, authenticity is key when it comes to college essays.

‘Why this college’ essay

Let’s start by checking out a few examples of why this college essay. From our great essay samples, you can see why this college essay should really explain what made you want to go to that particular school.

Most colleges will ask you to write an essay explaining why you want to attend their school. Good college essays that answer these questions will show what the school is all about, what it offers, and what makes it unique. When you read successful NYU essay examples, Stanford essay examples, or UPenn supplemental essays, you’ll see that the writer isn’t afraid to get specific.

Questions to consider

What classes are you thinking of taking? Do you have a favorite professor who inspires you? And have you considered joining any clubs? The best college essays are detailed and convincing. When you read examples of short essays, pay attention to how much detail the writers include. Then think about how you could include similar specifics that relate to your own life, goals, and interests.

Most schools will ask for their own additional essays. This is where Common App essay examples and other college essay examples might differ. Our Common App essay samples were sent to all schools, but these short essay examples were sent to specific colleges.

For example, before you tackle any college essay prompts, it’s a good idea to research the colleges on your list. “Why this college” essays that succeed typically include three elements: a personal story, details about what the college offers, and a connection between your story and the college’s values. Essentially, the strongest college essays show the reader how you would thrive at that particular school.

A ‘Why Dartmouth’ essay that worked

College essay samples are important for planning your application to top schools. When looking at this Dartmouth essay, notice how well it’s written and organized. The best examples are easy to understand and provide a lot of information in a concise way.

“I always had a keen interest in numbers, probability, and finance. Early on, I could quickly calculate sales tax, analyze probabilities, and visualize complex mathematical models. After taking AP classes in economics and statistics, I became intrigued with mathematical representations for economic markets and statistical models. This sparked my desire to pursue an actuarial career to utilize my talents in quantitative reasoning. The Major in Mathematical Data Science will provide me the skills to apply abstract mathematical and statistical theories to the concrete world. I will also have the opportunity to stimulate my academic intrigue through an intensive research project.”

Good college essays go beyond simply stating why the applicant wants to pursue their degree. They also explain why that particular school fits their interests. Successful college essays also show how the applicant can contribute positively to the school community.

In this Dartmouth essay, the applicant shares their goal to become an actuary. Based on the applicant’s background, this goal seems both achievable and sincere.

It’s worth noting that the author of this Dartmouth essay avoids using overly complicated words or complex sentence structures. Effective college essays are well-organized, purposeful, and free of errors. However, they still maintain an authentic voice, similar to that of a high school student. Your own essays, like the examples provided, should feel genuine and true to your own experiences.

‘Why UChicago’ essay examples

Why UChicago essay examples can help you grasp what UChicago (and other top schools) seek in applications. These examples share similarities with Stanford and NYU essay samples, offering valuable insights!

Ex. 1: ‘Why UChicago’ essay example

When I visited UChicago, a friend invited me to step into her Comparative Literature class: Monstrosity and the Monstrous. Desperate for refuge from the cold (as a Bay Area resident, I hadn’t packed for the Chicago winter), I quickly obliged. I expected to silently observe, but when I mentioned that I’d read Antigone, her professor was thrilled–he immediately invited me into the discussion. For an hour and a half, we weighed the pros and cons of civil disobedience: did Antigone’s actions permanently destabilize Thebes, and in the modern day, when does protesting against a government cross the line? Was Antigone justified in interpreting the will of the gods? And, if so, would Sophocles support pardoning well-intentioned criminals? Beyond the enthralling analysis of the play, I was captivated by the spirit of UChicago: a campus that invites everyone (including a loitering high school student) to contribute and develop their ideas.

In this section of our UChicago short essay examples, the writer shares what they’ve learned from visiting campus and studying. Even though UChicago doesn’t prioritize demonstrated interest, the best college essay examples often mention campus visits, school events, and specific offerings. This helps create a connection between the reader and the writer. Great college essay samples show real excitement.

When looking at college essay examples, it’s important to pay attention to the tone. The first passage has a passionate and enthusiastic tone. It shows eagerness, and readers can easily imagine the applicant exploring campus. Let’s check out more UChicago essay examples.

Ex. 2: ‘Why UChicago’ essay example

Now, it’s surreal to imagine taking “The Economics of Crime” from someone as renowned as Professor Levitt (I’ve been a fan since reading Freakonomics) and staying after class to clarify the finer points of the latest Freakonomics podcast (I particularly enjoyed “Speak Softly and Carry Big Data,” on using data analysis to perfect foreign policy decisions). I hope to add to UChicago’s legacy of pushing the boundaries of our economic understanding by participating in undergraduate research, and perhaps put my findings to use through crafting social policy for the Harris School’s Public Policy Practicum.

Prior to graduating, I’ll sample tastes of future careers through the Fried Public Policy and Service Program or the Trott Business Program. Simultaneously, as someone who enjoys conversing and respectfully challenging ideas, I look forward to immersing myself in the Core Curriculum and obtaining a strong foundation of knowledge. Above all, I appreciate that UChicago teaches students how to think, encourages dialogue, and prompts students to question norms. 

Showcase your various interests

This sample college essay snippet shows a strong love for learning. Like other examples of “why this college” essays, it explores various interests instead of sticking to just one academic field.

Another good thing about this college essay snippet is that it sticks to the facts. The best college essays avoid using overly emotional language, clichés, or making vague promises about the future. Many college essay examples also show that it’s okay not to have everything figured out about your future studies.

It’s important to know that both UChicago college application essay examples are just parts of longer essays. The UChicago supplement is about the same length as examples of Common App essays. Even though the topics for UChicago college essays might be different, you can still learn from examples of Common App essays!

This article also gives more examples of college essays from UChicago.

‘Why this college’ essays—Additional tips

Exploring these college essay samples can offer useful insights. Remember, you have flexibility in choosing your essay topics. What matters most is explaining why you’re interested in attending that specific college. Perhaps you’re drawn to a particular academic program or eager to pursue your passions on campus.

Furthermore, carefully select your essay topics and words. Effective college essays avoid using overused phrases to praise universities, state the obvious, or repeat promotional materials. Strong examples focus not on rankings, acceptance rates, or prestige, but rather on personal motivations and aspirations. Discussing impressive campus buildings, the weather, or student population size seldom effectively addresses college essay prompts.

Dig deep and make connections

Great college essays often focus on specific courses or extracurricular activities related to the writer’s major. They explain why these experiences are important to them. Many college application essays talk about how college connects with the writer’s interests and activities.

In “why this college” essays, writers explain why they want to attend a particular school. Being specific is key. These essays show what the writers bring to the campus and how they’ll benefit from attending.

As you start writing, check out our college entrance essay examples. Be yourself, give details, and tell your story to create the best college essays possible.

‘Why this major’ essay examples

Let’s talk about why these college essay prompts are important. A “why this major” essay helps the admissions committee understand what inspires you in your chosen field. Reading our examples of “why this major” essays will show you how to talk about your academic interests in an interesting way that tells the admissions team more about you. Now, let’s check out some sample college essays.

Ex.1: UPenn ‘Why this major’ essay

The University of Pennsylvania, with its strong emphasis on pre-professional learning is ideal as a learning environment. That focus is what drives many students with an eye to the future — we hope to apply our learning, impact the real world in ways that inspire change. 

I find the Cognitive Science program, specifically its concentration in Language and Mind most appealing. As someone who places great emphasis in words, the idea of analyzing the cognitive aspects behind linguistics, whether philosophically, psychologically, or computationally draws upon various fields that showcase various perspectives on the meanings of language. It’s fascinating that despite the various languages and cultures there can be a biological scientific breakdown explaining the complex processes underlying syntax and semantics. 

Ex. 2: Brown University ‘Why this major’ essay

As someone who places great emphasis in words, the idea of analyzing the cognitive aspects behind linguistics, whether philosophically, psychologically, or computationally fits my ideal of using interdisciplinary methods to study human behavior holistically.

I am also concerned with quantitative methods. For example, AP Psychology allowed me to talk about ethics and methodology. I had read about the Asch conformity tests. But when my teacher set up the experiment with three classmates as subjects and the rest of us as confederates, two subjects did not conform; our ratio of nonconformity was lower than Asch had found. Could it be a trait of the magnet population and experience?

Should I remain pre-med, a strong background in neuroscience will support my study of anatomy and help me become a better physician. Directly linking biology and behavior,  Cognitive Neuroscience will contribute to my holistic view of my patients.

Express your passion and curiosity

Each of these examples of why this important essay gives the reader insight into the author’s interests and passions. That’s why the key essay samples are well-written, specific, and personal. Pay attention to the depth in these college essay samples. For instance, “I find the Cognitive Science program, specifically its concentration in Language and Mind, most appealing.” Good college essays go beyond the surface. Winning essays will explain how and why a student identifies with their chosen major or program.

It’s also important to note that the author of the Brown sample college essay clearly connects their previous high school experiences (“For example, AP Psychology allowed me to talk about the ethics and methodology”) with future college goals (“Should I remain pre-med, a strong background in neuroscience will support my study of anatomy and help me become a better physician.”). Understanding how biology and behavior are linked can help me better understand my patients.

Content comes first

Looking at these college essay examples, it’s clear that focusing on the essay’s topic is crucial. So, as you write, be sure to address each college essay question with specific reasons for wanting to attend that college. This will strengthen your entire application story. Remember to keep the narrative cohesive. Successful college application essay examples tie together extracurricular activities, past experiences, identity, and future plans.

When tackling UPenn supplemental essays or Brown supplemental essays, try to explore multiple interests. Chances are, you’re passionate about more than one subject, and many colleges offer unique combinations of majors, minors, and certificates. Many examples of short essays delve deeper, showing how the applicant’s different interests connect.

These college admission essay examples about yourself might raise some questions. Some of you, as you read through college essay samples, might wonder, “What if I haven’t chosen a major yet?” It’s perfectly okay. Successful essays can come from students who are certain about their future career path, as well as from those who change their major multiple times.

So, don’t stress if you haven’t settled on a major. Instead, think about how you currently spend your time. What are you passionate about right now? College essay prompts are designed to help you expand on your thoughts and reasoning.

Unconventional college essay topics

Some essay prompts are more challenging than others, like the ones Stanford provides. They aim to understand you better. For instance, Stanford’s roommate essay prompts you to write a letter to your future roommate. Let’s explore some examples of these Stanford roommate essays.

Stanford roommate essay 

Stanford roommate essay examples, like other college essay samples, can be really helpful when you’re applying to Stanford or any other top school. These examples tackle more personal questions compared to some other college essays. They let you show off what makes you unique. Good essays for these kinds of questions will really bring out your personality.

When you’re asked to write an unusual essay, like the Stanford roommate essay, it’s useful to check out a few examples first. They’ll give you an idea of what works well. So, let’s take a look at two sample essays.

Ex.1: Stanford Roommate Essay

In the spirit of inaugurating the life-long relationship I hope we’ll build this year, let me tell you a little about myself.

Hi, I’m Allison. I’m the second child of a comically over-optimistic refugee mother (my Vietnamese name translates, literally, to “celestial being”) and a proud Kentuckian with a deep passion for student-driven advocacy. I have two parents, two stepparents, a nineteen-year-old sister (a junior in Product Design, here, at Stanford), a three-year-old half-sister, two cats, one dog, and a complicated life that spans two households. So, I’m used to sharing space and managing shifting schedules.

I’ve also always been the “Mom” friend. To me, the little things—a chocolate chip cookie when I know a friend has a rough day ahead, words of encouragement before a big presentation, or staying up late to explain a tough physics problem—mean the most. I’ll be there when you need me—be it studying for tests or navigating personal challenges.

I recycle incessantly and am known to snatch cans out of the trash, wash them, and relocate them to neighboring blue bins. I keep a regular sleep schedule, rarely going to bed past midnight or waking up later than 8:30. I’m averse to gyms, opting instead to go for runs in the morning or follow along to a YouTube workout in the afternoon. 

I’m passionate, but also even-keeled. I think life is best taken in stride—worrying has never gotten me anywhere, but flexibility has taken me everywhere. I look forward to an awesome year!

Ex.2: Stanford Roommate Essay

Hey Roomie! Yesterday was insane. I still can’t quite get over the energy in that stadium after that final play. I guess Berkeley couldn’t take back the axe to cut down these Trees!

I’m writing you this since I have an 8:30 Syntax and Morphology with Dr. Gribanov. I know, it’s early, but that class is honestly worth waking up for. Last Friday, he spent the entire period rambling about why regardless and irregardless are the same thing, but responsible and irresponsible aren’t. Just a fun little thought to start your day.

I’m also writing you this as a quick apology. I won’t be back from Mock Trial until late evening, and then I’ll be practicing for Stanford Symphony auditions. So, if you hear cacophonous noises in your sleep, it’s most likely me. Plus, it’s Mahler Symphony No. 1, so you might not sleep much anyway. Kidding.

These next few days are jam-packed, but I’m craving some much-needed bonding time! I have a proposal: how does a jam session this Friday at Terman Fountain sound? I’ll bring the guitar and plenty of oldies sheet music, you just gotta bring a snack and the desire to sing! I’ve sold a few people already. Join us?

Well, I’m headed to breakfast now. Text me if you want me to grab you anything.

Casual tone and style

These college essay examples have a more relaxed vibe, which suits the Stanford roommate essay prompt well. Being too formal wouldn’t fit here. Instead, the writers talk about their own traits, interests, habits, and personalities. As you write your Stanford roommate essay, aim for that same vibe. Looking at different college essay samples can help, but make sure your essay is original!

You’ll get to know your freshman roommate well, so be open and honest in your response to this prompt. These roommate letters often include humor, unlike examples of Common App essays or other college application essays.

Even though college essays written as letters to a freshman roommate are less formal, they should still stand out. Use lively details and stories to show who you are. The best Stanford college application essays will make you memorable through unique stories and specific details.

Your letter to your Stanford roommate is a great chance to show another side of yourself to the admissions committee. Take advantage of it!

The “Additional Information” essay

Let’s check out more college essay examples. The Common App’s “additional information” section is one of the college essay prompts you might encounter. Some schools also offer it as an extra option. Not everyone needs to write this essay. But if you have something important to share about your background or experiences, the “additional information” section can be helpful.

Now, let’s look at a few college essay examples that tackle this prompt. Remember, each candidate’s content will be different. So, feel free to use this space in whatever way feels right for you.

Ex. 1: Harvard University Additional Information essay

I would like the Harvard Admissions Committee to know that my life circumstances are far from typical. I was born at twenty-four weeks gestation, which eighteen years ago was on the cusp of viability. Even if I was born today, under those same circumstances, my prospects for leading a normal life would be grim. Eighteen years ago, those odds were worse, and I was given a less than 5% chance of survival without suffering major cognitive and physical deficits. 

The first six months of my life were spent in a large neonatal ICU in Canada. I spent most of that time in an incubator, kept breathing by a ventilator. When I was finally discharged home, it was with a feeding tube and oxygen, and it would be several more months before I was able to survive without the extra tubes connected to me. At the age of two, I was still unable to walk. I engaged in every conventional and non-conventional therapy available to me, including physical and speech therapy, massage therapy, gymnastics, and several nutritional plans, to try to remedy this. Slowly, I began to make progress in what would be a long and arduous journey towards recovery. 

This short essay gives important insights into the author’s background. It shows how medical experiences have influenced the student’s perspective. Like many other “additional information” essays, it offers genuine reflections.

The most effective college essays with extra content are specific. They often include unique circumstances, personal history, or impactful life events. If you don’t have much to share, it’s okay to leave this part blank. Many students choose to do so!

Focus on impact

You’ll see that examples of college essays for the additional information prompt may include details about your extracurricular activities. This section allows you to highlight other activities and achievements that couldn’t be covered elsewhere. Typically, these examples are presented as a list rather than a full essay. Remember, these short samples should make an impact; avoid including average activities just to fill space. College essay examples vary in format and length.

If you have nothing more to add, there’s no requirement to provide extra information on the Common App. However, as shown by our college essay samples, this section could be helpful in certain cases. Check out our sample college essays to see if including additional information would improve your own applications.

Final Thoughts

In this guide about college essay examples, we’ve walked you through different prompts. We’ve also explained why these sample college essays impressed admissions officers at top schools. Reviewing these samples can really help when you’re brainstorming ideas.

Colleges look at students’ potential. So, when you’re reading these samples, pay attention to what makes each one stand out. They’re all unique and genuine, which is really important when you’re writing your own essays.

Use these samples to guide you as you write your own story. Think about how these short essays make an impact and show character. Then, use your own voice to tell your own unique story. Good luck!