Harvard Essay Examples from Admitted Student
LEENA
Harvard has long recognized the importance of enrolling a diverse student body. How will the life experiences that shape who you are today enable you to contribute to Harvard?
Learning to play piano as a kid was mostly an exercise in patience. I spent months tripping over the same difficult passages, restarting again and again until my hands finally figured it out. Over time, I realized that mistakes weren’t proof of failure. They were simply part of the process.
That perspective carried into my experience last summer, when I joined a coding program that introduced us to robotics. Our team’s robot rarely worked on the first attempt. Sometimes it veered off course, sometimes the sensors froze. But every misstep helped us debug and improve.
These experiences taught me to see setbacks as chances to grow. At Harvard, I’d bring that “try again” mindset into group projects and discussions, encouraging classmates to embrace experimentation rather than fearing mistakes.
Describe a time when you strongly disagreed with someone about an idea or issue. How did you communicate or engage with this person? What did you learn from this experience?
In middle school, I clashed with my best friend about whether competitive gaming was a “waste of time.” He argued it distracted from academics; I saw it as a legitimate arena for strategy and teamwork.
At first, we argued past each other. Eventually, I asked him to try one tournament with me. He saw how much planning and coordination went into a single match. Later, I agreed to join him at a math club competition to experience his world.
We never convinced each other completely, but we learned to respect one another’s perspectives. More importantly, I realized that disagreement doesn’t have to end in division—it can be an invitation to understand someone else’s values. That lesson stays with me whenever conversations get tense.
Briefly describe any of your extracurricular activities, employment experience, travel, or family responsibilities that have shaped who you are.
For the past two summers, I’ve worked at a local children’s science camp. My job was equal parts logistics—setting up experiments, keeping track of supplies—and mentorship, helping campers get excited about topics like chemistry or astronomy.
The best moments were never the polished ones. They happened when an experiment fizzled out or a volcano model collapsed, and the kids started laughing before trying again. Those moments reminded me that science isn’t about perfection, but about curiosity and persistence.
Working at camp also taught me patience. Every camper learned at a different pace, and I had to adjust how I explained things. That skill—meeting people where they are—shaped how I approach group work at school and is something I’ll continue to carry into new communities.
How do you hope to use your Harvard education in the future?
I hope to use a Harvard education to explore how technology can improve healthcare access. My interest began when I volunteered at a local clinic, helping patients sign up for telehealth appointments. Many struggled with the software, and I realized that design could be as important as medicine in delivering care.
At Harvard, I’d pursue computer science with an eye toward human-centered design. Courses in artificial intelligence and health policy would help me connect coding with real-world needs. I’d also be eager to join student groups working at the intersection of engineering and public service.
Ultimately, I see myself developing tools that make healthcare simpler to navigate, especially for underserved communities. Harvard’s resources and collaborative environment would give me the foundation to pursue that path.
Top 3 things your roommates might like to know about you.
My roommates would quickly notice that I’m happiest outdoors. Whether running on a trail or sitting under a tree with a book, I seek out fresh air whenever I can, and I often invite friends to join me on spontaneous walks.
They would also learn that I love experimenting in the kitchen. My scrambled eggs are reliable, my sushi attempt was questionable, and my chocolate chip cookies vanished in minutes. Cooking is my way of relaxing, and I always enjoy sharing, even when the results are imperfect.
Finally, they’d discover my weakness for puzzles. From crosswords to escape rooms, I can’t resist a challenge. I often rope others in, since problem-solving feels more fun when it’s collaborative.
Altogether, my roommates would see someone who brings curiosity, energy, and a sense of humor into our shared space.