Ivy League universities are among the most prestigious institutions in the world, and their application processes are notoriously rigorous. One of the key components of an Ivy League application is the essay, which provides applicants with an opportunity to showcase their personality, passions, and writing skills. In this article, we'll explore some examples of Ivy League application essays that got accepted, and provide insights into what made them successful.
Why Are Ivy League Application Essays So Important?
Ivy League universities receive tens of thousands of applications each year, and the admission committees use a holistic approach to evaluate each candidate. This means that the essay is just one aspect of the application, but it's a crucial one. The essay provides a window into the applicant's thoughts, feelings, and experiences, and helps the admission committee to get a sense of who they are and what they can bring to the university community.
What Makes a Successful Ivy League Application Essay?
So, what makes a successful Ivy League application essay? Here are some key characteristics:
- Authenticity: The essay should be genuine and authentic, reflecting the applicant's true personality and experiences.
- Passion: The essay should demonstrate the applicant's passion and enthusiasm for their chosen field or activity.
- Creativity: The essay should be creative and original, using vivid language and imagery to bring the applicant's story to life.
- Insight: The essay should provide insight into the applicant's thoughts and feelings, and demonstrate their ability to reflect on their experiences.
- Strong writing: The essay should be well-written, with good grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
Examples of Ivy League Application Essays That Got Accepted
Here are some examples of Ivy League application essays that got accepted:
Example 1: Harvard University
This essay, titled "The Art of Imperfection," was written by a student who was accepted to Harvard University. The essay describes the student's experiences with art and music, and how they learned to appreciate the beauty of imperfection.
"I remember the first time I picked up a paintbrush, I was determined to create a masterpiece. I spent hours carefully crafting each stroke, each color, each detail. But as I stepped back to admire my work, I realized that it was perfect. Too perfect. The colors were too vibrant, the lines too straight, the overall effect too polished. It was then that I realized the beauty of imperfection. The imperfections that make a piece of art unique, the imperfections that make it human."
Example 2: Yale University
This essay, titled "The Power of Storytelling," was written by a student who was accepted to Yale University. The essay describes the student's experiences with storytelling, and how they learned to harness the power of narrative to connect with others.
"I grew up listening to my grandmother's stories, tales of love and loss, of triumph and tragedy. She had a way of transporting me to another world, a world of wonder and magic. As I grew older, I realized the power of storytelling. I saw how it could bring people together, how it could bridge cultural and linguistic divides. I began to experiment with storytelling myself, using it to connect with others and to make sense of the world around me."
Example 3: Princeton University
This essay, titled "The Value of Failure," was written by a student who was accepted to Princeton University. The essay describes the student's experiences with failure, and how they learned to appreciate the value of setbacks and mistakes.
"I've always been someone who strives for perfection. I set high standards for myself, and I'm often disappointed when I don't meet them. But one day, I realized that failure is not the end of the world. In fact, it's often the beginning of something new and exciting. I learned to appreciate the value of failure, to see it as an opportunity for growth and learning. I began to take risks, to push myself outside of my comfort zone, and to explore new possibilities."
Example 4: Columbia University
This essay, titled "The Importance of Community," was written by a student who was accepted to Columbia University. The essay describes the student's experiences with community service, and how they learned to appreciate the importance of giving back.
"I grew up in a community that valued service and volunteerism. From a young age, I was taught the importance of giving back, of using my time and talents to make a positive impact on the world. As I got older, I began to realize the true value of community service. I saw how it could bring people together, how it could foster a sense of connection and belonging. I began to volunteer regularly, using my skills and talents to make a difference in my community."
Example 5: Brown University
This essay, titled "The Power of Language," was written by a student who was accepted to Brown University. The essay describes the student's experiences with language, and how they learned to appreciate the power of words.
"I've always been fascinated by language, by the way that words can be used to shape our perceptions and to create new realities. As I grew older, I began to realize the true power of language. I saw how it could be used to inspire and to motivate, to bring people together and to drive social change. I began to experiment with language myself, using it to express my thoughts and feelings, and to connect with others."
Gallery of Ivy League Application Essays
FAQs About Ivy League Application Essays
Here are some frequently asked questions about Ivy League application essays:
What is the purpose of the Ivy League application essay?
+The purpose of the Ivy League application essay is to provide the admission committee with a window into the applicant's thoughts, feelings, and experiences. It's an opportunity for the applicant to showcase their personality, passions, and writing skills.
How long should the Ivy League application essay be?
+The length of the Ivy League application essay varies depending on the university and the specific prompt. However, most essays are around 500-750 words in length.
What are some common mistakes to avoid in the Ivy League application essay?
+Some common mistakes to avoid in the Ivy League application essay include clichés, grammatical errors, and a lack of authenticity. It's also important to avoid repeating information that's already included in the application.
In conclusion, the Ivy League application essay is a crucial component of the application process. By showcasing their personality, passions, and writing skills, applicants can increase their chances of getting accepted into one of these prestigious universities. Remember to be authentic, creative, and insightful in your essay, and to avoid common mistakes such as clichés and grammatical errors. Good luck!