50 Successful Ivy League Application Essays

Showcase What’s Not Elsewhere in the Application
“I really think the most important thing is to let yourself shine through... 
and especially the parts of yourself that aren’t listed anywhere else in the ap-
plication. Be creative and make sure to tell a story. I knew that what was really 
missing from my application was my sense of fun and adventure, and my 
willingness to try just about anything. I think my essay captured that, and I 
hope that it caught the attention of the admissions officers!”
—Lauren Horton, Stanford University
Tell a Story
“Tell a story, and tell it well. I believe that telling a story is the most direct 
way of sharing a piece of yourself with someone else. I believe, however, that 
the story should also be able to express growth over time rather than a mo-
ment of self-realization (ex. climbing a mountain).”
—Anonymous, Yale University