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The Costco Essay Deconstructed

Article updated on November 15, 2019

Students searching for exemplary examples of college admissions essays may already be familiar with what has come to be known as The Costco Essay , but it is worth digging a little deeper to understand how this essay that “ got a high school senior in to 5 Ivy League colleges ” actually works.

Many people have noted that the essay alone did not get the student admitted to all these schools, rather it was the totality of her application. This is of course true! We have ourselves written extensively about the 11 distinct criteria colleges use to evaluate applicants, but the fact remains that when so many students have great grades and test scores, your college essays are clearly an important opportunity to stand out.

I caution all my students not to read an excessive amount of examples, because it can become overwhelming to compare too many glowing finished essays to one’s own blank page or early draft in progress.  But if you read in the right spirit, I believe a few examples can be both instructive and inspiring. I have tried to explain some of what I find compelling about the Costco Essay.

Prompt 1: Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.

Now more than ever, colleges are affirming the weight given to a student’s character as it comes through across all elements of an application. So have no illusions that grades and test scores make one applicant more qualified or deserving of admission to college than another. We are not looking at the whole application, but in addition to being well written, this essay demonstrates of the kind of character that Ivy League and all colleges want on their campus.

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The Costco college essay has gained widespread attention and recognition for its unique approach to the college admissions process. Written by Brittany Stinson, the essay detailed her experiences at Costco and how they shaped her curiosity and love for learning. In this article, we explore the Reddit thread discussing this essay and take a deep dive into the opinions and insights of its users. We will also shed light on the background of the Costco college essay and provide valuable tips for writing a captivating and memorable college essay.

The Costco College Essay: Background

Brittany Stinson’s Costco college essay went viral in 2016 when she was accepted into five Ivy League schools and Stanford. The essay is a prime example of how creativity and authenticity can make a significant impact on college admissions officers. With its relatable narrative and unique perspective, the essay has become a benchmark for students looking to write compelling college essays.

The Costco essay, penned by Brittany Stinson, has become a notable point of reference in the realm of college admissions, for its distinctiveness, effectiveness, and the impressive results it garnered. But what is it about the Costco essay that really made it stand out? This piece will explore the distinct aspects of this essay and delve into why it struck such a chord with Ivy League admissions officers.

Brittany Stinson’s Common App Essay, colloquially known as the ‘Costco essay’, is a personal statement that catapulted her into the limelight during the Ivy League admissions cycle. It showcased her ability to transform an everyday experience into a compelling narrative and unique essay topic, turning a mundane trip to Costco into an allegory of her intellectual curiosity.

When Ivy League admissions officers read personal statements, they are looking for insight into the applicant’s personality, values, and potential contributions to their institution. They want to see genuine passion and the unique perspective each student brings. Brittany Stinson’s Costco essay offered all of this, her Costco shopping journey providing a creative metaphor for her academic journey and insatiable appetite for knowledge.

Writing an essay for your college application, specifically the Common App essay, can be daunting. Finding the perfect topic that showcases your identity, while also intriguing the admissions officers is not an easy task. Yet, the Costco essay serves as an example of how selecting a unique essay topic, one that is both personal and engaging, can make your personal statement shine in the eyes of Ivy League admissions officers.

Brittany Stinson transformed a routine trip to Costco into a thought-provoking, insightful, and yes, successful personal essay. This essay didn’t just mention her desire for learning; it illustrated it, painting a vivid picture of a young woman eager to consume knowledge as enthusiastically as she consumes a Costco-sized vat of her favorite ice cream.

The Costco essay was successful in capturing the attention of admissions officers at highly selective schools because it was authentic and creatively addressed the prompt. It exhibited Brittany’s personality, her intellectual curiosity, her humor, and her observational skills.

Yet, the Costco essay isn’t just about picking a unique essay topic; it’s about crafting an authentic narrative. The personal essay or personal statement you submit as part of your college application should tell a story about you, about how you see the world, and how you engage with it.

So, as we explore the impressive achievements of Brittany Stinson and the Costco essay that was an integral part of her college application, we learn a vital lesson: the best personal statements, the ones that truly stand out to college admissions officers, are those that tell a genuine and captivating story. They can find profundity in the mundane, transform an ordinary topic into an extraordinary narrative, and above all, they are a true reflection of the applicant.

Whether it’s about a trip to Costco or a love for biochemistry, a successful personal essay is one that combines a unique topic with a personal narrative, effectively showcasing the qualities that would make an applicant an asset to their dream college.

Analyzing the Costco Essay: Reddit’s Opinions

In a popular Reddit thread, users discussed and rated the Costco essay. The thread highlighted several aspects of the essay that made it stand out and prompted valuable insights on what makes a strong college essay.

A Unique Approach to the Common App Prompt

One user mentioned that the Costco essay demonstrates how taking a unique approach to a Common App prompt can lead to a memorable essay. Stinson’s essay was not only well-written but also offered an unconventional perspective on an everyday experience, which captured the attention of admissions officers.

Creativity and Authenticity

Another user emphasized the importance of creativity and authenticity in the Costco essay. Stinson’s writing conveyed her genuine passion and curiosity, making her essay stand out from the thousands of other applicants. The user also noted that a successful college essay should showcase the applicant’s true self and not just focus on accomplishments.

Engagement with the Reader

The Costco essay excels in engaging the reader, as one Reddit user pointed out. Stinson’s essay maintained a conversational tone and included vivid descriptions that made it enjoyable to read. This user stressed the importance of keeping the reader engaged throughout the essay, making them more likely to remember the applicant and their story.

Avoiding Clichés and Overused Topics

One user noted that the Costco essay’s strength lies in its ability to avoid clichés and overused topics. Many college essays discuss similar themes or experiences, which can make them blend together. The Costco essay stood out by exploring an unconventional topic, demonstrating the impact of choosing a unique subject matter for a college essay.

The Importance of Storytelling

A Reddit user highlighted the importance of storytelling in the Costco essay. Stinson’s narrative created a compelling story that showcased her personality, growth, and passions. By incorporating storytelling elements into a college essay, applicants can leave a lasting impression on admissions officers.

Conclusion: Learning from the Costco College Essay

The Costco college essay serves as an excellent example of how creativity, authenticity, and storytelling can make a significant impact on the college admissions process. By exploring the opinions and insights shared by Reddit users, we can learn valuable lessons about writing engaging and memorable college essays. As you craft your own college essay, remember to stay true to yourself, choose a unique and engaging topic, and focus on creating a compelling narrative that captures the attention of admissions officers.

In conclusion, the magic of the Costco essay lies in its ability to take a seemingly ordinary experience and extract from it a narrative that is engaging, unique, and utterly personal. Brittany Stinson’s successful college application serves as a reminder to all students that an impressive personal statement isn’t dependent on grandiose achievements or a dramatic life event. Instead, it is about presenting your unique perspective on the world, using your personal experiences as a lens through which to view your academic and personal growth.

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This essay got a high-school senior into 5 Ivy League schools and Stanford

High-school senior Brittany Stinson was accepted into five Ivy League schools — Yale, Columbia, University of Pennsylvania, Dartmouth, and Cornell.

She also got into Stanford, which has an acceptance rate of 4.69% — a lower rate than any of the Ivy League schools.

"I'm sort of still in shock. I don't think I've processed everything yet," she excitedly told Business Insider.

The Ivy League is notoriously hard to get into, as the hundreds of thousands of other applicants to the eight elite schools are well aware.

The schools Stinson was accepted into have acceptance rates ranging from 13.96% to 4.69%.

Stinson graciously shared her Common Application admissions essay with Business Insider, which we've reprinted verbatim below.

Prompt 1: Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.

Managing to break free from my mother’s grasp, I charged. With arms flailing and chubby legs fluttering beneath me, I was the ferocious two­ year old rampaging through Costco on a Saturday morning. My mother’s eyes widened in horror as I jettisoned my churro; the cinnamon­sugar rocket gracefully sliced its way through the air while I continued my spree. I sprinted through the aisles, looking up in awe at the massive bulk products that towered over me. Overcome with wonder, I wanted to touch and taste, to stick my head into industrial­sized freezers, to explore every crevice. I was a conquistador, but rather than searching the land for El Dorado, I scoured aisles for free samples. Before inevitably being whisked away into a shopping cart, I scaled a mountain of plush toys and surveyed the expanse that lay before me: the kingdom of Costco. 

Notorious for its oversized portions and dollar­fifty hot dog combo, Costco is the apex of consumerism. From the days spent being toted around in a shopping cart to when I was finally tall enough to reach lofty sample trays, Costco has endured a steady presence throughout my life. As a veteran Costco shopper, I navigate the aisles of foodstuffs, thrusting the majority of my weight upon a generously filled shopping cart whose enormity juxtaposes my small frame. Over time, I’ve developed a habit of observing fellow patrons tote their carts piled with frozen burritos, cheese puffs, tubs of ice cream, and weight­loss supplements. Perusing the aisles gave me time to ponder. Who needs three pounds of sour cream? Was cultured yogurt any more well­mannered than its uncultured counterpart? Costco gave birth to my unfettered curiosity. 

While enjoying an obligatory hot dog, I did not find myself thinking about the ‘all beef’ goodness that Costco boasted. I instead considered finitudes and infinitudes, unimagined uses for tubs of sour cream, the projectile motion of said tub when launched from an eighty foot shelf or maybe when pushed from a speedy cart by a scrawny seventeen year old. I contemplated the philosophical: If there exists a thirty­three ounce jar of Nutella, do we really have free will? I experienced a harsh physics lesson while observing a shopper who had no evident familiarity of inertia's workings. With a cart filled to overflowing, she made her way towards the sloped exit, continuing to push and push while steadily losing control until the cart escaped her and went crashing into a concrete column, 52” plasma screen TV and all. Purchasing the yuletide hickory smoked ham inevitably led to a conversation between my father and me about Andrew Jackson’s controversiality. There was no questioning Old Hickory’s dedication; he was steadfast in his beliefs and pursuits – qualities I am compelled to admire, yet his morals were crooked. We both found the ham to be more likeable–and tender.

I adopted my exploratory skills, fine tuned by Costco, towards my intellectual endeavors. Just as I sampled buffalo­chicken dip or chocolate truffles, I probed the realms of history, dance and biology, all in pursuit of the ideal cart–one overflowing with theoretical situations and notions both silly and serious. I sampled calculus, cross­country running, scientific research, all of which are now household favorites. With cart in hand, I do what scares me; I absorb the warehouse that is the world. Whether it be through attempting aerial yoga, learning how to chart blackbody radiation using astronomical software, or dancing in front of hundreds of people, I am compelled to try any activity that interests me in the slightest. 

My intense desire to know, to explore beyond the bounds of rational thought; this is what defines me. Costco fuels my insatiability and cultivates curiosity within me at a cellular level. Encoded to immerse myself in the unknown, I find it difficult to complacently accept the “what”; I want to hunt for the “whys” and dissect the “hows”. In essence, I subsist on discovery.

• Main content

Costco College Essay: An Analysis

Yep, that’s right: it’s the famous Costco college essay that got Brittany Stinson into five Ivy League schools. Said schools include Columbia, Yale, UPenn, Cornell, and Dartmouth.

Now, this application essay was considered one of the “quintessential college essays” that every student was expected to strive for. It had a lot of positive attributes to it, notably its creativity, that made the college essay so strong in the application.

But here’s the thing: there are also mistakes in this essay that future applicants should be wary of.

It’s okay though. Here at PenningPapers, we try not to be a Negative Nancy. In fact, we just want to provide the most value from our admissions advice so that our clients and readers get the most useful analysis.

It just so happens that the Costco College essay covers a wide range of topics that could be useful for our readers to know.

We want our readers to be well-equipped to face their own college applications; thusly so, we have compiled a list of both the primary positive and negative attributes of the Costco college essay.

The Costco College Essay

Prompt 1: Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.

Managing to break free from my mother’s grasp, I charged. With arms flailing and chubby legs fluttering beneath me, I was the ferocious two­ year old rampaging through Costco on a Saturday morning. My mother’s eyes widened in horror as I jettisoned my churro; the cinnamon­sugar rocket gracefully sliced its way through the air while I continued my spree. I sprinted through the aisles, looking up in awe at the massive bulk products that towered over me. Overcome with wonder, I wanted to touch and taste, to stick my head into industrial­sized freezers, to explore every crevice. I was a conquistador, but rather than searching the land for El Dorado, I scoured aisles for free samples. Before inevitably being whisked away into a shopping cart, I scaled a mountain of plush toys and surveyed the expanse that lay before me: the kingdom of Costco. Notorious for its oversized portions and dollar­fifty hot dog combo, Costco is the apex of consumerism. From the days spent being toted around in a shopping cart to when I was finally tall enough to reach lofty sample trays, Costco has endured a steady presence throughout my life. As a veteran Costco shopper, I navigate the aisles of foodstuffs, thrusting the majority of my weight upon a generously filled shopping cart whose enormity juxtaposes my small frame. Over time, I’ve developed a habit of observing fellow patrons tote their carts piled with frozen burritos, cheese puffs, tubs of ice cream, and weight­loss supplements. Perusing the aisles gave me time to ponder. Who needs three pounds of sour cream? Was cultured yogurt any more well­mannered than its uncultured counterpart? Costco gave birth to my unfettered curiosity. While enjoying an obligatory hot dog, I did not find myself thinking about the ‘all beef’ goodness that Costco boasted. I instead considered finitudes and infinitudes, unimagined uses for tubs of sour cream, the projectile motion of said tub when launched from an eighty foot shelf or maybe when pushed from a speedy cart by a scrawny seventeen year old. I contemplated the philosophical: If there exists a thirty­three ounce jar of Nutella, do we really have free will? I experienced a harsh physics lesson while observing a shopper who had no evident familiarity of inertia’s workings. With a cart filled to overflowing, she made her way towards the sloped exit, continuing to push and push while steadily losing control until the cart escaped her and went crashing into a concrete column, 52″ plasma screen TV and all. Purchasing the yuletide hickory smoked ham inevitably led to a conversation between my father and me about Andrew Jackson’s controversiality. There was no questioning Old Hickory’s dedication; he was steadfast in his beliefs and pursuits – qualities I am compelled to admire, yet his morals were crooked. We both found the ham to be more likeable-and tender. I adopted my exploratory skills, fine tuned by Costco, towards my intellectual endeavors. Just as I sampled buffalo­chicken dip or chocolate truffles, I probed the realms of history, dance and biology, all in pursuit of the ideal cart-one overflowing with theoretical situations and notions both silly and serious. I sampled calculus, cross­country running, scientific research, all of which are now household favorites. With cart in hand, I do what scares me; I absorb the warehouse that is the world. Whether it be through attempting aerial yoga, learning how to chart blackbody radiation using astronomical software, or dancing in front of hundreds of people, I am compelled to try any activity that interests me in the slightest. My intense desire to know, to explore beyond the bounds of rational thought; this is what defines me. Costco fuels my insatiability and cultivates curiosity within me at a cellular level. Encoded to immerse myself in the unknown, I find it difficult to complacently accept the “what”; I want to hunt for the “whys” and dissect the “hows”. In essence, I subsist on discovery.

The Costco College Essay: Critique

Unique Topic: This seems to be an underrated one. There are plenty of essays about serving as a camp counselor, and plenty more about playing the violin. The value of a unique topic like Costco is that it provides admissions officers with something different to read from the hundreds of thousands of similar essays. Having a unique topic in your college essay will make admissions officers love your story more than others who have less special ones.

Interesting Narrative: a strong narrative is arguably one of the most vital parts of the college admissions process. If you can capture the attention of the admissions officers with your words, you can put yourself in a much more positive light than the rest of the competition. Take this one for example: “. I contemplated the philosophical: If there exists a thirty­three ounce jar of Nutella, do we really have free will?”

Now, we do want to clarify that writing this well correctly and effectively so that the admissions officers DON’T find your essay ostentatious and overbearing is hard. There is a fine line between having capturing language and having pretentious language.

We recommend that if you feel uncomfortable with writing in this style but would still like to beat out the rest of the competition in the admissions pool, you should speak to our admissions experts to talk about how you can get your college essay edited.

Outdated subject: Whichever subject you talk about, make sure that it is not too far from your current year. The farther away your experience is from high school, the more irrelevant it becomes. It is very hard for people to believe that a child’s characteristics have transferred to their adult selves.

More importantly, admissions officers would like to know more about how you changed in the current time; there is little use in knowing what positive changes or character traits you’ve had in the past.

Cliché “thirst for knowledge”: There’s not much else to say about this section other than the fact that writing that you have a “thirst for knowledge” has been overdone. There are plenty of students who write that they are curious and are always learning. Unfortunately, this has become so saturated that it is sometimes even mocked in not just the admissions process but in job applications too. Even business gurus have been mocked for it: take Tai Lopez and his regrettable “knowledge” video.  

Corny ending: Here at Penningpapers, the intro paragraph is the most important paragraph of all, but that doesn’t mean the ending paragraph should be neglected. A bad ending paragraph will still leave a bad taste in the admissions officer’s mouth. So, what’s wrong with the ending? Well, it’s the mention of the “whys” “hows” and the “in essence.” These are famous lines that parallel Nietzsche’s quote “He who has a why can bear any how”. The “whys” and “hows” have been overplayed, and in STEM related college essays, we’ve found that the words “in essense” more times than we could count. The essay in all wasn’t particularly bad, but hearing the last paragraph made us want to puke.

In short, Brittany Stinson’s Costco college essay wasn’t perfect, but it was certainly a piece that stood out amongst the rest of the admissions essays. Perhaps you, dear reader, would like to make your admissions essay perfect. Perhaps you would like to make it as good as possible to remove any doubt of college acceptance, or even make up for poor scores. Perhaps it is too difficult to compete in the admissions process because your dream school is far too prestigious and competitive.

For that, we recommend you shoot us a call or send us a message so we can take a look at your application because remember: even the best application essays have critical flaws without editing!    

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