EXAMPLES OF DIFFERENT COLLEGE ESSAYS
LEADERSHIP ESSAY Give your definition of leadership
 Describe situations in which you have been a leader
 Show how each situation fits your definition of leadership
Ex. I help coach the grade school volleyball team.
Better: I believe a leader is a person who allows others to learn from their
mistakes. In my role as grade school volleyball coach, I not only teach the team
members the rules of the game, but some of the rules of life. A hard life lesson
that I share with the team is…..
PERSONAL ESSAY (Autobiographical) –
 Tell about something of personal importance
 Use vivid language, examples, imagery, and transitions
 Choose an interesting or defining moment from your life and use it
to illustrate a positive quality
 This is your chance to tell the admissions people about the person
they can’t know from your transcripts and applications.
 This is the time to explain any low grades, entrance exam scores,
reasons for not being involved. However, make it quick and convincing.
 Give details- don’t assume the admissions counselors know what
our clubs are and what they achieve.
Ex. I didn’t join many school activities.
Better: I am not really the type of person who would be labeled a joiner. I often
don’t feel comfortable in group situations. This is probably why I have not been
more involved in school activities. However, when I spent the day on your
campus this summer, I felt like I belonged.
PROFESSIONAL STATEMENT Tell your aspirations and relevant personal experience
 Be sure that your aspirations match the school to which you are
applying
 Give details: tell why you have those aspirations and your
influences.
 Be clear about your intentions
Ex. I want to become a doctor to help people. I have two years of experience as a
hospital volunteer at Christ Hospital. Please consider me for your biology program.
Better: I want to become a doctor because I believe I can make a difference. As a
hospital volunteer, I have had many opportunities to observe the medical
profession…. My first step to making this happen will be to attain my
undergraduate degree in Biology from your College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
I know that this degree will give me a strong foundation for the challenges of
Medical school.