TOPIC 1: Redefining Masculinity While Growing Up With Two Moms

SUCCESS RATE: Accepted to all 10 schools he applied to, including Cornell University, Dartmouth College, Yale University, Princeton University, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. 

WHY IT WORKED: Colleges want to see 1) exceptional students who overcome adversity because it shows strength and 2) students who are not afraid to challenge societal norms, because that takes risk. This essay manages to do both.