50 Successful Ivy League Application Essays

Get Help from Your Teachers
“Ask your high school teachers to look over your essay. They are usually 
happy to help, and when you get into a top choice school they like to feel like 
they contributed to your success.”
—Anonymous, Harvard University
Be Unguarded
“Write about something that you know is unique, maybe a bit person-
al, and powerful—either positively or negatively—to anyone who reads it. I 
think it’s helpful to remember that your essay is quite personal and that no one 
will ever put your face to your writing later on if you do choose to attend that 
college. Share as much as you want and don’t have fear that others will judge 
you for it or remember you for it later on in the game—they won’t. Think of 
your essay as a powerful tool that you can use to get you in, but not something 
that you have to be guarded about in the least—it’s pretty compelling to get to 
shape this part of your admissions packet in its full entirety.”
—Sarah Langberg, Princeton University