UC Essay Examples
A deep dive into the essays that earned a spot at a top UC school. Learn how to craft a compelling narrative that stands out to admissions committees.
BYU "Tell Us Your Story" Example Essay - Listening
An essay responding to the prompt to "tell us your story," focusing on the importance of listening and understanding diverse perspectives to contribute to the community.
BYU "Tell Us Your Story" Example Essay: Physical Difference
An essay responding to the BYU application prompt to "tell us your story," sharing a personal experience of growing up with a physical difference and what it taught about self-acceptance.
BYU "Falling Short" Example Essay - Mental Health
An essay responding to the BYU application prompt about a time efforts fell short, sharing a personal story about overcoming mental health struggles.
BYU "Losing Track of Time" Example Essay - Avatar
An essay responding to the prompt about a topic so engaging it makes you lose track of time, focusing on the show "Avatar: The Last Airbender."
BYU Activities Example Essay - Leadership through United Sound
An essay responding to the BYU applicatino prompt about extracurricular activities, detailing participation in United Sound and how it developed leadership and communication skills.
Stanford & MIT Essay: Engineering for Global Impact
A powerful story of building a biodigester in Costa Rica and discovering a lifelong passion for sustainable engineering and social equity.
UChicago Extended Essay – A Letter to a Bicycle and a Changing Neighborhood
A creative response to UChicago’s choose-your-own prompt, written as a heartfelt letter to a shopkeeper’s bike, exploring themes of community, technology, and personal impact through storytelling.
Northwestern Personal Statement – Dualities, Debate, and Discovery
A vivid reflection on navigating identity, politics, and academics through the lens of contradiction—where a mixed cultural background, love for both precision and ambiguity, and intellectual curiosity shape a unique worldview.