50 Successful Ivy League Application Essays

Aim for Uniqueness
“Write about something unique. Essays need to be both memorable and 
interesting, especially if you plan to apply to a school where applicants are 
numbered in the thousands.”
—Lauren Sanders, Duke University
Treat the Essay Like It Matters
“Write something you care about—something that comes naturally and 
flows. Don’t write about what you think the college admissions officers want 
to hear, and make it unique. If you’re going to write about an important 
teacher, a memorable activity, etc. make it different and nuanced. give stark 
and vivid descriptions and examples, and they’ll know what you’re writing 
is yours. Also, treat this essay like it matters. I know of so many friends who 
wrote down the first thing that came to their minds and submitted it. I spent 
probably three weeks on my essay, looking over it every other day and getting 
teachers to edit it. nothing comes out perfect on the first try, and even if it’s 
good, it can always get better.”
—Lisa Kapp, University of Pennsylvania