College essay examples to inspire your own

Key takeaways about writing a great college essay

• A great essay sounds like you—not a template or someone else's idea of "impressive."
• The first line should hook the reader with a clear, personal voice.
• Specific moments and emotions stick more than vague summaries.
• The best topics are the ones only you could write about.
• Admissions officers want honesty, reflection, and real insight into who you are.

What types of college essay examples stand out?

Writing your college essay can feel like pressure in paragraph form. But sometimes, the best way to learn is by example. Strong college essays aren’t about using big words or listing achievements—they’re about voice, vulnerability, and telling a story only you could write.

The best college essay examples spark curiosity, show personality, and feel like a conversation with someone you'd want to know more about. We've created some examples inspired by real essays that worked—plus takeaways to help you write your own.

Start your essay strong

These opening lines are fictional, but they reflect the tone and originality of essays that helped students get into competitive colleges. After each, we explain why it works.

Example 1: The accidental activist

"I didn’t mean to start a protest. I just wanted my lunch back."

Why it works: It’s funny, unexpected, and immediately full of personality.

Example 2: The late-night scientist

"At 2:13 a.m., I finally figured out why my robot kept walking into walls."

Why it works: The timestamp and specific detail draw the reader into a moment of discovery.

Example 3:  The cross-cultural kid

"I introduced myself five times before anyone understood my name."

Why it works: This shows a quiet emotional truth about identity and belonging.

Example 4: The unexpected musician

"I used to think music was background noise. Then my brother taught me to breathe through the rests."

Why it works: It’s poetic and hints at personal growth and meaningful relationships.

Example 5:  The moment everything changed

"The last thing I expected that Friday was a phone call from the police."

Why it works: It creates tension and makes the reader need to know more.

What makes a college essay great?

A great college essay is personal, reflective, and real. It doesn’t have to be dramatic—it just has to be honest. Whether you're writing about a chess tournament or a TikTok you made with your grandma, your story matters if you tell it in your voice.

Admissions officers look for:

• A clear sense of who you are
• Personal growth or insight
• A strong beginning, middle, and end
• Authenticity over polish

Pro tip: Reuse your college essay (or parts of it) when you apply for scholarships. Check out Scholly Scholarships for scholarships that fit your skills, background and interests. 

Tips for writing your own college essay

1. Start with a moment. Choose a specific scene to drop the reader into.

2. Be real. Admissions officers can tell when you're trying too hard.

3. Revise, and then revise again. Good essays usually take a few tries.

4. Read it out loud. If it doesn’t sound like you, keep editing.

5. Get feedback. Ask someone you trust if your essay feels true to who you are.

A look at previous Common App prompts

The Common App lets students to apply to over 1,000 colleges and universities using a single application. It simplifies the college application process by reducing the amount of paperwork and time needed to apply to multiple schools.

Common App essay prompts change slightly each year, but they all aim to help you show growth, curiosity, or a challenge you faced. Here are some examples:

• Describe a problem you’ve solved or want to solve.
• Reflect on a time you questioned a belief.
• Share something meaningful about your background or identity.
• Your topic matters less than how you tell the story.

How admissions officers actually read your essay

Spoiler: They’re busy. They’re skimming. And they’re reading a lot.

What makes them slow down? A real voice. A surprising line. A story that only you could tell. If you make them care about you in the first paragraph, you’re already ahead. 

Your essay is just one part of your college application that admissions officers look at. Your grades, activities, and test scores are also important. Use tools like Scout College Search to look up admissions info for schools you're interested in.

Final thoughts: It's all about you

College essays don’t have to be perfect—they just have to be you. Take a breath, trust your voice, and know that your story matters.

Got more questions about applying to college? Check out our guide to the college application process.