Admissions Officers, What’s Your Most Surprising Read? - A Candid Q&A on the Essays That Stand Out—for All the Right Reasons

Admissions counselor reading a student's personal statement.

Essays That Stick With Readers—But Why?

Every year, thousands of essays land on the desks (and screens) of college admissions officers. Most are solid. Some are forgettable. And a few—just a few—catch the reader completely off guard, in the best possible way.

We talked with a veteran admissions officer to find out:

“What’s the most surprising application you’ve ever read, and what made it unforgettable?”

Whether you’re a college-bound teen or a parent guiding from the sidelines, the insights here will help you understand what truly resonates inside the admissions room.

Q: What’s the most surprising essay you’ve ever read?

A: “Hands down, the essay about a broken vending machine.”

Surprising, right? The officer goes on to explain:

“The student wrote about being stuck at school one afternoon. They wanted a snack, but the vending machine ate their money—twice. Instead of giving up, they started troubleshooting: checking the power supply, reading the manufacturer label, Googling instructions, even calling the number on the back of the machine. Eventually they got the machine working again… and then used what they learned to repair two others on campus.”

Why did this stand out?

• It wasn’t about world peace, trauma, or soaring achievements.

• It was simple—but deeply revealing.

• It showed curiosity, initiative, creative problem-solving, persistence, and community impact, all through an everyday moment.

Q: Do surprising essays always have to be quirky?

A: “Not at all. The surprise doesn’t come from the topic. It comes from the insight.”

The officer described another memorable read: an essay about folding laundry.

“The student used their weekly laundry routine to reflect on independence, cultural traditions, and the quiet lessons they learned from their grandmother. It wasn’t flashy. It was human, honest, and beautifully specific.”

The takeaway? You don’t need an extraordinary life experience. You need a perspective that feels uniquely yours.

Q: What should students avoid when trying to stand out?

A:

• Trying too hard to be unusual

• Writing what you think colleges want

• Over-dramatizing a minor event

• Using clichés (“It taught me to never give up”) without personal depth

• Choosing topics that reflect poorly on judgment

Admissions officers can tell when you’re performing instead of reflecting. Authenticity always wins.

Q: What kinds of “surprises” do admissions officers actually appreciate?

According to the officer, great surprises include:

✔ Unexpected Self-Awareness

A student who sees something meaningful in a simple moment.

✔ A Connection No One Else Would Make

The mundane transformed into metaphor—when it’s real.

✔ Humor Used Thoughtfully

A funny piece that also shows maturity and growth.

✔ Clear Voice

The essay sounds exactly like the student… not a parent, teacher, or ChatGPT.

✔ A Reveal of Values

Not a résumé recap, but an insight into who you are and how you move through the world.

Q: What advice would you give students starting their essays now?

A:

• Pay attention to the small stories.

• Start early (junior year is ideal!).

• Ask yourself: Why does this matter to me?

• Think more about reflection than plot.

• Let one or two trusted adults read your drafts.

• Don’t try to cover your whole life—just one slice of it.

Final Thoughts: Surprising Essays Are Often the Most Human Ones

The best essays aren’t surprising because the student climbed Everest or invented an app. They’re surprising because they feel deeply, unmistakably true.

Admissions officers remember students who think carefully, reflect honestly, and share small moments with big meaning. If you can tell a story that only you could tell—about vending machines, laundry, or anything else—you’re already ahead.

Ready to craft an essay that admissions officers can’t stop thinking about?

My Admissions Sherpa helps students uncover the stories only they can tell—and turn them into essays that stand out for all the right reasons. Let’s make your story unforgettable.