50 Successful Ivy League Application Essays

A Personal Topic
“I selected a personal topic because I thought it would have the most force 
and leave the strongest memory possible in the admissions officers’ minds. I 
chose a topic that I thought was unique and very personal to me and am con-
fident that no one could have said what I said in the exact same way—I knew 
what I was sending would be powerful in its own right.”
—Sarah Langberg, Princeton University
Growing into Leadership
“My admissions essay topic was based on my experiences as the leader 
(drum major) of my high school’s award winning marching band. This was the 
extracurricular activity that I felt was most significant in my personal develop-
ment, as I evolved from a freshman band prodigy who was both distant and 
a bit arrogant, to a senior who emerged as an engaged leader and had built 
lasting friendships with my peers. It explored the fact that although I was 
always a standout member in high school music programs, I did not until my 
later years develop an ‘emotional stake’ in the success of these programs and 
discussed the event that initiated my shift in attitude.”
—Devin Nambiar, Columbia University