Five anonymised statements and one original Common App essay example, covering undergraduate, mature applicant, postgraduate and scholarship applications. Read them for structure, tone and reflection.
An original Common App essay example with notes on its scene opening, small real tension and reflection, showing what the 650-word limit looks like.
A mature applicant presents motivation, academic preparation and experience outside education in the UCAS question format.
An applicant connects a railway engineering diploma with technical support, entrepreneurship and a return to education.
A chemical engineering graduate connects composting experience with an interest in urban waste reduction and resource recovery.
An education graduate connects student support, information systems and teaching with an interest in user experience design.
An applicant connects a family business background, academic achievement and financial need with future management goals.
Five of these are anonymised, edited samples shared for reference, with university and employer names removed. The Common App essay is an original example written by The Apex Scholars, with an invented story. Use them to understand structure and reflection; do not submit any of them as your own statement. For the Common App format, see our Common App essay guide.
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