about me essays

60 About Me Examples (Writing Guide + Free Templates)

Are you struggling to write an About Me section for your website or portfolio? Look no further!

We’ve compiled a list of 60 About Me Examples + Templates to help you craft the perfect introduction that showcases your skills, experience, and personality.

No matter your profession, we’ve got you covered with these customizable templates that will make your About Me section stand out.

What Is An About Me Statement?

Table of Contents

An about me statement is a short description of one’s background, achievements, and personal interests.

It’s typically used for job applications or as part of a professional portfolio.

An effective about me statement should be concise yet informative, showcasing the individual’s most impressive qualifications, skills, and experiences.

Writing an about me statement can feel intimidating at first but with the right approach, it can give you the opportunity to tell your story in a genuine and meaningful way that resonates with employers and colleagues.

60 About Me Examples

Here is a massive list of 60 about me examples, about me resume examples, and about me examples for portfolios.

1) Accountant

I am a highly organized and detail-oriented professional with a passion for numbers. My expertise lies in financial analysis and accounting, and I am committed to helping my clients make informed financial decisions.

2) Actor/Actress

I am an experienced actor with 10 years in the industry. I have a diverse portfolio of work ranging from musical theater to film. My passion for performing and commitment to excellence has earned me roles in several successful productions.

3) Aerospace Engineer

As an aerospace engineer, I am a creative problem-solver with a passion for aerodynamics and space exploration. My track record includes designing and testing successful aircraft and spacecraft, demonstrating my strong understanding of engineering principles.

4) Agricultural and Food Scientists

I am a dedicated researcher with a passion for sustainable agriculture and food production as an agricultural and food scientist. My extensive knowledge of plant and animal biology and my understanding of the environmental, economic, and social factors that impact food systems enable me to make significant contributions to the field.

5) Agricultural Worker

With years of experience in farming, I am an agricultural worker who takes pride in producing high-quality food for local communities. My strong work ethic and commitment to sustainable agriculture practices demonstrate my deep love for the land and all things agricultural.

6) Air Traffic Controller

As an air traffic controller, I am a highly skilled and responsible professional with a passion for ensuring safe and efficient air travel. My extensive training in air traffic control procedures and my ability to remain calm and focused in high-pressure situations are critical to my success.

7) Aircraft Pilot

With extensive experience flying various types of aircraft, I am a seasoned aviator who is passionate about flight. Safety and professionalism are of the utmost importance to me, and I am committed to maintaining the highest standards while in the air.

8) Aircraft Mechanic

As an aircraft mechanic, I am a skilled and knowledgeable aviation professional with a passion for keeping aircraft in top condition. My strong understanding of aircraft systems, coupled with my commitment to ensuring each plane I work on is safe and ready to fly, is critical to the success of any aviation team.

9) Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assembler

I am an extraordinarily skilled and experienced professional with a passion for assembling aircraft structures, surfaces, rigging, and systems. My strong understanding of aircraft structures and systems, coupled with my precision and attention to detail, ensures that each plane I work on is assembled to the highest standards.

10) Architect

I am a creative and innovative architect with a passion for designing buildings and spaces. My strong understanding of building design and construction, coupled with my commitment to creating functional and aesthetically pleasing structures that meet the needs of my clients, makes me a valuable asset to any design team.

11) Architectural and Engineering Manager

As an architectural and engineering manager, I am an experienced leader with a passion for overseeing large-scale construction projects. My strong background in architecture and engineering, coupled with my commitment to ensuring that each project I manage is completed on time, on budget, and to the highest standards of quality, make me an invaluable asset to any team.

12) Archivist

I am a knowledgeable and organized professional with a passion for preserving history. As an archivist, my strong understanding of archival techniques, coupled with my commitment to ensuring that important historical documents and artifacts are properly stored, cataloged, and made accessible to the public, enables me to play a critical role in preserving our cultural heritage.

13) Biomedical Engineer

As a biomedical engineer, I am a highly skilled and innovative professional with a passion for using technology to improve human health. My strong background in engineering, biology, and medicine, coupled with my commitment to developing cutting-edge medical devices and treatments that will enhance patient outcomes, makes me a valuable asset to any healthcare team.

14) Biostatistician

As a biostatistician, I am a data-driven professional with a passion for using statistics to improve health outcomes. My extensive training in statistical analysis, coupled with my deep understanding of the biological and medical applications of statistical methods, makes me a valuable asset to any healthcare or research team seeking to make data-driven decisions.

15) Building Inspector

As a building inspector, I am a highly trained and experienced professional with a passion for ensuring the safety and quality of buildings. My strong understanding of building codes and construction practices, coupled with my commitment to conducting thorough and accurate inspections of residential, commercial, and industrial properties, enables me to ensure the safety of those who live and work in these buildings.

16) Business Professional

Having experience leading teams within a wide range of industries such as finance, IT & healthcare – my unique combination of analytical thinking & problem-solving skills offers added value no matter the context or situation.

17) Carpenter

As a skilled and experienced carpenter, I am passionate about working with wood and creating high-quality, functional structures and furnishings. My strong understanding of carpentry techniques, coupled with my commitment to using the best materials and tools available, enables me to create beautiful and durable pieces that stand the test of time.

Passionate about transforming ingredients into delightful dishes, I’ve had the pleasure of cooking in some of the best restaurants across the country. With over 9 years of experience working with different cuisines and techniques, I constantly strive to refine my skills and challenge myself.

19) Chemical Engineer

As a chemical engineer, I am a knowledgeable and innovative professional with a passion for using chemistry to solve real-world problems. My strong background in chemical engineering, coupled with my commitment to developing new and improved chemical processes and products, makes me a valuable asset to any company seeking to improve its products or processes.

20) Chemist

As a chemist, I am a curious and dedicated scientist with a passion for understanding the chemical properties of matter. My strong background in chemistry, coupled with my commitment to conducting cutting-edge research and developing new and improved chemical products and processes, enables me to make significant contributions to the field of chemistry.

21) Civil Engineer

As a civil engineer, I am a skilled and knowledgeable professional with a passion for designing and building infrastructure. My strong background in civil engineering, coupled with my commitment to ensuring that each project I work on is functional, safe, and sustainable, makes me a valuable asset to any infrastructure project.

22) Commercial Diver

As a highly trained and experienced commercial diver, I am passionate about working underwater and ensuring the safety and success of each dive I make. My extensive training in diving techniques, coupled with my commitment to using the best equipment and following strict safety protocols, makes me a valuable asset to any diving or underwater construction team.

23) Computer and Information Systems Manager

As a computer and information systems manager, I am a highly skilled and experienced professional with a passion for using technology to solve business problems. My strong background in computer science, coupled with my commitment to ensuring that each technology project I manage is completed on time, on budget, and to the highest standards of quality, makes me a valuable asset to any organization seeking to improve its technology infrastructure.

24) Computer Network Architect

As an exceptionally skilled and innovative computer network architect, I am passionate about designing and implementing computer networks. My strong understanding of network technologies, coupled with my commitment to ensuring that each network I design is scalable, reliable, and secure, makes me a valuable asset to any organization seeking to improve its network infrastructure.

25) Computer Programmer

As a highly skilled and experienced computer programmer, I am passionate about writing code and developing high-quality software that meets the needs of my clients. My strong background in computer science, coupled with my commitment to using the best programming practices and tools available, makes me a valuable asset to any software development team.

26) Construction Worker

As a hardworking and experienced construction worker, I am passionate about building and ensuring the success of each project I work on. My strong understanding of construction techniques, coupled with my commitment to ensuring the safety of myself and those around me, makes me a valuable asset to any construction team.

27) Cost Estimator

As a highly organized and detail-oriented cost estimator, I am passionate about calculating costs and ensuring that each cost estimate I produce is accurate, comprehensive, and realistic. My strong background in finance, coupled with my commitment to using the best data and tools available, makes me a valuable asset to any organization seeking to manage its costs effectively.

28) Crane and Tower Operator

As a skilled and experienced crane and tower operator, I am passionate about operating cranes and towers and ensuring the safety and success of each lift I make. My extensive training in crane and tower operation techniques, coupled with my commitment to following strict safety protocols and using the best equipment available, makes me a valuable asset to any construction or industrial team.

29) Dentist

As a dentist with 5+ years of experience, my mission is to provide quality dental care while fostering relationships of trust with each patient I serve. My passion for dentistry allows me to stay up-to-date on the latest trends and technologies in order to deliver optimal results.

30) Designer

Drawing from my knowledge of graphic design principles and trends, I create visually stunning designs that capture my audience’s attention. Whether it be web graphics, logos, or other types of digital assets, my work speaks for itself.

31) Entrepreneur

In pursuit of creating meaningful businesses with lasting impact – For over a decade now, I’ve dedicated myself to developing ventures that solve real problems & offer creative solutions. With more than 5 startups under my belt – each as successful as the last, it’s safe to say that this mission has become second nature by now.

32) Event Planner

With over 9 years’ worth of experience as an event planner, I specialize in creating memorable experiences for any type of event; from corporate functions and galas down to private parties and celebrations alike! Having worked on dozens upon dozens of successful events thus far – there’s nothing I won’t do when it comes to organizing your special occasion just the way you envisioned it.

33) Financial Advisor

As a financial advisor with more than 8 years’ worth of experience helping people make smart decisions with their money, I take pride in helping others reach their long-term financial goals. My background as an accountant offers clients peace of mind knowing they’re getting sound advice backed by reliable credentials.

34) Hair Stylist

As a creative hair stylist with over 10 years worth of experience, I find joy in helping others express their individual beauty through haircuts and colors. Whether it be an everyday kind look or for special occasions – no style is off limits.

35) Hospital Administrator

Worked with hospitals for over 8 years now, and my enthusiasm lies in helping these institutions run more efficiently through careful management of staff and resources. By approaching each day with an open mind and perceptive eye toward improvement, I hope to make a positive impact on healthcare as a whole.

36) Interior Designer

Tapping into my extensive knowledge base & understanding of the principles behind aesthetics . My aim is to craft visually appealing spaces that mirror the individual personality and style preferences of every client. All while keeping within budget restrictions. From offices, homes, restaurants, you name it – having crafted interiors across various contexts during the past decade; my work has been featured in numerous acclaimed galleries and magazines worldwide.

37) Landscaper

Crafting greener environments one job at a time has been my mission since day one; Deriving satisfaction from breathing life into untouched spaces – landscaping has allowed me to take artistic expression outdoors for nearly 7 years now while simultaneously enjoying being surrounded by nature.

Dedicated to providing legal services that are tailored to meet the needs of each individual client, I have amassed 10+ years of experience tackling complex cases both in and out of court. My commitment is to always uphold justice and ensure an ethical resolution for all matters I take on.

39) Makeup Artist

As a veteran makeup artist with 8+ years in the beauty industry, clients know they can trust me with all their beauty needs! From providing unique looks for special occasions like weddings or photoshoots – all the way down to perfecting everyday natural looks; there is no job too great nor small for me to handle.

40) Marketer

With over ten years of experience developing campaigns both online and offline, I am confident in my ability to drive results through strategic marketing initiatives. My skills extend from writing persuasive copy to leveraging social media channels for maximum visibility.

41) Massage Therapist

As an experienced massage therapist with several certifications, I have built my reputation on providing personalized treatments catered to each client’s needs. By taking into account physical ailments as well as emotional well-being, my goal is to leave clients feeling invigorated after every session.

42) Musician

My passion for music comes through in every performance, whether I’m playing solo or with a full band. With over 10 years of experience playing at various venues around the world, I bring expertise and energy to any event.

43) Novelist

When it comes to telling stories – I’m fiercely passionate about creating engaging tales that captivate readers from the first page all the way through the last. Throughout the past decade, I have written multiple novels under various genres; Bringing fiction to life has been an amazing journey so far.

As a skilled nurse with 10+ years of experience in healthcare, my aim is to provide compassionate care during tough times while also advocating for patient rights & well-being. Whether it be providing physical or emotional support – no matter where you are in your journey, you can rest assured that my focus remains entirely on your well-being first & foremost.

45) Paralegal

When it comes down to understanding the complex legal system – there’s nothing quite like having a paralegal. Having worked within this profession for nearly 7 years, I’m deeply passionate about helping those who are often stuck trying to figure things out when it comes to managing cases and paperwork within court systems.

46) Personal Trainer

With over eight years of personal training experience, I specialize in helping people reach their fitness goals through personalized workout plans designed specifically for them. No matter where your starting point is, together we can make progress toward achieving your health objectives safely and effectively.

47) Photographer

With an eye for composition and detail, I bring creativity and professionalism to every project I work on. For the past decade, my photography has been featured in galleries and magazines around the world.

48) PR Specialist

As a public relations specialist, I have worked with major brands to shape their public image while also protecting their reputation amongst key stakeholders such as customers and journalists. My history of success is backed by numerous awards and press features throughout my career.

49) Project Manager

Taking projects from start to finish requires a comprehensive, detail-oriented mindset – which is fortunately what I specialize in, alongside several certifications obtained during this time span. Be it organizing events, or budgeting resources — my passion and drive for successful completion have allowed me to manage projects both small-scale and large-scope within tight deadlines.

50) Quality Assurance Consultant

From developing requirements documents all the way down to testing software applications; I take great joy in finding every little detail that makes up a successful product launch. With 6+ years of expertise under my belt – I’m constantly pushing towards refining QA processes or protocols to their fullest potential.

51) Real Estate Agent

As a real estate agent with a knack for finding properties that fit perfectly with each customer’s needs, I have been helping families find their dream homes for over 8 years. My passion lies in guiding people through what can often be overwhelming processes and ensuring they make smart investments.

52) Social Worker

Over the past 10 years, I have been fortunate enough to be part of a community where reaching out to those most vulnerable is always a priority. My mission as a certified social worker lies in ensuring rights — promoting fairness — upholding equality — advocate justice regardless of any circumstance.

53) Software Developer

With a degree in Computer Science and an impressive track record as a developer at several Fortune 500 companies, my work speaks for itself. For over 8 years I have provided robust solutions that consistently exceeded expectations while meeting deadlines.

54) Teacher/Educator

Applying creativity & out-of-the-box thinking alongside traditional teaching methods – After having served within this profession for nearly a decade now, I believe wholeheartedly that education should be fun yet thought-provoking at the same time – My goal has remained unchanged since day one upon embarking into this field – To inspire children towards excellence through knowledge & self-discovery whilst remembering too that everyone learns differently.

55) Telemarketer

With an extensive background in customer service & sales spanning nearly 9 years, salesmanship has always come naturally to me. My aim is constantly honing in on key selling points while adapting to customers’ needs or preferences – ultimately launching campaigns that produce dramatic results.

56) Therapist

As an experienced therapist (& consultant) with certifications spanning many different fields (such as psychology & psychiatry), I strive to bring out my innermost potential during each session that allows individuals to solve personal issues on their terms.

57) Veterinarian

As an accomplished veterinarian with over 5 years working in animal medicine, there’s no creature no matter how large or small that doesn’t deserve quality care under my watchful eye. Educating pet parents about preventative health measures is also something I’m more than willing to do as part of maintaining a healthy relationship between owners & their beloved companions alike.

58) Web Designer

I blend creativity with logic seamlessly. For 8+ years, my contributions to web design resulted in quality workmanship driven towards user-centric experiences that integrate accessibility with efficiency together at once.

As a professional writer with ten years of experience across many genres, I consistently create engaging, insightful pieces while meeting tight deadlines. Publications like The New York Times and Harvard Business Review have featured my articles.

60) YouTuber

From creating humorous skits and satirical takes on societal norms, YouTube has allowed me to express myself creatively through video content during the past few years. Embracing honest moments of humor – My ultimate goal remains to bring out laughter and joy into people’s lives every day.

About Me Example Templates (Free to Copy or Download)

When I’m writing, I love to use templates to guide my own creativity.

Here are three About Me Example Templates you can copy:

I am a [Adjective] [Occupation] with [Number] years of experience in [Industry]. I am passionate about [Interest or Skill] and have worked on several projects that have [Achievement or Impact]. When I’m not [Occupation-related Activity], you can find me [Hobby or Interest]. I believe in [Personal or Professional Philosophy] and strive to [Goal or Mission Statement].

I am a [Adjective] [Occupation] who has been [Verb + Ing] for [Number] years. I enjoy [Interest or Skill] and have been fortunate enough to [Achievement or Impact]. In my free time, I love to [Hobby or Interest] and [Fun Fact or Quirky Detail]. My goal is to [Personal or Professional Goal] and I am always looking for ways to [Action or Skill] to achieve it.

I am [Name], a [Adjective] [Occupation] who has been working in [Industry] for [Number] years. I am passionate about [Interest or Skill] and have been able to [Achievement or Impact]. When I’m not [Occupation-related Activity], I enjoy [Hobby or Interest] and [Fun Fact or Quirky Detail]. My philosophy is to [Personal or Professional Philosophy] and I strive to [Goal or Mission Statement].

About Me Writing Guide

Now that you have read through the examples and templates, keep the following eight super tips in mind:

• Know your audience. Consider the people who will be visiting your website or portfolio and tailor your statement to their interests and needs.
• Keep it concise. Your about me statement should be brief and to the point. Avoid long paragraphs and stick to the most important information.
• Use a professional tone. Your about me statement should be written in a professional tone that reflects your brand and image.
• Highlight your skills and experience . Use your statement to showcase your skills and experience in your field. Be specific and highlight your achievements.
• Be authentic. Write your about me statement in your own voice and be authentic. Avoid using jargon or buzzwords that don’t reflect who you are.
• Use a storytelling approach. Use a storytelling approach to share your journey and experiences in your field. This will help you connect with your audience and make your statement more engaging.
• Add a personal touch . Add a personal touch to your statement by including your interests, hobbies, or values. This will make your statement more relatable and help you stand out.
• Update it regularly . Make sure to update your about me statement regularly to reflect your current skills, experience, and achievements. This will keep your statement fresh and relevant.

Although this video is about sharing your About Me information verbally, you can apply many of the tips to the about me section of your resume, website, or portfolio:

Final Thoughts: About Me Examples

These are just a few examples of the many diverse professions that exist in the world.

Each one requires a unique set of skills and expertise, and each one has the potential to make a significant impact on the world around us.

No matter what profession you choose, it is important to have a passion for what you do and a commitment to excellence.

Read This Next:

• How To Write a Blog About Yourself? (22 Best Tips)
• Do Companies Hire Writers? (Explained & Solved)
• 57 Best AI Blog Writers (Ultimate Guide For 2023)

Choose Your Test

Sat / act prep online guides and tips, 177 college essay examples for 11 schools + expert analysis.

College Admissions , College Essays

The personal statement might just be the hardest part of your college application. Mostly this is because it has the least guidance and is the most open-ended. One way to understand what colleges are looking for when they ask you to write an essay is to check out the essays of students who already got in—college essays that actually worked. After all, they must be among the most successful of this weird literary genre.

In this article, I'll go through general guidelines for what makes great college essays great. I've also compiled an enormous list of 100+ actual sample college essays from 11 different schools. Finally, I'll break down two of these published college essay examples and explain why and how they work. With links to 177 full essays and essay excerpts , this article is a great resource for learning how to craft your own personal college admissions essay!

What Excellent College Essays Have in Common

Even though in many ways these sample college essays are very different from one other, they do share some traits you should try to emulate as you write your own essay.

Visible Signs of Planning

Building out from a narrow, concrete focus. You'll see a similar structure in many of the essays. The author starts with a very detailed story of an event or description of a person or place. After this sense-heavy imagery, the essay expands out to make a broader point about the author, and connects this very memorable experience to the author's present situation, state of mind, newfound understanding, or maturity level.

Knowing how to tell a story. Some of the experiences in these essays are one-of-a-kind. But most deal with the stuff of everyday life. What sets them apart is the way the author approaches the topic: analyzing it for drama and humor, for its moving qualities, for what it says about the author's world, and for how it connects to the author's emotional life.

Stellar Execution

A killer first sentence. You've heard it before, and you'll hear it again: you have to suck the reader in, and the best place to do that is the first sentence. Great first sentences are punchy. They are like cliffhangers, setting up an exciting scene or an unusual situation with an unclear conclusion, in order to make the reader want to know more. Don't take my word for it—check out these 22 first sentences from Stanford applicants and tell me you don't want to read the rest of those essays to find out what happens!

A lively, individual voice. Writing is for readers. In this case, your reader is an admissions officer who has read thousands of essays before yours and will read thousands after. Your goal? Don't bore your reader. Use interesting descriptions, stay away from clichés, include your own offbeat observations—anything that makes this essay sounds like you and not like anyone else.

Technical correctness. No spelling mistakes, no grammar weirdness, no syntax issues, no punctuation snafus—each of these sample college essays has been formatted and proofread perfectly. If this kind of exactness is not your strong suit, you're in luck! All colleges advise applicants to have their essays looked over several times by parents, teachers, mentors, and anyone else who can spot a comma splice. Your essay must be your own work, but there is absolutely nothing wrong with getting help polishing it.

And if you need more guidance, connect with PrepScholar's expert admissions consultants . These expert writers know exactly what college admissions committees look for in an admissions essay and chan help you craft an essay that boosts your chances of getting into your dream school.

Check out PrepScholar's Essay Editing and Coaching progra m for more details!

Want to write the perfect college application essay? Get professional help from PrepScholar.

Your dedicated PrepScholar Admissions counselor will craft your perfect college essay, from the ground up. We'll learn your background and interests, brainstorm essay topics, and walk you through the essay drafting process, step-by-step. At the end, you'll have a unique essay that you'll proudly submit to your top choice colleges.

Don't leave your college application to chance. Find out more about PrepScholar Admissions now :

Links to Full College Essay Examples

Some colleges publish a selection of their favorite accepted college essays that worked, and I've put together a selection of over 100 of these.

Common App Essay Samples

Please note that some of these college essay examples may be responding to prompts that are no longer in use. The current Common App prompts are as follows:

1. Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story. 2. The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience? 3. Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome? 4. Reflect on something that someone has done for you that has made you happy or thankful in a surprising way. How has this gratitude affected or motivated you? 5. Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others. 6. Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?

7. Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you've already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design.

Now, let's get to the good stuff: the list of 177 college essay examples responding to current and past Common App essay prompts. 

Connecticut college.

• 12 Common Application essays from the classes of 2022-2025

Hamilton College

• 7 Common Application essays from the class of 2026
• 7 Common Application essays from the class of 2022
• 7 Common Application essays from the class of 2018
• 8 Common Application essays from the class of 2012
• 8 Common Application essays from the class of 2007

Johns Hopkins

These essays are answers to past prompts from either the Common Application or the Coalition Application (which Johns Hopkins used to accept).

• 1 Common Application or Coalition Application essay from the class of 2026
• 6 Common Application or Coalition Application essays from the class of 2025
• 6 Common Application or Universal Application essays from the class of 2024
• 6 Common Application or Universal Application essays from the class of 2023
• 7 Common Application of Universal Application essays from the class of 2022
• 5 Common Application or Universal Application essays from the class of 2021
• 7 Common Application or Universal Application essays from the class of 2020

Essay Examples Published by Other Websites

• 2 Common Application essays ( 1st essay , 2nd essay ) from applicants admitted to Columbia

Other Sample College Essays

Here is a collection of essays that are college-specific.

Babson College

• 4 essays (and 1 video response) on "Why Babson" from the class of 2020

Emory University

• 5 essay examples ( 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 ) from the class of 2020 along with analysis from Emory admissions staff on why the essays were exceptional
• 5 more recent essay examples ( 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 ) along with analysis from Emory admissions staff on what made these essays stand out

University of Georgia

• 1 “strong essay” sample from 2019
• 1 “strong essay” sample from 2018
• 10 Harvard essays from 2023
• 10 Harvard essays from 2022
• 10 Harvard essays from 2021
• 10 Harvard essays from 2020
• 10 Harvard essays from 2019
• 10 Harvard essays from 2018
• 6 essays from admitted MIT students

Smith College

• 6 "best gift" essays from the class of 2018

Books of College Essays

If you're looking for even more sample college essays, consider purchasing a college essay book. The best of these include dozens of essays that worked and feedback from real admissions officers.

College Essays That Made a Difference —This detailed guide from Princeton Review includes not only successful essays, but also interviews with admissions officers and full student profiles.

50 Successful Harvard Application Essays by the Staff of the Harvard Crimson—A must for anyone aspiring to Harvard .

50 Successful Ivy League Application Essays and 50 Successful Stanford Application Essays by Gen and Kelly Tanabe—For essays from other top schools, check out this venerated series, which is regularly updated with new essays.

Heavenly Essays by Janine W. Robinson—This collection from the popular blogger behind Essay Hell includes a wider range of schools, as well as helpful tips on honing your own essay.

Analyzing Great Common App Essays That Worked

I've picked two essays from the examples collected above to examine in more depth so that you can see exactly what makes a successful college essay work. Full credit for these essays goes to the original authors and the schools that published them.

Example 1: "Breaking Into Cars," by Stephen, Johns Hopkins Class of '19 (Common App Essay, 636 words long)

I had never broken into a car before.

We were in Laredo, having just finished our first day at a Habitat for Humanity work site. The Hotchkiss volunteers had already left, off to enjoy some Texas BBQ, leaving me behind with the college kids to clean up. Not until we were stranded did we realize we were locked out of the van.

Someone picked a coat hanger out of the dumpster, handed it to me, and took a few steps back.

"Can you do that thing with a coat hanger to unlock it?"

"Why me?" I thought.

More out of amusement than optimism, I gave it a try. I slid the hanger into the window's seal like I'd seen on crime shows, and spent a few minutes jiggling the apparatus around the inside of the frame. Suddenly, two things simultaneously clicked. One was the lock on the door. (I actually succeeded in springing it.) The other was the realization that I'd been in this type of situation before. In fact, I'd been born into this type of situation.

My upbringing has numbed me to unpredictability and chaos. With a family of seven, my home was loud, messy, and spottily supervised. My siblings arguing, the dog barking, the phone ringing—all meant my house was functioning normally. My Dad, a retired Navy pilot, was away half the time. When he was home, he had a parenting style something like a drill sergeant. At the age of nine, I learned how to clear burning oil from the surface of water. My Dad considered this a critical life skill—you know, in case my aircraft carrier should ever get torpedoed. "The water's on fire! Clear a hole!" he shouted, tossing me in the lake without warning. While I'm still unconvinced about that particular lesson's practicality, my Dad's overarching message is unequivocally true: much of life is unexpected, and you have to deal with the twists and turns.

Living in my family, days rarely unfolded as planned. A bit overlooked, a little pushed around, I learned to roll with reality, negotiate a quick deal, and give the improbable a try. I don't sweat the small stuff, and I definitely don't expect perfect fairness. So what if our dining room table only has six chairs for seven people? Someone learns the importance of punctuality every night.

But more than punctuality and a special affinity for musical chairs, my family life has taught me to thrive in situations over which I have no power. Growing up, I never controlled my older siblings, but I learned how to thwart their attempts to control me. I forged alliances, and realigned them as necessary. Sometimes, I was the poor, defenseless little brother; sometimes I was the omniscient elder. Different things to different people, as the situation demanded. I learned to adapt.

Back then, these techniques were merely reactions undertaken to ensure my survival. But one day this fall, Dr. Hicks, our Head of School, asked me a question that he hoped all seniors would reflect on throughout the year: "How can I participate in a thing I do not govern, in the company of people I did not choose?"

The question caught me off guard, much like the question posed to me in Laredo. Then, I realized I knew the answer. I knew why the coat hanger had been handed to me.

Growing up as the middle child in my family, I was a vital participant in a thing I did not govern, in the company of people I did not choose. It's family. It's society. And often, it's chaos. You participate by letting go of the small stuff, not expecting order and perfection, and facing the unexpected with confidence, optimism, and preparedness. My family experience taught me to face a serendipitous world with confidence.

What Makes This Essay Tick?

It's very helpful to take writing apart in order to see just how it accomplishes its objectives. Stephen's essay is very effective. Let's find out why!

An Opening Line That Draws You In

In just eight words, we get: scene-setting (he is standing next to a car about to break in), the idea of crossing a boundary (he is maybe about to do an illegal thing for the first time), and a cliffhanger (we are thinking: is he going to get caught? Is he headed for a life of crime? Is he about to be scared straight?).

Great, Detailed Opening Story

More out of amusement than optimism, I gave it a try. I slid the hanger into the window's seal like I'd seen on crime shows, and spent a few minutes jiggling the apparatus around the inside of the frame.

It's the details that really make this small experience come alive. Notice how whenever he can, Stephen uses a more specific, descriptive word in place of a more generic one. The volunteers aren't going to get food or dinner; they're going for "Texas BBQ." The coat hanger comes from "a dumpster." Stephen doesn't just move the coat hanger—he "jiggles" it.

Details also help us visualize the emotions of the people in the scene. The person who hands Stephen the coat hanger isn't just uncomfortable or nervous; he "takes a few steps back"—a description of movement that conveys feelings. Finally, the detail of actual speech makes the scene pop. Instead of writing that the other guy asked him to unlock the van, Stephen has the guy actually say his own words in a way that sounds like a teenager talking.

Turning a Specific Incident Into a Deeper Insight

Suddenly, two things simultaneously clicked. One was the lock on the door. (I actually succeeded in springing it.) The other was the realization that I'd been in this type of situation before. In fact, I'd been born into this type of situation.

Stephen makes the locked car experience a meaningful illustration of how he has learned to be resourceful and ready for anything, and he also makes this turn from the specific to the broad through an elegant play on the two meanings of the word "click."

Using Concrete Examples When Making Abstract Claims

My upbringing has numbed me to unpredictability and chaos. With a family of seven, my home was loud, messy, and spottily supervised. My siblings arguing, the dog barking, the phone ringing—all meant my house was functioning normally.

"Unpredictability and chaos" are very abstract, not easily visualized concepts. They could also mean any number of things—violence, abandonment, poverty, mental instability. By instantly following up with highly finite and unambiguous illustrations like "family of seven" and "siblings arguing, the dog barking, the phone ringing," Stephen grounds the abstraction in something that is easy to picture: a large, noisy family.

Using Small Bits of Humor and Casual Word Choice

My Dad, a retired Navy pilot, was away half the time. When he was home, he had a parenting style something like a drill sergeant. At the age of nine, I learned how to clear burning oil from the surface of water. My Dad considered this a critical life skill—you know, in case my aircraft carrier should ever get torpedoed.

Obviously, knowing how to clean burning oil is not high on the list of things every 9-year-old needs to know. To emphasize this, Stephen uses sarcasm by bringing up a situation that is clearly over-the-top: "in case my aircraft carrier should ever get torpedoed."

The humor also feels relaxed. Part of this is because he introduces it with the colloquial phrase "you know," so it sounds like he is talking to us in person. This approach also diffuses the potential discomfort of the reader with his father's strictness—since he is making jokes about it, clearly he is OK. Notice, though, that this doesn't occur very much in the essay. This helps keep the tone meaningful and serious rather than flippant.

An Ending That Stretches the Insight Into the Future

But one day this fall, Dr. Hicks, our Head of School, asked me a question that he hoped all seniors would reflect on throughout the year: "How can I participate in a thing I do not govern, in the company of people I did not choose?"

The ending of the essay reveals that Stephen's life has been one long preparation for the future. He has emerged from chaos and his dad's approach to parenting as a person who can thrive in a world that he can't control.

This connection of past experience to current maturity and self-knowledge is a key element in all successful personal essays. Colleges are very much looking for mature, self-aware applicants. These are the qualities of successful college students, who will be able to navigate the independence college classes require and the responsibility and quasi-adulthood of college life.

What Could This Essay Do Even Better?

Even the best essays aren't perfect, and even the world's greatest writers will tell you that writing is never "finished"—just "due." So what would we tweak in this essay if we could?

Replace some of the clichéd language. Stephen uses handy phrases like "twists and turns" and "don't sweat the small stuff" as a kind of shorthand for explaining his relationship to chaos and unpredictability. But using too many of these ready-made expressions runs the risk of clouding out your own voice and replacing it with something expected and boring.

Use another example from recent life. Stephen's first example (breaking into the van in Laredo) is a great illustration of being resourceful in an unexpected situation. But his essay also emphasizes that he "learned to adapt" by being "different things to different people." It would be great to see how this plays out outside his family, either in the situation in Laredo or another context.

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Example 2: By Renner Kwittken, Tufts Class of '23 (Common App Essay, 645 words long)

My first dream job was to be a pickle truck driver. I saw it in my favorite book, Richard Scarry's "Cars and Trucks and Things That Go," and for some reason, I was absolutely obsessed with the idea of driving a giant pickle. Much to the discontent of my younger sister, I insisted that my parents read us that book as many nights as possible so we could find goldbug, a small little golden bug, on every page. I would imagine the wonderful life I would have: being a pig driving a giant pickle truck across the country, chasing and finding goldbug. I then moved on to wanting to be a Lego Master. Then an architect. Then a surgeon.

Then I discovered a real goldbug: gold nanoparticles that can reprogram macrophages to assist in killing tumors, produce clear images of them without sacrificing the subject, and heat them to obliteration.

Suddenly the destination of my pickle was clear.

I quickly became enveloped by the world of nanomedicine; I scoured articles about liposomes, polymeric micelles, dendrimers, targeting ligands, and self-assembling nanoparticles, all conquering cancer in some exotic way. Completely absorbed, I set out to find a mentor to dive even deeper into these topics. After several rejections, I was immensely grateful to receive an invitation to work alongside Dr. Sangeeta Ray at Johns Hopkins.

In the lab, Dr. Ray encouraged a great amount of autonomy to design and implement my own procedures. I chose to attack a problem that affects the entire field of nanomedicine: nanoparticles consistently fail to translate from animal studies into clinical trials. Jumping off recent literature, I set out to see if a pre-dose of a common chemotherapeutic could enhance nanoparticle delivery in aggressive prostate cancer, creating three novel constructs based on three different linear polymers, each using fluorescent dye (although no gold, sorry goldbug!). Though using radioactive isotopes like Gallium and Yttrium would have been incredible, as a 17-year-old, I unfortunately wasn't allowed in the same room as these radioactive materials (even though I took a Geiger counter to a pair of shoes and found them to be slightly dangerous).

I hadn't expected my hypothesis to work, as the research project would have ideally been led across two full years. Yet while there are still many optimizations and revisions to be done, I was thrilled to find -- with completely new nanoparticles that may one day mean future trials will use particles with the initials "RK-1" -- thatcyclophosphamide did indeed increase nanoparticle delivery to the tumor in a statistically significant way.

A secondary, unexpected research project was living alone in Baltimore, a new city to me, surrounded by people much older than I. Even with moving frequently between hotels, AirBnB's, and students' apartments, I strangely reveled in the freedom I had to enjoy my surroundings and form new friendships with graduate school students from the lab. We explored The Inner Harbor at night, attended a concert together one weekend, and even got to watch the Orioles lose (to nobody's surprise). Ironically, it's through these new friendships I discovered something unexpected: what I truly love is sharing research. Whether in a presentation or in a casual conversation, making others interested in science is perhaps more exciting to me than the research itself. This solidified a new pursuit to angle my love for writing towards illuminating science in ways people can understand, adding value to a society that can certainly benefit from more scientific literacy.

It seems fitting that my goals are still transforming: in Scarry's book, there is not just one goldbug, there is one on every page. With each new experience, I'm learning that it isn't the goldbug itself, but rather the act of searching for the goldbugs that will encourage, shape, and refine my ever-evolving passions. Regardless of the goldbug I seek -- I know my pickle truck has just begun its journey.

Renner takes a somewhat different approach than Stephen, but their essay is just as detailed and engaging. Let's go through some of the strengths of this essay.

One Clear Governing Metaphor

This essay is ultimately about two things: Renner’s dreams and future career goals, and Renner’s philosophy on goal-setting and achieving one’s dreams.

But instead of listing off all the amazing things they’ve done to pursue their dream of working in nanomedicine, Renner tells a powerful, unique story instead. To set up the narrative, Renner opens the essay by connecting their experiences with goal-setting and dream-chasing all the way back to a memorable childhood experience:

This lighthearted–but relevant!--story about the moment when Renner first developed a passion for a specific career (“finding the goldbug”) provides an anchor point for the rest of the essay. As Renner pivots to describing their current dreams and goals–working in nanomedicine–the metaphor of “finding the goldbug” is reflected in Renner’s experiments, rejections, and new discoveries.

Though Renner tells multiple stories about their quest to “find the goldbug,” or, in other words, pursue their passion, each story is connected by a unifying theme; namely, that as we search and grow over time, our goals will transform…and that’s okay! By the end of the essay, Renner uses the metaphor of “finding the goldbug” to reiterate the relevance of the opening story:

While the earlier parts of the essay convey Renner’s core message by showing, the final, concluding paragraph sums up Renner’s insights by telling. By briefly and clearly stating the relevance of the goldbug metaphor to their own philosophy on goals and dreams, Renner demonstrates their creativity, insight, and eagerness to grow and evolve as the journey continues into college.

An Engaging, Individual Voice

This essay uses many techniques that make Renner sound genuine and make the reader feel like we already know them.

Technique #1: humor. Notice Renner's gentle and relaxed humor that lightly mocks their younger self's grand ambitions (this is different from the more sarcastic kind of humor used by Stephen in the first essay—you could never mistake one writer for the other).

My first dream job was to be a pickle truck driver.

I would imagine the wonderful life I would have: being a pig driving a giant pickle truck across the country, chasing and finding goldbug. I then moved on to wanting to be a Lego Master. Then an architect. Then a surgeon.

Renner gives a great example of how to use humor to your advantage in college essays. You don’t want to come off as too self-deprecating or sarcastic, but telling a lightheartedly humorous story about your younger self that also showcases how you’ve grown and changed over time can set the right tone for your entire essay.

Technique #2: intentional, eye-catching structure. The second technique is the way Renner uses a unique structure to bolster the tone and themes of their essay . The structure of your essay can have a major impact on how your ideas come across…so it’s important to give it just as much thought as the content of your essay!

For instance, Renner does a great job of using one-line paragraphs to create dramatic emphasis and to make clear transitions from one phase of the story to the next:

Suddenly the destination of my pickle car was clear.

Not only does the one-liner above signal that Renner is moving into a new phase of the narrative (their nanoparticle research experiences), it also tells the reader that this is a big moment in Renner’s story. It’s clear that Renner made a major discovery that changed the course of their goal pursuit and dream-chasing. Through structure, Renner conveys excitement and entices the reader to keep pushing forward to the next part of the story.

Technique #3: playing with syntax. The third technique is to use sentences of varying length, syntax, and structure. Most of the essay's written in standard English and uses grammatically correct sentences. However, at key moments, Renner emphasizes that the reader needs to sit up and pay attention by switching to short, colloquial, differently punctuated, and sometimes fragmented sentences.

Even with moving frequently between hotels, AirBnB's, and students' apartments, I strangely reveled in the freedom I had to enjoy my surroundings and form new friendships with graduate school students from the lab. We explored The Inner Harbor at night, attended a concert together one weekend, and even got to watch the Orioles lose (to nobody's surprise). Ironically, it's through these new friendships I discovered something unexpected: what I truly love is sharing research.

In the examples above, Renner switches adeptly between long, flowing sentences and quippy, telegraphic ones. At the same time, Renner uses these different sentence lengths intentionally. As they describe their experiences in new places, they use longer sentences to immerse the reader in the sights, smells, and sounds of those experiences. And when it’s time to get a big, key idea across, Renner switches to a short, punchy sentence to stop the reader in their tracks.

The varying syntax and sentence lengths pull the reader into the narrative and set up crucial “aha” moments when it’s most important…which is a surefire way to make any college essay stand out.

Renner's essay is very strong, but there are still a few little things that could be improved.

Connecting the research experiences to the theme of “finding the goldbug.”  The essay begins and ends with Renner’s connection to the idea of “finding the goldbug.” And while this metaphor is deftly tied into the essay’s intro and conclusion, it isn’t entirely clear what Renner’s big findings were during the research experiences that are described in the middle of the essay. It would be great to add a sentence or two stating what Renner’s big takeaways (or “goldbugs”) were from these experiences, which add more cohesion to the essay as a whole.

Give more details about discovering the world of nanomedicine. It makes sense that Renner wants to get into the details of their big research experiences as quickly as possible. After all, these are the details that show Renner’s dedication to nanomedicine! But a smoother transition from the opening pickle car/goldbug story to Renner’s “real goldbug” of nanoparticles would help the reader understand why nanoparticles became Renner’s goldbug. Finding out why Renner is so motivated to study nanomedicine–and perhaps what put them on to this field of study–would help readers fully understand why Renner chose this path in the first place.

4 Essential Tips for Writing Your Own Essay

How can you use this discussion to better your own college essay? Here are some suggestions for ways to use this resource effectively.

#1: Get Help From the Experts

Getting your college applications together takes a lot of work and can be pretty intimidatin g. Essays are even more important than ever now that admissions processes are changing and schools are going test-optional and removing diversity standards thanks to new Supreme Court rulings .  If you want certified expert help that really makes a difference, get started with  PrepScholar’s Essay Editing and Coaching program. Our program can help you put together an incredible essay from idea to completion so that your application stands out from the crowd. We've helped students get into the best colleges in the United States, including Harvard, Stanford, and Yale.  If you're ready to take the next step and boost your odds of getting into your dream school, connect with our experts today .

#2: Read Other Essays to Get Ideas for Your Own

As you go through the essays we've compiled for you above, ask yourself the following questions:

• Can you explain to yourself (or someone else!) why the opening sentence works well?
• Look for the essay's detailed personal anecdote. What senses is the author describing? Can you easily picture the scene in your mind's eye?
• Find the place where this anecdote bridges into a larger insight about the author. How does the essay connect the two? How does the anecdote work as an example of the author's characteristic, trait, or skill?
• Check out the essay's tone. If it's funny, can you find the places where the humor comes from? If it's sad and moving, can you find the imagery and description of feelings that make you moved? If it's serious, can you see how word choice adds to this tone?

Make a note whenever you find an essay or part of an essay that you think was particularly well-written, and think about what you like about it . Is it funny? Does it help you really get to know the writer? Does it show what makes the writer unique? Once you have your list, keep it next to you while writing your essay to remind yourself to try and use those same techniques in your own essay.

#3: Find Your "A-Ha!" Moment

All of these essays rely on connecting with the reader through a heartfelt, highly descriptive scene from the author's life. It can either be very dramatic (did you survive a plane crash?) or it can be completely mundane (did you finally beat your dad at Scrabble?). Either way, it should be personal and revealing about you, your personality, and the way you are now that you are entering the adult world.

Check out essays by authors like John Jeremiah Sullivan , Leslie Jamison , Hanif Abdurraqib , and Esmé Weijun Wang to get more examples of how to craft a compelling personal narrative.

#4: Start Early, Revise Often

Let me level with you: the best writing isn't writing at all. It's rewriting. And in order to have time to rewrite, you have to start way before the application deadline. My advice is to write your first draft at least two months before your applications are due.

Let it sit for a few days untouched. Then come back to it with fresh eyes and think critically about what you've written. What's extra? What's missing? What is in the wrong place? What doesn't make sense? Don't be afraid to take it apart and rearrange sections. Do this several times over, and your essay will be much better for it!

For more editing tips, check out a style guide like Dreyer's English or Eats, Shoots & Leaves .

What's Next?

Still not sure which colleges you want to apply to? Our experts will show you how to make a college list that will help you choose a college that's right for you.

Interested in learning more about college essays? Check out our detailed breakdown of exactly how personal statements work in an application , some suggestions on what to avoid when writing your essay , and our guide to writing about your extracurricular activities .

Working on the rest of your application? Read what admissions officers wish applicants knew before applying .

Want to improve your SAT score by 160 points or your ACT score by 4 points? We've written a guide for each test about the top 5 strategies you must be using to have a shot at improving your score. Download it for free now:

The recommendations in this post are based solely on our knowledge and experience. If you purchase an item through one of our links PrepScholar may receive a commission.

Anna scored in the 99th percentile on her SATs in high school, and went on to major in English at Princeton and to get her doctorate in English Literature at Columbia. She is passionate about improving student access to higher education.

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