Twelve College Essay Examples That Worked 2019

Beyond the Grades: The Power of the College Essay

In the competitive landscape of college admissions, academic transcripts and standardized test scores, while crucial, often tell only part of the story. Admissions officers are looking for more than just a list of achievements; they seek to understand the individual behind the application. This is where the college essay, often referred to as the personal statement, becomes an invaluable tool. It's an opportunity to showcase personality, demonstrate critical thinking, reveal values, and articulate aspirations in a way that numbers simply cannot capture. A well-crafted essay can transform a strong application into an unforgettable one, bridging the gap between a candidate's academic record and their potential to contribute meaningfully to a college community. The challenge, of course, lies in crafting an essay that is both authentic and impactful. What does a 'successful' college essay actually look like? While there's no single formula, examining examples that have resonated with admissions committees can offer invaluable guidance.

What Makes a College Essay 'Work'?

Before diving into specific examples, it's helpful to establish the core elements that contribute to an essay's success. A compelling college essay typically exhibits several key characteristics. Firstly, authenticity is paramount. Admissions officers can often detect insincerity or an essay that feels overly polished or written by someone else. The essay should sound like you, reflecting your genuine voice, thoughts, and experiences. Secondly, specificity is crucial. Vague generalizations rarely leave a lasting impression. Instead, concrete details, sensory descriptions, and specific anecdotes bring your story to life and make it memorable. Think about the difference between saying 'I learned to be resilient' and describing the specific moment you failed at something significant and how you painstakingly picked yourself up. Thirdly, reflection and insight are vital. It's not enough to simply recount an event; the essay needs to demonstrate what you learned from that experience, how it shaped your perspective, or how it influenced your future goals. This shows maturity and self-awareness. Finally, a clear narrative arc, even in a short essay, helps guide the reader. This doesn't necessarily mean a dramatic plot, but rather a logical flow of ideas that builds towards a meaningful conclusion. The best essays often tackle a seemingly small moment or a common experience and extract profound meaning from it.

Examining Twelve Successful College Essay Examples from 2019

The following examples, drawn from successful applications in 2019, illustrate these principles in action. While the specific prompts may have varied, the underlying strategies for crafting compelling narratives remain consistent. We'll explore a range of themes and approaches, highlighting what made each essay effective.

Example 1: The Unexpected Mentor

This essay focused on a seemingly mundane summer job at a local diner. Instead of just describing the tasks, the student delved into the relationship with a gruff but wise dishwasher who offered life advice through cryptic observations. The essay highlighted the student's ability to find wisdom in unexpected places and their openness to learning from diverse individuals. The specific details about the diner's atmosphere – the clatter of plates, the smell of coffee – grounded the narrative, while the reflections on the dishwasher's simple yet profound statements revealed the student's capacity for deep thought and appreciation for human connection.

Example 2: The 'Failure' as a Catalyst

Many students shy away from discussing failures, but this essay embraced it. The student wrote about not making the varsity sports team in their sophomore year. Rather than dwelling on disappointment, the essay detailed the rigorous training regimen they undertook after the rejection, the self-doubt they battled, and the eventual realization that the pursuit of improvement, independent of external validation, was more rewarding. It showcased resilience, a strong work ethic, and a mature understanding of personal growth.

Example 3: A Deep Dive into a Niche Interest

This applicant had a passion for historical cartography. Instead of a broad overview, the essay focused on a single, intricate map from the 17th century and how its anomalies and artistic flourishes revealed not just geographical knowledge but also the prevailing worldview of its creator. The student's detailed analysis demonstrated intellectual curiosity, research skills, and the ability to connect historical artifacts to broader cultural contexts. It showed a genuine, deep-seated passion that went beyond surface-level interest.

Example 4: The Mundane Object, Profound Meaning

The essay centered on a chipped ceramic mug that had been in the family for generations. Through the story of the mug, the student explored themes of family history, memory, and the passage of time. Each chip and faded pattern was linked to a specific family anecdote or a significant life event. This approach allowed for personal storytelling while also demonstrating a thoughtful engagement with heritage and the objects that carry meaning.

Example 5: Embracing Cultural Identity

This student wrote about navigating their bicultural identity. The essay didn't present a conflict but rather a rich tapestry of experiences, blending traditions from two different cultures. They used specific examples of food, language, and family rituals to illustrate how these dual influences shaped their perspective and fostered a unique understanding of the world. It was a celebration of identity and a testament to the richness that diversity brings.

Example 6: The Power of Observation

The essay described a single bus ride through a bustling city. The student acted as an observer, detailing the interactions between strangers, the snippets of overheard conversations, and the subtle social cues. This wasn't just people-watching; it was an exercise in empathy and understanding human behavior. The essay showcased the student's keen observational skills, their ability to find stories in everyday life, and their thoughtful consideration of the human condition.

Example 7: A Creative Approach to a Common Prompt

Responding to a prompt about a challenge, this student chose to write about the challenge of learning to bake sourdough bread during the pandemic. While seemingly simple, the essay detailed the precise measurements, the patience required for fermentation, the failures (dense loaves, burnt crusts), and the eventual success. It served as a metaphor for other challenges in life, illustrating patience, precision, and the reward of mastering a complex process. The detailed, almost scientific, description of baking made it unique.

Example 8: The 'Why This Major?' Essay

Instead of a generic statement about wanting to help people, this applicant for a computer science program wrote about their fascination with the elegant logic of algorithms. They described a specific coding problem they encountered and the intellectual thrill of devising an efficient solution. The essay demonstrated a deep, analytical passion for the subject matter, showing they understood the core principles and were driven by intellectual curiosity rather than just career prospects.

Example 9: The Transformative Travel Experience

This essay recounted a volunteer trip abroad. However, it avoided clichés about 'changing the world.' Instead, the student focused on a specific, humbling interaction with a local community member that challenged their preconceived notions and taught them about different forms of knowledge and resilience. The emphasis was on what the student learned and how their perspective shifted, rather than on any perceived 'giving' they did.

Example 10: The Art of the Everyday

The essay explored the student's ritual of walking their dog every morning. Through vivid descriptions of the changing seasons, the familiar neighborhood sights, and the quiet companionship of their pet, the student conveyed a sense of mindfulness, appreciation for routine, and connection to their environment. It showed how even the most ordinary activities can be a source of profound personal insight and peace.

Example 11: A Story of Perseverance Through Illness

This applicant wrote about managing a chronic illness throughout high school. The essay was not a plea for sympathy but a candid account of the practical challenges, the emotional toll, and the strategies developed to maintain academic rigor and personal well-being. It highlighted their organizational skills, self-advocacy, and determination, showcasing their strength and maturity in the face of adversity.

Example 12: The 'What If?' Scenario

Responding to a prompt about imagination, this student crafted a hypothetical scenario: 'What if gravity only worked on Tuesdays?' The essay then explored the logical, societal, and personal implications of such a bizarre rule. This creative approach demonstrated imaginative thinking, logical reasoning, and a playful yet insightful engagement with abstract concepts. It was memorable and showcased a unique way of thinking.

Key Takeaways for Your Own Essay

Reviewing these diverse examples reveals common threads that contribute to their success. They are personal, specific, reflective, and authentic. They often take a narrow focus – a single object, a brief encounter, a specific skill – and explore it deeply, extracting universal themes and personal growth. The goal isn't to impress with grand pronouncements but to reveal character through genuine storytelling. Remember, your college essay is your chance to speak directly to the admissions committee, to show them who you are beyond the numbers. Use it wisely to share a part of yourself that truly matters.

• Choose a topic that genuinely interests you.
• Focus on a specific moment or experience, not your entire life story.
• Show, don't just tell: use vivid details and sensory language.
• Reflect on the experience: what did you learn? How did it change you?
• Write in your authentic voice; avoid jargon or overly formal language.
• Revise and edit meticulously for clarity, grammar, and spelling.
• Get feedback from trusted readers, but ensure the voice remains yours.