101 College Admissions Essays That Made a Difference

At top U.S. colleges, a candidate's application essays can help him/her to stand out in an increasingly competitive applicant pool. This publication presents 101 successful essays that enabled their authors to gain admission to the Ivy League programs of their choice.

By design, they include more than 20 different topics, including the candidates' goals, family, role models, defining experiences, notable accomplishments, contribution to diversity, international travel experiences, awards, and artistic and musical passions. The selection also includes successful responses to being waitlisted and separate addendums to explain a disappointing GPA or SAT score.

Collectively, these essays show the many ways that candidates have presented themselves to the committee in a creative (and effective) manner. They also show the caliber of writing that is expected at top schools. Before you put pen to paper to write your own essays, take the time to read several sample essays from students who have already accomplished what you are trying to do. For something this important, why leave your essay to chance?