The Best College Application Essay Examples In 2023
15 min read
Published on: Feb 18, 2019
Last updated on: Feb 23, 2023
15 min read
Published on: Feb 18, 2019
Last updated on: Feb 23, 2023
On This Page On This Page
"Congratulations, you've been accepted!" Imagine opening up your acceptance letter and feeling a rush of excitement as you read the words.
Feels great, doesn't it?
But with so much riding on this one essay, how do you make it truly stand out and captivate your panel?
That's where our collection of the best college application essays steps in.
Check out our expert examples that will help you write an essay that stands out from the rest. Our examples are engaging, descriptive, and informative - perfect for any student looking to make their application stand out.
So read this blog to turn your college application essay into your ticket to success!
Students often search for college essay examples to write their essays. Such essay samples provide them with detailed guidelines to learn the format and structure of an essay.
The following are some example college essays for you to understand better.
Struggling to understand the basics? Head on to our college application essay blog to understand the basics perfectly.
Some colleges require students to write an essay with a “tell us your story” prompt. Here, you have to tell the admission officers about you and your life.
Below is an example for you to get an idea of writing a college essay about yourself.
Different famous education institutes require students to write essays in their given format. Here are sample college essays to get admission to Harvard and the University of California.
Watch this video to gather some relevant and authentic college essay tips to win over your panel.
Some colleges ask students to elaborate on their reasons behind choosing a specific institution. For example, they want to know why and how their curriculum suits students’ areas of interest.
Be careful while addressing the reasons. Similarly, it is better to conduct thorough research on the subject and the college beforehand.
Refer to the below example if you are assigned to write a college essay about “why us.”
Many institutes, such as John Hopkins University, offer honor programs to attract motivated students. The classes and the curriculum of such programs are of a higher caliber than other college courses.
Refer to the below given good essay example for college to write an honor essay.
A graduate college essay is a personal statement, a letter of intent, or a personal essay.
It will focus on a student’s academic and professional goals. Similarly, it will also discuss how a graduate high school will help in achieving them.
Moreover, the requirements to write an essay are different from a common undergraduate app. Therefore, it may vary from college to college. However, it can be 250 to 750 words long.
An example of a college essay for your graduate school is given below.
Sometimes, students also have to write essays on different subjects. Here are some examples of college essays for students who have a background in medicine or technology.
Several colleges provide opportunities for veterans to secure admission. If you are one of them, start by determining your destination. Next, think about the career you want to pursue and find colleges to help your personal growth.
Check out the example given below to understand writing good college essays samples as a veteran.
Starting a college essay requires students to read and understand the essay instructions carefully. Similarly, a good writing style will also help in grabbing the attention of admission officers.
The first and foremost step is to choose compelling essay topics to start writing your application. Thus, you can refer to our blog for some unique college application essay prompts.
Below is an example that will help you to start your college essays in no time.
An application would be incomplete without a perfect conclusion. It is an essential part of any writing piece. Therefore, try to end a college essay naturally.
Here is what you need to do
1. Restate your thesis statement and link the closing sentence to the introduction
2. Discuss your experiences in college essays that worked for you to become a better person
3. State how a particular college can help you achieve your goals.
Download this PDF to compose college essays perfectly
As per the 2022/2023 Common Application, the common app application essay usually falls into the following essay types.
1. Background Essay: For certain students, their background, identity, interest, or talent has a strong influence on their career goals. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.
2. Challenge Essay: Adversity is often the scaffold for later triumph. Reflect on an instance when you were presented with challenges, setbacks, or failure. How did it impact your life and what resources could you draw from it?
3. Belief Essay: Have you ever questioned the beliefs or norms of the society we live in? Do you think it's peaceful to live with the belief system?
4. Gratitude Essay: Think about a time when someone did something for you that made you happy. How has this gratitude affected or motivated you?
5. Accomplishment Essay: Discuss an accomplishment, realization, or event that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding.
6. Topic Essay: Discuss a topic that makes you lose track of time. What is so compelling about the topic?
Want actual prompts? Check out our college essay prompts list.
From supplemental essays and personal statements to Common App essays and diversity essays, these essays can help you get into your dream college.
“The Burning Grandma” This essay could work well for all the common app prompts from 1-6
Fury brewed in my twelve-year-old body when I discovered that my grandmother was struggling with liver cancer. My parents had done their best to shield me from the concept of death, but at age six it still evaded me. When she passed away, instead of grappling with this incomprehensible enigma, I chose to fritter away time playing and watching television - a decision that would haunt me for years after. Shattered by the betrayal of my parents and angry with myself for not noticing it sooner, I promised to never experience that same kind of naivety again. I was fervently dedicated to learning, seeing knowledge as the key to liberating myself from ignorance. During classes on cancer, I vowed that I would retain every detail and information, not only in textbooks but also in medical journals online. As my future came into clearer focus, it became apparent that what I absorbed at school could help me defeat what had taken away my grandmother. Nevertheless, I shifted my focus to attaining good grades and high test scores rather than understanding the material. It dawned on me that if I could attain academic perfection, then maybe it would make up for what I had neglected to do as a granddaughter in her eyes. I needed a reminder of the truth, and I found one on an ordinary walk through my neighbourhood hiking trail. It felt as though it had been years since I'd stopped to appreciate something outside of grades or honouring my grandmother--but here it was right in front of me. The burnt trees from the forest fire several years back; the crusty pebbles weaved into the sidewalk; even the delicate white clouds that dangled across a confectionery sky reminded me how modest yet essential our place is in this world among humanity and nature alike. Before I could come to terms with my remorse, it was essential for me to expand my outlook and comprehend the obligations I had towards other people. Volunteering at the cancer treatment centre has allowed me to find my purpose. I see patients who are not only physically stuck in the hospital, but also frozen in time by their diseases. I talk to them and provide support; for six hours a day, three times a week, Ivana is surrounded by IV stands, empty walls, and busy nurses that constantly remind her of her breast cancer. All it took to bring life back into her eyes were my friendly smile and hello. On our initial encounter, she shared stories about her two sons, hometown, and knitting group without ever mentioning the illness that made movement so hard for her. In some ways I felt like all three of us—Ivana, me, and my grandma--were on an excursion together while we stayed in one spot talking. Though cancer is a powerful and formidable force, it does not have to be the whole of an individual's life. It can often feel like all hope has been lost, but I want to help people remember that there is still much more in store for them beyond their illness. As an oncologist, my goal will always be two-fold: both physically treating their disease and providing emotional support along the way. Through this work, I can honor my grandmother by ensuring no one else suffers alone or feels completely overwhelmed by cancer's power over them. Analysis of this college essay example |
Now let's look at another example to understand the content of college essay.
The “TRAVEL AND LANGUAGE" College Essay Example
At the tender age of five, I was astounded by the iconic Eiffel Tower in Paris. By eight, I found myself standing in the center of Piazza San Marco feeding countless pigeons and boating around Venetian canals aboard graceful gondolas. At thirteen, my curiosity led me to visit Stonehenge; its ancient and monumental foundations left me speechless. Further exploration took me to China where my amazement for history grew as I explored along the Great Wall— a thousand-year-old structure still standing strong today! I became interested in language when I started exploring different cultures around the world. It began with French, which taught me the importance of pronunciation. For example, I remember asking a store owner in Paris where Rue des Pyramides was. However, when I pronounced it PYR–a–mides instead of pyr–A–mides (with more accent on the A), she looked at me bewildered. My enthusiasm for reading and my desire to improve my English vocabulary by learning big words sparked a curiosity in me that soon drove me to learn more about etymology—the history of words. This newfound interest lead me to take an introductory course on world history during my first year of college, and it was then that I realized how passionate I am about understanding the past – it's like unraveling a captivating novel! The fact that these events actually happened in our reality makes it even more fascinating. However, the most valuable advantage that language has brought to my life is its capability for interpersonal connection. By conversing with people in their native tongue, I have far deeper and more meaningful connections with them than ever before. For instance, during my travels around the world, I've connected with strangers from all kinds of backgrounds - a Bulgarian painter in Paris through speaking some basic Bulgarian words; an Indian woman who had previously worked at the Argentinian embassy while using Spanish as our common language; even surprising a library worker by asking her questions in Mandarin! Studying foreign languages and linguistics in college is a must-have for me, as these skills will certainly come in handy throughout my lifetime. Having fluency in different languages will open many doors to new opportunities, such as working with international businesses or engaging in diplomatic roles. Furthermore, I would love to use this knowledge base one day as the foundation of my career - be it translation work or otherwise! I often consider my travels with a Chinese proverb that was passed on to me by an instructor, “I am like a chicken eating at a mountain of rice.” With every grain I consume, it is another word gained as I continuously seek out knowledge and understanding. Nowadays, not only do I acknowledge the travel bug within myself but also find solace in learning new languages; something that has become more than just an addiction for me. Analysis of this example
|
Struggling with the right personal statement format? Check out our guide on college essay format to structure your essay flawlessly.
Through application essays, applicants can showcase their unique qualities and skills.
Many of these essays are successful because they narrate a story or depict an aspect of the student’s life in an interesting manner. All have one thing in common: All showcase
In these essays, students also show off their vulnerability. Your panel wants to see evidence that you can make a valuable contribution to the university both now and in the future.
Here are some Dos and don'ts for amazing college application essay writing.
Below is a detailed description of these mistakes.
The major element to keep in mind while writing the best college essays is to decide what the essay is about. Moreover, it also identifies your skills to discuss a specific experience.
Students often start writing on a boring college essay topic that compels the admission officer to toss away the paper. Boring topics alongside dull content will never amaze your panel.
Pro tip!
Avoid too personal, offensive, and off-topic ideas. These will portray that you are unable to process your experiences engagingly.
Students cannot structure and put together the essay correctly despite choosing an interesting essay prompt.
Therefore, they end up ruining their applications using incorrect writing styles, unclear syntax, and wrong punctuation.
This results in the panel considering you as casual or someone who deliberately ignores instruction.s
Pro tip!
Always read the essay prompt thrice before starting the essay and develop an outline to include credible content.
Another primary aspect while writing an application is to avoid using overly formal language. Thus, it is better not to use a thesaurus or any other English dictionary.
The following is an example for you to get an idea of the complex sentence.
“My behavior seemed incongruous to my family.”
Remember! The admission officers want the topic to present you and your uniqueness.
Never make the mistake of copying someone else’s work. The admission committees will likely find out plagiarised content in your essay. Some institutes also run your application through plagiarism checkers.
Some students make the mistake of just rephrasing their resumes in their college applications. It is a wrong practice. The admission officers are more interested to see your extracurricular activities, accomplishments, and awards.
Pro tip!
Moreover, you can also mention an achievement that is related to the subject of the essay. Thus, discuss an activity that allows you to express it. Also, use this element to demonstrate your personality impressively.
Most students have a hard time checking their content.
They end up making a lot of grammatical mistakes such as typos or incorrect word usage irritating the panel.
Pro tip!
You can proofread your application by reading it aloud several times. Similarly, you can also ask someone from your friends and family to proofread it. Nevertheless, make sure to find someone who shares extensive knowledge of grammar and punctuation.
These are the mistakes often made by writers unintentionally. However, such errors are not considered a very attractive feature in a college applicant. Moreover, they often make the application hard to read.
Let's conclude,
A college essay is indeed an important part of your application. It provides an opportunity for students to show the admission committee what makes them good candidates.
However, most people do not possess the right skills and knowledge to craft a perfect essay. Thus, they end up hiring an essay writer for their college admissions essay.
MyPerfectWords.com is the best college application essay service that can help you craft powerful and well-written essays. Our team of writers is highly qualified and experienced to assist you at affordable rates.
With our best essay writing service, you will be able to track your work progress. Similarly, our college admission essay writer provides the best college application essay with unlimited FREE revisions.
All you have to do is place your order and hire our online essay writer for your college applications.
Here are five areas to look for outstanding college essay ideas based on your own life experience:
There are seven effective ways to start a college application essay.
WRITTEN BY
Cathy A. (Literature, Marketing)
Cathy has been been working as an author on our platform for over five years now. She has a Masters degree in mass communication and is well-versed in the art of writing. Cathy is a professional who takes her work seriously and is widely appreciated by clients for her excellent writing skills.
Cathy has been been working as an author on our platform for over five years now. She has a Masters degree in mass communication and is well-versed in the art of writing. Cathy is a professional who takes her work seriously and is widely appreciated by clients for her excellent writing skills.
Share this article
Website Data Collection
Are you sure you want to cancel?
Your preferences have not been saved.
