50 Successful Ivy League Application Essays

A True R eflection
“With all my college essays, I wanted to give the reader a true reflection of 
myself. I conveyed what lessons really stuck with me throughout high school 
as well as showcased my activities and personality strengths. Even when I 
read my essays four years later, I can still say with certainty that my essay is a 
reflection of me as a senior in high school.”
—Anonymous, Princeton University
Dealing with a Loss through the Essay
“I chose to write about how the death of one of my closest friends changed 
my view of the world. I also incorporated how a recent trip to nigeria rein-
forced my newly found appreciation for life after my friend’s death. I chose 
this topic initially as an outlet for my pain. While writing this essay I was still 
dealing with my loss and was able to come to terms with the ordeal after I 
wrote out my emotions.”
—Nnenna Ene, Duke University