Some describe life-changing events — euphoric or tragic; others take a seemingly routine occurrence and illustrate how it became a surprising moment of epiphany. Some paint vivid pictures of a place or person who has forever influenced the author's life, while others are laugh-out-loud funny.
Although different in tone and topic, the common thread of all strong college admission essays is that they reveal something grades, test scores and class rank cannot. The personal essay offers a prospective student the chance to create a self-portrait and leave a lasting impression (not to mention showcase strong writing skills).
Five years ago, we selected and published eight of the best admission essays written by students entering Hamilton's Class of 2007. Those stories were so popular with readers that we decided to share a few more — this time from the incoming Bicentennial Class of 2012.
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The Rhythm of My Days, Measure by Measure By Zane Glauber '12 Bedford, N.Y. |
Auntie El By Samuel Choate '12 Weston, Mass. |
Why My Friends Didn't Visit Last Summer By Riley Smith '12 Rhinelander, Wis. |
Music for Prague 1968 By Ryan Park '12 Moraga, Calif. |
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There is Something About Africa By Sorina Seeley '12 Paris, France |
Exposed By Danielle Burby '12 Huntington Station, N.Y. |
Hameau Farm By Hayden Kiessling '12 Pound Ridge, N.Y. |
Block by Block, Word by Word By Daniel Steinman '12 Short Hills, N.J. |
