A college admissions essay is a personal statement that is typically written as part of the college application process. It is an opportunity for students to showcase their unique personality, experiences, and achievements to the admissions committee. The essay allows the committee to get a sense of who the student is beyond just their grades and test scores.
Harvard University is one of the most prestigious and competitive universities in the world. As such, the admissions committee at Harvard places a great deal of emphasis on the personal statement, or college admissions essay. Students who are applying to Harvard are expected to submit a well-written, thoughtful, and engaging essay that reflects their values, goals, and personal experiences.
To give you an idea of what a strong college admissions essay for Harvard might look like, here are a few examples:
Example 1:
"Growing up in a small town in rural America, I never could have imagined that I would one day be applying to Harvard University. My upbringing was far from privileged, and I had to work hard to overcome many challenges and obstacles along the way. However, it was these very challenges that helped shape me into the resilient, determined, and ambitious person I am today.
As the first person in my family to attend college, I have always been driven by a desire to succeed and make a positive impact in the world. I believe that a Harvard education will provide me with the skills, knowledge, and opportunities I need to achieve my goals and make a difference.
Throughout high school, I excelled in my studies and was actively involved in a variety of extracurricular activities. I was captain of the debate team, a member of the science club, and a volunteer at the local hospital. These experiences taught me the importance of teamwork, leadership, and service, and I hope to continue exploring and developing these skills at Harvard.
In addition to my academic and extracurricular achievements, I have also faced my fair share of adversity and setbacks. I lost my mother to cancer when I was just 14 years old, and had to take on a lot of responsibility at a young age. This experience taught me the value of perseverance and resilience, and I learned to never give up, no matter how difficult the circumstances may seem.
I am confident that my diverse experiences and personal qualities make me a strong candidate for admission to Harvard University. I am excited to contribute to the diverse and dynamic community at Harvard, and to make the most of the unparalleled opportunities and resources that the university has to offer. Thank you for considering my application."
Example 2:
"As I sat in the hospital room, watching my grandfather take his last breath, I realized that life is short and fragile. It was in that moment that I decided to make the most of every day and to never take anything for granted.
I have always been driven by a desire to make a positive impact in the world and to leave a lasting legacy. I believe that a Harvard education will provide me with the tools and opportunities I need to achieve my goals and make a difference.
Throughout high school, I excelled in my studies and was actively involved in a variety of extracurricular activities. I was a member of the debate team, the editor of the school newspaper, and a volunteer at the local soup kitchen. These experiences taught me the importance of communication, leadership, and service, and I hope to continue exploring and developing these skills at Harvard.
In addition to my academic and extracurricular achievements, I have also faced my fair share of challenges and setbacks. Growing up in a low-income, single-parent household, I have had to work hard to overcome financial and personal obstacles. However, these challenges have only served
