50 Successful Ivy League Application Essays

Write about What Drives You
“Definitely write about something you are passionate about. College re-
cruiters want to know what drives and motivates you.”
—Jackie Liao, Stanford University
Ask Others to Help You Find Something Differentiating
“Write about something that you are truly passionate about and care about 
because the enthusiasm and dedication you put into the essay comes across 
on paper. If you think there is absolutely nothing that distinguishes you from 
the rest of the bunch, nothing that makes you unique, ask your friends, your 
family members, and other people who know you well to describe one thing 
that they find interesting about you.
“Also, when you are writing your essay, don’t focus too much on writing 
about what you think the admissions officers want to hear—everyone else is 
doing the same thing! Instead, focus on telling an engaging, well-written, and 
meaningful story that has true value to you. In your essay, show what that ex-
perience meant for you and how it has transformed you. How has it affected 
your present, and how will it affect your future?”
—Oana Emilia Butnareanu, Stanford University