The excitement of applying to high school! As an 8th grader, you're about to embark on a new chapter of your academic journey. Your application essay is a chance to showcase your personality, interests, and goals to the admissions committee. To help you get started, we've gathered eight winning examples of high school application essays. But before we dive in, let's talk about what makes a great essay.
What makes a great high school application essay?
A great high school application essay is one that tells a story about who you are, what you're passionate about, and what you hope to achieve in the future. It's your chance to stand out from the crowd and showcase your unique personality, interests, and experiences. Here are some key elements to include:
- A strong opening that grabs the reader's attention
- A clear and concise writing style
- Specific examples and anecdotes that illustrate your points
- A focus on your goals and aspirations
- A showcase of your personality and character
Now, let's take a look at our eight winning examples!
Example 1: The Athlete
As a competitive soccer player, I've learned the value of teamwork, perseverance, and dedication. On the field, I'm not just playing for myself, but for my team. I've applied this same mentality to my academics, working closely with my classmates to achieve common goals. In high school, I hope to continue pushing myself to be the best athlete and student I can be.
Example 2: The Artist
Art is my passion, my escape, and my expression. Through drawing and painting, I'm able to convey emotions and ideas that words alone cannot. In high school, I hope to explore different mediums and techniques, and to use my art to make a positive impact on my community. I'm excited to join a community of like-minded students who share my passion for creativity.
Example 3: The Leader
As a class president, I've learned the importance of listening, communicating, and leading by example. I've worked tirelessly to ensure that every student has a voice and a chance to succeed. In high school, I hope to continue developing my leadership skills, and to use my platform to make a positive difference in my school and community.
Example 4: The Bookworm
Reading is my sanctuary, my happy place. Through books, I've explored different worlds, met new characters, and gained new perspectives. In high school, I hope to continue reading widely and deeply, and to use my love of literature to fuel my academic pursuits. I'm excited to join a community of fellow book lovers who share my passion for learning.
Example 5: The Volunteer
Volunteering is my way of giving back to my community. Through working at a local soup kitchen, I've learned the value of compassion, empathy, and kindness. In high school, I hope to continue volunteering and to use my experiences to make a positive impact on my school and community. I'm excited to join a community of like-minded students who share my commitment to social justice.
Example 6: The Scientist
Science is my curiosity, my passion, and my pursuit. Through conducting experiments and exploring the natural world, I've gained a deeper understanding of the world around me. In high school, I hope to continue exploring the wonders of science, and to use my knowledge to make a positive impact on my community. I'm excited to join a community of fellow science enthusiasts who share my love of discovery.
Example 7: The Musician
Music is my soul, my heart, and my expression. Through playing the guitar and singing, I've found a way to convey emotions and ideas that words alone cannot. In high school, I hope to continue making music, and to use my talents to bring joy and inspiration to others. I'm excited to join a community of fellow musicians who share my passion for music.
Example 8: The Traveler
Traveling is my adventure, my escape, and my education. Through exploring different cultures and meeting new people, I've gained a broader perspective on the world and my place in it. In high school, I hope to continue exploring new places and experiences, and to use my travels to fuel my academic pursuits. I'm excited to join a community of fellow travelers who share my love of adventure.
What can we learn from these examples?
These examples demonstrate the diversity and creativity of high school application essays. Here are some key takeaways:
- Be authentic and true to yourself
- Showcase your passions and interests
- Highlight your strengths and achievements
- Use specific examples and anecdotes to illustrate your points
- Focus on your goals and aspirations
By following these tips and using our examples as inspiration, you'll be well on your way to writing a winning high school application essay!
Gallery of Printable 8th Grade High School Application Essay Examples
FAQs
Q: How long should my high school application essay be? A: The length of your essay will depend on the specific requirements of the school you're applying to. Typically, essays range from 500-1000 words.
Q: What should I write about in my essay? A: Your essay should showcase your personality, interests, and goals. Use specific examples and anecdotes to illustrate your points.
Q: How can I make my essay stand out? A: Be authentic and true to yourself. Use unique and creative language to express your thoughts and ideas.
Q: Can I use examples from my previous essays? A: While it's okay to draw inspiration from previous essays, make sure to tailor your essay to the specific school and prompt you're responding to.
Q: How many drafts should I write? A: It's a good idea to write multiple drafts of your essay, revising and editing as you go. This will help you refine your ideas and ensure that your essay is the best it can be.
We hope these examples and FAQs have been helpful in guiding you as you write your high school application essay. Remember to be authentic, creative, and true to yourself, and you'll be well on your way to writing a winning essay!