For every open spot at an Ivy League college, there are 10 to 12 eager applicants vying for it—and you’re one of them. On paper, most applicants appear the same. All are well qualified academically with high grades and test scores and solid involvement in extracurricular activities.

The essay is where you stand out. The essay is your opportunity to demonstrate why you are a perfect fit at the college, how you will contribute to the student body, and why the college should accept you over those other 11 applicants. This guide will help you craft that winning essay. You will learn:

How to select the best topic

What Ivy League admissions officers want to see in your essay

The 25 mistakes that guarantee failure

The top tips from Ivy League students on how to write a successful essay

PLUS, there are more than 50 real essays from students accepted to Ivy League colleges and MIT, Stanford, Caltech, Duke, and the University of Chicago. Each includes a complete analysis so you can see exactly what worked and even what could be improved upon.