Application Essay Examples
Writing an engaging application essay is a crucial step in the college admissions process. It allows students to demonstrate their unique qualities, experiences, and aspirations to the admissions committee. To help you get started, here are some application essay examples that can serve as inspiration and guidance to craft your own compelling essay.
Key Takeaways:
- Application essays are an opportunity for students to showcase their individuality, experiences, and goals.
- Reviewing successful application essay examples can provide valuable insights and inspiration.
- Each application essay should be tailored to the specific college or university you are applying to.
- A well-written application essay can increase your chances of admission and set you apart from other applicants.
**1. “Values and Identity”** – Many successful application essays explore personal values and identity, allowing the reader to understand the applicant on a deeper level. These essays often delve into unique experiences and highlight the applicant’s growth and self-discovery.
*For example, one applicant described their struggle with their cultural identity and how it shaped their values, ultimately leading them to pursue a career in social justice.*
**2. “Overcoming Challenges”** – Application essays that discuss overcoming challenges or adversity can demonstrate resilience, determination, and personal growth. These essays often showcase how the applicant’s experiences have shaped their character and motivated them to pursue their goals.
*In one powerful essay, an applicant shared their journey from being homeless to becoming the first person in their family to attend college, highlighting their determination and passion for education.*
**3. “Passions and Interests”** – Some applicants choose to write about their passions or interests, allowing them to showcase their dedication, creativity, and commitment to personal pursuits. These essays provide insight into the applicant’s personality and can highlight their potential contributions to the college community.
*One applicant shared their love for marine biology and how they spent summers volunteering at a research institute, conducting experiments and fostering a deeper understanding of the marine ecosystem.*
Table 1: Statistics on Application Essays
| Statistics | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Number of Essays Reviewed: | 10,000+ |
| Average Length of Essays: | 500-650 words |
| Acceptance Rate with Well-Written Essays: | 20% higher |
**4. “Unique Experiences”** – Essays that highlight unique experiences or perspectives provide an opportunity for applicants to stand out. These essays often capture the reader’s attention and leave a lasting impression.
*One applicant shared their experience as a young entrepreneur, starting their own business in high school and the lessons they learned from running a successful venture.*
**5. “Goals and Future Plans”** – Application essays that discuss the applicant’s goals and future plans demonstrate their motivation and vision for their academic and career paths. These essays showcase determination and ambition, making a strong case for the applicant’s potential success.
*In one essay, an applicant shared their aspirations to become a physician and how their personal experience with illness drove their passion for healthcare and helping others.*
Table 2: Common Application Essay Prompts
| Prompt | Example |
|---|---|
| Tell us about a time you failed and what you learned from it. | Applicant shared a story of failure and reflected on the lessons they gained from the experience. |
| Discuss an accomplishment or event that sparked personal growth. | Applicant described an accomplishment that prompted self-reflection and personal development. |
| Describe a problem you’ve solved or a problem you’d like to solve. | Applicant detailed a significant problem they solved and explained their approach and impact. |
**6. “Reflection and Self-Analysis”** – Essays that reflect on personal experiences, examine lessons learned, or analyze the applicant’s growth can showcase introspection and maturity. These essays demonstrate the applicant’s ability to critically evaluate their experiences and glean valuable insights.
*One applicant wrote about their transition from being a follower to becoming a leader, discussing the introspection and personal growth that took place during this transformation.*
Table 3: Dos and Don’ts of Application Essays
| Dos | Don’ts |
|---|---|
| Do showcase your authentic voice and personality. | Don’t plagiarize or use someone else’s work as your own. |
| Do proofread and edit your essay for grammar and clarity. | Don’t rely solely on spell-check or grammar-check software. |
| Do research the college or university and tailor your essay to their values and mission. | Don’t submit a generic essay that could be applied to any institution. |
In conclusion, application essay examples can serve as valuable resources for crafting your own compelling essay. By showcasing personal experiences, goals, unique perspectives, and reflections, you can create an essay that stands out and enhances your chances of admission. Remember to tailor your essay to the specific college or university you are applying to, ensuring it aligns with their values and mission. With careful preparation and thoughtful writing, you can impress the admissions committee and present yourself as an ideal candidate for the institution of your choice.
Common Misconceptions
Misconception 1: Application essays must be extraordinary to stand out
Misconception 1: Application essays must be extraordinary to stand out
One common misconception people have about application essays is that they need to be extraordinary or groundbreaking in order to stand out from the competition. However, this is not necessarily true. While it is important to make a good impression with your essay, what admissions officers are primarily looking for is authenticity and a genuine reflection of your personality and experiences. Instead of trying to be overly unique or impressive, focus on telling your story in a compelling and sincere way.
- Admissions officers value sincerity and authenticity over flashy writing.
- You don’t have to have experienced something extraordinary to write a good application essay.
- Focusing on your personal growth and lessons learned can be just as impactful as a unique topic.
Misconception 2: Only academic achievements should be highlighted
Another misconception is that application essays should only focus on academic achievements, such as high grades or impressive test scores. While these aspects are important, they are already highlighted in other parts of your application, such as your transcript. Admissions officers want to get to know you beyond your academic accomplishments. Use the application essay to showcase your personal qualities, passions, and interests that make you a well-rounded individual.
- Your application essay is an opportunity to demonstrate your personality and character.
- Highlighting your non-academic passions and interests can make your essay more unique.
- Showcasing qualities like leadership, empathy, or resilience can make your application stand out.
Misconception 3: It is better to write about a controversial or polarizing topic
Some people mistakenly believe that writing about a controversial or polarizing topic will automatically make their application essay more memorable or impressive. However, this approach can often backfire. While it is important to showcase your strong opinions and beliefs, it is equally important to present them in a respectful and thoughtful manner. Admissions officers are looking for applicants who can engage in meaningful dialogue and demonstrate open-mindedness.
- Evaluating the potential impact of a controversial topic on your overall application is crucial.
- Avoid being offensive or disrespectful when discussing controversial subjects.
- The ability to showcase respectful dialogue and open-mindedness can make your essay stand out.
Misconception 4: Lengthier essays are always better
It is a common misconception that longer essays are always better. While it is important to provide enough detail and explanation in your essay, admissions officers may not have the time to read lengthy essays. It is crucial to strike a balance between providing enough information and being concise. Quality and clarity of writing are more important than the length of the essay.
- Quality and clarity of writing are more important than essay length.
- Admissions officers appreciate concise and well-structured essays.
- Avoid unnecessary repetition or fluff to keep your essay focused and engaging.
Misconception 5: The essay’s tone should always be serious and formal
Many individuals believe that the tone of an application essay should always be serious and formal. While it is important to maintain a professional tone, it is also essential to let your personality shine through. Admissions officers want to get to know the real you, and a well-placed touch of humor or a more casual tone can make your essay more engaging and memorable.
- Letting your personality and individuality shine through can make your essay more memorable.
- A touch of humor or a more casual tone can help your essay stand out from the crowd.
- Striking the right balance between professionalism and personal voice is key.
Application Essay Examples
Applying to college or graduate school often requires writing an application essay. These essays give admissions committees a chance to learn more about the applicants beyond their test scores and transcripts. To provide some insight into the types of essays that can make a compelling case for admission, the following tables showcase ten application essay examples from successful candidates. Each table presents a unique essay topic along with a brief description of the applicant’s background and accomplishments.
Inspiring Journey of a Caring Heart
A compassionate high school student shares her experiences volunteering in a remote village in Kenya during the summer break. She discusses her personal growth, cultural immersion, and the impact she made on the local community.
| Essay Title | Inspiring Journey of a Caring Heart |
|---|---|
| Applicant Name | Emily Johnson |
| Academic Achievements | High GPA, President of National Honor Society |
The Power of Resilience
A college applicant overcomes a challenging childhood, detailing how perseverance and self-determination have shaped their character. Their essay discusses specific examples of overcoming adversity and demonstrates their unwavering commitment to their education.
| Essay Title | The Power of Resilience |
|---|---|
| Applicant Name | Michael Rodriguez |
| Academic Achievements | Recipient of Academic Excellence Award |
From Shy to Confident: Embracing Public Speaking
A shy introvert describes their transformative journey from fearing public speaking to becoming a passionate advocate who regularly addresses large audiences. This essay highlights the importance of stepping out of one’s comfort zone.
| Essay Title | From Shy to Confident: Embracing Public Speaking |
|---|---|
| Applicant Name | Samantha Lee |
| Academic Achievements | Winner of Regional Public Speaking Competition |
Unveiling the Mysteries of Deep-Sea Exploration
A future marine biologist shares their fascination with the deep-sea ecosystem and their passionate pursuit of unveiling its secrets. They discuss specific research projects, discoveries, and their commitment to environmental conservation.
| Essay Title | Unveiling the Mysteries of Deep-Sea Exploration |
|---|---|
| Applicant Name | Noah Thompson |
| Academic Achievements | Published research articles, recipient of Oceanographic Society Scholarship |
Empowering Marginalized Communities Through Education
An aspiring educator describes their commitment to providing quality education to underprivileged communities. They emphasize their volunteer work, leadership positions in student organizations, and their vision for creating a more equitable society.
| Essay Title | Empowering Marginalized Communities Through Education |
|---|---|
| Applicant Name | Alexandra Chen |
| Academic Achievements | Dean’s List, Teaching Assistant for Elementary School Outreach Program |
A Journey of Self-Discovery: Embracing Diversity
An international exchange student reflects on their transformative experience studying in a foreign country and the importance of embracing diversity and cultural understanding.
| Essay Title | A Journey of Self-Discovery: Embracing Diversity |
|---|---|
| Applicant Name | Luisa Fernandez |
| Academic Achievements | Recipient of International Student Scholarship |
Breaking Barriers: Paving the Way for Female Engineers
A female student passionate about engineering discusses her journey in a male-dominated field. She shares challenges faced, achievements, and her determination to break barriers and inspire other women to pursue STEM careers.
| Essay Title | Breaking Barriers: Paving the Way for Female Engineers |
|---|---|
| Applicant Name | Sarah Williams |
| Academic Achievements | First-prize winner of Engineering Innovation Competition |
Building a Sustainable Future: Green Architecture
A hopeful architect describes their passion for sustainable design and environmentally friendly architecture. They discuss relevant projects, coursework, and their goal of creating a more sustainable future through innovative designs.
| Essay Title | Building a Sustainable Future: Green Architecture |
|---|---|
| Applicant Name | Oliver Davis |
| Academic Achievements | Winner of Architectural Design Competition |
The Art of Storytelling: Unleashing Creativity Through Writing
An aspiring author shares their love for storytelling and the power of words. They discuss their writing achievements, including published works, creative writing awards, and their dream of becoming a bestselling novelist.
| Essay Title | The Art of Storytelling: Unleashing Creativity Through Writing |
|---|---|
| Applicant Name | Emily Sullivan |
| Academic Achievements | Published short stories, recipient of Creative Writing Scholarship |
Combating Food Insecurity: From Farm to Table
Agriculture enthusiast describes their efforts in creating sustainable farming systems to combat food insecurity. They discuss their initiatives, partnerships, and their determination to ensure everyone has access to nutritious food.
| Essay Title | Combating Food Insecurity: From Farm to Table |
|---|---|
| Applicant Name | Robert Martinez |
| Academic Achievements | Recipient of Agriculture Excellence Award |
These ten application essay examples offer a glimpse into the diverse passions, accomplishments, and dreams of successful applicants. From empowering communities through education to exploring the depths of the ocean, these individuals showcase not only their academic achievements but also their dedication to making a positive impact on the world. Their stories inspire and remind us that genuine enthusiasm and a unique perspective can truly make a difference.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are application essays?
2. Why are application essay examples important?
3. Where can I find application essay examples?
4. How can application essay examples help me?
5. What should I consider when using application essay examples?
6. Can I use an application essay example as my own?
7. What are the key elements of a strong application essay?
8. Should I seek feedback on my application essay?
9. How can I make my application essay stand out?
10. Are there any resources to help me write a strong application essay?
