Example library
Essays from students admitted to top universities — published by the colleges and student newspapers themselves — each with our breakdown of how it’s built and why it works. Read them to understand structure, tone, and specificity, not to copy them.
Anyone can browse the library. Our commentary on each essay is included with full access.
Unlock the library — $29Essays That Worked
11 examples
Common App Personal Statement
1 example
Supplemental Essays
22 examples
Short Answers
2 examples
Harvard University · 2026 edition
A collection of ten personal statements by students admitted to Harvard, published by The Harvard Crimson with commentary on what made each one work. Read them on the Crimson's site.
Johns Hopkins University · Class of 2030 · 2025–26 cycle
Johns Hopkins published this essay in its “Essays That Worked” collection of admitted students’ writing. JHU doesn’t say which prompt it answered — read it as a personal essay about who the writer is and what they’d bring to campus.
Johns Hopkins University · Class of 2030 · 2025–26 cycle
Johns Hopkins published this essay in its “Essays That Worked” collection of admitted students’ writing. JHU doesn’t say which prompt it answered — read it as a personal essay about who the writer is and what they’d bring to campus.
Harvard University · Applied in 2005
Common App personal statement — “Topic of your choice” (up to 650 words).
Brown University
Brown: “Brown’s Open Curriculum allows students to explore broadly while also diving deeply into their academic pursuits. Tell us about any academic interests that excite you, and how you might pursue them at Brown.” (up to 200–250 words)
Columbia University
Columbia: “Please tell us what you value most about Columbia and why.” (up to 150–300 words, depending on the year)
MIT · Class of 2027
MIT: “MIT brings people with diverse backgrounds together to collaborate… Describe one way you have collaborated with people who are different from you to contribute to your community.” (up to 225 words)
Princeton University · Published 2023
Princeton: civic engagement essay — how you have engaged with, or plan to engage with, service and your community. (About 250 words)
Stanford University · Published 2023
Stanford: “Reflect on an idea or experience that makes you genuinely excited about learning.” (100–250 words)
University of Pennsylvania
Penn: “How did you discover your intellectual and academic interests, and how will you explore them at the University of Pennsylvania? Please respond considering the specific undergraduate school you have applied to.” (300–450 words)
Yale University · Written by a current Yale student
Yale: “Tell us about a topic or idea that excites you and is related to one or more academic areas you selected above. Why are you drawn to it?” (up to 250 words)
Princeton University · Published 2023
Princeton “More About You” short answers (50 words each), including: What brings you joy? · What song represents the soundtrack of your life at this moment? · What is a new skill you would like to learn in college?
Harvard University · 2025 edition
A collection of ten personal statements by students admitted to Harvard, published by The Harvard Crimson with commentary on what made each one work. Read them on the Crimson's site.
Johns Hopkins University · Class of 2029 · 2024–25 cycle
Johns Hopkins published this essay in its “Essays That Worked” collection of admitted students’ writing. JHU doesn’t say which prompt it answered — read it as a personal essay about who the writer is and what they’d bring to campus.
Johns Hopkins University · Class of 2029 · 2024–25 cycle
Johns Hopkins published this essay in its “Essays That Worked” collection of admitted students’ writing. JHU doesn’t say which prompt it answered — read it as a personal essay about who the writer is and what they’d bring to campus.
Johns Hopkins University · Class of 2030 · 2025–26 cycle
Johns Hopkins published this essay in its “Essays That Worked” collection of admitted students’ writing. JHU doesn’t say which prompt it answered — read it as a personal essay about who the writer is and what they’d bring to campus.
Johns Hopkins University · Class of 2029 · 2024–25 cycle
Johns Hopkins published this essay in its “Essays That Worked” collection of admitted students’ writing. JHU doesn’t say which prompt it answered — read it as a personal essay about who the writer is and what they’d bring to campus.
Johns Hopkins University · Class of 2030 · 2025–26 cycle
Johns Hopkins published this essay in its “Essays That Worked” collection of admitted students’ writing. JHU doesn’t say which prompt it answered — read it as a personal essay about who the writer is and what they’d bring to campus.
Johns Hopkins University · Class of 2030 · 2025–26 cycle
Johns Hopkins published this essay in its “Essays That Worked” collection of admitted students’ writing. JHU doesn’t say which prompt it answered — read it as a personal essay about who the writer is and what they’d bring to campus.
Johns Hopkins University · Class of 2029 · 2024–25 cycle
Johns Hopkins published this essay in its “Essays That Worked” collection of admitted students’ writing. JHU doesn’t say which prompt it answered — read it as a personal essay about who the writer is and what they’d bring to campus.
Brown University
Brown: a community essay about what you would contribute to (and gain from) the Brown community. (up to 200–250 words)
Columbia University
Columbia: “Please tell us what from your current and past experiences (either academic or personal) attracts you specifically to the areas of study that you noted.” (up to 300 words)
Dartmouth College
Dartmouth: “As you seek admission to Dartmouth’s Class of 2031, what aspects of the college’s academic program, community, and/or campus environment attract your interest? How is Dartmouth a good fit for you?” (100 words or fewer)
Duke University
Duke (optional): an essay about your background, identity, or perspective and what you would bring to the Duke community. (About 250 words)
Duke University
Duke (Pratt School of Engineering applicants): “Please discuss why you want to study engineering and why you would like to study at Duke.” (About 150 words)
MIT · Class of 2027
MIT: “Tell us about a significant challenge you’ve faced (that you feel comfortable sharing) or something that didn’t go according to plan. How did you manage the situation?”
MIT · Class of 2023
MIT’s short essays (100–250 words each): something you do for pleasure, a department that appeals to you, contributing to your community, the world you come from, and a significant challenge.
MIT · Class of 2027
MIT: “Describe the world you come from (for example, your family, school, community, city, or town). How has that world shaped your dreams and aspirations?”
Northwestern University
Northwestern (earlier version of the prompt): “What are the unique qualities of Northwestern — and of the specific undergraduate school to which you are applying — that make you want to attend the University? In what ways do you hope to take advantage of the qualities you have identified?” (about 300 words)
Princeton University · Published 2023
Princeton: “Briefly elaborate on an activity, organization, work experience, or hobby that has been particularly meaningful to you.” (About 150 words)
Princeton University · Published 2023
Princeton (A.B./undecided applicants): describe your academic interests and how Princeton’s programs would help you pursue them. (About 250 words)
Stanford University · Published 2023
Stanford: “Write a note to your future roommate that reveals something about you or that will help your roommate — and us — get to know you better.” (100–250 words)
Stanford University · Published 2023
Stanford: “Tell us about something that is meaningful to you and why.” (100–250 words)
UC Berkeley · Published 2023
UC Personal Insight Question #7: “What have you done to make your school or your community a better place?” (up to 350 words)
University of Pennsylvania
Penn: “At Penn, learning and growth happen outside of the classroom, too. How will you explore the community at Penn? Consider how this community will help shape your perspective and identity, and how your identity and perspective will help shape this community.” (150–200 words)
Columbia University
Columbia list questions, e.g. “List a few words or phrases that describe your ideal college community” and “List the titles of the films, concerts, shows, exhibits… that you enjoyed most in the past year.” (up to 150 words each)