Sample Admissions Essays - Accepted by Harvard (Courtesy of EssayEdge)

"Mike"

Influence? Why is it that the people who influence us most influence us in ways that are not
easily quantified? Through her work with abused children, my mother has shown me the heroism of
selfless dedication to a worthy cause. By being an upstanding individual, my playwriting teacher in
middle school acted as an inspiring male role model at a time when I needed one most. By being
approachable and interesting, my World History teacher in my freshman year of high school opened
my eyes to the connections between a society's culture and its history and broadened my view of
cultures and the world. While these influences mean much to me and have contributed greatly to
my development, they came too easily to mind.

The fact that I could sit down and write a list of how these people influenced me suggests that
the influence did not alter me in any profound way. These people are all my elders, and perhaps I
feel distanced from them. The person whose influence shook me to the deepest level is a person
whose influence is nearly impossible to describe. Mike, the best friend Ive ever had, changed me,
and I changed him at one of the most crucial times in our lives: the seventh grade. We developed
our personalities, our senses of humor, and our love for girls at the same time and in the same
manner. It would cheapen his influence to quantify it; I am what I am because of him; I cannot say
that about anybody else.

Mike came to my school in the seventh grade, and we immediately clicked. Before he came, I
didnt feel like an outcast by any means, as I had my friends that I had known since first grade.
However, until Mike, I never had anyone my age to identify with completely. Mike made me feel
confident in who I was; he reaffirmed my drives and my thoughts and my inspirations. At this
awkward stage in our lives, we found uncritical appreciation in each other. We both were obsessed
by movies and had a similar sense of humor. We had the same problems and the same thoughts.
That was all it took.

Halfway through that same year, Mike and I became inseparable. In fact, our yearbook had a
section that lists the names of students and what they were never seen without. Under Mike, it
read: Ted, and under Ted: Mike. I became a staple at his house and he at mine. We no longer
had to ask our parents if it was ok to have a sleepover on weekends, they assumed we would. On
weekdays, we usually walked over to his house, which was near school, and hung out there till I had
to go home. Our favorite past time on those long afternoons after school was to walk to the nearby
food mart and get a bag of chips and two 24 oz. Coca-Colas. Watching a movie, we would sit on his
couch with our chips and Coke and talk about our dreams of working together in the movies. Mike
wanted to be a director and actor, and I wanted to be an actor and a playwright/screenwriter. It was
the perfect combination. We even tried writing a few scripts together.

Of course, as two seventh grade boys, it wasnt all skips through the park either. We were
extremely competitive and would get into brutal fights for seemingly no reason at all. One time, I
pulled out a chunk of his hair, but I dont remember what started the fight. I think that our
connection was so intense that we could not have normal emotions toward each other. As friends,
we were best friends, but in an argument, we wanted to fight each other to the death. Still, the
Wrestlemania days were rare; ordinarily, the intensity of that connection was a good thing. I was
pretty shy about girls, and when I did talk about them with guys, I would usually just say a girl was
"hot." With Mike, I could really talk about girls and who they were; with Mike, I didnt have to put on
my public cool faade but could really say what I felt about a girl.

Then we went to separate high schools. We tried to maintain the friendship, and you might
think we would have been able to since we had been so close, but we drifted apart. Our friendship
was based on being near each constantly, of growing up in the same town, under the same
conditions, with the same hopes, fears, and dreams. Now we still go to movies occasionally and hang
out, but it's not the same, and we both know it. I thought Mike and I would be friends forever, and
maybe we will be. I mean, we have to make those movies together, right? But the way things look
right now, I doubt we will ever reconnect. Our friendship in the seventh grade was magical, and
lightning doesnt strike twice.

My playwriting teacher from middle school left, but I handled it. I learned a great deal from
him, and I appreciate him for the subject he taught and the way that he taught it. I will probably miss
my parents when I leave for college, but I doubt the separation will pain me deeply since the
connection between parents and children will always be there. With Mike, I lost the best friend I
ever had, and I lost that forever. Losing that kind of bond cuts deep, and I know it's the type of
wound that doesn't heal. Its the type of wound you just live with.

But just because we're not friends anymore, it doesn't slight the times we had when we were
friends. Those times are what influenced me so deeply. No, Mike did not work some lesson into my
heart, he worked himself into my heart, and even if I never see the guy again he changed me
forever. I think that finding someone who you truly connect with and feel that you were destined to
meet, someone who you feel truly understands you and makes you feel special, I think meeting
someone like that is one of the most profound experiences you can have.

On the surface I think I am like most young and modern American women: I take school
seriously, I have dreams and goals for the future that I am determined to make happen, and I dont
expect anyone to do the hard work for me. I come from what is an increasingly normal background:
my parents are divorced and I live with my mom and sisters and only occasionally see my dad since
he now lives on the other side of the country, but I still feel very lucky to have a supportive, if spread
out, family behind me. What makes me different from the rest of the crowd though is how I choose
to fill my time away from school. I come from a middle income background so I knew Id have to get
a job in the summers and/or after school to help fund college, but instead of getting the easiest job I
could find like many of my friends, I purposely sought work that would teach me new skills as well as
give me a sense of fulfillment, which is why I turned to coaching soccer and working as a camp
counselor. I know that every summer I am out there Im helping the kids in my community, not only
by watching to make sure they are playing with skill and determination, but also by helping them
learn invaluable life lessons, like how to be a good teammate and friend, and how to settle disputes
fairly and efficiently. I also have now added the title of waitress to my resume and while at first
glance this job may not seem to offer me skills useful in pursuing a college degree, I have found it to
offer incomparable training in multi-tasking, responsibility, money-management, perseverance and
compassion for others.

My grades have always been high and I am especially proud of this because I dont naturally
excel in all subjects. Writing has always been a challenge for me because I find grammar to often be
confusing, spelling too, but I have learned through my involvement with many varsity level sports
that quitting never feels as good as conquering your own fears, which is why I have sought not only
advanced placement writing classes to really help me focus on mastering the written word, but I
have also challenged myself to take advanced placement Greek which, while very difficult, has
helped me immensely with learning word origins, giving me the foundations to figure out
challenging words in English as well. I am now on the cusp of attending college and preparing for a
career, and I am confident that the determination I have displayed thus far will only grow stronger
as my course work becomes more demanding. At this point I think I want to focus on a career in the
law because the riddle of our legal system fascinates me and I really believe that, coming from a
divorced household myself, I could offer empathetic legal counsel to others facing the ordeal of
family court. I know that I am young and the career path I find myself on after earning an
undergraduate degree may be very different than what I envision now, but I plan to make my college
education a well rounded and broadening one that hopefully will allow me to explore both my
academic and artistic interests so that wherever the future takes me I will have a solid foundation
upon which to build a career.

Hiking to Understanding

Surrounded by thousands of stars, complete silence, and spectacular mountains, I stood atop
New Hampshire's Presidential Range awestruck by nature's beauty. Immediately, I realized that I
must dedicate my life to understanding the causes of the universe's beauty. In addition, the hike
taught me several valuable lessons that will allow me to increase my understanding through
scientific research.

Although the first few miles of the hike up Mt. Madison did not offer fantastic views, the vistas
became spectacular once I climbed above tree line. Immediately, I sensed that understanding the
natural world parallels climbing a mountain. To reach my goal of total comprehension of natural
phenomena, I realized that I must begin with knowledge that may be uninteresting by itself.
However, this knowledge will form the foundation of an accurate view of the universe. Much like
every step while hiking leads the hiker nearer the mountain peak, all knowledge leads the scientist
nearer total understanding.

Above tree line, the barrenness and silence of the hike taught me that individuals must have
their own direction. All hikers know that they must carry complete maps to reach their destinations;
they do not allow others to hold their maps for them. Similarly, surrounded only by mountaintops,
sky, and silence, I recognized the need to remain individually focused on my life's goal of
understanding the physical universe.

At the summit, the view of the surrounding mountain range is spectacular. The panorama
offers a view of hills and smaller mountains. Some people during their lives climb many small hills.
However, to have the most accurate view of the world, I must be dedicated to climbing the biggest
mountains I can find. Too often people simply hike across a flat valley without ascending because
they content themselves with the scenery. The mountain showed me that I cannot content myself
with the scenery. When night fell upon the summit, I stared at the slowly appearing stars until they
completely filled the night sky. Despite the windy conditions and below freezing temperatures, I
could not tear myself away from the awe-inspiring beauty of the cosmos. Similarly, despite the
frustration and difficulties inherent in scientific study, I cannot retreat from my goal of universal
understanding.

When observing Saturn's rising, the Milky Way Cloud, and the Perseid meteor shower, I
simultaneously felt a great sense of insignificance and purpose. Obviously, earthly concerns are
insignificant to the rest of the universe. However, I experienced the overriding need to understand
the origins and causes of these phenomena. The hike also strengthened my resolve to climb the
mountain of knowledge while still taking time to gaze at the wondrous scenery. Only then can the
beauty of the universe and the study of science be purposefully united. Attaining this union is my
lifelong goal.

Med School Essay One

As a potential medical student, I will strive to be a tremendous asset to The Chicago Medical
School by devoting all my time and life to becoming an excellent physician. I believe that I am
obligated to use my talents in a constructive manner, in a manner that benefits society. The medical
career gives me the unique opportunity to express my many talents while benefiting human life.

B. Berston M.D. once said: ... a funny thing happens to medical students on their way to
becoming physicians: they forget how to hold a conversation. I believe that my ability to
communicate makes me well suited to pursue a medical career. While I possess the strong science
background necessary for success in the profession, I also consider myself a people person. As a
waiter and bartender, I dramatically improved and expanded my communication skills since I was
constantly meeting new people and discussing different topics. Because people constantly disclosed
their personal issues to me as a bartender, I learned to become not only a good conversationalist,
but also an excellent listener.

In medical school, I also plan to pursue side work educating students and serving as a resource
to the public. One of my most rewarding experiences has been tutoring high school students in
math, physics, and biology, and helping people in my choir learn Byzantine music. Always able to
develop a good rapport with students, I believe I possess a talent for teaching others in a friendly
manner and in a manner that helps them to grasp difficult concepts easily. As part of my medical
career, I will aim to continue teaching and to provide information to the public on the prevention
and treatment of ailments and diseases.
 Undoubtedly my cultural diversity will be a great contribution to The Chicago Medical School.
Being raised in a Greek family in Canada, visiting different countries, and now living in the United
States, I have experienced the similarities and differences among many diverse cultural groups and
geographical areas. This allowed me to relate to different types of people by understanding their
ways and beliefs, a quality that will help me work well with other medical students and help me
serve my patients better in the future.

Highly motivated to succeed, I dramatically improved my grades following a time of confusion

and immaturity in 1990 and 1991,which was brought on by family illness and turmoil. Once I realized
what goal I wanted to pursue in life, I worked hard to succeed, and my remaining five years of
schooling are truly indicative of my intellectual capacity and motivation for success. My strength as a
candidate to The Chicago Medical School lies mostly in the objectives that I plan to fulfill upon
becoming a physician. They are, in no particular order of importance, as follows:

1) To provide excellence in comprehensive care by using my acquired skills as both a

competent professional and also as a compassionate human being.

2) To cultivate my leadership role both in the community of my practice and in the nation to
formulate and maintain health care principles and advancements.

3) To employ the latest knowledge and techniques in detection and prevention of disease, and
the restoration of health.

4) To develop and employ methods to take care of an aging population.

5) To show reverence for human beings by giving excellent care to all

6) To forever expand my knowledge through experience, continuing education courses, and

research.

I have been diligent in my pursuit of medicine as a career because I am convinced that

medicine offers me the opportunity to live a fulfilling, rewarding life dedicated to helping others. I
will enter medicine eager to learn and thirsting for the knowledge to help my fellow human beings.
Attending The Chicago Medical School would be one of the greatest rewards for my motivation and
persistence for success. I swear to uphold and exceed all that is expected of a future physician while
promoting the progress of medicine and humanity.
 While resting comfortably in my air-conditioned bedroom one hot summer night, I received a
phone call from my mom. She asked me softly, Lyle, can you come down and clean up the
restaurant?

Slightly annoyed, I put on my sandals and proceeded downstairs. Mixing the hot water with
cleaning detergents, I was ready to clean up the restaurant floor. Usually the process was
painstakingly slow: I had to first empty a bucket full of dirty water, only to fill it up again with boiling
water. But that night I made quick work and finished in five minutes. My mom, unsatisfied, snatched
the mop from me and began to demonstrate the proper way to clean the floor. She demanded a
redo. I complied, but she showed no signs of approval. As much as I wanted to erupt that night, I had
good reasons to stay calm.

Growing up in rural China, my mom concerned herself not with what she would wear to
school every day, but rather how she could provide for her family. While many of her classmates
immediately joined the work force upon completing high school, my mom had other aspirations. She
wanted to be a doctor. But when her college rejections arrived, my mother, despite being one of the
strongest individuals I know, broke down. My grandparents urged her to pursue another year of
education. She refused. Instead, she took up a modestly paying job as a teacher in order to lessen
the financial burden on the family. Today, more than twenty years have passed, yet the walls of my
parents bedroom still do not bear a framed college degree with the name Tang Xiao Geng on it.

In contrast, when I visit my friends, I see the names of elite institutions adorning the living
room walls. I am conscious that these framed diplomas are testaments to the hard work and
accomplishments of my friends parents and siblings. Nevertheless, the sight of them was an
irritating reminder of the disparity between our households. I was not the upper middle class kid on
Park Avenue. Truth be told, I am just some kid from Brooklyn.

Instead of diplomas and accolades, my parents room emits a smell from the restaurant
uniforms they wear seven days a week, all year round. Its funny how I never see my mom in
makeup, expensive jeans, lavish dresses, or even just casual, everyday clothing that I often see other
moms wearing. Yet, one must possess something extraordinary to be able to stand in front of a cash
register for 19 years and do so with pride and determination.
 On certain nights, I would come home sweaty, dressed in a gold button blazer and colored
pants, unmistakable evidence of socializing. In contrast, my mom appears physically and emotionally
worn-out from work. But, she still asks me about my day. Consumed by guilt, I find it hard to answer
her.

Moments such as those challenge my criteria of what constitutes true success. My mother,
despite never going to college, still managed to make a difference in my life. Tomorrow, she will put
on her uniform with just as much dignity as a businesswoman would her power suit. What is her
secret? She wholeheartedly believes that her sons future is worth the investment. The outcome of
my education will be vindication of that belief.

In hindsight, Im astounded at the ease with which I can compose all my views of this amazing
woman on a piece of paper, but lack the nerve to express my gratitude in conversations. Perhaps,
actions will indeed speak louder than words. When I graduate on June 1st, I know she will buy a
dress to honor the special occasion. When I toil through my college thesis, I know she will still be
mopping the restaurant floor at 11:00 PM. When I finally hang up my diploma in my bedroom, I
know she will be smiling.

Med School Essay Two

I firmly believe in the powerful message of Ecclesiastes 3:1, which states that every endeavor
man can undertake has its own time and meaning. Looking back on my own life, I see these different
seasons as stages of growth that have helped me to understand my own potential and the path that
I wish to take in life. I feel that I have lived deeply and fully, and now wish to apply the valuable life
lessons I have gained to what I feel is my true calling. Now is the season to explore the fascinating
world of medicine, and to finally make that dream a reality.

As a child, I never believed that I could succeed. Growing up in one foster home after another,
I lacked the stability that a youth needs in order to excel in classes and build a proper foundation for
the future. I was pregnant by the age of eighteen, and dropped out of school to try to forge a future
for my children. Life was difficult but fulfilling, and I found much joy in being the mother of two
lovely children. The day my second child was diagnosed with Krabbes disease, however, all of my
happiness seemed to vanish before my very eyes.

Krabbes disease is both terminal and debilitating, and the doctors gave my daughter a life
expectancy of eighteen months. Swallowing my shock and sorrow, I devoted myself to making the
most of the precious time I had left with my child. I researched intensively on Krabbes disease,
learning as much as I could about its mechanisms and the course it would run. I applied these
lessons to caring for my daughter, and provided her with the twenty-four hour a day care that she
required. Because I was afraid she would die at any moment, I never left her side, even to go to
work. In order to pay the bills, I took in outside sewing and odd jobs. But no sacrifice was too great
for my daughter. She lived to the age of four, long past her expectancy, which the doctors attributed
to my constant care.

Being such an intimate witness to the struggle of life and death left me with a deep sense of
human fragility. I realized that the human body is so very intricate and beautiful in its complex
delicacy. Working closely with doctors, studying medical texts, and nursing a very sick little girl gave
me my first taste of medicine. I was too numbed with pain, however, to focus my thoughts on any
plans to enter that field. I instead tried to deal with my grief while providing for my remaining child
as a single mother. During the next few years, I worked as a secretary and a beautician, and
eventually opened a beauty salon of my own. As a business owner, I entered a new world of
innovative ideas and social responsibility. Running the salon taught me the valuable lesson of
people pleasing, and I gained the confidence and communication skills to fight for my rights as a
businesswoman. I also devoted much time and funding to my community. I knew full well the
horrors of poverty, and often performed services for the local nursing home and charities. My life
was finally beginning to stabilize, and I decided that the time had come to think about the dream of
medicine that had grown during my daughters illness.

Because my days were devoted to running the beauty salon, I attended college during the
nights. I was hesitant at first; although I felt drawn to medicine, I did not know if I could handle the
coursework. I therefore decided to explore the field before committing myself to it. I found part-
time work in the medical office of a local prison, which gave me much exposure to the rigors of
health care. Working with prisoners was an amazing experience, for it taught me that all humans
need compassion, no matter what their past or their crimes. Whenever a man walked into the clinic,
I saw him not as a prisoner, but as a human being in need of help. I poured all of my compassion into
my work, and did my best to ensure that these men were receiving the care that every human
deserves.

Because I was in a prison environment, the office granted me much more opportunity for
hands-on care than I could have found in a public setting. For instance, I often changed bandages
and assisted in minor surgeries. On one memorable day, I helped treat a young boy who had nearly
cut off his thumb while working in the kitchen. The knife had bitten deep into his palm, and his
thumb seemed to be dangling by a thread. Far from feeling repulsion, I was fascinated by the sight of
his hands internal parts. I realized that I was viewing the physiological structures that enabled
movement, and found the experience to be breathtaking. My resolve snapped into place. I knew
then that medicine was my true calling, and I enrolled in Georgia Southern University immediately as
a full-time student.

Attending college at this point in my life has not been easy. I live seventy miles away from
campus, and commute every day. The distance always seems so tiny when I think of the wealth of
information I am gaining in my classes, and the many noble goals that are now within my grasp.
College is certainly not the only aspect of my life right now. I revel in white water rafting, horseback
riding, and cabinet making, and enjoy the challenges and hard work that fill these activities. Having
been married to a farmer for the past ten years, I also know the basics of running a farm. I am an
advocate for birth control, and have devoted much of my time to convincing sexually active
adolescents to seek family planning services. Additionally, I have striven to prepare myself for
making meaningful contributions to my community. Because I am from a region with a large
Hispanic population, I spent a summer in Costa Rica strengthening my knowledge of the Spanish
language, as well as broadening my cultural awareness of other peoples and customs. I believe that
a physician must be attuned to all of the needs of the community, be they physical or emotional or
cultural.

Now is the season for me to tackle my true goal of medicine. I believe that all of my life
experiences have been necessary to bring me to this point. I am mentally prepared and persistent
enough to excel at any endeavor, and have developed the compassion and commitment to medicine
that will drive me through the years to come. I look forward to my future with great anticipation,
and know that the time has finally come for me to realize my dreams.