Table of Contents
- Introduction
2. The Importance of College Essays and College Essay Examples
3. Elements of a Strong College Essay
4. Recommended Essay Outlines
5. Examples of Successful College Essays 5.1 Johns Hopkins University 5.2 Ivy League Essays 5.3 Connecticut College
6. Tips for Writing a Standout College Essay
7. FAQs
8. Conclusion
Introduction
In the competitive world of college admissions, a well-crafted essay can be the difference between acceptance and rejection. So, do take it seriously! College essay examples provide valuable insights into what admissions committees look for in a compelling application. Here, we will explore the most important elements of a strong college essay, offer recommended outlines and examples, and provide practical tips for writing essays that capture the attention of admissions officers. Remember, applications for college and scholarships are an holistic approach to showcasing different parts of your life; not only your academic qualifications through your GPA and SAT scores, but also through your essays conveying why YOU are different, what´s your life story and experiences, your life aspirations and what you have to offer them to get an admission. Be authentic and try to shine and stand out among a large pool of applications. This is your chance to show them why you are unique and why they should choose YOU over other applicants. Make good use of successful college essay examples to have a good grasp of what makes a good college essay unique. The best essay in the one that makes them remember you!
Start Early: Begin brainstorming and drafting your college essays well in advance of the application deadlines. This will give you ample time to revise and refine your work, ensuring that your essays are polished and effective.
The Importance of College Essays
College essays have become increasingly important in the admissions process, particularly as many colleges adopt test-optional policies. According to a 2019 survey by the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC), 56.4% of colleges attributed “considerable importance” to the personal essay in admissions decisions [1]. This shift has placed greater emphasis on the essay as a key opportunity for students to showcase their individuality, values, and unique experiences beyond grades and test scores. Understanding what colleges look for in these essays—such as authenticity, self-reflection, and the ability to communicate effectively—can significantly impact a student’s chances of admission. As competition grows, crafting a compelling and personal narrative has become an essential skill for prospective applicants.
Essays Matter: In a 2018 survey, 53% of admissions officers reported that the college essay was “very important” in making admissions decisions, while only 3.4% said it was “not important” [2]. This highlights the crucial role essays play in the application process. College essay examples will help in understanding why they are such a unique and important tool for the university to truly get to know you – more than just numbers through scores, but through unique stories about your life and who you truly are.
Elements of a Strong College Essay
A compelling college essay should showcase the applicant’s personality, values, and potential contributions to the campus community. Key elements of a strong essay include:
- Authenticity: The essay should reflect the student’s genuine voice and experiences, avoiding clichés and generic statements [3].
- Vulnerability: Sharing personal challenges, failures, and growth demonstrates self-awareness and maturity [4].
- Insight and Reflection: A strong essay goes beyond simply recounting events, offering meaningful insights and reflections on the applicant’s experiences [5].
- Clarity and Coherence: The essay should be well-organized, with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion that flow logically [6].
- Attention-Grabbing Introduction: An engaging opening captures the reader’s interest and sets the tone for the rest of the essay [7].
Admissions Officer Perspective: “The essays that stand out to me are the ones where I feel like I’ve gotten to know the student. I can hear their voice, and they’ve painted a clear picture of who they are and what matters to them.” – Erica Sanders, Managing Director of Undergraduate Admissions at the University of Michigan [8].
Recommended Essay Outlines
Two common structures for college essays examples are the narrative and montage approaches:
- Narrative Structure: This outline focuses on a single story or experience, detailing the challenges faced, actions taken, and lessons learned [9]. A narrative essay typically includes:
- An engaging opening that introduces the story
- Background information to provide context
- The central conflict or challenge
- The steps taken to address the conflict
- The resolution and lessons learned
- A reflective conclusion that ties the story to the applicant’s personal growth and values
- Montage Structure: This approach uses a thematic thread to connect seemingly disparate experiences, illustrating the applicant’s personal growth and values [10]. A montage essay might include:
- An introduction that presents the overarching theme
- A series of vignettes or anecdotes that demonstrate the theme in action
- Reflections on how each experience contributed to personal growth
- A conclusion that ties the experiences together and reflects on their collective impact
Did You Know? In a survey of over 900 admissions officers, 67% reported that a poorly written essay could negatively impact an applicant’s chances of admission [11].
Examples of Successful College Essays
Studying successful college essay examples can provide valuable insights into what admissions committees look for in a compelling application. Here are a few examples from prestigious universities: These essays often showcase a unique voice, a strong sense of self, and the ability to effectively convey personal growth or meaningful experiences. By examining successful college essay samples, prospective students can learn how to craft engaging narratives that highlight their strengths and reflect their authentic personalities. These examples serve as a roadmap, demonstrating how to make a lasting impression on admissions officers.
Johns Hopkins University
“Birthplace of Sisu” by Catherine W. [12] In this essay, Catherine explores the concept of “sisu,” a Finnish term for determination and resilience, and how it has shaped her personal growth and aspirations. She weaves together her experiences as a cross-country runner, her Finnish heritage, and her desire to pursue a career in medicine, demonstrating her grit and passion for helping others.
Key Takeaways:
- Uses a unique cultural concept to frame the essay and provide insight into the applicant’s values and motivations
- Connects seemingly disparate experiences (running, Finnish heritage, and medicine) to illustrate personal growth and goals
- Demonstrates resilience and determination in the face of challenges
Ivy League Essays
“Embracing Curiosity” by Ariel G. (Harvard University) [13] Ariel’s essay explores her love of learning and her insatiable curiosity, which has driven her to pursue a wide range of academic and extracurricular interests. She describes how her diverse experiences, from conducting scientific research to studying ancient languages, have shaped her worldview and her desire to make a positive impact on society.
Key Takeaways:
- Showcases the applicant’s intellectual curiosity and passion for learning
- Demonstrates a willingness to take on new challenges and step outside of her comfort zone
- Connects her diverse interests to her future goals and potential contributions to the university community
Connecticut College
“Community Service Isn’t for Me…Or is it?” by Arlo S. [14] In this essay, Arlo describes his initial reluctance to participate in community service and how a chance encounter with a local activist changed his perspective. He reflects on the importance of stepping outside of his privileged bubble and engaging with his community, ultimately leading him to start a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting literacy among underprivileged children.
Key Takeaways:
- Demonstrates personal growth and a willingness to challenge preconceived notions
- Highlights the applicant’s commitment to making a positive impact in his community
- Showcases leadership skills and initiative in starting a non-profit organization
Essays That Stand Out: While there is no one-size-fits-all approach to writing a college essay, the examples above demonstrate some common elements of successful essays: authenticity, vulnerability, insight, and a clear connection between personal experiences and future goals.
Tips for Writing a Standout College Essay
- Start Early: Begin brainstorming and drafting your essays well in advance of the application deadlines to allow ample time for revision and refinement [15].
- Be Authentic: Write about topics that genuinely matter to you, using your authentic voice and showcasing your unique personality and experiences [16].
- Show, Don’t Tell: Use specific examples and anecdotes to illustrate your points, rather than simply stating them [17].
- Seek Feedback: Have trusted individuals, such as teachers, counselors, or mentors, review your essays and provide constructive criticism [18].
- Revise and Proofread: Ensure that your essays are polished and free of errors by thoroughly revising and proofreading your work [19]. Ask family and friends to help you in reviewing your essays before submitting them, to gather feedback and opportunities for improvement.
Avoid Clichés: Admissions officers read thousands of essays each year, so it’s important to avoid overused topics and clichéd language. Instead, focus on telling your unique story in a compelling and authentic way [20].
FAQs Frequently Asked Questions
- How important are college essays in the admissions process? (h3) College essays are a crucial component of the admissions process, particularly as many colleges adopt test-optional policies. In a 2019 survey by the NACAC, 56.4% of colleges attributed “considerable importance” to the personal essay in admissions decisions [21].
- What should I write about in my college essay? (h3) Choose a topic that genuinely matters to you and showcases your unique personality, experiences, and values. Some potential topics include personal growth, overcoming challenges, pursuing passions, and contributing to your community [22].
- How long should my college essay be? (h3) Most college essays have a word count between 250 and 650 words, depending on the specific prompt and application platform. It’s important to stay within the specified word count and ensure that your essay is concise and well-structured [23].
- Should I write a different essay for each college? (h3) While it’s important to tailor your essays to each specific college and prompt, you can often adapt and reuse parts of your essays across multiple applications. However, make sure to carefully review and adjust your essays to ensure they fully address each college’s unique prompt and requirements [24].
- How can I make my college essay stand out? (h3) To make your essay stand out, focus on telling your unique story in an authentic and compelling way. Use specific examples and anecdotes to illustrate your points, showcase your personality and values, and demonstrate your potential contributions to the college community [25]. When applying to scholarships, you need to pay an even higher priority in writing your essays to help you shine and stand out. View our Comprehensive Guide of Top Best Fully Funded Scholarships here.
- Can a weak college essay hurt my chances of admission? (h3) Yes, a poorly written or generic college essay can negatively impact your chances of admission. In a survey of over 900 admissions officers, 67% reported that a weak essay could lead to rejection, even if the applicant had strong academic qualifications [26].
- Should I get someone else to write my college essay for me? (h3) No, it is crucial that you write your own college essay. Admissions officers can often tell when an essay has been written by someone else, and submitting an essay that is not your own work is considered a form of academic dishonesty, which can result in serious consequences, including rejection or even rescission of an offer of admission [27].
- How can I get help with my college essay? (h3) While it’s important to write your own essay, there are many resources available to help you throughout the process. These include:
- Working with your school counselor or a trusted teacher to brainstorm ideas and receive feedback
- Attending essay writing workshops or webinars offered by colleges or educational organizations
- Utilizing online resources, such as the College Essay Guy or CollegeVine, for guidance and inspiration
- Asking family members or friends to review your essay and provide constructive criticism [28]
Insider Tip: “The best college essays are those that make the reader feel like they’ve gotten to know the applicant on a personal level. They showcase the student’s unique voice, experiences, and perspective, and they leave a lasting impression.” – Erica Sanders, University of Michigan [29]
Conclusion
Crafting a compelling college essay is a crucial step in the admissions process, providing an opportunity to showcase your unique personality, experiences, and potential contributions to the campus community. By studying successful college essay examples, following recommended outlines and tips, and highlighting your authentic voice, you can write essays that capture the attention of admissions officers and increase your chances of acceptance and scholarships.
Remember, the college essay is your chance to tell your story and make a lasting impression. Start early, be authentic, and don’t be afraid to seek feedback and guidance throughout the process. With careful planning, reflection, and revision, your college essays can be a powerful tool in achieving your academic and personal goals. Start as soon as possible!
Take Action: Start brainstorming and drafting your college essays today. Use the examples, outlines, and tips provided in this guide to craft essays that showcase your unique voice and experiences. With dedication and hard work, you can write essays that will make a lasting impression on admissions officers and help you stand out in the competitive college admissions landscape. Start now!
Citations
[1] NACAC. (2019). NACAC State of College Admission 2019. https://www.nacacnet.org/globalassets/documents/publications/research/2019_soca_report.pdf
[2] Parker, K. (2018). The Growing Importance of College Essays. CollegeVine. https:///the-growing-importance-of-college-essays/
[3] Robinson, S. (2021). How to Write a College Essay. CollegeVine. https:///how-to-write-a-college-essay/
[4] Sawyer, E. (2022). The Power of Vulnerability in Your College Essay. College Essay Guy. https://www.collegeessayguy.com/blog/vulnerability-in-your-college-essay
[5] Stanek, A. (2021). How to Write an Amazing College Essay. CollegeVine. https:///how-to-write-an-amazing-college-essay/
[6] Safier, R. (2021). How to Format a College Essay: Step-by-Step Guide. CollegeVine. https:///how-to-format-a-college-essay/
[7] Barros, C. (2022). How to Write an Engaging Introduction for Your College Essay. CollegeVine. https:///how-to-write-an-engaging-introduction-for-your-college-essay/
[8] Bruni, F. (2020). What Admissions Officers Really Want to See in a College Essay. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2020/07/22/well/family/college-admissions-essays.html
[9] Doe, J. (2021). How to Write a Narrative College Essay, Step by Step. CollegeVine. https:///how-to-write-a-narrative-college-essay/
[10] Wallis, J. (2022). Montage Essay Structure: How to Outline It. College Essay Guy. https://www.collegeessayguy.com/blog/montage-essay-structure
[11] Chen, C. (2021). How Important is the College Essay? EssayEdge. https://www.essayedge.com/blog/how-important-is-the-college-essay/
[12] Johns Hopkins University. (2021). Essays That Worked, Class of 2025. https://apply.jhu.edu/essays-that-worked-2025/
[13] CollegeVine. (2021). 8 Strong Ivy League Essay Examples. https:///8-strong-ivy-league-essay-examples/
[14] Connecticut College. (2021). Essays That Worked, Class of 2025. https://www.conncoll.edu/admission/apply/essays-that-worked/
[15] College Essay Guy. (2021). 35+ Best College Essay Tips from College Application Experts. https://www.collegeessayguy.com/blog/college-essay-tips This resource provides invaluable advice for students seeking to craft compelling and authentic college essays, drawing on insights from seasoned admissions experts. Packed with the best tips and examples for writing winning essays, it serves as a practical guide for applicants aiming to stand out in their applications. By incorporating actionable strategies and real-world advice, this guide helps students present their unique stories in a way that resonates with admissions officers.
[16] Strauss, V. (2019). How to Write a Winning College Essay. The Washington Post. https://www.washingtonpost.com/education/2019/10/21/how-write-winning-college-essay/
[17] Mayfield, A. (2021). How to Write a College Essay Step-by-Step: The Ultimate Guide. CollegeVine. https:///how-to-write-a-college-essay-step-by-step/
[18] Robinson, S. (2021). How to Get Great College Essay Feedback. CollegeVine. https:///how-to-get-great-college-essay-feedback/
[19] Sawyer, E. (2021). The Great College Essay Test. College Essay Guy. https://www.collegeessayguy.com/blog/great-college-essay-test
[20] Purdue OWL. (2021). Avoiding Clichés in Writing. https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/mechanics/avoiding_cliches_in_writing.html
[21] NACAC. (2019). NACAC State of College Admission 2019. https://www.nacacnet.org/globalassets/documents/publications/research/2019_s
