Applicant's brilliant college essay about McDonald's got him into Harvard, Princeton and Yale

When we think of writing cover letters or applications for any big-shot college or institution, our primary idea is to seem as classy as possible. With professionalism, elite grammar, and a wide vocabulary, we try to add as many heavy terms as possible. Many applicants aim to make their work look like a sophisticated and grand piece of writing. However, an applicant, Jeffery Wang says that none of this is a smart way to go. The young man whose essay got him into Harvard and other prominent institutions such as Yale shared in a post on X that there was a completely mind-blowing approach he took in his winning essay—he wrote about studying at McDonald’s. 

“I got into Harvard and almost every college I applied to with an essay about studying at McDonalds. Had multiple admissions officers write me handwritten letters complimenting me on it,” Wang remarked. Sharing a picture of the golden essay, he revealed that there is more personality and authenticity he led with. Wang began by sharing that though many students have their own methods for studying in more flamboyant spaces, he works best with “One dollar plus tax McIced Tea at a plastic table with books and the laptop.” He further mentioned how he found an environment that was ideal to focus on in the small outlet. 

“In the middle of my feast, I realize that there is nothing on my mind but my surroundings and my stomach. I briskly walk out to my car, grab a book, and return to study for a few hours, which I've realized were some of the most restful yet productive I had had for a long time,” he wrote. Wang focused on sharing how the place turned into more than an eatery for him. He noted that it helped him reach his full potential in work and study. The next paragraph of the essay pointed out all the benefits he had taken from the place, apart from the food and space.

“I've found meaningful the array of diversions I've experienced, from a conversation with my quirky, retired seventh grade English teacher about how fast life passes by, to companionship with employees here like Milly, who works the cash register, and Maureen, the manager,” he explained. Focusing solely on why he chose the outlet and what he’s learned from it so far, Wang was crisp about his experience. In conclusion, he beautifully highlighted that even a simple space like McDonald’s has much more to offer than it seems. “I've learned that contentment can exist in imperfect and unforeseen places when you simply observe your surroundings, adapt, and maybe even eat a french fry,” Wang noted.

Wang's quirky essay got him into Yale, Princeton and Harvard, per Business Insider. Sharing tips to create an essay that stands out like his, Wang suggested two elements: authenticity and character. He stressed the need to be real and focus more on an experience than the big vocabulary. He added that despite his parents thinking the essay was risky, he decided to go for it anyway. In his post’s caption, he shared another useful pointer. He wrote, “The best advice I got was - keep in mind that the admissions officer is some dude lying on a couch reading your essay at 10 pm. Make sure that this person is entertained and thinks that you're an authentic human being.”