12 Admission Essay Examples To Help You Get into College

To get into college, students need to write one very important essay – the admission essay.

It’s your chance to let the school know who you are and why you want to be there, so you better make it good! No matter how many times you’ve done it before, writing an admission essay can be challenging, especially if you’re doing it on your own.

Read on for a list of examples that show you what other people have written about themselves. Use these essays as inspiration or borrow their ideas to create a personalized essay of your own. You might just find the perfect words for yourself here.

What is a College Admission Essay?

An admission essay is a type of academic writing that asks you to share something about yourself with an audience (i.e., the school).

In this case, you’re telling the institution more about your personality and what makes you different than anyone else – all while trying not to sound too boastful or desperate. Basically, you want them to like you enough to admit you.

It’s not always easy but we’ll help break down the process step-by-step.

Also known as a personal statement, application essay, or common app, the admission essay is essentially your opportunity to sell yourself to a school.

Think of it as creating an impression that you hope will linger long after readers have finished reading your application.

One way to do this is by using key points from your high school transcript or extracurricular activities and turning those experiences into action verbs that tell us who you are.

 

How to Write a Personal Statement / Admission Essay?

Admissions essays are your chance to show the admission committee who you are as a person, what you’ve done, and what makes you different from everyone else.

This means that it’s not enough to simply write a good essay. You need an excellent essay in order to stand out from other applicants.

One of the best ways to do this is by being honest about your background, your experiences, and yourself.

Before you can begin writing your essay, you have to know who you’re writing it for. After all, every school has different standards when it comes to what they want to see in an applicant.

They’ll also have different prompts (or questions) that will tell you how much detail they want from you.

So do your research!

Go directly to each school’s website and read their entire prompt or grab a piece of paper and start jotting down ideas of what topics might be included in an admission essay for them.

Once you’ve chosen your topic, go back to the website and fill in any gaps that were left out.

For example, some schools may require a short introduction while others may give more freedom in terms of length and style.

Admission essay format

The format for writing a personal statement varies from school to school, but many ask the following questions:

• What do you hope to gain from attending our institution?
• Why are you interested in our program or major?
• What will your contribution be?
• How will you utilize what we offer to better the world?
• Who are your mentors and how have they shaped you as an individual and professional?
• What extracurricular activities are you involved in outside of class?
• What would it mean to you if you were accepted into this college/university?
• Why is this college/university a good fit for me?

To answer these questions you should format your essay with a strong introduction followed by 2-3 paragraphs.

In the concluding paragraph, you can mention again why this college is right for you and reiterate your interest in their program.

It’s important to keep in mind that many admissions officers don’t have time to read every single application thoroughly so make sure that there’s enough detail about why they should admit you!

How do you start an admission essay?

The introduction is the most important part of your application because it’s usually the first thing the admission board will read when they open up your file.

It should be written with one goal in mind: grabbing their attention.

A strong introductory paragraph can make all the difference between having them put your application aside or reading through everything on its pages to get to know you better.

As a rule of thumb start your admission essay with a clear statement of why you’re interested in the school (or why you want to study the subject).

After that, share what makes you qualified for admissions (i.e., grades, talents, past experience), how much time and energy you’ll put into school work if accepted (i.e., full-time student status), how much financial aid or scholarship support is needed, and anything else relevant about your life such as any physical disabilities or extenuating circumstances.

To conclude your essay leave them with something memorable that leaves a lasting impression like naming the song that always reminds you of home or describing what your favorite family holiday is like.

If you want to stay true to yourself, focus on answering the question Who am I? instead of what kind of grades you got in high school. Avoid phrases like I was a straight A student or I was captain of my soccer team. Instead, try statements like I’ve loved science since I was little or As captain, I learned leadership skills.

Admission essay introduction examples

Here are two introduction examples for a personal statement essay :

Admission Essay Prompt #1: You might have a background, identity, interest, or talent that you feel your application would be incomplete without. If this sounds like you, please share it with us.

I often ask myself why people seem so interested in me and why they’re constantly asking me questions. It makes me feel very uncomfortable and gets tiring answering the same question over and over again. You seem very intelligent, but are there any other subjects you are passionate about? What are some of your extracurricular activities? These questions make me think back on all the hurtful things people said to me in the past. It’s not easy being different from everyone else. There were times when I was told that I should change the way I dressed and behaved in order to fit into society. However, these judgments only made me stronger and more determined to succeed as my own person instead of changing who I am for others.

Admission Essay Prompt #2: Share an incident or time when you experienced failure. How did it affect you, and what lessons did you learn?

My first experience with failure happened during junior year. I had been accepted at Stanford University, one of the top schools in California. One night, I stayed up late studying for finals because I wanted to ace them and get a high-grade point average. The next morning, I found out that someone had hacked into our school’s grading system and changed my grades overnight. When word got out about the hacking, many students became suspicious that it was done by someone who wanted to sabotage my acceptance chances at Stanford University. Though I didn’t know whether it was true or not, the gossip still affected me deeply and cast a shadow over my already shaky confidence. Luckily, after talking with counselors at my school, I realized that though grades may have been temporarily altered, life goes on and new opportunities can always arise. From then on I realized that no matter how difficult something may seem now or in the future -I will never stop believing in myself.

The above introduction examples are effective because they clearly convey the writer’s response to the prompt, tell a story, explain the motivation behind writing their essay, introduce an interesting detail about themselves, and show a conviction for their topic.

This is crucial, especially if you want to create a powerful opening for your admissions essay since the rest of the paper will build upon it.

Without a strong opening sentence, admissions officers won’t even bother reading your essay.

Here is a summary of the key steps you need to follow when writing an admission essay :

• Introduce yourself and tell the admissions office who you are as a person.
• Talk about what activities you participate in, what organizations you are affiliated with, and any other extracurriculars that you do outside of school.
• Describe your academic background and how your grades have been over time.
• Explain why this college is the best fit for your needs and future goals and describe what you hope to gain from attending this institution.
• Conclude by thanking the reader and letting them know how interested you are in attending their college.

College essay vs Personal statement/ Admission essay

College essays should be concise and convey a well-defined perspective on the subject.

They should not be unnecessarily long, as this makes them difficult to read and they may seem to lack focus. A college essay should follow the 5-paragraph essay format (5 paragraphs with one topic sentence for each).

An admission essay on the other hand is typically much shorter than a college essay.

It might include personal details that are not in an application, such as your ambitions for your future career.

The goal of an admission essay is to provide additional information about you in addition to what you put in your application.

This is unlike a typical college essay which usually focuses solely on one topic and often does not go into detail about life outside of academics.

You may also see questions about your motivations for applying to the particular school, which would be best answered by providing additional personal details.

Other differences between a college essay and an admission essay are:

• A college essay may be more formal in tone whereas an admission essay can be more casual
• College essays tend to have no word limit whereas an admission paper should have 2- 3 pages
• Admissions essays tend to have less rigid guidelines on formatting and content whereas a college paper will typically follow standard guidelines set out by the professor. For example, most colleges don’t want in-text citations in a personal statement but typical college essays must be referenced in the body of work.

Admission Essay Examples

College admission essay examples have the power to help you stand out in the crowd and are an essential part of applying to your dream school.

Finding the right essay examples will help you avoid common pitfalls and format mistakes that can ruin your chances of getting in and give your application the best chance of success.

Here, we’ll take a look at 20+ admission essay examples from applicants who were accepted into some of the most competitive schools in America, as well as tips on how you can use these samples to help craft your own winning college application essays.

Personal Statement Example Prompt 1

 Questioning a belief

I used to be a very shy person. I kept mostly to myself and didn’t like talking with others because I was afraid of what they would think of me. To make matters worse, my parents were always telling me how important it was to keep up my GPA, but also that grades weren’t everything in life. Since they said they cared more about who I was as a person than what grades I made, why couldn’t they just accept me for who I was? I felt alone. I felt frustrated. I felt angry. It seemed like everyone else got to do things their own way, but I wasn’t allowed to. I tried to be perfect, and I was successful for a little bit. But in the end, it just wasn’t worth it. I withdrew from extracurriculars, stopped caring about my grades, and I eventually developed depression. Luckily, my parent noticed something was wrong before it became too late and helped me get into therapy. My therapist helped me understand that even if I don’t succeed academically, I will always have the support of my family – no matter what. So now that I know the true meaning of perfect, I won’t let anyone tell me otherwise.

I have a good head on my shoulders and I will use my determination to make it in this world. I’ll always be proud of who I am and my past has only motivated me to try harder. And since getting help for my depression, I’ve rediscovered the joy of living. College is a place where people go to discover themselves, to figure out what they want from the future, and that’s exactly what I intend on doing. And then, maybe someday soon, I’ll finally be able to tell the kids at school that grades aren’t everything. They need to learn that they’re not alone and that they’re not flawed. I’m going to show them that who they are is perfect. I’m going to show them that they don’t need to change for someone else and that grades mean nothing. I will show them that happiness comes first, and success is a bonus. I will teach them that they should never stop trying to be better and that they should never put others down. I will make it my mission to inspire as many of them as I can, because we need a change. We need to rethink the value of grades. We need to redefine what makes us successful.

We need to put an end to making students feel like they aren’t good enough and that they don’t belong. They should know how much we value them. They should know that we will always be there for them, no matter what, because we care about their future. Not just about our success rate or their GPA. So from now on, I’m going to stand up for those who feel like they don’t have a voice because I believe that every single one of us deserves our shot at happiness. I hope that joining college will give me all the opportunities to explore different ideas and find out who I really am. Being surrounded by new people will push me outside of my comfort zone and help me grow as a person.

Finally, I want to end by thanking you for taking the time to read my essay. Hopefully, you see that grades aren’t everything and that you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover. Sure, my GPA may not be perfect, but that doesn’t define who I am. Grades are just numbers; statistics; are something created to measure success rates and help colleges determine whom they want on campus. I believe that grades come with a significant amount of pressure. Sometimes, when teachers hand back tests and assignments with letter grades attached, students will get upset if they don’t meet expectations. But what does the letter grade actually mean? It means more than just You didn’t do well. It means more than You did well. Letter grades say so much more than what meets the eye- sometimes we forget that these letters represent real people with feelings. When our classmates fail tests or assignments, it reflects poorly on us too, which is why I think it’s important to stay positive even when things get hard.

Admission Essay Example Prompt 2

  Who or what fascinates you?

Some say that if you put in enough time and hard work, you’ll succeed, but I think that’s a cop-out. It makes failure sound like it’s just a part of life. Sometimes, people work as hard as they can and still don’t get what they want. They will say anything to console themselves. What if I told you there was a way to guarantee success? A method so powerful that it could help anyone achieve their dreams? We would all have our own castles by now! Well, there is a way: mathematics. If you follow certain formulas, plug in the right data, then…voilà! Success. The beauty of math is its predictability. Every answer has a set formula, so if you input the correct information, you’re guaranteed to get the right result. There’s no guesswork involved (unless you’re calculating percentages). Now imagine that same predictability in your love life – oh wait! That might sound scary because people are unpredictable and messy (as opposed to equations), but maybe that’s also what makes love worth it. I’ve never been the type of person to give up on things, and I know that’s what it takes to make a relationship last. I also know that everyone messes up sometimes, so I’ll keep trying to fix mine. Because let’s face it: every equation needs a solution.

Maths isn’t just a bunch of calculations and number crunching. Maths is a language that speaks to our minds and helps us understand the world around us. I like that math provides logic and order, unlike the chaos of everyday life. Maths reminds me that if you put in enough work, you will eventually get what you want. You don’t need to be lucky or born into privilege to succeed. All you need is a pen and paper, some patience, and determination. For me studying maths is a lot of fun. I really enjoy working with logic and coming up with solutions. For example, in one of my classes, I had to figure out the price of gas over a period of ten years. This problem wasn’t difficult because it’s simple to calculate interest rates and inflation, so after some quick figuring, I came up with the price. To be honest, I probably wouldn’t have paid any attention to this problem if it weren’t for the maths behind it. Luckily, I took Calculus BC in high school so that helped me a lot.

Finally, I believe joining math clubs and extracurriculars gave me opportunities to improve my skills. I started tutoring kids who were struggling with fractions and other basic math concepts at lunchtime, which not only gave them extra support but improved my teaching skills too. My goal is to become an elementary school teacher someday because math problems often come up in conversation during recess at the playground. Teaching children how to solve these kinds of puzzles not only sharpens their analytical skills but helps them feel confident about themselves as well. The best teachers are those who care about their student’s well-being as much as they do about education itself. I hope to one day have a career in the field of education because I am interested in finding new ways to teach math. I want to teach children in a way that will excite and motivate them, so they’ll have fun while learning.

Admission essay example Prompt 3

How has reading helped you so far?

Reading is an important part of my life. There’s something about holding a book in your hand and getting lost in it that feels magical. I think it’s because it helps me escape from reality for a while, but when I’m done, I come back with new knowledge. Books also help me improve as a writer and researcher, which comes in handy during my studies at school. Writing can be very challenging at times, but reading is always there to help me out when I need it most. It’s a form of therapy, but it also inspires me to be better.

I was recently at the beach with my friends and picked up a random book by my favorite author, John Green. I didn’t have anything else to do that afternoon, so I decided to read it in the sunshine. When I finished the first chapter, it suddenly occurred to me: Maybe I should try writing again. After that moment, everything changed. It was like a weight was lifted off of my chest and all of my fears about school and what people would say about me went away. Even now that I’m starting to write again, there’s still something refreshing about being able to escape from myself even though everything is going great in my life. I guess that’s the power of books, and I couldn’t be more grateful.

I have a large library at home that I love browsing through and I never tire of exploring what’s inside each time I visit. Books have helped me learn about different cultures, explore places outside my own town, and be more open-minded about other people’s beliefs. They’ve allowed me to broaden my perspective on things and sometimes taught me lessons about life that no one ever could have told me before. For instance, Dune taught me that you should never take anything for granted because you might lose it without warning. Alice in Wonderland showed me that no matter how hard I work, someone else can get ahead of me. And Jane Eyre made me realize that just because somebody hurts me doesn’t mean I deserve to be treated badly.

Reading these and many other books has opened my eyes to a whole world of possibilities, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Joining your campus will certainly give me the chance to grow my passion for reading and improve my skills as a writer. I will be exposed to so many different stories and I know that this is the type of experience that I need in order to grow as a person. As the president of my school’s literature club, I organized a program where we read aloud to children in nearby low-income neighborhoods, and it was such an amazing feeling to see their faces light up when we got to the good parts. Now, whenever I finish reading a book, I like to write down some thoughts about it in order for me to remember them. Sometimes I even start up conversations with my classmates about our favorite books because reading is something that brings us together regardless of our backgrounds or where we’re from. At the end of the day, reading is a habit that I can’t live without.

Harvard Admission Essay Example Prompt 4

In a new paragraph, take a stand on the issue. Address your parents, the readers of this blog post, and yourself. If you were not offered admission to your first-choice school, is it okay to go to another college?

I have always dreamed about going to Harvard University, but if I am not accepted then that does not mean my life is over. There are many other colleges out there that will provide me with just as many opportunities. Not being accepted would be really hard for me because that was my dream school since I was five years old. However, I would rather be happy at a less prestigious university than go somewhere else just because it’s more famous. It might seem like everyone knows everything they need to know when they’re 18, but in reality we are all still learning everyday. Going to Harvard would have been amazing, but I’m excited for what’s next.

Havard is an excellent school, and I’ll keep on striving to get in. Meanwhile, I’m also planning to apply to other universities as well so that no matter what happens I’ll be ready! If anything, I feel confident knowing that even though things didn’t work out this time around, eventually I’ll find the perfect place. The one where I can put down roots and call home. The place where I can spend endless hours exploring, and discovering who I am. The school with the best professors who care about their students and guide them through college and help them grow. Where classes don’t feel like homework but instead are intellectually stimulating discussions or projects that challenge my thinking in a positive way.

Where people value the pursuit of knowledge above all else–that’s where I belong. Having grown up in California my whole life, going to Havard is a huge part of my identity. Since I was little I knew that I wanted to become a doctor and nothing has changed. Even now, at the age of 18, my goal is clear: graduate from Havard Medical School and start working in pediatrics immediately after graduating. Despite my goals, I understand that getting into Havard won’t happen without hard work. Of course, there is a lot to think about when choosing which college to attend. For instance, what type of school culture do you want? Do you want to join a fraternity or sorority? What campus climate do you want? Should the campus be urban or rural? And finally, how important is prestige to you – how good do they need to be academically in order for you to consider attending them? All these factors are important and should definitely play into any decision. I realize that by saying I would be happy to go to a school that is not prestigious, I may sound ungrateful. But the truth is that being a doctor is my ultimate goal, and I know that I could achieve that at any school. Plus, in the end, it doesn’t really matter where you went to college. The point of going to school is to learn and grow as a person; some schools just make it easier to do so.

UC Berkeley Application Essay Example Prompt 5

What is your experience in the community? How do you contribute to your community and how are you a leader within your school, family, faith group, and/or social group? Tell us about a personal quality, talent, accomplishment, or experience that makes you stand out.

My experience in the community is that I am a very loyal friend and supporter. I try my hardest to stand up for what I believe in, even if it isn’t popular. For example, on Instagram, I posted about how there is too much pressure on women to have the perfect body shape or weight and it needs to stop. While it wasn’t as popular as other posts, at least I stood for what I believed in. This might not seem like a big deal, but it is to me. I am proud of myself for doing that and I refuse to let anyone bully me or tell me that my opinion doesn’t matter. I will continue to do the right thing, despite the fact that it might not always be easy or convenient. I am not perfect, and I still struggle sometimes. However, I want to be a role model for others and I want to give other girls the confidence that they deserve. I want them to be able to love themselves and their bodies the way that I am learning to. So, even though it is a battle every day, I’ll keep fighting for what’s right.

The community that I feel uniquely most connected to is the Christian community. At church, I’m an active member of both the choir and Bible study groups. I’ve also volunteered to help clean up garbage in our town’s public parks. In terms of leadership, I’ve served as president of the Youth Group for three years and vice president for two years. It’s been a great honor to lead such an amazing group and watch them grow closer together during my time with them. I’ve learned how to be a more confident and effective leader and I know that I can use those skills in the future. Church-going girls and boys alike are encouraged to serve the congregation and the community. This is something I took to heart early on and have continued throughout high school. Whether it was picking up litter after a festival, organizing a food drive, or raising money for Haiti relief, I’ve tried to make a positive impact wherever I can.

UC Berkeley’s stand on community matters is clear and aligns with my beliefs. I want to be a part of a community that recognizes the importance of service and is actively involved in it. Additionally, I want to be in an environment that encourages diversity and has made efforts to ensure inclusivity on campus. Lastly, I want to go somewhere where my passions are welcomed and celebrated. I want to find a place where I belong and can thrive. I hope UC Berkeley will be that place. As I look forward to joining a new community, I’m reminded of all the ways I’ve already helped my current one. There’s no better feeling than knowing that you’re making a difference, no matter how small. UC Berkeley seems like the perfect opportunity for me to take this passion further and learn from some incredible people who share my same values.

College Admission Essay Example Prompt 6

Write about an Event That Changed your Perspective

A shift in perspective can be a powerful thing. Sometimes, it happens during an event you have planned, something big and dramatic, while other times it can occur more spontaneously. Regardless of how or when it happens, your perspective is what guides your actions and reactions to life’s biggest events. If you could think back on a time in your life when you experienced such a shift in perspective, describe what happened and how that changed how you look at yourself and others. I have had two important shifts in my perspective since elementary school. In sixth grade, my friend was diagnosed with leukemia, which was absolutely devastating for me as he had been my best friend for the past six years. It made me really grateful for all the blessings in my own life, but also reminded me how fragile life is – we never know when our time will come. The second major change came from joining Boy Scouts and taking part in community service projects with people who are less fortunate than me. I learned that every person has their own story and they’re not so different from me after all. They just want the same things out of life; good food, a home, and someone to love them unconditionally.

Even if these perspectives were hard to accept at first because they challenged my previous conceptions of the world, they’ve become essential parts of who I am today. Most people’s perspectives go through gradual changes over time, rather than sudden ones like mine did. The two perspectives that most influenced my understanding of the world i.e those related to friendship and service occurred all at once. When I lost a close friend due to illness, it put everything into perspective- nothing in life is guaranteed and we should always do whatever makes us happy while we can. While volunteering abroad, I learned that every person deserves to be treated with respect no matter their circumstances- this became very important in my day-to-day interactions with friends and strangers alike. Though neither experience was easy to deal with at the time, both helped shape who I am today.

Experiences like these often bring out the best in people- they make you realize that there’s a lot more going on around you than what meets the eye. These experiences taught me to cherish moments with loved ones and show empathy for others in need, regardless of how different our lives may be. College for me is an opportunity for yet another change in perspective, one where I’ll be exposed to new ideas and opportunities. With the guidance of professors and peers alike, I hope to expand my horizons even further and learn about topics that might challenge some of my long-held beliefs. My goal is to graduate college as a well-rounded individual with an open mind. I feel that a university is a perfect place for me to achieve that. I’m excited about my journey ahead, and I can’t wait to see how it will change me.

Common App Prompt 7

A Person Who Changed My Life

A person who I believe truly changed my life is my grandfather. When I was ten, he told me to live my life for myself and not care what others thought of me. He said that I was beautiful and talented and that I should be proud of who I am. He pushed me to find what sets me apart from the crowd and create a future for myself without regard for what anyone else wants. At the time, it was difficult to understand why he would encourage me to have my own identity. I had trouble with confidence and didn’t feel pretty at all, but he reassured me that in time I would grow to love myself. He was right- within a year of his death, I began to notice small improvements in myself. Slowly but surely, my confidence improved and I began to appreciate the uniqueness that makes me who I am. I found a niche in my high school art classes and have been drawing ever since.

Art was something I had always struggled with, but it eventually became something that I wanted to pursue for the rest of my life. Not only does it fulfill me creatively, but it has also helped me overcome obstacles in my personal life. I struggle with depression and anxiety, and art is a great way for me to express myself and channel negative feelings. I know that my struggles don’t define me, and I try to keep that in the back of my head whenever I’m feeling down. It’s sometimes hard for me to maintain a positive attitude, but I try to focus on the positive aspects of my artwork instead. For example, when I finish a painting, it leaves me with a sense of accomplishment- which is something I don’t get from many other things in life. My grandfather was the first person to tell me that I was good enough, and in turn, I vowed to live my life for myself. He encouraged me to be myself and never give up and in return, I promised to never let him down. Now, as I enter the next phase of my life, I want to honor that promise by living a life true to myself. This is what college is for me- it’s a chance to explore my passions and figure out who I am without the influence of any other person.

As I pursue my passion for art, I feel like I’ve finally created a balance in my life. Even though there are still days when I struggle to make it through, those dark times are fewer and farther between than they used to be because of this newfound sense of control over myself. The idea of pursuing something I love at the same time as honing my mental health fascinates me because both help each other along the way. The memory of my grandfather and the advice he gave me is what drives me to succeed. I owe it to him and myself to live a fulfilling life, and I know that I can’t do that without making my dream of being a successful artist come true.

College Admission Essay Example Prompt 8

An Inspiring Book

The book that has inspired me throughout my journey is The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz. A friend first introduced me to it when I was in middle school, and it completely changed my perspective on life. The Four Agreements focus on improving communication skills and living a happy life. As someone with anxiety, I felt like I could immediately relate to many of its lessons. One of the agreements states that people shouldn’t take anything personally and that the opinions of others shouldn’t matter to you. This is a constant reminder for me to stop caring about what other people think, and to remember that I need to live my life for myself. Another agreement says that we shouldn’t make assumptions, and I use this one often in my day-to-day life.

Since everyone is different, it’s important to take time to learn more about a person before judging them. In doing so, I believe that society will grow closer together. In order to help others better understand themselves, I hope to become an occupational therapist someday. With this degree, I’ll be able to work with individuals from all backgrounds and provide support for them in their own homes. The book has helped me to stay grounded even during the toughest of times, and now I can say that it has been an essential part of my success. It provides insight into how to be a better person, which is why it holds such great value for me. By reading The Four Agreements, I’m constantly reminded not to take things too seriously or worry too much about what other people think; instead, I should focus on trying my best and living life in alignment with my values. This mindset has helped me to become more confident and comfortable with who I am. I realize that I have accomplished my goal of creating a balance in my life, and this is exactly what college will allow me to do. The journey hasn’t been easy, but I wouldn’t trade my experiences for anything. They have made me who I am today and have made me realize just how strong I really am.

The Four Agreements has also given me a new perspective on life and relationships. I’m able to see the world in a way that is uniquely my own, which has allowed me to discover my voice and be more honest with myself. Although it took some time to get here, I am grateful for the struggles I went through because of them. They strengthened me and helped shape me into the person I am today- someone who is proud of my identity, confident in myself, and happiest when living a life true to myself. Through this process, I’ve learned that sometimes it takes going through difficult situations to find happiness and fulfillment. Now, I am excited to start a new chapter at Brown University in the fall!

Personal Statement Example Essay Prompt 9

Write about your future goals or aspirations after graduation.

I want to become an occupational therapist in the future because it is one profession that would allow me to give back and contribute positively to society. When I was younger, I had trouble understanding social cues due to autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Occupational therapy allows me to provide support and guidance while teaching self-care techniques to those who may not know any better. This is something I am passionate about, and it has always been a career path that I wanted to pursue. I have since developed coping mechanisms for my ASD, and this has only furthered my determination to go into occupational therapy. I am eager to finally pursue my dream of becoming a professional in this field. This is what has kept me motivated in the past few years, and it’s exciting to know that it’s finally coming to fruition.

I strongly believe Havard will help me achieve my dreams by providing me with a well-rounded education that will help prepare me for my future as an occupational therapist. Harvard offers courses in psychology and art, two majors I hope to explore in addition to the ones required for occupational therapy. Plus, Harvard’s close proximity to Boston would allow me to intern or work at various hospitals where I could gain hands-on experience before graduating. Having the chance to meet and interact with professionals in the field has also shown me that I am making the right decision. I know that the road ahead is challenging, but it will all be worth it in the end. There are no obstacles I cannot overcome, and I plan to make my mark in this world.

All my life I have been fascinated with the study of human behavior. I have always been interested in how and why people act the way they do, and I find myself drawn to subjects like sociology and psychology. After researching different programs, I realized that a degree in occupational therapy is the best fit for me. I am currently enrolled in a program that prepares students for careers in the medical field, and I am learning about topics such as anatomy and physiology. In the summer, I have the opportunity to volunteer with children diagnosed with developmental disabilities. It has been amazing getting to know these kids and helping out in any way I can. This is a fulfilling experience for me, and it’s what inspired me to take up this major in the first place. I have been fortunate enough to grow and mature throughout this process, and I know that a career in occupational therapy will enable me to share my passion with others. I am looking forward to pursuing my career in the future and hope that you’ll consider me for your admission.

Common App Example Prompt 10

Tell us more about yourself. What are your hobbies? How did you spend your last vacation? What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

I am someone who likes to get involved in their community and is often volunteering. I spent my previous summer working at a nonprofit called KidzCan, which helps children and adults with disabilities reach their full potential through recreational activities. I love spending time outdoors exploring nature and going on hikes. One of my favorite places to hike is Yosemite National Park because there are so many beautiful views and places to explore. Last month, I went on a camping trip with friends where we set up tents and slept under the stars. I’m a fan of anything active, and I really enjoyed the opportunity to swim in the lake and do some hiking. My next adventure will be backpacking in Iceland this summer where I hope to see the Northern Lights!

In my spare time, I am always trying new recipes. Right now, my specialty is homemade bread with fresh herbs that I have grown in my garden. I really enjoy reading as well, and sometimes when I’m too tired to read a book, listening to audiobooks is a nice alternative. I am a big fan of podcasts and listen to them in the car, during my morning walk to school, and while I’m cooking dinner. Currently, I am listening to a podcast called Dear Sugar Radio that features advice from listeners’ problems. It’s always refreshing to hear the perspectives of others, and it has helped me come to terms with a few of my own struggles. I am usually working on a hobby project in my free time, and I am hoping to start a blog soon about some of my adventures. I want to inspire other girls with my stories and encourage them to explore the great outdoors as well.

I’m not sure where this will lead me in the future, but I know that joining Yale will allow me to pursue my interests and help me grow into a successful adult. I am confident that with all the opportunities and experiences available to me, I will become the person I want to be. Yale’s values and mine align very closely, and I am excited to have the chance to meet a diverse group of people. I am also eager to learn and challenge myself in an academic environment that is challenging yet welcoming. Yale’s strong sense of community, its focus on the arts, and its commitment to social justice make me proud that this is my chosen university. Finally, I think it is important for me to mention that I would be coming from a low-income background, first-generation college student with parents who did not graduate high school. It has been hard navigating these financial challenges by myself, but if anyone can succeed in such difficult circumstances then I know that I can too. If you are looking for someone with determination and perseverance, then please consider admitting me into your program because those qualities define my life.

Admission Essay Example Prompt 11

Give a personal experience that demonstrates your character.

I am someone who loves to give back to the world around me and does my best to be kind and generous to everyone I encounter. One time, I was babysitting my friend’s daughter, and she spilled her juice box on the floor. Normally, I would’ve gotten frustrated with her, but instead, I grabbed a roll of paper towels and helped her clean up the mess together. We laughed about how silly it is to spill something and still had a really fun time. I don’t like getting angry with people, and this incident helped me be a better role model for my little sister. She’s six years old, and I try to teach her the right way to behave in tough situations. Recently, we were on our way home from the grocery store together and saw a homeless man begging outside of the store. Instead of ignoring him or feeling sad, I stopped and talked to him. He told me that he used to be a teacher before he lost his job and became homeless. He seemed so happy to tell me this, and it made me realize how important communication is in human relationships. My parents taught me from a young age that kindness is the most powerful weapon against hate, and I am grateful that my family raised me to be a caring individual. I am proud that I can call myself a kind person, and I have always tried my best to follow my morals.

There are many more instances when I have exhibited my best qualities, but the incident with my friend’s daughter stands out to me as one of my best moments. Not only do I enjoy being helpful, but when other people feel good, I feel good too. It makes me happy knowing that I am the type of person others enjoy spending time with because they never worry about having a bad day when they’re around me. I am content with the idea that I might not be the smartest person in the room, but I will do my best to live up to their expectations and contribute.

College for me is the perfect place to nourish my best qualities. I am curious and will be able to explore different fields, which is why I am especially interested in Yale’s dual degree programs. I know that my professors will be great mentors, and I can’t wait to have the opportunity to work with them. It is important for me to have a place where I belong, and I know that Yale will provide me with that. Finally, it is impossible to ignore Yale’s beautiful campus with its historic buildings, lush green lawns, and stunning views of New Haven. It looks like the perfect space for me to study, relax, and be the best version of myself.

Admission Essay Example Prompt 12

Tell us about yourself.

I am an 18-year-old girl born and raised in Southern California. For much of my life, I lived in poverty, struggling just to make ends meet. Despite all the hardships I faced, though, I managed to stay focused on my dreams of going to college and creating a better life for myself than what my family had. I knew that if I got a scholarship to go to a prestigious university, I could get the education and skills that would help me get the jobs that pay well. When I started applying for scholarships, my grades weren’t the best, so I spent my time at school focusing on improving my GPA. In addition, after school every day, I volunteered at the food pantry near my house to feed hungry families in need. The pantry needed volunteers and donations to keep running and helping those less fortunate than me. The experience of volunteering at the food pantry made me realize that while some people struggle every day to put food on the table, there are also others who take this basic necessity for granted. I want to change this mindset by working towards making healthier choices in my daily life and teaching my peers how we can all play a role in ending hunger locally and globally.

One thing I love about USC is how close-knit our community feels–everyone knows each other by name! I believe this is the type of environment where I can thrive. My friends here tell me that home isn’t always just a physical address; it’s where you find the people you care about most and share your life experiences with. That sense of belonging is something I hope to find in my new home away from home. My experience working at the pantry and my service to my community taught me that I am happiest when I am contributing to society in a positive way. My goal is to leave the world a better place for future generations and that’s why I want to major in Political Science. Through my studies, I will gain the necessary knowledge of democracy, equality, and freedom, which will enable me to be a force for positive change.

It’s important for me to be involved with activities outside of class that interest me and offer opportunities for personal growth. USC has such a diverse student body, including international students, athletes, scholars, and more. My passion for service will definitely lead me to pursue leadership roles through organizations like the Undergraduate Student Government Association or other similar organizations. Leadership roles not only help develop my skills but also provide great networking opportunities for internships and careers later in life. I feel confident that USC is where I’ll be able to achieve both academic successes as well as personal happiness because of the wide variety of resources available, as well as access to special programs.

Having lived in South Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas as a military kid, I’ve come to appreciate the value of living in a multicultural society. I grew up speaking English, Korean, and Spanish interchangeably. After attending elementary school in Korea for two years, my parents decided to move back to the United States. However, my father was deployed soon after that and my mother worked long hours to support the three of us on her own. Though I missed my dad, I learned how to be a strong and independent woman by watching my mom work hard to give us everything we needed. I’m excited to start my journey at USC and I’m looking forward to meeting other Trojan families as well as getting acquainted with the surrounding neighborhoods. I know that as long as I continue working hard in all areas of my life, USC will provide me with a lifelong experience that will help me grow into the person I want to become.