Writing Resources
Before you write, it helps to read. Below are some of our favorite resources—smart, funny, honest pieces on what makes a college essay work (and what doesn’t).
From Universities
Johns Hopkins: Essays That Worked
A collection of successful essays annotated by admissions officers.
Connecticut College: Essays That Worked
Thoughtful examples with notes on what made them strong.
UC Berkeley: Essays That Worked
Real personal insight essays from students admitted to Berkeley.
Stanford University: Supplemental Essay Examples
A look at strong answers to Stanford’s distinctive prompts.
Harvard Gazette: How They Wrote and Rewrote Their Essays
First-year students reflect on the essays that helped get them into Harvard—and how they found their voice.
Yale University: Essay Topics and Advice
Advice from Yale admissions officers on crafting essays with honesty, clarity, and personal meaning.
New York University (NYU): Essay Examples
A compilation of sample essays from successful applicants, showcasing diverse topics and writing styles.
From Writers
Rachel Toor — Write Your Way In
A former admissions officer turned professor, Toor offers candid, funny, and deeply useful advice on writing college essays that don’t sound like everyone else’s.
Ann Hood — How to Write a Kick-Ass Essay (Podcast)
Quick, sharp episodes from a master of personal narrative.
Brian McDonald — Invisible Ink
A storytelling classic that explains why structure matters.
George Saunders — On Story, Revision, and Clarity
Insights from a renowned author on the nuances of crafting compelling narratives.
Julia Cameron — The Artist’s Way
A 12-week creativity course that helps writers reconnect with voice, curiosity, and creative confidence.
On Structure & Storytelling
The Atlantic: To Write a Great Essay, Think and Care Deeply
An essayist’s take on why emotional honesty and intellectual curiosity matter.
The New York Times: How to Write a Good College Application Essay
Smart, straightforward advice on writing with voice and intention.
The New York Times: 4 Standout College Application Essays
Memorable essays, each paired with insight into what made them stand out.
The New York Times: Crafting an Application Essay That 'Pops'
What admissions readers remember—and what they skim.
The New Yorker: What Makes an Essay
A thoughtful dive into the art of the personal essay and what gives it resonance.
