50 Successful Ivy League Application Essays

Family Responsibilities
“My general essay was about the struggles I have in Brooklyn which are a 
bit out of the ordinary when juxtaposed next to someone across the country. 
It comically mocked the ‘normal’ teenage life of working hard and discussed 
the major role I have as the biggest sister to my ten month old brother, two 
year old brother, and seven year old sister. I actually had no idea that I would 
talk about how mature I am and chaotic my life is while juggling the work I 
have to do with my siblings and the ton of work I have at Brooklyn Tech. My 
most influential teacher told me I should write about my struggles because she 
felt it would get at my essence. I did-and managed to keep a down-to-earth 
comedy that kept my story light hearted yet significantly strong.”
—Anonymous, Cornell University