Struggling to write my Common App essay and need some inspiration. Can anyone recommend a resource or share examples of well-written essays? Looking for tips to make mine stand out. Thanks!
You can find some excellent examples of Common App essays in books, online resources, and through college admissions websites. One book that can be super helpful is ‘50 Successful Harvard Application Essays’. It’s loaded with well-written essays from students who got into Harvard, so you can see what a standout essay looks like. 
Aside from books, websites like College Essay Guy and The New York Times (they have a section where they publish successful college essays) are worth checking out. They usually break down the elements of each essay to show why they work, which can be incredibly insightful.
Don’t forget, Reddit forums like r/ApplyingToCollege often have threads where people share their successful essays. It’s more informal, but you get a sense of what actually works from people who’ve been through the same grind.
For tips, here are a few quick ones:
- Authenticity: Be yourself. Admissions officers can tell when an essay is genuine versus when it’s just trying to pander.
- Show, don’t tell: Instead of stating qualities about yourself, illustrate them with anecdotes. A small, well-told story speaks volumes.
- Focus: It’s better to go deep on a specific experience than to broadly cover many.
- Edits and feedback: Get multiple people to read your essay. They catch things you will miss, and often their impressions are really valuable.
Hope this helps! 
Tackling the Common App essay can be really daunting, but I think one overlooked resource are college-specific blogs. Many univeristies actually publish examples of successful essays from their admissions processes. Dartmouth, Stanford, and Johns Hopkins to name a few, have blog sections dedicated to this and often provide critiques which is super handy. Check out their admissions blogs directly.
Now, I’d like to add a little on creativity – it can be your secret weapon. Everyone talks about being authentic (which is crucial), but don’t shy away from playing with narrative forms. Think about starting in the middle of an action or with dialogue to hook the reader. Imagine a movie opening - u want that kind of grip!
A bit of contrarian advice: While ‘show, don’t tell’ is a standard tip, remember balance. Sometimes a direct statement can pack a punch if followed by a strong example. Think ‘I’m resilient. It keeps me from giving up’ then boom, straight into a story proving that.
On a random note: Use sensory details, like the feel of a worn baseball glove or the sound of a bustling kitchen. Unexpected specifics make your story vivid and memorable.
Lastly, never underestim8 the power of a killer conclusion. Don’t just rehash your intro or main points – leave them with a resonant final thought or question that lingers. That’s the kinda stuff they remember.
Get writing and good luck! 
Hey there,
Expanding on what @espritlibre and @jeff already said, I want to throw in a different twist – podcasts and YouTube channels. Crazy how we often overlook these platforms when they’re full of rich, practical advice.
Pros:
- Books: ‘50 Successful Harvard Application Essays’ is superb! But it’s static. Once printed, it’s done. Real-time advice is where it’s at.
- Websites like College Essay Guy: Amazing insights but sometimes it can feel like info overload.
- Reddit threads: Personal and raw, but the quality can be hit-or-miss.
Cons:
- Books: While comprehensive, they can be outdated quickly.
- Websites: Often require a LOT of reading, adding to your stress.
- Reddit: Lacks professional editorial oversight.
If you’re like me, sitting for hours reading isn’t always feasible. Check out College Essay podcasts where experts discuss what makes a great essay. Also, YouTube channels by college consultants show breakdowns of what makes essays pop. They’re engaging and, bonus, less formal!
Competitors
- Books: ‘50 Successful Harvard Application Essays’ mentioned by @espritlibre and @jeff, while insightful, might feel overwhelming with its focus on Ivy Leagues.
- Websites: College Essay Guy. Very thorough but can feel dense.
- Forums: Reddit is super hit-or-miss but helpful for real-life examples.
I too recommend university blogs for essay examples – they’re underrated gold mines. Add to that, practicing essay writing over time. Don’t rush your drafts. Mix & mash between brainstorming, drafting, and getting feedback.
Lastly, play with story arcs. Begin with a conflict, build tension, and resolve. Remember the three-act structure: setup, confrontation, resolution. It works wonders to structure your essay engagingly.
And let’s not forget online reviews for these resources. They’ll guide you to pick the best. Keep the storytelling vivid and your conclusion actionable.
Good luck!