College Application Essay Samples

College Application Essay Samples Two Sample Essays The Way Backyard is an anecdote from childhood to show how the applicant overcame an obstacle. Something to Say is a sample essay about an experience that caused profound personal growth. Both examples feature the description of a single event, express one or two personality traits of the author, and are engaging to read. If you want to download a copy of the sample, click on the image. Use the guide for Adobe printables for troubleshooting. Related Articles I Need a Sample Essay to Win a Scholarship I Need a Sample Essay to Win a Scholarship College Application Cover Letter Examples College Application Cover Letter Examples Sample High School Resumes for College Applications Sample High School Resumes for College Applications The 'Way Back' Yard Grandma and Grandpa's backyard had been our playground since each of us learned to crawl. Every Sunday the entire family gathered for dinner, games and adventure. A family of dreamers by our genetic code, our brains were filled with ideas that might never see the light of day. We dared to dream, but only as children had anyone in my family taken a risk. The five of us stood frozen in the knee-deep grass; it was actually shoulder-deep for the littlest ones. My sisters, cousins and I were wide-eyed, chins pointed up as we gaped at the darkened forest beyond. Each of us occasionally looking back, seeking comfort in the backyard we all knew and loved. This scenario could easily be replaced by a group of college freshman entering their dorms. There I was, lined up for an adventure with an ill-prepared group of small children, ranging in ages from three to ten. Everyone turned to me, the nervous one, hoping I would agree to move forward. It sounded fun, and I didn't want to stop them from going. However, the what-ifs popped into my head faster than I could count them. "We'll make sure to hold hands the whole time. We'll each carry a stick for protection and leave a trail of string to mark the path," said the five-year-old. There was no arguing with that kind of planning. We gathered our supplies and strength before announcing to the grown-ups we were headed to the 'way back' yard. I was terrified of what might lie ahead, what might happen, and whether we could handle whatever was out there. Faith in my family and this bit of preparation swept over me. I took the first step, and hand-in-hand we forged a path.