best high school application essays

Admit NY’s Guide to Middle and High School Application Essays

Student essays are one of the most difficult components of the middle and high school admissions process. Applicants are usually writing admissions essays for the first time, and they’re not sure what to write about or how to differentiate these pieces of writing from the kind they do in English class. All of these difficulties mean that students drag their feet in writing middle and high school application essays, causing more stress at the end of the admissions process.

Remember, though: essays don’t have to be as stressful as they seem. Students can view essays as an opportunity to share an authentic part of themselves with admissions committees, better ensuring that both the student and the school are confident about mutual fit. Here are a few tips to reframe the essay writing process and ensure high-quality writing:

These are the student’s essays, not the parent’s. Make sure that all writing submitted is the student’s own work. Schools are very savvy about catching essays that have been written by parents or anyone besides the student. In short, don’t be those people - it’s far riskier to submit a parent-written essay than it is to submit a student-written essay that isn’t perfectly written.

Respond directly to the prompt. Yes, schools are looking for direct responses to the prompts; don’t use essays as an opportunity to expand on other components of the application or tell unrelated stories, unless those topics are tightly related to the question being asked. Check in frequently during writing to make sure that each paragraph of the essay builds an argument related to the prompt.

Think of an essay as a written interview. Essays represent an additional opportunity to open up to the admissions committee, painting a full picture of the student as an academic, athlete, friend, community member, daughter/son, sibling, etc. While essays should tie in to the same themes as the rest of your application (persistence, interest in STEM, etc.), it’s best to use essays to also introduce something new that hasn’t been shared in other parts of the application.

Essays bring personality to the application. Admissions profiles without essays are boring: a list of biographical information, scores, and numbers. Essays are the best chance to “hook” the admissions officer: include an interesting anecdote, write in a unique voice, and infuse writing with personality. While there is a limit to how unique an essay can be (essays that completely ignore the prompt or are written in a hard-to-understand style are counterproductive), it’s best to aim for a very unique essay from the first draft.

Differentiate these essays from school essays. There are many reasons why middle and high school application essays are different from English papers and book reports. First, these essays are explicitly about the student: they should be written in first-person and include much more personal detail than would be typical in a school essay. Second, students can be more flexible in the writing conventions of application essays. While application essays should certainly be structured, logical, and grammatically-correct, they usually don’t need to include a strict thesis or body paragraph structure as students have been taught in English class.

Quality over quantity. Some students write an excellent essay and then panic when they realize they still have 100 words left until the maximum word count. Don’t feel the need to add filler content! A punchy, personal essay that is on the shorter side is much better than a verbose essay that relies on cliches and redundant sentences to fill word count.

Show off quality writing. Application essays are the perfect opportunity to learn some new vocabulary words, vary sentence structure, and use a range of rhetorical devices. Be careful not to pack the essay with too much jargon, but sprinkle in a few polished phrases alongside personal anecdotes to impress the reader. And of course, triple-check the essay for grammar, punctuation, and spelling before submission!

Looking for some extra help on the middle and high school application essays? Our admissions experts have years of experience as educators, admissions officers, and admissions consultants. Reach out today for a check-in.

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High School Essay

High school essay generator.

Navigating the complexities of High School Essay writing can be a challenging yet rewarding experience. Our guide, infused with diverse essay examples , is designed to simplify this journey for students. High school essays are a crucial part of academic development, allowing students to express their thoughts, arguments, and creativity. With our examples, students learn to structure their essays effectively, develop strong thesis statements, and convey their ideas with clarity and confidence, paving the way for academic success.

It is a good way to practice every student’s writing skills in writing which they might find useful when they reach college. Others might even be inspired to continue writing and take courses that are related to it.

When you are in high school, it is definite that you are expected to do some write-ups and projects which require pen and paper. Yes. You heard that right. Your teachers are going to let you write a lot of things starting from short stories to other things like expository essays. However, do not be intimidated nor fear the things that I have just said. It is but a normal part of being a student to write things. Well, take it from me. As far as I can recall, I may have written about a hundred essays during my entire high school years or maybe more. You may also see what are the parts of an essay?

What is High School Essay?

High School Essay Bundle

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High School Essay Format

Opening remarks.

Greeting : Start with a warm and respectful greeting to address the audience and set a positive tone. Introduction : Briefly introduce the purpose of your essay, outlining what you intend to discuss or explore. Be clear and direct, allowing your readers to understand the direction of your argument.

Body of the Essay

Purpose : Explain the main objective of the essay. Clarify the topic being discussed and why it is important or relevant to your audience. Keep the introduction concise while ensuring it captures attention.

Acknowledgments

Key Figures : Recognize any important figures, events, or ideas that play a significant role in the essay. This could be historical figures, concepts from literature, or notable advancements in the topic you are covering.   Supporting Details : Provide in-depth analysis of the key points. Each paragraph should focus on one specific idea, supported by evidence such as facts, examples, or quotes.   Counterarguments : Acknowledge differing opinions or perspectives. Present these viewpoints and explain why your argument remains valid or superior.   Additional Insights : Introduce any relevant contributions from experts or key findings that reinforce your main argument. Offer further discussion on how these points add depth to the topic.

Closing Remarks

Summarize : Recap the essential points discussed in the essay. Reiterate your argument or thesis, ensuring that it ties together all the evidence and ideas you have presented.   Final Thoughts : Offer concluding thoughts that reflect on the broader significance of your topic. Leave the reader with something to think about, perhaps posing a question or suggesting future areas of exploration.   Farewell : End with a respectful closure, reinforcing the purpose of your essay and its overall message, ensuring that the reader feels the argument has been effectively concluded.

High School Essay Example

The Importance of Education in Shaping the Future Education is often regarded as the cornerstone of personal and societal growth. It plays a crucial role in equipping individuals with the knowledge, skills, and values necessary to navigate an increasingly complex world. While it is widely acknowledged that education helps people to pursue their professional goals, its impact extends far beyond career preparation. It shapes individuals’ character, fosters critical thinking, and encourages responsible citizenship, all of which contribute to building a better future.   One of the key ways education shapes the future is through the development of critical thinking skills. In a world filled with information, individuals must be able to analyze, evaluate, and synthesize knowledge effectively. Education empowers students to ask questions, challenge assumptions, and approach problems from multiple perspectives. This ability to think critically is essential not only in academic settings but also in everyday life. For example, in a democratic society, an educated population is better equipped to make informed decisions about political matters, understand global issues, and engage in meaningful discussions.   Moreover, education promotes social responsibility and ethical behavior. Schools do not just teach academic subjects; they also play a significant role in instilling values such as integrity, respect, and empathy. These values are fundamental in fostering a harmonious society. Through education, students learn the importance of working together, appreciating diversity, and contributing to the welfare of their communities. By shaping the moral compass of future generations, education ensures that people are not only knowledgeable but also kind, compassionate, and committed to the greater good.   In addition to personal growth, education also drives societal progress. It has the power to break cycles of poverty, improve public health, and promote economic development. In many countries, access to education has been a critical factor in reducing inequality and promoting social mobility. By investing in education, societies can cultivate a skilled workforce that drives innovation and economic growth. Furthermore, educated citizens are more likely to engage in civic activities, volunteer for community service, and participate in the democratic process, thereby strengthening the social fabric.   While education offers numerous benefits, challenges such as unequal access to quality education persist. Many students around the world still face barriers such as poverty, discrimination, and lack of resources. Addressing these challenges requires concerted efforts from governments, organizations, and communities to ensure that every individual, regardless of background, has the opportunity to receive a high-quality education. By doing so, we can create a more equitable and prosperous world for future generations.

Short High School Essay

Why Education Matters Education is vital for personal growth and the development of society. It provides the foundation for acquiring knowledge, skills, and values that help individuals succeed in life. Through education, people learn to think critically, solve problems, and make informed decisions. These abilities are essential in today’s fast-paced and ever-changing world.   Beyond academics, education instills important life values such as respect, responsibility, and empathy. Schools not only teach facts but also shape students’ character, preparing them to be productive and ethical members of society. Education also drives economic and social progress, as it opens doors to better job opportunities and helps reduce inequality.   While access to quality education remains a challenge for many, it is a crucial investment in both individual success and societal advancement. Ultimately, education empowers people to create a brighter future for themselves and their communities.

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High School Essay Examples & Templates

High school self introduction essay template.

Sample High School Essay

Reflective High School Essay

How to Write High School Essay?

Writing a high school essay involves clear structure, logical flow, and proper argumentation. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Understand the Assignment

Read the prompt carefully and ensure you understand the topic. Identify the essay type (e.g., narrative, argumentative, persuasive).

Research and Gather Information

Use credible sources for research if needed. Take notes on key points to include in your essay.

Create an Outline

Introduction : Start with a hook, introduce your topic, and include a clear thesis statement. Body Paragraphs : Organize your main points logically. Each paragraph should focus on a single idea and include evidence or examples. Conclusion : Summarize your main points and restate the thesis without introducing new information.

Write the Essay

Introduction : Capture the reader’s attention with an interesting opening, and end with your thesis statement. Body Paragraphs : Begin each with a topic sentence, provide evidence or examples, and explain their relevance to your thesis. Conclusion : Reinforce your thesis and the main ideas from the body paragraphs.

Revise and Proofread

Check for grammatical errors, clarity, and coherence. Ensure your thesis is supported by your arguments.

Types of High School Essay

High school essays can be categorized into several types based on their purpose and structure. Here are the most common types:

1. Narrative Essay

• Purpose : To tell a story or recount an experience.
• Features : First-person point of view, descriptive details, and a clear sequence of events.
• Example : Writing about a memorable event in your life.

2. Descriptive Essay

• Purpose : To describe a person, place, thing, or event in detail.
• Features : Uses sensory details and vivid descriptions.
• Example : Describing a beautiful sunset or a significant object.

3. Expository Essay

• Purpose : To explain a concept or provide information about a topic.
• Features : Clear organization, facts, and logical explanations.
• Example : Explaining how photosynthesis works.

4. Persuasive (or Argumentative) Essay

• Purpose : To convince the reader of a particular viewpoint or argument.
• Features : Strong thesis, logical arguments, and evidence to support claims.
• Example : Arguing why school uniforms should be mandatory.

5. Compare and Contrast Essay

• Purpose : To highlight the similarities and differences between two or more subjects.
• Features : Uses comparison and contrast structure.
• Example : Comparing the educational systems of two countries.

6. Cause and Effect Essay

• Purpose : To analyze the causes of an event and its effects.
• Features : Discusses both causes and consequences in a logical order.
• Example : Exploring the causes and effects of climate change.

7. Analytical Essay

• Purpose : To analyze a text, event, or concept in depth.
• Features : Critical thinking, interpretation, and evaluation of ideas.
• Example : Analyzing the themes in a novel or play.

Importance of High School Essay

High school essays are important for several reasons that go beyond simply earning grades. Here are the key benefits:

1. Develops Critical Thinking

• Writing essays encourages students to analyze, evaluate, and synthesize information, sharpening their ability to think critically.

2. Improves Writing Skills

• Regular essay writing helps students enhance their grammar, vocabulary, and overall communication skills, which are essential for academic and professional success.

3. Enhances Research Abilities

• Essays often require gathering information from various sources, teaching students how to research effectively, verify facts, and cite sources properly.

4. Teaches Organization

• Structuring essays with an introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion helps students develop a clear, logical flow in their arguments, which is critical in both academic and professional writing.

5. Prepares for Higher Education

• Essays are a key component of college applications and college-level assignments. High school essay practice prepares students for the more advanced writing tasks they will encounter in higher education.

6. Boosts Creativity

• Through descriptive and narrative essays, students can express their creativity and explore different ways of presenting ideas and stories.

7. Builds Persuasion and Argumentation Skills

• Persuasive essays help students learn how to present strong, reasoned arguments and defend their viewpoints, a vital skill in debates, discussions, and everyday life.

8. Improves Time Management

• Writing essays requires planning, outlining, drafting, and revising, helping students develop time management skills as they work within deadlines.

Tips for High School Essay

Here are some key tips for writing a high school essay:

• Understand the prompt : Read the assignment carefully to know exactly what’s expected.
• Plan before writing : Outline your main ideas and structure.
• Create a strong thesis statement : Clearly state your main argument or point.
• Use clear topic sentences : Begin each paragraph with a clear topic sentence that supports the thesis.
• Provide evidence : Use facts, examples, and quotes to support your arguments.
• Stay organized : Ensure each paragraph flows logically to the next.
• Revise and proofread : Check for grammar, spelling, and clarity issues.
• Write a compelling conclusion : Summarize key points and reinforce your thesis without introducing new information.

What makes a good high school essay?

A good high school essay features a clear thesis, coherent structure, compelling evidence, and personal insights, all presented in a polished, grammatically correct format.

How long should high school essay be?

The length varies based on the assignment, but high school essays are generally between 500–1,000 words.

How many paragraphs should a high school essay have?

Most high school essays have 5 paragraphs: one introduction, three body paragraphs, and one conclusion. However, this can vary depending on the assignment.

What tone should I use in a high school essay?

Maintain a formal, academic tone. Avoid slang, casual language, and overly complex or overly simple sentences.

What should be included in a high school essay?

A typical essay includes: An introduction with a thesis statement Body paragraphs with supporting evidence A conclusion that summarizes the main points

Text prompt

• Instructive
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Write a High School Essay on the importance of participating in sports.

Discuss the role of student government in high schools in a High School Essay.

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High School Admission Essays Samples For Students

40 samples of this type

WowEssays.com paper writer service proudly presents to you an open-access database of High School Admission Essays designed to help struggling students tackle their writing challenges. In a practical sense, each High School Admission Essay sample presented here may be a guide that walks you through the essential stages of the writing process and showcases how to develop an academic work that hits the mark. Besides, if you require more visionary assistance, these examples could give you a nudge toward an original High School Admission Essay topic or encourage a novice approach to a banal issue.

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Good Example Of Statement Of Purpose Admission Essay

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In my enrollment at the University of Central Florida, I believe my particular background and abilities will serve me well in contributing to the student body and the academic/social makeup of the school.

Nursing Admission Essay Example

Degree objective: Nursing

Common Application Short Answer Admission Essay

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In this essay I would like to describe why I consider that I deserve studying in the New York Film Academy to pursue the degree of Master of Fine Arts in Filmmaking. First, I want to describe my personal history and experience that resulted in my interest to the art of filmmaking. Then I will show my aspirations and goals, how I can realize them with the help of the NYFA and how I can help the academic community.

Admission Essay On Why You Want To Be A Physician Assistant (pa)

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I developed an interest in pursuing nursing as a career when I was 15 years of age. Certain events in my life, which began in the 6th grade, contributed to my interest in a profession that could provide comfort and save lives. Becoming a nurse is my biggest dream, and I hope to achieve it to improve health standards of those around me.

Pennsylvania State University Admission Essay

Admission essay on why do i want to become an architecture.

Humans are interested in dominating over their fellow humans. They thus develop an urge to control their fellow humans and this is magnified in their quest for success. Through academic success, scholars always hold a position, not so common among their fellow individuals. My intention has always been to be a prosperous architect. Both talent and passion shape up future architects. By having distinct architectural ambitions, the people indulged into these fields find it hard to have shallow-minded objectives.

Law School Admission Statement Admission Essay

There I was lying in my bed crying, “Why me?” “What is wrong with me?” “I wish I had a different family, I hate my life!”

My mom and father, Walley, were only fifteen when I was born. I was living with my grandmother before I was even a year old but was often passed back between her and my later divorced parents.

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How to Write an Outstanding Essay for your High School admission process

The high school admission process is very stressful. With all of its different required parts,  the essay section of the application can be really overlooked. The essays are a chance for the admission officer’s to get an insight into who the applicant really is. Numerous people can have very similar transcripts, but a creative and charismatic essay will make an application stand out. 

A very common predicament that applicants find themselves in when writing their admission essays is not knowing where to start. Their prompts vary based on specific applications, but they all share a specific target, to characterize the applicants transcript. A great way to start answering these prompts is by thinking of past memories that whilst short and simple, hold a lot of meaning and reflect who you are as a person. The best memories are often the ones which changed your view on the world. Although these memories hold a lot of  deep meaning to you, the actual events might be simple, which is why you will need to connect the meaning to the moment very thoroughly. Furthermore, what you decide to write about should highlight your personal strengths. Strengths which will separate you from all the other applicants.

The essay itself should be intriguing and captivating. It should begin with a hook, something to grab the reader's attention. More often than not the essays will have a word limit. This condition really forces the writer to condense as seen fit. Although it might look like a one sided condition, it's really a double edged sword. For the writers who can only communicate their ideas through long explanations, the word limit will force them to condense and sometimes not for the better. For the writers who struggle to write in quantity, the word limit will force them to add insignificant details to their story just to reach the word limit. The only way to really develop the essay is to work on it consistently which is why it's so crucial to avoid rushing it. The essay should tell a story and have analysis which explains the meaning of the story and answers the prompt.

You will find the writing process simpler if you do three drafts. On your first draft you should just write as much as you can, expressing every thought and idea. From then on your next two drafts will condense these ideas by connecting them or eliminating them. Your second draft whilst condensing your ideas should be dedicated to making sure the prompt is answered in a clear yet clever way. Even though the essay should be original and creative it needs to stay on track with the prompt. The third and final draft should be all about proofreading. Making sure there are no grammatical errors, the ideas are condensed, and the message is clear. A great thing to do is ask an adult or a mentor to read over your essay and get feedback. 

The application essays are often seen as a very big challenge, but as long as you stay true to who you are and express yourself clearly in your writing your application will stand out. 

David Romero a Freshman at Xavier High School in NYC.

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Choosing a High School

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Oftentimes, one of the most difficult aspects of the high school admissions process is choosing the school you would like to attend. This makes sense, as picking a school requires a lot of critical thought and careful decision making. After all, you will have to attend the high school you end up choosing for the next four years of your life. This is why it is incredibly important to make sure that you have a fundamental understanding of what your high school offers.

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