Navigating the college application process can feel like a whirlwind, and one of the most daunting parts for students (and let’s be honest, parents too) is the college essay. As parents, we want to help our kids put their best foot forward, but we also know that the best essays come from their authentic voice. To help spark some inspiration, I’ve gathered a few essay samples from various colleges that stood out to me and shared them with my child. These essays are a mix of creativity, storytelling, and personal insight—exactly what colleges are looking for.

Below, you’ll find links to these standout essays, organized by college. They’re not here as a blueprint but as a source of inspiration to show that a great essay can take many forms. Dive in, read through, and let these samples fuel the creativity and confidence your teen needs to tell their own unique story!

I will be adding more soon!

List of Colleges

John Hopkins

1

The splash of color that engulfed the wooden tables and bar stools first lured me into a local art studio next to my parents’ favorite supermarket. At seven years old, even I could read the big red sign: “Painting Lessons.” I peered through…

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2

I’ve been the “handyman” of the house for as long as I can remember. I started out, armed with a roll of duct tape looped around my chubby child arms as I marched about the house, waiting for my mother to call on me. In those days…

Do you have a great essay to share? Leave a comment here and I can add it to the list.