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By searching for “books to help write or improve college essays,” you’ll find several books on how to write an essay, collections of essays topics to apply to Ivy League schools, and endless example essays that worked for previous students. These books can be helpful, but they often lack the encouragement for students to find their authentic voice. At Infinite Futures, we believe that each student has their own story to tell.
Our team has decades of experience working with students and their college essays. We have created a comprehensive writing curriculum that students begin as soon as they join our program, but in addition to writing, we think students who are regularly reading typically have the strongest essays. We know students can be strapped for time, so we’ve compiled a list of our favorite books to help with students' essays, and we think you’ll be surprised by what you find. (Hint: there will be no books on how to specifically write a college essay!)
Here’s the best part: it doesn’t matter if you listen to these books or if you read them physically. What matters is that you’re reading!
Please note some of these books have adult themes. As a family, please read descriptions and reviews and decide if they’re appropriate.
Memoirs most often resemble the tone and cadence of the college essay. Reading and listening to these personal reflections can have an incredible impact on students finding their own individual voice.
Taste by Stanley Tucci
Becoming by Michele Obama
Born a Crime by Trevor Noah
The Third Gilmore Girl by Kelly Bishop
Unprotected: A Memoir by Billy Porter
Kitchen Confidential by Anthony Bourdain
Year of Yes by Shonda Rhimes
Yes, Please by Amy Poehler
Over the Top by Jonathan Van Ness
The most effective personal statements bring the audience into the author’s world. These books do a great job transporting readers to a new world with diverse characters.
The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
Divine Rivals, Ruthless Vows, Wild Reverence by Rebecca Ross
Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt
The Favorites by Layne Fargo
Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver
The Nightingale by Kristen Hannah
These examples pull readers into engaging stories where they learn about current research or a specific topic.
The Serviceberry by Robin Wall Kimmerer
Everything is Tuberculosis by John Greene
Into Thin Air by John Krakaur
The Botany of Desire: A Plant's-Eye View of the World by Michael Pollan
The Happiness Advantage: The Seven Principles of Positive Psychology That Fuel Success and Performance at Work by Shawn Achor
Daring Greatly by Brene Brown
Freakonomics by Stephen J. Dubner and Steven Levitt
Our Infinite Futures College Advisors and Former Admissions Officers are experts on essay brainstorming, topic choice, and editing. If you would like additional writing support, schedule a meeting with our team.
Kelly Braun is first and foremost a student advocate. Working in the educational field for over 17 years, she has been a cheerleader of student dreams since she earned her Bachelor of Arts and then went on to earn her Master of Education. Prior to joining Infinite Futures, Kelly has worked in university admissions and international high school counseling. Most recently, she was Director of High School Counseling and University Guidance at an international school in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam and Tokyo, Japan. Kelly is active in the international and US Association for College Admissions Counselors, presenting at industry conferences, serving as faculty at counseling training institutes, and volunteering to support students.
