A collection of 50 essays from successful applications to various U.S. colleges is presented along with comments from admissions officers. It is noted that "right" and "wrong" essays do not exist, and with a little creativity and effort, almost any topic can make for an effective and memorable college application essay. Every essay gives a special insight into a student's personality that grades and test scores do not reveal. Each essay includes a comment by an admissions officer indicating the special qualities of the piece. Practical advice is given on what makes an essay work in the hopes of inspiring students applying to college to take advantage of their creativity. The essays are divided into seven groups: essays about the application process, self-description essays, realization essays, off-beat essays, thought essays, activity essays, and descriptive essays. Some of the essays are as follows: a poem about the admissions officer; a detailed cartoon about the application interview process; a description of the correct way to eat Doublestuff Oreos; a one-act play; and a description of a birthday party for a person's father 1 year after his death. (SM)