What Makes a College Essay "Work"?
The college essay is your chance to show admissions committees who you are beyond grades and test scores. It's a personal narrative, a window into your personality, values, and potential. But what exactly makes an essay stand out? It’s not about having a dramatic life story; it’s about how you tell your story. Authenticity, reflection, and a clear, engaging voice are key.
A successful essay typically:
- Reveals character: It shows your personality, values, and maturity.
- Demonstrates self-awareness: You reflect on experiences and what you learned.
- Is specific and detailed: It uses concrete examples rather than vague generalizations.
- Has a strong voice: It sounds like you.
- Answers the prompt (implicitly or explicitly): It connects back to the core question.
Twelve College Essay Examples That Worked in 2019
The 2019 admissions cycle saw a range of compelling essays. Here are twelve examples, categorized by the underlying theme or approach, that resonated with admissions officers. While the exact prompts may vary year to year, the principles behind these essays remain timeless.
1. The "Unlikely Passion" Essay
This type of essay focuses on a niche interest or hobby that might seem unusual but reveals significant personal qualities.
- Example 1: The Competitive Eater. A student detailed their surprising passion for competitive eating. They didn't just describe the food; they focused on the discipline, mental fortitude, and strategic planning required. The essay highlighted their ability to analyze situations, manage pressure, and set ambitious goals, even in a quirky context.
- Example 2: The Urban Beekeeper. Another essay explored the student's role as a backyard beekeeper. It showcased their understanding of ecosystems, their patience, and their commitment to a delicate, vital process. The essay beautifully illustrated a sense of responsibility and a deep appreciation for the natural world within a suburban setting.
2. The "Moment of Realization" Essay
These essays center on a specific, often small, moment that led to a significant shift in perspective or understanding.
- Example 3: The Lost Wallet. A student wrote about losing their wallet on a busy subway. The initial panic gave way to observing strangers and realizing the shared vulnerability and kindness that emerged as people helped them. It was a powerful lesson in community and human connection.
- Example 4: The Awkward Conversation. This essay described a difficult conversation with a family member about a sensitive topic. The student focused on their struggle to articulate their feelings, the discomfort they felt, and the eventual breakthrough that strengthened their relationship. It demonstrated emotional intelligence and the courage to be vulnerable.
3. The "Overcoming a Challenge" Essay (with a Twist)
While common, these essays succeed when they focus less on the challenge itself and more on the growth and insight gained.
- Example 5: The Failed Project. Instead of a dramatic illness or injury, this student wrote about the failure of a passion project they’d poured months into. The essay detailed the disappointment but then pivoted to their resilience, their analytical process of figuring out what went wrong, and how they applied those lessons to future endeavors.
- Example 6: The Misunderstood Talent. This essay discussed a perceived "weakness" that the student had learned to reframe as a strength. Perhaps they were too quiet, or too analytical, and the essay showed how they learned to harness that trait effectively, turning a perceived deficit into a unique asset.
4. The "Quirky Observation" Essay
These essays take an everyday object, event, or phenomenon and use it as a lens to explore deeper personal themes.
- Example 7: The Sock Drawer. A student wrote about the organization (or disorganization) of their sock drawer. This seemingly mundane topic became a metaphor for their approach to life: how they organize thoughts, tackle tasks, and find order in chaos. It was witty and surprisingly profound.
- Example 8: The Commute. An essay focused on the daily commute to school. Through observations of fellow passengers, the changing cityscape, and their own internal reflections, the student explored themes of community, ambition, and the passage of time.
5. The "Unconventional Identity" Essay
These essays explore aspects of identity that might be less commonly discussed or understood.
- Example 9: The "Third Culture Kid." This student detailed their experience growing up in multiple countries, feeling like an outsider everywhere but also having a unique perspective on different cultures. The essay highlighted their adaptability, their global mindset, and their ability to connect with diverse people.
- Example 10: The Family Role. An essay explored the student's specific role within their family – perhaps the "peacekeeper," the "organizer," or the "dreamer." They used this role to illustrate their skills, their understanding of interpersonal dynamics, and their values.
6. The "Simple Story, Deep Meaning" Essay
Sometimes, the most powerful essays are built around a simple, relatable experience that reveals profound personal growth.
- Example 11: Learning to Cook. A student wrote about the process of learning to cook a specific dish, perhaps one passed down from a grandparent. The essay wasn't just about recipes; it was about patience, following instructions, overcoming frustration, and the connection to family history and tradition.
- Example 12: The First Job. This essay detailed the experience of a first part-time job. The focus was on the lessons learned about hard work, customer service, managing time, and the dawning realization of financial responsibility, all conveyed through specific anecdotes from the workplace.
How to Apply These Principles to Your Essay
Looking at successful examples is a great starting point. Here’s how you can translate these ideas into your own writing:
1. Brainstorm Broadly
Don't limit yourself to "big" events. Think about:
- Everyday moments: What small things consistently happen in your life?
- Your habits or routines: What do you do without thinking?
- Your quirks or eccentricities: What makes you, you?
- Your frustrations or confusions: What do you struggle with or question?
- Your passions, however obscure: What truly excites you?
2. Focus on "Show, Don't Tell"
Instead of saying "I am resilient," describe a situation where you demonstrated resilience. Use sensory details, dialogue, and action to bring your experiences to life.
- Instead of: "I was scared but I did it anyway."
- Try: "My palms slicked with sweat, I gripped the climbing rope, my breath catching in my throat as I looked down at the dizzying drop."
3. Reflect Deeply
The "what happened" is less important than the "so what." After describing an event or experience, ask yourself:
- What did I learn?
- How did this change me?
- What does this reveal about my values or beliefs?
- How will this shape my future?
4. Find Your Unique Voice
Your essay should sound like you. Read it aloud. Does it sound natural? Are you using words and sentence structures that feel comfortable? Avoid trying to sound overly academic or using vocabulary you wouldn't normally use. Authenticity is key.
5. Revise and Refine
No essay is perfect on the first try. Get feedback from trusted teachers, counselors, or friends. Look for areas where you can be more specific, where your reflection could be deeper, or where your voice could be stronger. This is where services like EssayGazebo.com can offer professional editing to polish your narrative and ensure it shines.
Your college essay is a powerful tool. By understanding what makes essays work and focusing on your own unique experiences and reflections, you can craft a compelling narrative that will help you stand out.