These 50 college application essays were written by real students who all got into terrific, competitive schools. They used a narrative (storytelling) style, which is the best way to stand out from the pack.

One of the best ways to learn how to write a winning essay is to read other student's effective essays.

Not only can you glean ideas for your own topics, but also learn the style, format and voice of these slice-of-life essays.

The author, Janine Robinson of the popular essay-writing blog Essay Hell, also included an analysis of each essay to show what worked and why, and teach you narrative writing techniques.

These students were accepted into the best schools, from universities such as Harvard, UCLA, Cornell, Penn, UC Berkeley, Northwestern, University of Colorado, etc., and liberal arts colleges such as Brown, Williams, Smith, Boston College, Loyola Marymount, etc.

All these students shared their unique stories, and in the process revealed their personalities, character, passions and dreams.

You can use this book to learn how to find your stories, voice and message--and land in your top choice school as well.

This essay collection also is the ideal companion for the popular college app essay writing guide, Escape Essay Hell, which lead students step by step to craft standout narrative essays.

Author Janine Robinson also provides private and group tutoring and editing for students all over the world. Learn more at her web site: www.EssayHell.com.