<p>Do people who usually get into places like MIT and Harvard write essays about their extracurricular activities, or something academic? </p>
<p>I mean, the essays are suppposed to show your character, but do most people stick with something achievemental? How about personal reflection, stories.</p>
<p>Is there a way for me to get some sample college essays?</p>
<p>There is a book called something like "Essays that Worked' that has a bunch of different essays written by students who were accepted at fairly selective schools.</p>
<p>Write about anything that will show who you are. </p>
<p>I am NOT a believer in writing about ECs, unless there is some very unique angle or unusual EC. Can you imagine how dull it would be to be an admission officer and read hundreds of essays about soccer or piano? </p>
<p>The book is good because it will reassure you that the topics of great essays are very diverse; one memorable and excellent essay was about working at a donut shop.</p>
<p>Really, think about who you are and what makes you tick... What sort of anecdote could bring that across effectively and be fun to write?</p>