There are a number of resources out there to help to assemble a first-rate college admissions essay. But among the most valuable resources are simply sample essays that have worked for students in the past.

Copying these sample essays would be plagiarism (discovered by a simple Google search), and trying to imitate their style would probably result in an essay that's clunky and doesn't really fit your application. Still, taking a look at these sample essays can provide a valuable window into what makes an admissions essay good, as well as what college admissions officers are looking for.

Here are some sample essays from the admissions essay book written by your Guide. I've also provided a link to sample admissions essays at Essayedge.com, one of several places online where you can get help with your admissions essay.

• A Dissection
• On the Farm 
• Analog
• Meredith 
• Piano 
• Immigrant 
• Vonnegut