The personal essay is an important part of the Common App, and it can be a great way to stand out among the thousands of applicants. To help you get started, here are some examples of successful personal essays that have been submitted to the Common App in recent years.
One example is a personal essay written by a student named Justin who had a passion for photography and wanted to pursue a career in the field. In his essay, Justin described how he got his start, his struggles, and how his passion has continued to motivate him to pursue his dreams. He also highlighted how he had achieved success in other areas such as academics and volunteering, and how this had made it easier for him to apply his knowledge of photography in his work. This essay was accepted to the Common App and helped Justin gain acceptance at one of his top choices for college.
Another example comes from a student named Samantha who wrote about her experience growing up with a single mother. In her essay, she discussed the challenges she faced as a child, such as feeling like an outsider in her community and dealing with poverty. She also talked about how her mothers dedication, hard work, and resilience inspired her own determination to succeed in school and achieve her goals. This essay was accepted and ultimately helped Samantha stand out from other applicants.
These examples of successful personal essays demonstrate that with dedication and effort, you can write an effective essay that will help you stand out from other applicants. As you prepare your own Common App personal essay, consider these examples as a starting point and draw inspiration from them. With a well-crafted essay, you will be one step closer to getting accepted into the college of your choice.