• 100 Profile Essay Topics

As part of a school assignment or a college application, you may be asked to write a profile essay. This type of essay is a portrait of a person, place, thing, or idea. The goal is to provide readers with enough information so that they can understand the main subject of the essay.

But to write a profile essay that will earn you a good grade or acceptance into an educational institution, you’ll need to follow some specific guidelines.

To assist you in your writing endeavors, we’ve created this handy guide detailing everything you need to know about writing a profile essay and included 100 profile essay topics to help inspire your writing.

Is Profile Essay Writing Hard?

Completing a profile essay can be relatively simple for many students, assuming that they choose an interesting subject and have enough time to conduct a thorough investigation. However, some students find this type of essay writing more challenging than others.

One of the main reasons some students struggle with profile essays is that they don’t fully understand what this type of assignment is asking of them. Another common issue has to do with choosing an appropriate subject. Some students select a topic that is either too broad or too narrow in scope, making it challenging to write a well-rounded essay.

Ultimately, by sticking to the following guidelines, any student will be able to create an interesting profile essay that will stand out from the rest.

Instructions for Writing a Profile Essay

You need to follow three main steps to write a successful profile essay. These include:

  • Select an appropriate subject
  • Conduct research on your subject
  • Write your essay

Let’s take a closer look at each of these steps in more detail.

1. Select an appropriate subject

When it comes to choosing a subject for your profile essay, it’s essential to select someone or something that you are familiar with and that you can write about in an interesting way. For example, your subject could be a famous person, a politician, an artist, a musician, or even a local business owner.

2. Conduct research on your subject

Once you have selected your subject, it’s time to start conducting research. This will involve reading articles, watching videos, and interviewing people familiar with your topic. When doing your research, it’s important to take notes so that you can later reference this information in your essay.

3. Write your essay

After gathering all of the necessary information, you can start writing your essay. Begin by introducing your subject and providing some background information. Then, focus on including specific details to help readers understand your subject better.

Essential Writing Tips for a Profile Essay

When writing your profile essay, there are some helpful tips that you can follow to ensure that your essay is well-written and engaging for readers. These tips include:

Write in the third person

Avoid using personal pronouns such as “I,” “me,” “we,” and “us.” Instead, always refer to your subject by their name or use third-person pronouns such as “he,” “she,” “they,” and “them.”

Use strong verbs

When describing your subject, use strong verbs that will help bring your essay to life for readers. Some examples of strong verbs include:

Avoid overusing phrases

When writing your essay, avoid overusing phrases meant to be used as transitions between sentences such as “in conclusion,” “to sum up,” and “as a result.” These phrases can make your writing sound choppy and distract readers. Instead, opt for more original and interesting language that will help make your essay stand out. Some additional phrases to use in your writing include:

  • In order to
  • For the purpose of
  • With the goal of
  • The aim/objective of
  • As a result of
  • Consequently

Include quotes

In order to add more depth to your essay, consider including quotes from people who know your subject well. These could be quotes from interviews that you conducted or from articles that you read. Just be sure to properly cite any quotes you include in your essay.

Writing a Thesis for a Profile Essay

Like any essay writing assignment, your profile essay will need to have a clear and concise thesis statement. This statement should be included in your introduction, and it should briefly describe what your essay will be about.

A strong thesis statement for a profile essay should include:

  • The name of the person or thing that you are writing about
  • A brief description of what you will be discussing in your essay
  • The main reason why you are writing about this subject

Here is an example of a strong thesis statement for a profile essay:

“John Smith is a successful businessman who has created and maintained a successful business despite challenges in the current economy.”

As you can see, this thesis statement includes the name of the subject, a brief description of what will be discussed in the essay, and the main reason for writing about John Smith.

With the above guidelines for crafting a well-written profile essay in mind, you may now be wondering what topics you could write about. If you’re struggling to come up with ideas, here are 100 profile essay topics to get you started:

Profile Essay Topics About People

  • A close friend
  • A family member
  • A classmate
  • The cashier at your local grocery store
  • The barista at your favorite coffee shop
  • A famous actor or musician
  • A politician
  • A historical figure
  • Your doctor
  • Your dentist
  • Your teacher
  • The CEO of a company
  • A celebrity chef
  • A fashion designer
  • A web developer
  • A veterinarian

Profile Essay Topics About Places

  • Your hometown
  • A small town that you have visited
  • A large city that you have lived in or visited
  • Your favorite vacation spot
  • An amusement park
  • A national park
  • An art gallery
  • A music festival
  • A carnival or fair
  • Your church or place of worship
  • Your favorite restaurant
  • Your favorite store
  • A local business in your hometown
  • A farmer’s market
  • A movie theater

Profile Essay Topics About Things

  • Your house or apartment
  • Your favorite possession
  • An heirloom that has been passed down in your family
  • A piece of jewelry
  • A painting or photograph
  • A concert ticket
  • Your favorite book
  • Your favorite movie
  • Your favorite musical album
  • Your cellphone
  • Your computer
  • Your television
  • Your gaming console

Profile Essay Topics About Events

  • A wedding that you have attended
  • A birthday party
  • A baby shower
  • A retirement party
  • A holiday celebration
  • An anniversary party
  • A graduation ceremony
  • A sports tournament or game
  • A dance performance
  • A musical concert
  • A comedy show

Profile Essay Topics About Activities

  • Rock climbing
  • Playing an instrument
  • Drawing or painting
  • Bird watching

Profile Essay Topics About Concepts

Profile essay topics about social issues.

  • Immigration
  • Global warming
  • Child labor
  • Gun violence
  • Animal cruelty
  • The death penalty

Any of these 100 profile essay topics are sure to get you started on the right foot! Just remember to choose a subject that you’re passionate about, and you’ll be well on your way to writing an engaging and informative profile essay.

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Profile Essay

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Let’s take a look at a profile essay. In order to understand what it means, you may allow yourself to engage in an interview where you are able to read a person’s autobiography . As you go long into this article, you will be able to know more about what a profile essay is and how to write a good profile essay.

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What is a Profile Essay?

A profile essay is a form of literary writing that tells about a person, place or event. This is intended to provide a detailed profile of something that offers every reader to make a certain perspective or judgment over a subject. This is different from a descriptive essay. It does not only entails description of a subject, rather it is designed to answer questions to identify something.

How to Start Writing a Profile Essay?

Step 1: get the right information.

Doing research is the most important thing to do before you begin writing your research profile. This will help you get a detailed information about your subject. Always make sure that you are using trusted sources like library materials, online articles, etc.

Step 2: Validate Your Information

Check the release date of an article as well as have comprehensive the contents are. Avoid getting information from outdated sources.

Step 3: Outline Your Essay

Always prepare with you a profile essay outline. Essay outlines help in making it easier for you to pinpoint the first idea and what should follow next. This will help you organize your gathered data appropriately.

Step 4: Revise or Proofread Your Profile Essay

Once you have followed the three steps meticulously, you are also well aware that you will need to revise anything that needs to be revised. This includes proofreading any mistakes you may have made throughout. In order to present a good profile essay, you must also make sure it is presentable. No erasures and no mistakes as much as possible.

Do we still have to apply writing style in making a profile essay?

It is advisable to practice yourself to pay attention with the tone and style of your essay. This will make your piece engaging and interesting to read.

What is the purpose of making a profile essay?

The purpose of an essay is to give the readers a full description of your chosen topic. Aside from that, it is also for you to be able to express something about the subject, may it be an argument in response to a certain issue or question and on what you have learned about it. You may also use an essay to persuade your readers that your stand is reasonable.

What to do when picking for the right title of your essay?

Think about what you want to make in your essay. You should reflect on the main idea of your essay. Make it as the basis of creating a unique title for your piece.

What are some things to consider when choosing a subject for profile essay?

You should always choose a reasonable subject and don’t forget to research something about it.

What are the elements of a profile essay?

The elements of a profile essay starts with the introduction paragraph , followed by the body of the paragraph, and ends with the conclusion paragraph .

Before we are able to learn how to do  essay writing , we always seek for mastery  skills  in it. We all know that an essay is composed of the three basic parts namely the introduction, body paragraph, and the conclusion. You may see examples from different essays like  argumentative essay ,  informative essay ,  career essay  and more.

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Write a Profile Essay on a community leader who has made a difference in your area.

Discuss the achievements and challenges of a local entrepreneur in your Profile Essay.

Home — Essay Types — Profile Essay

Profile Essay Examples

Choosing the right topic for a profile essay is crucial to its success. Profile essays offer a deep dive into the subject's life, environment, or a particular aspect that makes them stand out. The beauty of profile essays lies in their flexibility and the wide range of potential subjects they can cover, from individuals to places, and from events to significant personal experiences. When selecting profile essay topics, the aim is to find a narrative that is both engaging and insightful, offering readers a window into something unique and captivating. Here are some considerations and ideas for selecting the best profile essay topics.

Our List of Best Profile Essay Topics

Crafting the best profile essays involves delving into the heart and soul of a subject, capturing their essence in a way that resonates deeply with readers. These essays stand out not just for the depth of their exploration but also for their ability to tell a compelling story. From intimate portraits of individuals to vivid descriptions of places and events, the best profile essays illuminate the richness of their subjects, offering insights and perspectives that are both enlightening and engaging. Here are ten ideas for profile essays that have the potential to rank among the best, showcasing a range of subjects that can inspire and captivate.

  • Cultivating Green Spaces in the City
  • Wildlife Rangers Protecting Endangered Species
  • Innovations in Education: The Teachers Redefining Learning
  • The Resilient Refugee: Building a New Life Far from Home
  • Frontiers of the Mind: Exploring the Work of Neuroscientists
  • Chefs Preserving Traditional Cuisines
  • Street Artists Voicing Social Change
  • Redefining Work in the 21st Century
  • Marine Biologists Saving Our Oceans
  • Women Leading Community Development

Some Popular Profile Essay Ideas

Exploring unique and compelling profile essay ideas allows writers to delve into the intricacies of their subjects, offering readers a vivid glimpse into diverse worlds and experiences. These essays illuminate the essence of individuals, places, events, or phenomena, providing a detailed snapshot that engages and informs. The key to a captivating profile essay lies in choosing a topic that resonates on a personal and universal level. Here are five sample topics spanning different categories, showcasing the versatility of profile essay ideas:

  • The Innovator in Renewable Energy

Explore the journey of an individual pioneering sustainable solutions in renewable energy, highlighting their contributions and the impact on global environmental challenges.

  • The Heart of Community Theater

Delve into the life of a director or actor in a small community theater, capturing the passion and dedication behind local performing arts and its effect on the community.

  • Guardians of the Lost Arts

Profile an artisan dedicated to preserving a dying art form, from traditional weaving techniques to ancient blacksmithing, exploring the significance of keeping these traditions alive.

  • The Urban Forager

Uncover the world of someone who practices urban foraging, discussing how they find, gather, and use wild food resources in a city landscape to promote sustainability and a connection to nature.

  • A Day with a Mountain Guide

Follow the experiences of a mountain guide, showcasing the challenges and rewards of guiding adventurers in some of the world’s most treacherous terrains and the lessons learned amidst nature’s grandeur.

What is a Profile Essay?

A profile essay is a detailed and informative piece of writing that focuses on describing a person, place, or event. It allows the writer to provide readers with a deeper understanding of the subject by painting a vivid picture with descriptive language and specific details. Profile essays are often written in a narrative style, making them engaging and captivating for the reader. By going beyond basic information and delving into the unique aspects of the subject, profile essays can create a vibrant portrait that allows the reader to truly connect with the subject.

What Does Profile Essay Mean?

Profile essays aim to tell the story of a person, place, or event in a way that is engaging and informative. These essays focus on specific aspects of the subject’s personality, background, or experiences to create a more compelling and interesting profile. By delving into the details that make the subject unique, profile essays can capture the essence of the subject and provide readers with a deeper understanding of who or what is being profiled. Through detailed descriptions, anecdotes, and insights, profile essays create a vivid and engaging portrait that allows the reader to connect with the subject on a deeper level.

What Are The Main Goals Of Profile Essays?

The main goals of a profile essay are to engage and inform the reader by capturing the essence of the subject. This is achieved through detailed descriptions, anecdotes, and insights that provide a vibrant portrait of the subject. Profile essays aim to entertain, inspire, or challenge the reader’s perceptions by going beyond basic information and delving into the unique aspects of the subject. By creating a compelling and engaging profile, writers can truly engage and inform their readers, leaving a lasting impact on their audience.

How to Write a Good Profile Essay

To write a good profile essay, it is important to follow a few key steps. First, choose a subject that is interesting and unique to capture the reader’s attention. Then, gather reliable information about the subject through research and interviews to provide depth and insight into the profile. Creating a detailed outline can help organize your thoughts and structure your essay coherently and engagingly. Finally, using descriptive language and specific details to bring the subject to life for the reader can create a vivid and engaging portrait that truly captures the essence of the subject.

How Do I Prepare to Write Profile Essays?

Preparing to write a profile essay involves several steps to ensure a successful and engaging essay. By exploring examples of profile essays , choosing a unique and interesting topic, deciding on the writing style, gathering reliable information, and creating a detailed plan, writers can set themselves up for success. Taking the time to prepare and plan before writing can help ensure the profile essay is engaging, informative, and captivating for the reader. By following these steps, writers can create compelling and memorable profile essays that truly engage and inform their readers.

To prepare to write a profile essay, there are several steps you can take:

  • Explore P rofile Writing Examples : Before you begin writing your profile essay, it can be helpful to read examples of profile essays to get a sense of the style and structure.
  • Choose a Topic: Select a subject for your profile essay that is interesting, unique, and has depth.
  • Find Your Writing Style: Decide on the tone and style of your profile essay, whether it is formal, informal, personal, or objective.
  • Look For Reliable Information: Gather information about your subject from a variety of sources, including interviews, research, and observations.
  • Create a Plan: Develop an outline for your profile essay that includes a clear introduction, body, and conclusion.

Below we will go through two main points from this list.

Explore P rofile Writing  Examples

Before embarking on their assignments, students are advised to meticulously explore profile essay examples to grasp the composition and structure of the text. For this purpose, entering “profile essay example” into a search engine will yield numerous resources. However, it is crucial to select resources that are either highly reviewed or free from errors. Additionally, educational publications frequently release compilations of various essay types, including profile writing examples, which can serve as valuable resources.

Check those profile essay examples [PDF]:

During the review of these examples, it is essential to observe the text’s organization, formatting, thematic development across paragraphs, and the employment of literary devices. Attention should also be given to the writer’s style, choice of language, and more. Importantly, examine the introduction and conclusion closely to understand how the writer engages the reader from the outset and the phrases utilized to craft a compelling closing. Note these techniques for potential incorporation into your writing.

Engage with as many examples as possible to appreciate the unique writing styles of different authors, as this can reveal nuances and techniques not evident in other works. Profile essay examples serve as a rich source of fundamental insights that may not be covered in classroom teachings.

Creating compelling profile writing examples can significantly aid students in mastering the art of profile essays. These examples not only showcase how to capture the essence of a person but also demonstrate how to weave narrative and factual information into a cohesive and engaging story. Here are two profile writing examples tailored for students, focusing on different subjects to illustrate a range of approaches.

Profile Example 1: The Innovator in the Classroom

At first glance, Mr. Jameson’s physics classroom looks like any other, filled with rows of desks and the periodic hum of fluorescent lights. However, a closer look reveals that this is no ordinary educational space. At the front of the room stands Mr. Elliot Jameson, a teacher known among students as the “Innovator.” With a passion for making physics accessible and exciting, Mr. Jameson has transformed his classroom into a dynamic learning environment where traditional lectures are rare, and hands-on experiments are the norm. Mr. Jameson’s journey into teaching was unconventional. With a background in engineering and a stint at a tech startup, he brings a unique perspective to education. He believes in teaching through failure and experimentation, a philosophy that has earned him both accolades and a few raised eyebrows from traditionalists. His methods, however, speak for themselves. Under his guidance, students who once dreaded physics now eagerly anticipate his classes, and his Physics Club has grown to be the largest in the school’s history. What sets Mr. Jameson apart is his ability to connect with students on a personal level. He spends countless hours after school tutoring students, not just in physics, but in life. His classroom is adorned with student projects, posters of scientific heroes, and a corner dedicated to failed experiments, labeled “The Learning Pit.” In Mr. Jameson’s words, “Failure isn’t the opposite of success; it’s a stepping stone towards it. My goal is to make my students resilient problem-solvers, ready for the challenges of the future.

Profile Example 2: The Quiet Leader

Maria Gomez stands quietly at the edge of the community garden, her hands deep in the soil. To an outsider, she might appear to be just another volunteer, but to those in the neighborhood, she is the heart and soul of this green oasis in the middle of the city. A senior at the local high school, Maria has been the driving force behind the garden’s transformation from a neglected plot of land to a vibrant community hub. Maria’s leadership style is not one of loud declarations or grand gestures. Instead, she leads by example, dedicating her weekends to the garden, tirelessly weeding, planting, and organizing community planting days. Her commitment has inspired others to join in, turning the garden into a project that has brought together people from all walks of life. Despite her quiet demeanor, Maria’s impact is undeniable. The garden has not only beautified the neighborhood but has also become a source of fresh produce for local families. Through her initiative, Maria has organized cooking classes and nutrition workshops, empowering her community with knowledge about healthy living. Reflecting on her work, Maria shares, “This garden isn’t just about growing food; it’s about growing connections. It’s a place where everyone is welcome, and every plant tells a story of collaboration and care.

This profile writing examples for students demonstrate the power of storytelling in capturing the essence of their subjects. Each profile offers a glimpse into the individuals’ lives, highlighting their achievements, philosophies, and the impact they have on those around them.

Find Your Writing Style

Cultivating a distinctive writing style is like sculpting your signature sound in a vast choir. It involves delving into what makes your perspective unique. For those embarking on crafting profile essays or enriching their narrative skills, here are ten tailored tips to guide you toward discovering and refining your writing style, with a nod to students seeking inspiration through profile essay on a person example, an example of a profile essay, and examples of profile essays:

  • Diversify Your Writing : The more you write, the more refined your style becomes. Challenge yourself with a variety of genres, topics, and lengths. A personal diary or blog can serve as a sandbox for your creativity.
  • Select Writing Mentors : Identify writers whose styles resonate with you. Analyze what aspects of their writing appeal to you and integrate these insights into your work, ensuring to maintain your originality.
  • Broaden Your Reading Palette : Immerse yourself in a wide range of literature, from timeless classics to contemporary journalistic works. This exposure can significantly influence your style.
  • Embrace Writerly Wisdom : Seek out and apply advice from accomplished writers. Even unconventional tips, like avoiding common verbs (e.g., “to be”, “to have”, and “to think”) to encourage more descriptive language, can stretch your creative muscles.
  • Study Language and Craft : Delve into resources about language arts, writing techniques, and journalism. These materials are gold mines of exercises that can sharpen your writing skills.
  • Eliminate Fluff Words : Scour your writing for words that offer little to no value and cut them out. This practice leads to more potent and direct expression.
  • Be Wary of Repetition : Keep an eye out for needless repetition, overuse of pronouns, and reliance on the verb “to be”. Strive for variety and depth in your sentence structures.
  • Zero in on a Genre : While exploring different styles is beneficial, specializing in a specific genre can help you deepen your expertise. Study its conventions and reader expectations to enhance your proficiency.
  • Experiment with Narrative Voices : Play with different points of view and narrative voices to discover what best suits your story and style. Each perspective offers unique advantages and challenges.
  • Practice Critical Self-Review : Regularly review your writing with a critical eye. Identify patterns, strengths, and areas for improvement. Peer feedback can also provide valuable insights into your style’s effectiveness.

By integrating these strategies into your practice, you can develop a writing style that is unmistakably yours, whether you’re crafting a profile essay on a person, searching for the perfect example of a profile essay, or exploring the broader realm of profile essays and writing examples for students.

How to Write a Profile Essay?

Starting to write a profile essay involves several key steps to ensure a successful and engaging essay. By getting the right information about the subject, validating the information through research and interviews, outlining the essay to create a cohesive structure, and revising or proofreading for clarity and accuracy, writers can set themselves up for success. Taking the necessary steps to prepare and plan before writing can help ensure the profile essay is engaging, informative, and captivating for the reader. With practice and dedication, writers can hone their profile writing skills and create compelling and memorable essays that truly engage and inspire their readers.

  • Step 1: Get the Right Information: Before you start writing your profile essay, make sure you have gathered all the necessary information about your subject.
  • Step 2: Validate Your Information: Verify the accuracy of the information you have collected through research and interviews.
  • Step 3: Outline Your Essay: Create a detailed outline for your profile essay that includes a clear introduction, body, and conclusion.
  • Step 4: Revise or Proofread Your Profile Essay: Once you have completed your profile essay, take the time to revise and proofread it to ensure clarity, accuracy, and coherence.

How to Start Writing a Profile Essay

In conclusion, writing a profile essay can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can create a compelling and informative profile that captures the essence of your subject. Remember to choose a unique and interesting topic, gather reliable information, and use descriptive language to bring your subject to life. With practice and dedication, you can master the art of profile writing and create memorable essays that engage and inspire your readers.

Remember to maintain objectivity, seek feedback, and thoroughly revise your essay for clarity and coherence.

Steps to Writing a Profile Essay Structure

Regarding your profile essay structure , it must include the following sections: 

  • Introduction with the basic background information about the person, event, or activity that you describe. Introduction with the basic background information about the person, event, or activity that you describe. Start your profile essay with an engaging introduction that introduces the subject and sets the tone for the rest of the essay.
  • The list of facts with the timeline if you are talking about a certain period. 
  • A paragraph about the general social perception of your topic and the reasons why your subject is important. 
  • Three to five body paragraphs that focus on important facts about your topic. The general idea is to use one fact per paragraph to keep things accurate and well-structured. 
  • An analytical paragraph where you talk about your thoughts and the reasons why you have chosen certain facts and how they affected your studies, society, or what importance is posed for your course. 
  • A conclusion paragraph. This is where you sum your ideas up and focus on the key facts that have been mentioned. 
  • References page. Since we are dealing with the facts that need evidence, the use of citations is paramount for a successful profile essay structure. 

See our free profile essay example and don’t forget to check our profile essay checklist to ensure that nothing has been missed by accident: 

✔️ Provide interesting details and facts. ✔️ Keep your style and tone neutral. ✔️ Use a unique introduction with a hook sentence. ✔️ Check your facts and add quotes as evidence. ✔️ Use only academic sources. ✔️ Use a neutral tone. ✔️ Opinions from more than one school of thought.

Working on your profile, always refer to your course specifics and discipline as it may introduce additional rules regarding your structure and information that must be included. 

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What is a profile essay?

A typical profile essay example is a creative description of a personality, an event, or an object that relates to a particular person. In some cases, you can choose topics or ideas that describe a celebrity or a scientist. It must deal with the facts and provide descriptions. The other profile essay topics may talk about a career, a defining moment with a teacher, or a profile on social media.

How to write profile essays?

As you will see with most examples of profile essays, they represent a collection of facts with a brief analysis. It is a narration that focuses on a person. However, it must not get boring and become a listing of already known facts. Provide analytical information, interesting data, and argumentation that tells why a certain profile matters to you or had an impact on society.

How do I choose a subject for my profile essay?

Selecting a subject for your profile essay involves identifying a topic that you find intriguing and believe will captivate your audience. It could be someone with an interesting story or occupation, a place with historical significance, or an event that has impacted a community. Consider accessibility to the subject for interviews and research, and ensure there is enough substance to explore deeply.

What are some key elements to include in a profile essay?

Key elements of a profile essay include a captivating introduction that hooks the reader, detailed background information about the subject, a vivid description that employs sensory details, direct quotations from interviews, and a reflective conclusion that ties the insights and observations together. Incorporating personal observations and thoughts can also add depth to your essay.

How do I conduct research for a profile essay?

Research for a profile essay involves both primary and secondary sources. Start with secondary research to gather background information about your subject. Then, conduct primary research through interviews and firsthand observations to capture the nuances of your subject's personality, environment, or activities. Ensure your questions are open-ended to elicit detailed responses.

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profile essay title examples

How to Write a Profile Essay (+ Examples to Check)

In the article, you’ll find the profile essay definition and structure. Several examples are also here to help you see how to create a brilliant one.

What is a Profile Essay?

Such papers have two primary goals:

  •  Stay informative
  •  Provide as many exciting details about the subject as possible

Another essential detail is that you shouldn’t stray from the topic. Mention only the relevant things, and don’t be afraid to keep the focus as narrow as possible.

That’s the point of any profile essay.

Profile Essay Example

Profile essays look personal, but their style is matter-of-fact and academic. It seems challenging, but you can do that with appropriate examples at hand.

There are two common types of such papers: on a person and a place . Since each has its specifics, let’s jump right into the samples!

Profile essay example on a person 

Lucky you are when a professor assigns an essay about yourself. After all, it’s a person you know best, right? When writing about someone else, the key is to treat them how you’d treat yourself if you wrote your story.

Here’s an example of a profile essay on a person :

Profile essay example on a place  

Another profile paper is the one describing a specific location. It can include its history, spots, and the famous people who visited it. 

Choose the places you find exciting, but consider how much information you can dig up. Remember that a stellar profile essay must be informative. Put your emotions about what you’re describing aside.  Example:

How to Write a Profile Essay: Outline and Tips

profile-essay-structure

One of the profile essay challenges is making it long enough  to meet the word count.

You can do it through research and adding extra info during the writing process. Imagine you’re a detective compiling a case file!

More details:

Craft a profile essay outline before writing. It’s a plan for an intro, a body, and a conclusion [1]. Important: Outline the thesis and topic sentences for each paragraph. That way, you’ll get a template for your essay to fill in with relevant information.

How to start a profile essay

The best way to start your essay is a so-called attention grabber. Tell the most intriguing fact about your topic and elaborate on it in the following sentence.

As a finishing touch, focus on a thesis statement. That last sentence reveals all the details you’ll discuss in the upcoming paragraphs.

Body paragraphs

You need several main points, whether writing about a personality or describing a location. Derive topic sentences (your paragraphs’ first sentences) from research and make them informative.

The last sentence of each section should be a transition to the next one. It will make your essay easy to read.

Writing a profile essay conclusion

Unlike an interview or expository essay , your conclusion restates the thesis and summarizes the core info from your paper.

While it sounds simple, this part of your paper is the most significant. Ensure you end it with a relevant sum-up.

Practical tips on writing profile papers  

Profile papers are all about research and editing your essay to perfection. Below are three fruitful tips [2] on how to do that.

  • Use a reference finder . This tool works like a filter, removing all irrelevant sources from your search. It will help you invest less time in finding the materials you need.
  • Spend several hours resting before editing your paper . If you look for mistakes in your essay right after you’ve finished the draft, you’re likely to miss them. Give your brain time to refocus, and you’ll find more typos and inconsistencies.
  • Ask parents or friends how informative it is . If unsure about how your paper turned out, ask someone who doesn’t know much about the topic. If they find your draft engaging, it’s a success.

Bonus: Profile Essay Topics Ideas  

If a tutor doesn’t provide a specific topic for your profile essay and you struggle to find one, try any of these:

  •   My Hometown’s History: The Hero of People
  •   The Writer Who Shaped My View of Life
  •   The Best Five-Star Hotel In Our Country
  •   An Unusual Millionaire With a Kind Heart
  •   A Touching Story of a Famous Animal
  •   My Favorite Painter: A Biography
  •   My Favorite Touristic Location
  •   The Spookiest Location I’ve Ever Visited
  •   The Teacher Who Was My Role Model
  •   The Landmark I’ll Never Forget
  •   My Pet Animal: Facts and Stories
  •   My Hero: The Person I Want to Become
  •   The Most Impressive Water Body I’ve Seen
  •   The Place I Dream to Visit
  •   The Fictional Character I Learned Most From

Profile essays can be challenging. Yet, they’re great for training your writing and research skills. You pay attention to details so that a text flows and presents information logically.

It’s okay if you don’t create a masterpiece on your first try. Just remember to have fun in the process.

References:

  • https://www.adelaide.edu.au/english-for-uni/essay-writing
  • https://www.wccnet.edu/webfiles/writing-center/web/essay-structures/ProfileEssay.pdf
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  • Profile Essay

150 Profile Essay Topics Easy and Fun to Write

Profile essay topics are considered some of the most engaging assignments students usually get.  Writing profiles is an exciting process because you receive a chance to explore something on a deep level, but the problem is, there are lots of things that should be taken into account before you can even think about success. Profile essay is an informative type of writing where you provide your readers with a clear description of someone or something, be that a person, a character, an event, or even a place.

Such papers have two major features: they should have lots of vivid details and they must flow smoothly. Whatever profile ideas you choose, you should write in a specific style. It must be descriptive, objective, and engaging, instantly attracting readers’ attention and holding it until the very end. But first, you have to understand what exactly you’re going to be profiling, and here’s where you might need some help. Not all themes will be interesting, just as not all of them will inspire you to start writing. We have prepared a list of essay topic samples that students may use for any subject.

Getting Good Profile Essay Ideas

How to choose a topic for profiling? There are many options, but sometimes it feels like none of them work. If nothing immediately comes into your mind, don’t worry — start with general tips before narrowing them down to something more specific.

  • Look through samples of profile essays.  Before deciding on a topic, take a look at similar papers published online. Check example after example, noting down what other people decided to explore and letting it stimulate your own ideas. This way, you’ll get inspiration as well as gain an inkling as to what kind of profile essays you’d prefer to work on.
  • Consider subjects.  Think about what you like. Are there topics you find genuinely inspiring? Maybe there is a family member or a friend who you love and want to describe. Perhaps there is a movie character that haunts your thoughts, and a profile essay is a chance to understand them even better. If it’s an intriguing historical event or a place you dream of visiting, it’ll result in an exciting paper, too, so consider your surroundings and decide on the best profile ideas.
  • Prepare for an essay thoroughly.  If you think you’ve chosen suitable topic, start collecting information about this subject. In case this is a place, visit it or study pictures depicting it. The more detailed they are, the better. If this is a person, talk to them, ask them some interesting questions, and make extra notes about their personality. If you find them fascinating, you stand higher chances of conveying this to your readers and making them feel the same. All these steps will be of great help as you start writing an essay.

List of Good Profile Essays Topics

We came up with 150 essay topics that college students could find mentally stimulating. If you see an option you like, be sure to use it!

  • President Trump’s Profile: His Ambitions, Personal Qualities, and Intentions
  • Greece as a Country with the Most Interesting History
  • Typical Behavior for a Three-Year-Old Child
  • Christmas as the Most Favorite Holiday for Americans
  • Fox Mulder as the FBI Profiler: Understanding His Personality
  • Writing a Self-Profile: How I See My Personal Characteristics
  • Profile on the Person Who Has Most Hits in Google
  • Objective View on Africa: Its History, Real Problems, & Victories
  • Profiling Zodiac Killer: What Kind of Person They Could Have Been
  • Why Ted Bundy Was Not Caught For So Long: Charming Personality & Violent Interior
  • Understanding Why Cats Behave Like They Do & How to Build a Bond With Them
  • Profile One of Ancient Kings Based on Available Historical Information
  • My Role Model: A Person Who Helped Me Determine My Life Path
  • Adolf Hitler, His Ideology and Personality: What Drew So Many Germans to Him
  • Develop a Perfect Image of a Father Figure: What Kind of Features Should They Have?
  • Dogs as Human’s Best Friends
  • Why France is Considered the Most Romantic Country?
  • Mystery Surrounding Egypt: How It Appeared and What It Means
  • Analyze Your Favorite Bakery and Explain Why It’s Good
  • Hannibal Lecter: When Violence and Attachment Clash
  • Everything a New User Should Know About Facebook
  • Twitter as the Best Social Media Platform for Those Who Prefer Short Posts
  • How Birds Communicate with Each Other
  • Create Full Background For Your Favorite Movie
  • Bryan Fuller as the Strangest and Friendliest Director
  • The Most Genuine Charity in the US
  • Sportsman Who Has Had a Big Impact on the Country
  • How Sleep-Deprived Students Act & How to Recognize Them
  • Ideal President: Describe Him or Her
  • What Makes a Specific Holiday Resort Stand Out
  • Profile on Jack the Ripper
  • The Coziest Coffee Shop in the City
  • Profiling Jack Reeves and His Attitude to His Wives
  • What the Concept of Home Means for You
  • TV Brand Most Consumers Choose: Why is It Special?
  • Popularity of iPhones: Why Does It Happen?
  • Your Favorite Subject at College
  • Describe & Analyze the Latest Movie You Have Watched
  • My Mother as the Embodiment of Grace
  • My Father as Representation of Patience
  • My Grandfather as Picture of Endurance and Dry Wit
  • My Grandmother as Representative of Strength and Affection
  • Serial Cheaters: Why They Do What They Do
  • YouTube and Story Behind Its Development
  • Profile of President Putin and His Leadership
  • What Makes Lives of Movie Stars Difficult
  • Story Behind My Favorite Childhood Toy
  • How Dating Agencies Operate
  • What Kind of People Use Online Dating?
  • What My Best Friend’s Mind Is Represented By

Have you found some most interesting profile paper topics? If you haven’t yet, we have more options for your future essay.

  • Musical Performance That Changed My Life
  • Profile on a Person Who Experiences Frequent Panic Attacks
  • Profiling a Fictional Demon: Sebastian Michaelis
  • Create Picture of Your College
  • What Your Room Says About You
  • Why One Specific Chocolate Brand Stands Out in Your Mind
  • The Most Influential Person You Know
  • Best Camp For Children
  • Features That Turn Halloween Into Beloved Holiday
  • Most Comfortable Zoo I Visited
  • The Most Exciting Episode of House MD
  • Which Love Story Is Considered Most Beautiful
  • What Type of Dancing You Prefer
  • Most Expensive Painting in the World
  • Racial Profiling and How It Is Done
  • What Matchmakers Are Motivated By
  • Amazon, Its Assets, Challenges & Owners
  • People Who Become Police Officers
  • Why Someone Choose to Become Firefighters
  • Who Becomes a Nurse

Still nothing? There are more profile essay topics below.

  • What We Can Say About Humans Who Commit Hate Crimes
  • Profile Topic on Serial Rapists
  • Dana Scully as Embodiment of Rationality and Empathy
  • Famous Footballer: A Story of Determination
  • Why Opposites Attract: Reasons and Implications
  • Understanding How Starbucks Operates
  • Profile Topic on People With Volatile Temperament
  • Moscow as the New World Capital
  • Students Who Choose Philosophy as a Major
  • What We Can Assume About Queen Victoria
  • Hilton Chain of Hotels and Their Key Advantages
  • Types of Personalities That Decide on Being Surgeons
  • My Brother’s Girlfriend: Features and Observations
  • What Makes Females Commit Crimes
  • Profile Topic on Average Tumblr User
  • How Stalin Managed to Build a Strong Country
  • What People Usually Suffer from Panic Attacks?
  • Describe a Memorable Conflict: Why It Occurred & How It Was Resolved
  • What Motivates Countries to Start Wars
  • Taxi Drivers and the Stories They Could Tell
  • Deceased Celebrities and Why They Are Remembered Years Later
  • Person Who Corresponds to Conventional Beauty Standards
  • Largest Cemetery in the World
  • Worst Known Roommates
  • Most Impressive Ballet Opera in 2020
  • Most Famous Unsolved Murder
  • How & Why Social Networks Appeared
  • Why Some Winters Are Hot
  • Favorite Disney Princesses American Children Have
  • Why New York Is So Popular
  • What Turns Wine Expensive
  • Forgotten Historical Landmarks Few of Us Know About
  • The Fiercest Battle That Happened During WW2
  • War Museums in Germany & Their Meaning
  • Somali: Background, War, & Future Possibilities
  • How Weapons Appeared & Evolved Over the Years
  • Oldest Cold Case That Still Has Not Been Solved
  • The First Reality TV In History
  • Who Is the Richest Man in 2020 & Their Background
  • Richest Woman in the World & How She Handles Her Fortune

Here are ten other good profile essay ideas. Pick any topic you like and develop it for college essay.

  • Doctor at Your Local Hospital: Personal Interview and Insights
  • People Obsessed with Cars: How They Choose Their Passion?
  • Profile on Merlin From TV Show: His Obsession & Goodness
  • President Kennedy and What Made His Life Popular
  • Barack Obama and His Contribution to America
  • Humans Who Develop Drug Addiction Most Often
  • Old-Fashioned Wedding Rituals
  • COVID-19: Full Profile on the Known Symptoms & Treatment
  • Women Who Choose Breast Implants: Who Are They?
  • Known Ghosts in the United States & Their Story

Suffer from writer’s block?

Your unique essay is just a few clicks away!

Some profile essay topics for college students could be more creative.

  • Drawing Facts about Albert Camus From Available Works
  • What Jane Austen’s Novels Say About Her Personality
  • Everything We Know About the Genius That Was Leonardo Da Vinci
  • Generations Fighting For Slavery Abolition: What Motivated Them?
  • Influences That Shape Best Writers
  • Hugo Boss’ Success Story
  • Mindset That Most Successful Creative Designers Have
  • Trying To Understand Goldfish and Their Thought Process
  • People Who Do Not Care About Social Norms
  • Why Sailors Are Drawn In By the Sea

Here are more interesting profile paper topics for essays that high school students might prefer an.

  • Why Children Love to Have Sleepovers Together
  • How Unfair Treatment Affects Student’s Academic Success
  • What Makes Religion Dangerous
  • Who Uses Instagram
  • Dangerous Sports and People Who Love Them
  • Forces That Drive Politics
  • The Best US Store For Teenagers
  • Real Personality of Christopher Columbus
  • What Could Be Derived From David Wallace’s Works About His Personality
  • Stephen King as the Master of Horrors: What Earned Him This Status

And these are ten last profile essay topic ideas.

  • What People Knowingly Marry Imprisoned Serial Killers
  • The Best Racing Car From the Current Collection
  • Understanding Character of Bella Swan
  • Profile on Your Local Town Deputy
  • What Is Happening in the Minds of People Who Abuse Their Power
  • A Complete Profile on My Overweight Cat
  • People Who Survive Tragedies: What Makes Them Strong
  • An Objective Evaluation of a Person I Dislike
  • Understanding Irresponsible Dog Owners
  • Profile of a Person Who Faces Discrimination Since Childhood

Choose a Great Topic and Impress Your Audience

There is a huge amount of good profile essay topics. As a profiler, you get an opportunity to learn something on a deeper level as well as share your insights with others. To a big extent, your success depends on the choice of a topic, so pay a lot of attention to it. Don’t make random choices — instead, analyze something you feel interested in.

If you are still feeling stuck and unable to make a final decision, you could always buy college papers . We have experts of different kinds working for us, and they could create profile essay topic ideas just for you or even write your paper entirely. Your wish is our command, so if you’re having any problems, let us know! Drop us a message, call us, or leave a request online, and before you know it, your work will be completed.

Can’t come up with a topic for you paper? We’ve prepared a collection of essay topics for you

Want to write a winning essay but lack experience? Browse our free essay samples

Related Topics

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Got to the bottom and still stuck with essay ideas?

How to Write a Stellar Profile Essay?

09 February, 2021

13 minutes read

Author:  Tomas White

A profile essay, or article, is a piece of journalistic-cum-literary writing. The aim is to present factual information on a given topic (person, place, animal, or event) while writing with an individual tone and style. In this article, we will expand on the concept of a profile essay. We will also tackle what a profile is and what purpose profiles serve. Finally, we will present strategies for preparing your research and strengthening your writing technique, as well as offer tips on structure and potential topics.

Profile Essay

What Is a Profile Essay?

A profile essay can be considered a literary piece of writing, in which the writer mainly delivers a descriptive account of a person, place, or event. The goal of the profile essay is to be informative. It usually conforms to standards found in journalism – that is to say, using facts and offering impartial reportage – while conveying this information in a literary style.

profile essay

Literary style means offering more to the reader than a revised press release or stenographed interview. Offer insight and immersion to the reader, show them the layers of character and environment, and run these underlying factual happenings through your individual interpretation of it all. 

The Purpose of Profile Essays

The purpose of a profile essay is to be read and well-received by an audience. It is not an obscure technical writing piece, although it may cover obscure figures or events. In general, profile essays appear in magazines and newspapers – in either their print or digital formats. They also appear in scholarly or trade journals, usually covering rising or established people within these niches.

For the writer, a profile essay is a piece of writing aimed at joining the journalistic and literary style. As mentioned in the previous section, journalistic writing must be factual and rigorously checked for errors. Literary writing has some joy involved in its reading; in what way that joy comes out in ‘writing style’ is up to you.

Ultimately, with those two concepts in mind, the purpose of a profile essay is to get you, the writer, some more work. Profiles are highly prevalent and serve as a fantastic way of adding more pieces to your portfolio, whether you’re a new essay writer or a seasoned pro.

Prepare for your essay

Preparing for a profile depends on how close you are to starting writing. Writers coming to this article with a stretch of time ahead of them have the luxury of doing some background reading that is not directly related to the matter at hand. Finding a good profile essay example has the hidden benefit of looking like a lazy weekend afternoon; get a stack of magazines and read.

Some of the most common places to find quality profiles are The New Yorker, The New York Review of Books, the London Review of Books, Esquire, or National Geographic. Another perspective is to look for writers, head to your bookshelf or local book store, and do some digging. Again, read and make some notes on the qualities you enjoy and dislike in a range of profiles.

Lastly, in terms of reading, examine the differences between an essay or article profiling a person and one that profiles an event.

That form of preparation is more akin to education. It is needed to bolster your understanding of the broad picture and what is essentially the marketplace for your piece of work. 

Preparing for your actual essay, not the skill of writing an ambiguous profile essay, is another matter. The research and reading that are highly relevant to your subject matter will make or break your profile essay. 

To begin with, you must find all profiles of your subject that are in existence and don’t require a transatlantic flight to a dusty library archive – in this instance, simply email the library and ask if they’ve considered digitizing their collection, starting with your desired piece. 

One of the most surefire organization tactics for research is timelining. Start at the beginning; be sure to go into ‘negative digits’ and look at the parent’s history or the town’s history, or anything else that emerges in your research.

After ‘time’ as a category of thinking comes ‘significance.’ What were the defining features of this person’s life, and to what sort of ‘movement’ might they belong? Add this into your timeline research and press on.

Have you selected a person or place that is feasible to contact and ask for a quote or interview? You may also want to reach out to other players in the story you’re telling and see what they have to say on things.

Preparing all this research can get messy and cluttered. The best way to solve this problem is to  follow a system from the start, as mentioned above; time is a great organizer. Also, keep a running bibliography in a separate file on your computer. Keep tabs on everything you’ve read, and be as forensic as possible with maintaining records. Who knows what might happen in the future regarding the focus of your essay? They might run for president, or they might fade into obscurity. 

Profile Essay Outline

As a profile essay combines qualities of journalism and literary writing, the ideal outline doesn’t exist. Literary writing can take the reader on a journey; in fact, the only requirement of the structure is to guide this journey as magnificently as possible.

Were we to suggest a general profile essay outline, it would contain these sections and ingredients. The order is flexible to an extent. It depends on the content of your profile. Have you got an interview to draw upon, or are you using your storytelling powers to deduct and infer from other sources?

In your introduction, if you’ve conducted an interview, use a quote for your lede. A good quote is an excellent way to set the tone and give an impression of your subject to the reader. Those without an interview might consider a bold statement; be sure that you use something here to act as a powerful lede and bring the reader on board. 

Alluring mysteries are one thing; though the crunch point for this gambit is to make the pay-off worthwhile. Else, the cliff-edge and the tension you create will be for nothing in the end. 

There will be time to provide things like background and biography in the main body of a profile essay. These tend to follow the lede as they’re a nice cool-down; they give the reader a chance to build knowledge on an obscure topic. Whereas for the writer, both the background and biography offer an opportunity to peg in some facts, figures, and breadcrumbs to draw upon later.

The body of a profile essay is tricky. You, first of all, need to engagingly tell your readers the story in it. Remember to build tension and really ‘let go’ when it comes to releasing that tension. Tell it to a friend, read it aloud. Move around the paragraphs. Remember that the profile is following an arc and in your conclusions, hook back in the initial qualities of the opening part. This technique is like cadence in music, and it will please your audience as long as it isn’t too trite. 

Profile Essay Topics

A suitable subject or topic depends on your qualities as a writer and the desired outcome of writing such a profile essay. Now, it does not have to include an interview, but many profile essays do include them. Some profile essay topics may be inanimate objects or complex emergences of human life (events). If this is the case, you can still interview 

For interviews, considering you’re likely a lowly reporter on a college paper, getting an interview with a high-flying sportsperson, politician, or musician is unlikely. In any event, the lower-flying specimens of these species could make a good target. 

The most important thing to consider when choosing the topic or subject is to work with your gut and instinct. If you’re interested in the story, you’re going to have much more to put into it, and your excitement and verve will show through in writing. It may also make it easier to stomach the long hours of tedious research that can emerge when trying to prove or disprove an obscurity of some kind. 

If you haven’t decided on the topic, there’s still room for maneuver. You can look at the subject matter and present your perspective on the case; that’s the subjective element of a profile, your view.

This perspective of yours can focus on just one specific aspect of a person or event. By removing the duller or more well-trodden elements of a character, you open up the chance to explore a new side of a topic. It’s also a fantastic skill for writers to be able to recap well-known things or facts quickly. Writing in this style for a very general audience should be a skill in any writer’s arsenal. 

Profile Essay Examples 

Properly digesting the advice and points made in this article can be aided by reading some profile essay examples. Look for examples given out in your class, or search around using the main keyword – profile essay examples. 

Here are a few examples for you to get a catch on how to write profile essays excellently:

https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/profiles

https://longreads.com/2019/12/17/longreads-best-of-2019-profiles/

https://longreads.com/2017/12/18/longreads-best-of-2017-profile-writing/

Writing Tips for a Profile Essay

How to write a profile essay in three steps; pick a subject, do your research, and start writing. Remember that a profile essay is a literary and a journalistic piece of writing. It’s non-fiction, so your facts and figures must be accurate, and any discrepancies or controversies surrounding your data can form a part of your analysis.

Always write with your reader at the forefront of your mind. Visualize your reader, even if it’s a college essay, and think of how you could pitch your piece to a publication. The natural home of a profile is in the media, not in the college textbook. So write the essay with publication in mind. 

 Here are some essential tips for a profile essay composition:

  • Conduct thorough research on your topic, look for potential interviews or aspects not covered in previous profiles if they exist. Also, make sure you’ve read all of the profiles on or related to your subject matter; a profile is an evolving topic, and new facts can emerge.
  • Profile examples are available online, as well as those posted by educational institutes, and of course, those featured in the media. Reading these serves as excellent preparation and inspiration.
  • The structure and overall outline of a profile essay is something with a degree of flexibility. While the introduction and rounding off of the essay will look familiar, tracking a person’s profile or event can involve highly unique pieces of information. Unlike many other papers, profiles don’t have to strictly conform to the thesis, antithesis, and synthesis structure. However, this familiar form of writing still works in part when writing a profile. 

Write a Profile Essay with HandmadeWriting

HandmadeWriting can help with the development, construction, and polishing of a profile essay. As an organization, we draw on academics and writers’ expertise from across the spectrum of the written word. 

Getting started can be difficult, but consulting with HandmadeWriting offers a way to get the ball rolling. The writers at HandmadeWriting are used to working on a countless number of topics and essay styles. The staff is also familiar with working under a tight deadline, not to mention those tasks where the endpoint is less defined. 

HandmadeWriting makes composing an essay or profile piece simple. Talk with a skilled writer and editor today on your topic, and you can make a start immediately.

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StudySaurus

How to Write a Profile Essay

  • Posted 21 November 2020
  • By StudySaurus
  • Under Essay Writing
  • Discover a remarkable subject to write a profile essay about. The person can be well-known or somewhat ordinary. The subject is not limited to an individual but can be a location, leisure interest, or occupation. Expand your search beyond the computer and your neighborhood. Do primary source research on the subject to acquire background information. Go to the library and view back issues of local or regional newspapers and other rags or scan online sources.
  • Develop a loose outline based on the subject of your essay. Jot down the header, “Introduction.” Start listing possible details that will be disclosed later from interviews. Title another header as “Body” and note high points that will become the possible climax of the essay. Tie it all up in the “Conclusion” header and brainstorm solid ending possibilities.
  • Compose a list of specific interview questions. They should be open-ended but specific and relevant to your essay. Questions should draw out information not commonly known about the person. Make a list of possible interviewees to broaden the narrative for a multifaceted profile. This includes others in his or her circle or individuals linked to a location or activity.
  • Conduct the interview in a distraction-free zone. Establish a rapport early on to make the interviewee feel comfortable, which will churn out a more productive interview. Lay down a basic groundwork of what topics will be covered, the length of time needed, and the importance of the interview. Next, advance to the main interview. Be sure to take meticulous notes or get permission to tape the interview to transcribe later.
  • Jot down any observations immediately following the interview. Consider the individual’s habits, attitude, and other qualities that were observed. Transcribe and rearrange the interview questions to recount an interesting personal perspective or interpretation. This will become your rough draft.
  • Revise the draft, incorporating important details and factual incidents that were initially missed. Start with an attention-grabbing lead sentence. Ensure that the beginning grabs the reader and pulls him in. Intrigue your audience with an informative main section. Stay focused on your intended approach until the essay’s conclusion, which should give readers a closing impression of the subject and summarize your overall objective.
  • Read the essay aloud. Did you give a visual portrayal? Check that you interweaved dialogue, added physical descriptions in moderation, but used narrative freely.

Tips to Write a Profile Essay

A profile essay vividly presents a subject to the readers. The writing is a combination of objective and expressive: While presenting his observations and analysis to inform the reader, the writer also brings his own personal perspective and interpretations to the essay. A profile essay differs from biographical and autobiographical writing in that it takes newly acquired observation, through research or firsthand accounts; an autobiography or biography is about remembered experiences. The challenge of a profile essay is to gather the information and give it shape in an essay that conveys a main idea; there are several guidelines to aid a writer in doing this.

Choose the Subject Wisely

While profiles of exciting, controversial people are always interesting, even the mundane can be intriguing if the writer examines it closely and offers a distinctive perspective. A writer shouldn’t overlook the quietly remarkable person who seems ordinary on the outside.

Form an Engaging and Informative Plan

A profile essay will most likely be based on at least one interview with the subject, and may also include interviews with those that know the subject. Writers should resist the temptation to organize the essay in the order they ask the questions, as this can make for boring reading. Instead, the answers of the questions should be examined closely for an emerging image of the subject. The responses can then be incorporated into a more complex picture of the subject.

Provide a Vivid Description

A quality profile essay should incorporate a vivid word picture of the subject. Include specific details, such as how the subject looks, talks, dresses, smells and is motivated. Keep straight description, or just cataloging the obvious, to a minimum; instead, use description to give the sense that the subject’s outward appearance reveals inward character traits. Information from others in the essay should serve to describe the subject and not take on its own life.

Convey a Dominant Impression

A profile essay should convey a dominant impression of the subject: the writer’s personal interpretation and insight on the subject and what the writer has gained from observing and researching. Carefully select and arrange details so that they communicate your attitude. This interpretive element is what categorizes the profile essay as a genre and separates it from other forms of narrative and descriptive writing, such as the biography.

Profile Paper Example

“Good evening, Valparaiso. I’m storm shield meteorologist Jacob Van Horn here with a look at your forecast.” Ever since Jake was in grade school, he knew that he wanted to be a meteorologist. However, it wasn’t until high school that he realized his dream could truly become reality. Jake’s interest in weather began when he first watched the movie “Twister,” a collection of National Geographic documentaries provided by his school. With an abundance of hard work and dedication, Jake is working towards earning his bachelor’s degree in meteorology and achieving his dream of becoming a meteorologist.

Since Jake has always been an admirer of the weather, severe storms always brought him a thrill. His interest in weather peaked after an F-4 tornado struck a city near his home in November of 2002. His family drove through Van Wert, Ohio, to see the damage. “Those images will always be in my head,” he recalls.

Although Jake always knew that he wanted to become a meteorologist, it was not until high school when he recognized his full potential. He realized how good he was at science and math and how much he enjoyed each of these subjects. Math and science are a crucial part of meteorology; therefore, Jake decided to “give it a go.”

When it came to deciding upon a college to pursue his meteorology degree, Jake was torn between Purdue University and Valparaiso University. Both schools possessed a great meteorology program, but Jake was drawn to Valparaiso’s small school atmosphere and location. Although Valparaiso was a private university with higher tuition than Purdue, Jake received a presidential scholarship, which aided in paying for his tuition. Getting accepted into a college with an outstanding meteorology program brought Jake one step closer to achieving his dream.

Once college started, there were a broad range of meteorology classes that he had to take. They started as simple, introductory classes and progressed into much more specific classes, such as an aviation weather class to predict things such as turbulence and a tropical class, which not only focuses on hurricanes and tropical storms, but the impact of the ocean on the weather in general. These classes will be beneficial to his future career choice. A meteorologist’s job can be described as making a type of educated prediction. Jake will use what he has learned in his classes, apply that broad knowledge to whatever is happening in the forecast, look at where the weather is coming from, and predict what he believes will happen.

The summer between his freshman and sophomore years of college, Jake was an intern at a local news station, WANE 15. While at his internship, he often assisted the head meteorologist in creating graphics that were used on television. He liked using the graphics system to see what he could create and he also liked communicating to the people about what was going to be happening. Jake said that he was able to learn an abundance of new things that will be useful in his future endeavors. One night, during a large tornado outbreak, he stayed at the station until around 2AM, keeping the viewing areas informed about the potentially dangerous weather conditions. He said that it “was definitely a crazy night.”

When he returned back to campus his sophomore year, Jake was a lab aide for an introductory class, which helps to refresh students on the basics of meteorology. He was also an assistant weather director at the campus television station, which is helping him learn about the broadcasting side of meteorology. He has learned everything from production to graphic-making and even presentation skills on the green screen. Although he did not think he would like being on television, before he began classes, Jake has learned many skills that have opened his mind to the world of broadcasting.

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How To Write A Profile Essay Like A Professional Writer

how to write a profile essay

Welcome to our blog, where we embark on a journey to master the art of writing profiles essays. Whether you’re a high school or college student, understanding the critical components of a profile essay is essential for academic success. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the definition of a profile essay and provide practical tips, example of a profile essay, and expert advice to help you excel in this form of writing.

A profile essay is a captivating narrative that enables students to explore the lives and experiences of individuals. Through vivid descriptions and engaging storytelling, these essays offer readers a glimpse into the unique qualities and perspectives of the profiled subjects. By mastering the fundamentals of this writing style, you can effectively communicate your observations and insights, creating compelling and informative profiles.

In our blog, we will discuss the essential elements of a profile essay and emphasize the importance of high-quality writing and the benefits of expert guidance. Whether you’re a student aiming to improve your writing skills or a teacher seeking to enhance your students’ abilities, this guide is designed to provide you with the necessary tools and techniques to create exceptional profiles.

Join us on this enriching journey, where we share valuable knowledge, practical profile essay examples, and insider tips, empowering you to produce outstanding profile essays. Let’s unlock the secrets of this unique form of writing and achieve fast, awesome results together.

Table of Contents

What is a profile essay, how to start a profile essay, profile essay structure guides, key considerations for writing engaging profile essays, crafting an outstanding profile essay: essential tips, profile essays in academic settings.

A profile essay is not just a collection of facts and figures; it is a powerful literary piece that delves deep into the essence of a person, place, or event. This form of writing goes beyond surface-level descriptions to create a vivid and engaging portrayal that captivates readers emotionally.

When crafting a profile essay outline, the writer aims to explore a specific individual’s life, personality, experiences, achievements, or unique qualities of a place or event. It seeks to paint a comprehensive picture, offering readers a window into the subject’s world and allowing them to connect with it on a deeper level.

A well-written profile essay immerses the reader in the subject’s experiences, thoughts, and emotions by employing descriptive language, storytelling techniques, and insightful observations. It evokes empathy and understanding, enabling readers to forge a connection and gain a deeper appreciation for the person, place, or event being portrayed.

In summary, a profile essay is a literary work that aims to go beyond superficial details and statistics. It is a means of conveying the essence of a subject through engaging storytelling, providing readers with a rich and immersive experience that leaves a lasting impact.

The beginning of a profile essay is vital in capturing the reader’s attention and setting the tone for the rest of the piece. It requires careful consideration and strategic planning to ensure a strong start. Here are a few practical ways how to write a good profile essay:

  • Look for unique qualities: Seek out subjects with unique backgrounds, experiences, or achievements. These aspects can add depth and intrigue to your profile essay.
  • Consider relevance: Choose a subject relevant to your intended audience or the purpose of the assignment. This will help create a stronger connection and interest among your readers.
  • Interview your subject: Reach out to the individual you are profiling and request an interview. Prepare a thoughtful question list about their life, experiences, and perspectives. These interviews will provide invaluable insights and personal anecdotes that can enhance the depth of your essay.
  • Read articles and books: Explore articles, books, and other publications related to your subject. This will provide a broader context and enable you to include relevant background information in your profile essay.
  • Explore online sources: Utilize reputable online sources such as websites, blogs, and academic databases to gather additional information and perspectives on your subject. Be critical of your authorities and ensure they are credible and reliable.
  • Be concise and specific: State your main argument or the central theme of your profile essay clearly and concisely.
  • Make it captivating: Use language that captures the reader’s attention and creates intrigue. A compelling thesis statement will generate interest and encourage readers to continue reading.
  • Provide a roadmap: Your thesis statement should act as a roadmap for your essay, indicating the main points or areas of focus you will cover. This helps readers understand the structure and flow of your essay.

Starting a profile essay requires careful consideration of the subject, thorough research, and a well-crafted thesis statement. Choosing an intriguing topic, conducting a comprehensive analysis, and formulating a solid thesis statement can captivate your readers and set the stage for a compelling and informative profile essay. Remember, the start of your essay sets the tone for the entire piece, so invest time and effort into crafting a high quality and strong opening that engages and intrigues your readers.

Writing a profile essay requires a structured approach combining storytelling and factual information. Follow these steps to create a well-crafted profile essay:

  • Introduction: Begin your essay with a compelling opening sentence that hooks the reader. Provide some background information about the subject and introduce the main thesis statement.
  • Body Paragraphs: Divide your essay into multiple paragraphs, each focusing on a specific aspect or theme related to the topic. Use a mix of narrative storytelling and factual information to engage the reader. Include anecdotes, quotes, and descriptions to bring your subject to life.
  • Organization and Flow: Ensure a logical progression from one paragraph to another. Use transitional phrases to maintain the coherence of your essay. Consider arranging your sections thematically or chronologically, depending on what suits your subject best.
  • Descriptive Language: Incorporate vivid and descriptive language to create a sensory experience for the reader. Use specific details and imagery to make your subject come alive.
  • Conclusion: Summarize the main points discussed in your essay and leave the reader with a lasting impression. Reflect on the significance of your topic and its impact on the reader.

A profile essay offers a comprehensive portrayal of a person or place, providing readers with a detailed understanding of the subject. Whether it’s about a place or a person, crafting an engaging profile essay requires careful planning and effective storytelling. Here are some key steps to consider:

How to Write a Profile Essay on a Place:

Choose an intriguing place: Select a location that is unique and holds significance for the readers. Observe and research: Immerse yourself in the place, exploring its history, culture, and physical aspects. Structure your essay: Begin with an engaging introduction, describe the place vividly, and provide personal insights. Incorporate sensory details: Utilize descriptive language to appeal to the readers’ senses. Conclude with a reflection: Share your overall impression and highlight the significance of the place.

How to Write a Profile Essay on a Person:

Select a captivating individual: Find someone with an interesting background, achievements, or experiences. Conduct interviews: Engage in in-depth conversations to gather firsthand information about the person. Organize your essay: Begin with an attention-grabbing introduction, present the person’s background and accomplishments, and delve into their personality traits and influences. Use anecdotes and examples: Illustrate the person’s characteristics through real-life stories and specific instances. Wrap up with a reflection: Offer your personal insights, reflect on the person’s impact, and conclude with a memorable ending.

Remember, in both types of profile essays, it is crucial to maintain a balanced blend of factual information and compelling storytelling to engage readers and leave a lasting impression.

how to write a profile essay

When writing a profile essay, it’s essential to remember key elements that will enhance the quality of your work. Here are some essential tips to help you craft an outstanding profile essay:

  • Choose an Engaging Format: While there is no strict format for a profile essay, you can structure it to suit your subject and the narrative you want to create. You can opt for a chronological structure, a thematic approach, or a combination of both.
  • Conduct Thorough Interviews: Interviews are crucial in gathering firsthand information about your subject. Prepare a list of relevant questions and conduct interviews with the subject and individuals associated with them. These interviews will enrich your profile essay with unique insights and personal anecdotes.
  • Focus on Descriptive Details: Pay attention to descriptive details to bring your subject to life. Use sensory language to create a vivid picture in the reader’s mind. Describe the subject’s appearance, gestures, and mannerisms. Include details about the environment, sounds, and smells to transport the reader to the scene.
  • Utilize Direct Quotes: Direct quotes from your subject and others you interview add authenticity and credibility to your profile essay. Use quotes to highlight important points or capture the subject’s voice and perspective.
  • Show, Don’t Tell: Rather than simply stating facts, show the reader the subject’s personality, values, and experiences through storytelling. Engage the reader’s emotions by narrating impactful moments or sharing significant events that shaped the subject’s life.
  • Revise and Edit: Once you have completed your profile essay’s first draft, revise and edit it. Check for clarity, coherence, and grammar errors. Trim unnecessary information and ensure a smooth flow of ideas. Consider seeking feedback from peers or instructors to gain valuable insights.

Profile essays are commonly assigned in various academic settings, including high school, college, and university. These assignments allow students to develop their research, writing, and storytelling skills while exploring diverse subjects and honing their analytical thinking.

Following Guidelines:

When working on a profile essay for school or college, it’s crucial to follow the guidelines provided by your instructor. This ensures that you stay on track and meet the assignment requirements. Consider the following points:

  • Pay attention to specific requirements: Your instructor may provide instructions regarding length, formatting, citation style, and other essential details. Make sure to adhere to these guidelines to avoid any penalties.
  • Understand the objectives: Familiarize yourself with the purposes of the assignment. This will help you shape your essay and focus on the key aspects your instructor wants you to explore.
  • Align with learning outcomes: Consider how the profile essay fits into the broader learning outcomes of the course. This will enable you to approach the assignment with a clear understanding of its purpose and relevance.

Seeking Assistance:

If you struggle with the assignment or need extra support, online essay assignment help and custom writing services are available. These services offer expert guidance and assistance, ensuring you receive high-quality, well-crafted profile essays that meet your academic requirements. Here are some key points to consider:

  • Online homework helpers: These platforms connect you with knowledgeable tutors who can guide and answer your questions about profile essay writing. They can offer valuable insights and help you overcome challenges you may encounter.
  • Custom writing services: If you feel overwhelmed or lack time to complete the assignment, custom writing services can be a viable option. These services employ professional writers who can create custom profile essays tailored to your needs and requirements. However, it’s essential to choose a reputable and trustworthy service to ensure the quality and originality of the work.

Profile essays in academic settings offer students a valuable opportunity to develop their research, writing, and storytelling skills. By following the guidelines provided by your instructor and seeking assistance when needed, you can ensure that your profile essays meet the objectives of the assignment and align with the course’s learning outcomes. Remember, practice and persistence are crucial to mastering the art of writing compelling and informative profile essays.

Get Profile Essay Writing Help Today!

Mastering the art of writing a profile essay requires a combination of skill, guidance, and support. By following the guidelines and tips provided by experts, you can create captivating profiles that engage and resonate with your readers. Along the way, it’s essential to seek assistance when needed, and fortunately, there are affordable options available that provide class-leading customer support.

When embarking on the journey of writing a profile essay, remember to choose an intriguing subject and conduct thorough research to ensure the accuracy and depth of your piece. Craft a strong thesis statement that serves as a roadmap for your essay, guiding your readers through the main aspects you’ll be exploring.

In the process, it’s reassuring to know that expert guidance and support are accessible. Whether you require assistance structuring your essay, some college assignment help , or understanding the nuances of profile essay writing, affordable online platforms provide the expertise you need. These platforms offer friendly customer support to address your queries and provide valuable insights, ensuring you receive the guidance necessary to excel in your writing endeavors.

By availing yourself of these resources, you can enhance your profile essay writing skills, boost your confidence, and achieve outstanding results. So, embrace the art of writing profiles backed by expert guidance, affordable options, class-leading support, and friendly assistance. Let your words paint vivid portraits and create lasting connections with your readers through the power of the profile essay.

What is a profile essay, and what is its purpose?

A profile essay is a type of academic or journalistic writing that aims to provide a detailed description and analysis of a particular person, place, event, or organization. Its purpose is to present a comprehensive and engaging portrayal of the subject, highlighting its unique qualities, experiences, and significance.

How do I choose a suitable subject for my profile essay?

When selecting a subject for your profile essay, consider individuals, places, or events that possess distinct characteristics, have a compelling story, or hold relevance in a specific context. It could be a notable figure in your community, a memorable travel destination, or an event with cultural significance. The key is to choose a subject that allows for rich exploration and offers an opportunity to captivate your readers.

What are the essential elements to include in a profile essay?

A profile essay typically includes several key elements to portray the subject comprehensively. These elements may include a vivid and engaging introduction, background information, descriptive details, anecdotes, quotes, and personal observations. It is important to capture the subject’s personality, experiences, and significance through a well-structured narrative that keeps the reader engaged.

How can I ensure the accuracy and credibility of the information in my profile essay?

To maintain accuracy and credibility in your profile essay, conducting thorough research and gathering information from reliable sources is crucial. This can involve interviewing the subject, conducting background research, and seeking multiple perspectives. Always verify the information you gather and cross-reference it with trustworthy sources to ensure the accuracy of your content. Remember to attribute any quotes or specific details to their respective sources.

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Profile Essays

A profile essay is a literary work that focuses on the description of a person, place, event, or activity. Its aim is to present the essence of the subject to the reader by providing detailed descriptions and observations. Unlike other types of essays, a profile essay places emphasis on the writer’s ability to convey the significance of the subject through narrative and sensory detail, making it both informative and engaging. Crafting a compelling profile essay requires keen observation, descriptive skills, and the ability to tell a story that captures the reader’s interest. This article outlines the steps for writing an effective profile essay.

What Is Profile Essay

A profile essay is a type of essay that explores the depth and nuances of its subject, which can be a person, place, event, or activity. It goes beyond mere factual description to include the writer’s personal impressions and experiences with the subject. The goal is to give the reader a vivid picture of the subject, highlighting its unique aspects, significance, and impact. Through detailed observations, quotes, and anecdotes, a profile essay offers a comprehensive and engaging portrayal that draws the reader into the world of the subject.

How to Start a Profile Essay

Beginning a profile essay involves several key steps:

  • Choose an Interesting Subject: Select a subject that fascinates you and has depth. It could be an individual with an intriguing story, a meaningful place, a significant event, or an interesting activity.
  • Conduct Thorough Research: Gather as much information as possible about your subject. This might include interviews, observations, historical research, and other relevant data collection methods.
  • Determine Your Angle: Decide on the angle or aspect of the subject you want to focus on. This will guide your writing and help you craft a more cohesive essay.
  • Craft a Thesis Statement: Develop a thesis statement that conveys the essence of your profile essay. It should reflect the unique perspective you aim to provide on your subject.

Why Does the Thesis Statement Matter?

In a profile essay, the thesis statement is crucial because it:

  • Sets the Tone and Focus: It provides a clear indication of what aspect of the subject the essay will focus on and what the reader can expect to learn or understand by reading it.
  • Guides the Narrative: A well-crafted thesis statement acts as a guiding light for the narrative, ensuring that all elements of the essay contribute toward the portrayal and understanding of the subject.
  • Adds Depth to the Profile: By highlighting the significance of the subject or the unique angle the writer is presenting, the thesis statement enriches the profile, making it more than just a description but an insightful exploration.

How to Write a Structure for Profile Essay

A structured approach is essential for delivering a compelling profile essay:

  • Introduction: Begin with a hook that captures the reader’s interest, such as an intriguing fact, a compelling quote, or a vivid scene. Introduce your subject and present your thesis statement, outlining the focus and purpose of the essay.
  • Body Paragraphs: Organize the body into paragraphs that explore different facets of your subject. Use detailed descriptions, anecdotes, quotes from interviews, and personal observations to paint a vivid picture of the subject. Ensure each paragraph contributes to the overall narrative and supports the thesis statement.
  • Conclusion: Summarize the key points made throughout the essay and reiterate the significance of the subject as highlighted in your thesis. End with a strong closing statement that leaves a lasting impression on the reader, encapsulating the essence of your subject.

Writing a profile essay is an art that combines journalistic research with the flair of personal narrative. By carefully selecting a subject, conducting thorough research, and crafting a narrative that highlights the subject’s uniqueness, writers can create engaging and insightful profiles that captivate readers. Remember, the strength of a profile essay lies in its ability to not only describe but also to reveal deeper insights about the subject, making it a compelling read.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How to start a profile essay.

Begin with an interesting fact, anecdote, or quote that gives a glimpse into the person’s character or significance.

How To Write A Profile Essay On A Person?

Conduct thorough research, include engaging anecdotes, and provide insights into the person's personality, achievements, and challenges.

What Is The Purpose Of A Profile Essay?

To give readers a detailed and insightful look at the qualities, life, and character of a particular person.

How To Write A Profile Essay About Someone?

Start with a captivating introduction, then detail their background, major life events, and unique qualities or accomplishments.

What Questions To Ask For A Profile Essay?

Focus on background, motivations, experiences, and perspectives relevant to the subject's life or achievements.

What Is An Angle In A Profile Essay?

A unique perspective or theme that shapes the narrative about the subject, making the story interesting and engaging.

How To Insert Dialog In Profile Essay?

Use dialogue to illustrate key points or reveal personality, ensuring it flows naturally and enhances the narrative.

How To Title A Profile Essay?

Choose a title that reflects the essence or unique angle of the profile, captivating potential readers.

How To Introduce A Profile In Essay?

Start with an engaging anecdote or description that highlights the subject’s significance or personality.

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How to Write a Profile Essay from start to end like a pro

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Many people do not realize that a biography is a profile essay, but it is. It is a profile essay because it is essentially the profile or the detailed description of a person.

Profile Essay Guide with examples and topics

You can be assigned to write an informative essay where you describe a person, place, event, or whatever subject. If that is the case, you should write a profile essay. A profile essay is basically a descriptive essay.

It is a common assignment in college for journalism and media studies courses. However, students pursuing other courses can also be assigned to write a profile essay. Although writing one can be challenging, we will show you in a bit how it can be enjoyable and what steps you need to take.

In this post, you will learn everything you need to know to write the perfect profile essay. Oh! You can buy a profile essay from us and have it customized to your instructions or rubric. Otherwise, let’s begin.

What is a Profile Essay?

The hallmark of writing a staller profile essay is knowing what it means.

In the academic context, a profile essay is basically a descriptive essay or informative essay about a person, place, location, activity, item, institution, organization, or event. Within the journalism context, profile essays refer to compositions about a person.

It is an essay that provides a detailed description of someone or something. The essay is usually between 600 and 850 words long and can be longer than 1000 words. The best way to write it is in such a way that it gives the reader a complete picture of the subject.

For example, if you are asked to write a profile essay on your best friend, you should write it so that when someone reads it, they will quickly gain a comprehensive understanding of your best friend.

There are two basic types of profile essays – descriptive profile essays and analytical profile essays .

Descriptive profile essays offer a comprehensive description of someone or something, while analytical ones provide in-depth analysis/evaluation of someone or something while describing it. The most common type of profile essay is the descriptive one. You can be asked to write a descriptive profile essay on a movie character, a story character, a politician, a celebrity, or someone you know personally. You can also be asked to write one on a location, an event, or even an idea.

What Is the Purpose of a Profile Essay?

The purpose of a profile essay is to provide a comprehensive view of a subject. The subject could be virtually anything.

When you are asked to write a profile essay, you should try to write it so that it leaves no important information.

For example, if you choose to write an essay on Barrack Obama, it should describe everything about the man from his origin to his Harvard experience, his senatorial experience, and finally, his presidency. This will help the reader to know everything crucial they need to know about Obama, including his life before the presidency.

When writing a profile essay, you should try as hard as possible to make it as interesting and informative as possible. Because profile essays that are not interesting tend to have too boring and too dull to read. So if you want the reader to read your essay from the first word in the introduction to the last word in the conclusion paragraph, ensure it is an exciting read.

The 6 main steps for writing a Perfect Profile Essay

Writing a successful, stellar, and grade-worthy profile essay needs some quality work. Here are some insights from our top profile essay writers who have completed many profile essays for clients. These essay writers are widely experienced in writing such essays and use these steps to produce the best profile essays. 

When assigned to write a profile essay for your class assignment, follow these six steps: (1) get inspired by professionally done examples, (2) choose a topic and a subject of focus, (3) research, (4) plan your essay, (5) write the essay, and (6) edit and proofread the essay before submitting.

Now let’s expound on each point to make it further easier for you to write a profile essay that attracts the best grades/score.

1. Get inspired by Examples

You need to research, plan, and write it better to ensure that it has no flaws. To write better, you can get inspiration through reading professional profile essay examples . These professionally written profile compositions are common in magazines such as The New York Times, Esquire, Washington Post, and The Guardian, among others.

While reading these examples, note how the details are presented, the ordering technique used, the use of transitions, hooks, and other aspects of formal writing, formatting, paragraphing approach, and the general choice of words.

You could read as many examples of profile essays as you can. However, be keen on selecting the best to benchmark as you write your profile essay based on the prompt from your professor.

2. Choose a topic and the subject

When asked to write a profile essay, you will most probably be asked to choose a topic by your professor. If this is the case, you should choose a topic that is interesting to you. Sometimes you are given a topic and told to write about it.

Because by choosing an interesting story, you get a chance to tell this story in your essay.

Of course, telling an interesting story is something you should be greatly interested in doing because interesting profile essays are almost always excellent profile essays.

After selecting the topic, ensure that you also choose a subject (the person, place, activity, or event of interest). The subject you choose to write about in your essay can either make or break your profile writing.

3. Gather information about the subject

Once you have chosen a topic for your profile essay, the next thing you need to do is to gather information about the subject.

For example, if the subject is a person, you should research information about them online at this stage. Gather as many important details about the person as you can. These details will be useful in the next step. In some cases, if you have access to the person you want to write an essay on, you can organize an interview with the person to find out more about them directly from them.

If you are writing a profile essay based on an interview, be sure to capture some of the responses the subject gave. It would be best to have open-ended questions on the interview plan to find as much valid information as possible. You need to corroborate the information using information available from credible sources.

4. Create an outline

Although sometimes an outline is not mandatory for an essay, you need to have a quick outline to arrange the ideas and thoughts and define the structure of your paper. Stick to a specific outline format for your essay.

If you feel you have gathered as many details about the subject as possible, you should create a profile essay outline. The outline should highlight what you want to write in each essay section. It should be as comprehensive as possible to make the next step easier. There is a profile essay outline example later in this post. You should use its structure to create your own outline.

5. Write the first draft of your essay

With the nice profile essay outline, the next thing you need to do is to start writing your profile essay. You can do this easily by following your outline like a map.

You see, if you did your outline correctly, it should contain sentences or instructions on how to start each paragraph in your essay and what to include in the paragraph.

When writing the first draft, follow your outline to start writing your essay and write all the paragraphs. As you are writing, remember this is a profile essay. You should try to keep the tone conversational and be as descriptive, informative, or vivid as you can. Write first and edit later.

As long as the ideas are flowing, keep on writing.

6. Edit and Proofread your Essay

After you are done writing your essay, the next thing you need to do is to proofread and edit it. We always advise taking a break to cool off from writing, develop an objective mind, and be ready to self-critique as you edit.

When proofreading, read it twice or thrice to identify and edit errors, mistakes, and weak statements or arguments. Once you have edited your essay to the level where you feel it is perfect, send it to a friend to read it one more time and catch the mistakes you might have missed.

Ask them to highlight any mistakes or errors they see. When you get your essay back, edit it one more time to eliminate the mistakes and errors identified. You can also hire a professional proofreader  if you need it done first and professionally.

After you are done editing as detailed above, your profile essay should be ready for submission.

The Structure and Format of a Profile Essay

You now know exactly what to do to write a profile essay. You know all the steps you need to take to write a good profile essay. In case you did not know the structure, it is presented below with its three key parts – the introduction, the body, and the conclusion.

1. Introduction Paragraph

Like every other essay, the profile essay has an introduction. In the introduction part of the essay, you must present what you will talk about in the body part. And you must do it in a summarized manner. Two statements are very important when writing the introduction paragraph – the hook statement and the thesis statement .

The hook statement is the opening statement. It should be interesting to grab the reader's attention and make them want to read your essay. And the thesis statement should be the last statement in your introduction paragraph. It should contain your main argument or the position you support in your essay.

2. Body Paragraphs

The body part of the profile essay is usually made of three or more body paragraphs.

When writing body paragraphs in your profile essay, you should ensure each body paragraph describes or analyzes a different part or aspect of the subject of your essay.

Furthermore, you should ensure a good flow between your body paragraphs and the sentences that make them up.  

The most important thing to remember when writing this part of your profile essay is to present your ideas chronologically. This will make this part of your essay easy to understand. Use sensory details to relate to your readers' senses and create a vivid picture.

3. Conclusion Paragraph

At the end of the profile essay, there is a conclusion paragraph . The purpose of this part of the essay is to wrap it up.

So, after providing a detailed description of your subject in the body paragraph, you should summarize everything and then provide a powerful closing statement. This is the most effective way to conclude a profile essay or any other type of essay for that matter.

Remember, the conclusion part is only supposed to contain your conclusion or and not any new argument, evidence, or claim.

Profile Essay Outline Example

Follow the example profile essay outline below to discover how exactly to create a profile essay outline.

Title: My best friend

I. Introduction

  • Hook sentence: My best friend has always stood up for me from the very first day.
  • Background info: What makes your friend special and unique? And my friend’s biographical information.
  • Thesis statement: My best friend is someone I can count on even if the whole world is against me.

II. First body paragraph (Appearance and personality)

  • Major point: My best friend is a tall, well-built, and laidback person.
  • Description and evidence: Provide a comprehensive description of the major point above and use evidence such as quotes and examples.
  • Concluding sentence

III. Second body paragraph (Major event in your friend’s life)

  • Major point: My best friend lost his younger brother at age 10, hugely impacting his life.

IV. Third body paragraph (What distinguishes your best friend from others)

  • Major point: My best friend is loyal to the core and very dependable.

V. Conclusion paragraph

  • Thesis restatement
  • Restatement of major points
  • Closing sentence

Topic ideas for a Profile Essay

When tasked with choosing a profile essay topic to write about, consider choosing an interesting topic, has a favorite subject, and something that has information in case you need to corroborate facts.

Below is a list of profile essay topic ideas. Use the list as inspiration to develop your profile essay topic.

  • President Obama’s Profile: His early life, his senatorial career, and his presidency
  • Turkey and its place in Middle Eastern politics
  • Africa: A continent with resources but also with global poverty
  • Europe: A cycle of war and devastation
  • King Solomon and his mighty empire
  • Mandela: The man who changed the world
  • Adolf Hitler: His ideology and his beliefs
  • My dog is my best friend
  • UNHCR: A history of taking care of refugees
  • United Nations: Successes and challenges over the years
  • Why Zanzibar is a must-visit country
  • My favorite movie
  • The diet of the residents of Loma Linda
  • The best celebrity role model
  • The best summer camp for kids in the USA
  • The most stunning animal park in the USA
  • Stalin: How the Russian leader helped defeat the Nazis
  • Moscow: The capital of the Russian Federation
  • The United States: the greatest economy in the world
  • MV. Aurora: The conqueror of the seven seas
  • Adidas: A history of challenges and successes
  • Jane Austen: A high-achieving woman
  • Nike Success’s Story
  • The best Air Jordan Stores
  • The real personality of Princess Diana
  • The US Senate and its responsibilities
  • Queen Elizabeth: The longest serving female head of government
  • The sport I love the most
  • Stephen King: The most elegant writer of our time
  • The best classic car ever

Example of a Process Essay

My favorite elementary school teacher A few years ago, I ran into Mrs. Penny while escaping some school bullies who gave me a hard time. When I ran into her, I just burst into tears, and she did not know what to do. She just hugged me. She later escorted me to a small bench and asked me to tell her everything. I did exactly that, and she made sure the boys were suspended. I did not know it then, but she was about to play a key role in molding me into who I am today. Mrs. Penny was a tall, big and strong woman. She always walked with authority about her. Some students said she was into powerlifting, but I don’t think she was. While she had a big physique and she was very kind and motherly. Everyone loved her for this. She always treated every single student with respect and tried to listen and reason with you rather than impose her beliefs. For example, she once talked to our class and convinced everyone to stay in class for about five minutes long to finish explaining something. This is something that had never happened before, yet she achieved it. One day while in class, Mrs. Penny caught another student in the middle of a nasty fight. Since the last time she had saved me from bullies, she had always thought I was a well-disciplined boy. So she was very disappointed when she caught me fighting as it was strictly against school rules. We were sent to detention and then came back to class later. As everybody was leaving class in the late afternoon, she asked me to stay behind and told me to sit down. She talked to me, motivated me, and told me that I could only succeed in life by being disciplined. I promised her always to be disciplined, which has helped me in life. It has helped me to become a much better person. If other teachers found me fighting or doing something else, they probably couldn’t have cared. This is because they could have simply assumed I was a bad kid. However, Mrs. Penny was not like other teachers. She was kind, empathetic, and motherly. She saw me as someone I was not and took her time to help show me the right direction in life. I believe I am now in college because of what she told me, especially about discipline being the key to success. As you can see, Mrs. Penny played a very important role in molding me into who I am today. She helped me to become a better person and to take discipline as one of my guiding principles. It is my hope that Mrs. Penny is still alive and is still helping guide elementary students to become better versions of themselves.

Tips to Use when Writing a Profile Essay

By now, you can already see that writing profile essays can be fun; it is fun! When you select a subject of interest, you can only write the best things about them as long as you meet the scope of the rubric. Like any other comprehensive academic essay , a profile essay has three sections: the introduction, body, and conclusion. And for you to write one that appeals to your readers and markers, here are some tips and tricks that actually work:

  • Edit your work. After you are done writing your essay, you should thoroughly edit it to ensure it has no grammatical errors, punctuation errors, and so on. This will ensure it gets a good grade.
  • Show respect. When writing a profile essay about someone, you must show respect even if you hate them. You must strive to be objective and to use objective language. This will make your essay to sound more professional than an anger-ridden essay.
  • Try to balance your paragraphs. This may seem trivial, but it is not. You must try to balance your paragraphs to make your essay appear structured and organized. This will increase your probability of getting a good grade.
  • Create an outline before you start. Creating an outline before writing an essay will help you stay focused and organized.
  • Keep your tone professional. You should strive to keep your tone professional throughout the essay. This is especially true when you are writing about someone close to you. Keeping your tone professional will help you get a good grade on your essay.
  • Watch your tone and style . As you compose the paragraphs of your profile essay, you should use both formal and informal approaches. It should not be written in the second person. Rather, use first-person and think of creative ways to make your written piece fun to read. Although you are writing an academic piece that should be done professionally, you have the flexibility of flouting the academic writing rules. Describe the subject and maintain a tone that creates a vivid image of the subject.

Final Words

We are sure that by now, our professional writers at EssayManiacs, through their insights, have made composing a profile essay as simple as it should be. The knowledge we have shared in this post is enough to enable you to write the perfect profile essay or composition.

Remember to bring in your creativity, presentation, and organization skills when writing. Write preferably in the first person and have the flexibility of expanding your creativity. That said and done, you should now be able to get an excellent grade whenever you are asked to write a profile essay.

If you need help writing and polishing a profile essay, you should know that we are here for you. We have a team of English essay writing experts who can write a profile essay on virtually any topic. Order your essay from us to get a high grade on your essay assignment.

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Profile essay examples – structure| tips| examples, dr. wilson mn.

  • July 25, 2022
  • Essay Topics and Ideas , Nursing

This article discusses about What is a profle essay and provides 5 best Profile Essay Examples.

It’s common for students in college to have no idea how to write a good profile essay, but this can be avoided by learning to research and making the most of your available resources.

Choosing an interesting topic for a personal profile essay is essential if you want to achieve success. You’ll have plenty to write about if you do this.

People and places you are writing about need to be vividly portrayed in your mind.

What You'll Learn

What is a Profile Essay

A profile essay is an essay written to provide a description of a person, place, concept, or thing. It is a descriptive form of writing that aims at providing as much detail as possible on a particular topic.

In spite of the fact that a profile essay is often mistaken as a biography or autobiography, these other forms of writing are distinct in that they are much shorter in length. There are two types of essays: those that focus on a person’s life story, and those that focus on a specific topic. While a biography can be turned into a book, a profile essay is better suited for bios, profile descriptions, and the like.

Even though a profile essay isn’t as in-depth as a biography, it’s written to convey a lot of information in a short period of time. Journalism students and interviewers can benefit from this because it provides a sufficient amount of time to investigate one specific topic.

Keep in mind the possible questions that may arise when writing a profile essay, and address them. You must have taken note that some blogs usually append a frequently asked questions (FAQ) section to their content, usually at the end of a profile essay.

This gives the reader the required information that they need to understand the topic in question.

Profile Essay Structure

Introduction.

This is the thing that will attract or excuse your crowd. A decent presentation spellbinds the peruser and keeps him snared as far as possible.

Start with basic issues which will be clarified later in the paper. To make your article engaging, utilize significant and important data. Give perusers the data they want.

Beginning with a discussion is a decent method to make your paper spellbinding. These can be talks between numerous individuals.

You can uncover data that will be astounding to the perusers like when composing a profile exposition model about yourself you can uncover something that your perusers don’t know about.

This segment gives weight and importance to your article. The data given in the presentation is extended by utilizing a coordinated organization.

The body will decide whether the peruser keeps on taking part in your paper.

Contend your focus utilizing steady proof and attempt to persuade the crowd that you are a specialist with regard to your subject.

The thoughts referenced in the presentation structure the start of each passage as per the pattern in which they show up in.

Here and there, you may like to end a section utilizing an outline sentence albeit this is discretionary.

In an illustration of a profile article, you can summarize a section by giving the outcome of the subtleties clarified.

This is the last piece of your article. It is normally a couple of sentences contrasted with the body. While summarizing your composition presenting new ideas will confound the perusers.

In this part, you should simply rehash the significant focus helping the peruser to remember their significance, and points, and in the event that they have been satisfied.

In an illustration of character profile exposition about a craftsman, you can’t discuss his family foundation in the event that you had not referenced it in the presentation and in this way clarified in the article.

How to Write a Profile Essay

  • Discover a remarkable subject to write a profile essay about. The person can be well-known or somewhat ordinary.

The subject is not limited to an individual but can be a location, leisure interest, or occupation. Expand your search beyond the computer and your neighborhood.

Do primary source research on the subject to acquire background information.

Go to the library and view back issues of local or regional newspapers and other rags or scan online sources.

  • Develop a loose outline based on the subject of your essay. Jot down the header, “Introduction.” Start listing possible details that will be disclosed later in the interviews.

Title another header as “Body” and note high points that will become the possible climax of the essay.

Tie it all up in the “Conclusion” header and brainstorm solid ending possibilities.

As you continue, thestudycorp.com has the top and most qualified writers to help with any of your assignments. All you need to do is  place an order  with us. (Profile Essay Examples)

  • Compose a list of specific interview questions. They should be open-ended but specific and relevant to your essay.

Questions should draw out information not commonly known about the person. Make a list of possible interviewees to broaden the narrative for a multifaceted profile.

This includes others in his or her circle or individuals linked to a location or activity.

  • Conduct the interview in a distraction-free zone. Establish a rapport early on to make the interviewee feel comfortable, which will churn out a more productive interview.

Lay down a basic groundwork of what topics will be covered, the length of time needed, and the importance of the interview. Next, advance to the main interview.

Be sure to take meticulous notes or get permission to tape the interview to transcribe later.

  • Jot down any observations immediately following the interview. Consider the individual’s habits, attitude, and other qualities that were observed.

Transcribe and rearrange the interview questions to recount an interesting personal perspective or interpretation. This will become your rough draft.

  • Revise the draft, incorporating important details and factual incidents that were initially missed.

Start with an attention-grabbing lead sentence. Ensure that the beginning grabs the reader and pulls him in. Intrigue your audience with an informative main section.

Stay focused on your intended approach until the essay’s conclusion , which should give readers a closing impression of the subject and summarize your overall objective.

  • Read the essay aloud. Did you give a visual portrayal?

 Check that you interweaved dialogue, added physical descriptions in moderation, but used narrative freely.

What to Consider When Choosing a Subject for Profile Essay

The subject is at the core of your essay the one you choose will determine the outcome of the readers’ experience.

For an easier time writing your essay, consider the following points:

  • In case of an interview choose a subject who is easily available and make sure to consider the ones that actually give interviews. Crossing boundaries can land you in trouble.
  • What are the recent activities happening to the subject?
  • Do not include details that may harm the subject’s reputation or cost them their occupation
  • Respect the subject whether famous or infamous
  • In the instance of a place use factual information based on concrete evidence.
  • Remember to make enough research about your subject
  • Choose a reasonable subject. Doing this will ensure that you have all the resources you need.

A profile essay example of another planet is unreasonable because there are limited or no resources available to get information from.

You can also check out MLA Citation for Website: In text | Reference | Social Media|Examples

Tips to Write a Profile Essay

A profile essay vividly presents a subject to the readers. The writing is a combination of objective and expressive: While presenting his observations and analysis to inform the reader, the writer also brings his own personal perspective and interpretations to the essay.

A profile essay differs from biographical and autobiographical writing in that it takes newly acquired observation, through research or firsthand accounts; an autobiography or biography is about remembered experiences.

The challenge of a profile essay is to gather the information and give it shape in an essay that conveys the main idea; there are several guidelines to aid a writer in doing this.

Choose the Subject Wisely

While profiles of exciting, controversial people are always interesting, even the mundane can be intriguing if the writer examines it closely and offers a distinctive perspective.

A writer shouldn’t overlook the quietly remarkable person who seems ordinary on the outside.

Form an Engaging and Informative Plan

A profile essay will most likely be based on at least one interview with the subject, and may also include interviews with those that know the subject.

Writers should resist the temptation to organize the essay in the order they ask the questions, as this can make for boring reading.

Instead, the answers of the questions should be examined closely for an emerging image of the subject. The responses can then be incorporated into a more complex picture of the subject.

Provide a Vivid Description

A quality profile essay should incorporate a vivid word picture of the subject. Include specific details, such as how the subject looks, talks, dresses, smells and is motivated.

Keep straight description, or just cataloging the obvious, to a minimum; instead, use description to give the sense that the subject’s outward appearance reveals inward character traits.

Information from others in the essay should serve to describe the subject and not take on its own life.

Convey a Dominant Impression

A profile essay should convey a dominant impression of the subject: the writer’s personal interpretation and insight on the subject and what the writer has gained from observing and researching.

Carefully select and arrange details so that they communicate your attitude.

This interpretive element is what categorizes the profile essay as a genre and separates it from other forms of narrative and descriptive writing, such as the biography.

Profile Essay Examples

Profile essay example 1 – my happy dad.

My dad always said, “It takes fewer muscles to smile than it does to frown.” I have to believe this is true because I spent the earlier years of my life frowning. Going through life with a cortisol-fueled scowl on your face can make for an exhausting existence. But, when I began smiling—really smiling—I felt more confident, happier, and lighter in spirit. I started asking myself why I hadn’t tried smiling sooner.

My dad’s advice reminded me of an early astronomy class I took in college where the professor lectured us one day about this weird thing called dark energy. It turns out that if you look around you on Earth, everything has gravity—you know, the way things are attracted to each other? Well, apparently, there’s also dark energy that’s pushing all these things apart at an increasingly accelerated rate. Neat stuff to ponder when you’re just trying to pass the class, but something about it stuck with me years later because I think about it in terms of smiling. Like dark energy, when we smile, we can feel ourselves pushing things apart—we expand our own worlds and simultaneously help everyone around us do the same.

Smiling is such a simple act, but it takes muscles to get it done. You have to flex your cheek, bite down on your larynx, and unclench your tongue while simultaneously juggling a ball of hot air that you have to squeeze out your mouth. Then, if people don’t smile back at you, it’s all for naught because you’ve got nothing left to hold yourself together with. It’s a lot of work, but smiling changes everything once you’ve done it.

My dad is the reason I smile. He’s the reason I have the confidence to smile first, too. Looking back at my scowling days, I realize that he was smiling all along—but it took muscles for me to notice.

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Profile essay examples

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Profile Essay Example 2 – Boston Marathon Bombings

On April 15th, 2013, the Boston Marathon Bombings shook the city of Boston and America as a whole. This was an extraordinary tragedy that will never be forgotten by those who witnessed it first hand, including myself. The families affected by this horrible tragedy are left to deal with their grief for years to come. What makes the Marathon Bombing event so significant is the fact that everyone felt affected by it. The fact that anyone could be a victim makes everyone feel vulnerable and scared. This event made America feel like we were all Bostonians and that we were united as one nation.

Caroline Richards was cheering on her mother at the 117th Boston Marathon when the first bomb exploded. She was only three feet from the explosion and was severely injured as a result. Caroline spent 35 days in Boston Medical Center recovering from serious injuries she sustained from the bombing. When interviewed about her experience, she made a statement that I will never forget: “There’s no room for fear. We all have to be compassionate and help those who were also injured and affected,” Caroline said. “I am so grateful for my family and friends who have been by my side supporting me.”

This event proves that although tragedies occur, there is always a silver lining. There was light and hope in the midst of the darkness because of all those affected by it. The things people did to help others in need made us feel proud to be human beings capable of love and kindness.

I believe this event will have an everlasting effect on the world because it made us realize how precious life is and that we should appreciate our loved ones. It also taught us to be aware of the things happening around us and to pay more attention, as one small action can trigger a series of large events.

Profile Essay Example 3 – Alice Walker

Alice Walker has made an enormous contribution to literature, not only through her novels and poetry but also by campaigning for civil rights during the 1960s. Born in Georgia in 1944, she grew up in a tiny rural community with her sharecropper parents. Although she grew up in poverty, Walker’s parents managed to raise eight children. Her father was one of the main reasons why Alice became interested in learning about African-American history and literature.

Walker’s love for reading and writing started after sustaining an injury to her right eye that left her permanently blind in that eye. As soon as she could, she went back to school and studied at several colleges. She received her bachelor’s degree in 1965.

Alice Walker made history when her novel The Color Purple won the Pulitzer Prize in 1982. This was the first time that an African-American woman had won this prestigious award. The book is about a young black woman, Celie, whose life is filled with pain and suffering. It was made into a movie in 1985 by Steven Spielberg.

Alice Walker has used her writing to express her opinions about the conditions that black people were forced into during segregation in America. Her work is not only important because it enlightened people about these incidents but also added dignity to the African-American culture.

Profile Essay Example 4 – My mother’s determination

The day my mother was born, doctors didn’t think she would live. Her tiny body just wasn’t strong enough to survive in this world. But, against all odds and after hours of intensive care from a rotating team of nurses, my mother defied the odds and continued to grow and thrive.

Her early battle with life made her strong, determined, and resilient—a warrior that would fight for what she wanted. Later in life, even though she had a successful career as a social worker and could easily provide for herself financially, my mother took on another challenge: raising five children.

This was not easy, but my mother never complained; she simply figured out how to make things work in her own way. She made our lives fun and happy by taking us on long walks in the park or baking cookies with us in the afternoon when we got home from school. My mother’s determination influenced me to keep trying even if I didn’t always succeed the first time.

Today, my mother is retired and lives in Florida with my father. So many times, she has told me how much she loves her life because every day is sunny, and nothing bad ever happens to her anymore. I am so grateful for all of the sacrifices she made on our behalf, but mostly I am thankful for her strength and resilience because those attributes have made me strong too.

Profile Essay Example 5

“Good evening, Valparaiso. I’m storm shield meteorologist Jacob Van Horn here with a look at your forecast.” Ever since Jake was in grade school, he knew that he wanted to be a meteorologist. However, it wasn’t until high school that he realized his dream could truly become reality. Jake’s interest in weather began when he first watched the movie “Twister,” a collection of National Geographic documentaries provided by his school. With an abundance of hard work and dedication, Jake is working towards earning his bachelor’s degree in meteorology and achieving his dream of becoming a meteorologist.

Since Jake has always been an admirer of the weather, severe storms always brought him a thrill. His interest in weather peaked after an F-4 tornado struck a city near his home in November of 2002. His family drove through Van Wert, Ohio, to see the damage. “Those images will always be in my head,” he recalls.

Although Jake always knew that he wanted to become a meteorologist, it was not until high school when he recognized his full potential. He realized how good he was at science and math and how much he enjoyed each of these subjects. Math and science are a crucial part of meteorology; therefore, Jake decided to “give it a go.”

When it came to deciding upon a college to pursue his meteorology degree, Jake was torn between Purdue University and Valparaiso University. Both schools possessed a great meteorology program, but Jake was drawn to Valparaiso’s small school atmosphere and location. Although Valparaiso was a private university with higher tuition than Purdue, Jake received a presidential scholarship, which aided in paying for his tuition. Getting accepted into a college with an outstanding meteorology program brought Jake one step closer to achieving his dream.

Once college started, there were a broad range of meteorology classes that he had to take. They started as simple, introductory classes and progressed into much more specific classes, such as an aviation weather class to predict things such as turbulence and a tropical class, which not only focuses on hurricanes and tropical storms, but the impact of the ocean on the weather in general. These classes will be beneficial to his future career choice. A meteorologist’s job can be described as making a type of educated prediction. Jake will use what he has learned in his classes, apply that broad knowledge to whatever is happening in the forecast, look at where the weather is coming from, and predict what he believes will happen.

The summer between his freshman and sophomore years of college, Jake was an intern at a local news station, WANE 15. While at his internship, he often assisted the head meteorologist in creating graphics that were used on television. He liked using the graphics system to see what he could create and he also liked communicating to the people about what was going to be happening. Jake said that he was able to learn an abundance of new things that will be useful in his future endeavors. One night, during a large tornado outbreak, he stayed at the station until around 2AM, keeping the viewing areas informed about the potentially dangerous weather conditions. He said that it “was definitely a crazy night.”

When he returned back to campus his sophomore year, Jake was a lab aide for an introductory class, which helps to refresh students on the basics of meteorology. He was also an assistant weather director at the campus television station, which is helping him learn about the broadcasting side of meteorology. He has learned everything from production to graphic-making and even presentation skills on the green screen. Although he did not think he would like being on television, before he began classes, Jake has learned many skills that have opened his mind to the world of broadcasting.

You can also check out Opinion Ideas for Writing/Opinion Essay Topics

A good profile essay should be easy to read and relatively short, with a strong beginning that grabs the reader’s attention.

The best profile essays are written with clear, concise language that showcases the personality of your subject.

Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions about writing an essay on a particular topic . We would be happy to help with this process.

Related FAQs

1. how to write a profile essay.

Before you start writing your profile essay, you should know its structure. This refers to the introduction, body of a paragraph and conclusion. This part draws the attention of your readers. This is your chance to hook them until the end of your piece.

2. What is a typical profile essay example?

A typical profile essay example is a creative description of a personality, an event, or an object that relates to a particular person. In some cases, you can choose topics or ideas that describe a celebrity or a scientist. It must deal with the facts and provide descriptions.

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3. How to write a comprehensive and balanced profile essay?

A comprehensive and balanced essay can be written by in-depth research and knowledge about the student’s subject. The first and foremost goal of a profile essay is to be informative. It is a literary work that focuses on the description of a person, place, or event.

4. What is the conclusion of a profile essay?

The conclusion is the final part where you are required to give a summary of your essay. Unlike the body, it should only contain a few sentences that restates all your major points pointing out your topic’s relevance. How to Start Writing a Profile Essay?

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College Admissions , College Essays

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The personal statement might just be the hardest part of your college application. Mostly this is because it has the least guidance and is the most open-ended. One way to understand what colleges are looking for when they ask you to write an essay is to check out the essays of students who already got in—college essays that actually worked. After all, they must be among the most successful of this weird literary genre.

In this article, I'll go through general guidelines for what makes great college essays great. I've also compiled an enormous list of 100+ actual sample college essays from 11 different schools. Finally, I'll break down two of these published college essay examples and explain why and how they work. With links to 177 full essays and essay excerpts , this article is a great resource for learning how to craft your own personal college admissions essay!

What Excellent College Essays Have in Common

Even though in many ways these sample college essays are very different from one other, they do share some traits you should try to emulate as you write your own essay.

Visible Signs of Planning

Building out from a narrow, concrete focus. You'll see a similar structure in many of the essays. The author starts with a very detailed story of an event or description of a person or place. After this sense-heavy imagery, the essay expands out to make a broader point about the author, and connects this very memorable experience to the author's present situation, state of mind, newfound understanding, or maturity level.

Knowing how to tell a story. Some of the experiences in these essays are one-of-a-kind. But most deal with the stuff of everyday life. What sets them apart is the way the author approaches the topic: analyzing it for drama and humor, for its moving qualities, for what it says about the author's world, and for how it connects to the author's emotional life.

Stellar Execution

A killer first sentence. You've heard it before, and you'll hear it again: you have to suck the reader in, and the best place to do that is the first sentence. Great first sentences are punchy. They are like cliffhangers, setting up an exciting scene or an unusual situation with an unclear conclusion, in order to make the reader want to know more. Don't take my word for it—check out these 22 first sentences from Stanford applicants and tell me you don't want to read the rest of those essays to find out what happens!

A lively, individual voice. Writing is for readers. In this case, your reader is an admissions officer who has read thousands of essays before yours and will read thousands after. Your goal? Don't bore your reader. Use interesting descriptions, stay away from clichés, include your own offbeat observations—anything that makes this essay sounds like you and not like anyone else.

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Technical correctness. No spelling mistakes, no grammar weirdness, no syntax issues, no punctuation snafus—each of these sample college essays has been formatted and proofread perfectly. If this kind of exactness is not your strong suit, you're in luck! All colleges advise applicants to have their essays looked over several times by parents, teachers, mentors, and anyone else who can spot a comma splice. Your essay must be your own work, but there is absolutely nothing wrong with getting help polishing it.

And if you need more guidance, connect with PrepScholar's expert admissions consultants . These expert writers know exactly what college admissions committees look for in an admissions essay and chan help you craft an essay that boosts your chances of getting into your dream school.

Check out PrepScholar's Essay Editing and Coaching progra m for more details!

Want to write the perfect college application essay?   We can help.   Your dedicated PrepScholar Admissions counselor will help you craft your perfect college essay, from the ground up. We learn your background and interests, brainstorm essay topics, and walk you through the essay drafting process, step-by-step. At the end, you'll have a unique essay to proudly submit to colleges.   Don't leave your college application to chance. Find out more about PrepScholar Admissions now:

Links to Full College Essay Examples

Some colleges publish a selection of their favorite accepted college essays that worked, and I've put together a selection of over 100 of these.

Common App Essay Samples

Please note that some of these college essay examples may be responding to prompts that are no longer in use. The current Common App prompts are as follows:

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. 2. The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience? 3. Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome? 4. Reflect on something that someone has done for you that has made you happy or thankful in a surprising way. How has this gratitude affected or motivated you? 5. Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others. 6. Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?

7. Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you've already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design.

Now, let's get to the good stuff: the list of 177 college essay examples responding to current and past Common App essay prompts. 

Connecticut college.

  • 12 Common Application essays from the classes of 2022-2025

Hamilton College

  • 7 Common Application essays from the class of 2026
  • 7 Common Application essays from the class of 2022
  • 7 Common Application essays from the class of 2018
  • 8 Common Application essays from the class of 2012
  • 8 Common Application essays from the class of 2007

Johns Hopkins

These essays are answers to past prompts from either the Common Application or the Coalition Application (which Johns Hopkins used to accept).

  • 1 Common Application or Coalition Application essay from the class of 2026
  • 6 Common Application or Coalition Application essays from the class of 2025
  • 6 Common Application or Universal Application essays from the class of 2024
  • 6 Common Application or Universal Application essays from the class of 2023
  • 7 Common Application of Universal Application essays from the class of 2022
  • 5 Common Application or Universal Application essays from the class of 2021
  • 7 Common Application or Universal Application essays from the class of 2020

Essay Examples Published by Other Websites

  • 2 Common Application essays ( 1st essay , 2nd essay ) from applicants admitted to Columbia

Other Sample College Essays

Here is a collection of essays that are college-specific.

Babson College

  • 4 essays (and 1 video response) on "Why Babson" from the class of 2020

Emory University

  • 5 essay examples ( 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 ) from the class of 2020 along with analysis from Emory admissions staff on why the essays were exceptional
  • 5 more recent essay examples ( 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 ) along with analysis from Emory admissions staff on what made these essays stand out

University of Georgia

  • 1 “strong essay” sample from 2019
  • 1 “strong essay” sample from 2018
  • 10 Harvard essays from 2023
  • 10 Harvard essays from 2022
  • 10 Harvard essays from 2021
  • 10 Harvard essays from 2020
  • 10 Harvard essays from 2019
  • 10 Harvard essays from 2018
  • 6 essays from admitted MIT students

Smith College

  • 6 "best gift" essays from the class of 2018

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Books of College Essays

If you're looking for even more sample college essays, consider purchasing a college essay book. The best of these include dozens of essays that worked and feedback from real admissions officers.

College Essays That Made a Difference —This detailed guide from Princeton Review includes not only successful essays, but also interviews with admissions officers and full student profiles.

50 Successful Harvard Application Essays by the Staff of the Harvard Crimson—A must for anyone aspiring to Harvard .

50 Successful Ivy League Application Essays and 50 Successful Stanford Application Essays by Gen and Kelly Tanabe—For essays from other top schools, check out this venerated series, which is regularly updated with new essays.

Heavenly Essays by Janine W. Robinson—This collection from the popular blogger behind Essay Hell includes a wider range of schools, as well as helpful tips on honing your own essay.

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Analyzing Great Common App Essays That Worked

I've picked two essays from the examples collected above to examine in more depth so that you can see exactly what makes a successful college essay work. Full credit for these essays goes to the original authors and the schools that published them.

Example 1: "Breaking Into Cars," by Stephen, Johns Hopkins Class of '19 (Common App Essay, 636 words long)

I had never broken into a car before.

We were in Laredo, having just finished our first day at a Habitat for Humanity work site. The Hotchkiss volunteers had already left, off to enjoy some Texas BBQ, leaving me behind with the college kids to clean up. Not until we were stranded did we realize we were locked out of the van.

Someone picked a coat hanger out of the dumpster, handed it to me, and took a few steps back.

"Can you do that thing with a coat hanger to unlock it?"

"Why me?" I thought.

More out of amusement than optimism, I gave it a try. I slid the hanger into the window's seal like I'd seen on crime shows, and spent a few minutes jiggling the apparatus around the inside of the frame. Suddenly, two things simultaneously clicked. One was the lock on the door. (I actually succeeded in springing it.) The other was the realization that I'd been in this type of situation before. In fact, I'd been born into this type of situation.

My upbringing has numbed me to unpredictability and chaos. With a family of seven, my home was loud, messy, and spottily supervised. My siblings arguing, the dog barking, the phone ringing—all meant my house was functioning normally. My Dad, a retired Navy pilot, was away half the time. When he was home, he had a parenting style something like a drill sergeant. At the age of nine, I learned how to clear burning oil from the surface of water. My Dad considered this a critical life skill—you know, in case my aircraft carrier should ever get torpedoed. "The water's on fire! Clear a hole!" he shouted, tossing me in the lake without warning. While I'm still unconvinced about that particular lesson's practicality, my Dad's overarching message is unequivocally true: much of life is unexpected, and you have to deal with the twists and turns.

Living in my family, days rarely unfolded as planned. A bit overlooked, a little pushed around, I learned to roll with reality, negotiate a quick deal, and give the improbable a try. I don't sweat the small stuff, and I definitely don't expect perfect fairness. So what if our dining room table only has six chairs for seven people? Someone learns the importance of punctuality every night.

But more than punctuality and a special affinity for musical chairs, my family life has taught me to thrive in situations over which I have no power. Growing up, I never controlled my older siblings, but I learned how to thwart their attempts to control me. I forged alliances, and realigned them as necessary. Sometimes, I was the poor, defenseless little brother; sometimes I was the omniscient elder. Different things to different people, as the situation demanded. I learned to adapt.

Back then, these techniques were merely reactions undertaken to ensure my survival. But one day this fall, Dr. Hicks, our Head of School, asked me a question that he hoped all seniors would reflect on throughout the year: "How can I participate in a thing I do not govern, in the company of people I did not choose?"

The question caught me off guard, much like the question posed to me in Laredo. Then, I realized I knew the answer. I knew why the coat hanger had been handed to me.

Growing up as the middle child in my family, I was a vital participant in a thing I did not govern, in the company of people I did not choose. It's family. It's society. And often, it's chaos. You participate by letting go of the small stuff, not expecting order and perfection, and facing the unexpected with confidence, optimism, and preparedness. My family experience taught me to face a serendipitous world with confidence.

What Makes This Essay Tick?

It's very helpful to take writing apart in order to see just how it accomplishes its objectives. Stephen's essay is very effective. Let's find out why!

An Opening Line That Draws You In

In just eight words, we get: scene-setting (he is standing next to a car about to break in), the idea of crossing a boundary (he is maybe about to do an illegal thing for the first time), and a cliffhanger (we are thinking: is he going to get caught? Is he headed for a life of crime? Is he about to be scared straight?).

Great, Detailed Opening Story

More out of amusement than optimism, I gave it a try. I slid the hanger into the window's seal like I'd seen on crime shows, and spent a few minutes jiggling the apparatus around the inside of the frame.

It's the details that really make this small experience come alive. Notice how whenever he can, Stephen uses a more specific, descriptive word in place of a more generic one. The volunteers aren't going to get food or dinner; they're going for "Texas BBQ." The coat hanger comes from "a dumpster." Stephen doesn't just move the coat hanger—he "jiggles" it.

Details also help us visualize the emotions of the people in the scene. The person who hands Stephen the coat hanger isn't just uncomfortable or nervous; he "takes a few steps back"—a description of movement that conveys feelings. Finally, the detail of actual speech makes the scene pop. Instead of writing that the other guy asked him to unlock the van, Stephen has the guy actually say his own words in a way that sounds like a teenager talking.

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Turning a Specific Incident Into a Deeper Insight

Suddenly, two things simultaneously clicked. One was the lock on the door. (I actually succeeded in springing it.) The other was the realization that I'd been in this type of situation before. In fact, I'd been born into this type of situation.

Stephen makes the locked car experience a meaningful illustration of how he has learned to be resourceful and ready for anything, and he also makes this turn from the specific to the broad through an elegant play on the two meanings of the word "click."

Using Concrete Examples When Making Abstract Claims

My upbringing has numbed me to unpredictability and chaos. With a family of seven, my home was loud, messy, and spottily supervised. My siblings arguing, the dog barking, the phone ringing—all meant my house was functioning normally.

"Unpredictability and chaos" are very abstract, not easily visualized concepts. They could also mean any number of things—violence, abandonment, poverty, mental instability. By instantly following up with highly finite and unambiguous illustrations like "family of seven" and "siblings arguing, the dog barking, the phone ringing," Stephen grounds the abstraction in something that is easy to picture: a large, noisy family.

Using Small Bits of Humor and Casual Word Choice

My Dad, a retired Navy pilot, was away half the time. When he was home, he had a parenting style something like a drill sergeant. At the age of nine, I learned how to clear burning oil from the surface of water. My Dad considered this a critical life skill—you know, in case my aircraft carrier should ever get torpedoed.

Obviously, knowing how to clean burning oil is not high on the list of things every 9-year-old needs to know. To emphasize this, Stephen uses sarcasm by bringing up a situation that is clearly over-the-top: "in case my aircraft carrier should ever get torpedoed."

The humor also feels relaxed. Part of this is because he introduces it with the colloquial phrase "you know," so it sounds like he is talking to us in person. This approach also diffuses the potential discomfort of the reader with his father's strictness—since he is making jokes about it, clearly he is OK. Notice, though, that this doesn't occur very much in the essay. This helps keep the tone meaningful and serious rather than flippant.

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An Ending That Stretches the Insight Into the Future

But one day this fall, Dr. Hicks, our Head of School, asked me a question that he hoped all seniors would reflect on throughout the year: "How can I participate in a thing I do not govern, in the company of people I did not choose?"

The ending of the essay reveals that Stephen's life has been one long preparation for the future. He has emerged from chaos and his dad's approach to parenting as a person who can thrive in a world that he can't control.

This connection of past experience to current maturity and self-knowledge is a key element in all successful personal essays. Colleges are very much looking for mature, self-aware applicants. These are the qualities of successful college students, who will be able to navigate the independence college classes require and the responsibility and quasi-adulthood of college life.

What Could This Essay Do Even Better?

Even the best essays aren't perfect, and even the world's greatest writers will tell you that writing is never "finished"—just "due." So what would we tweak in this essay if we could?

Replace some of the clichéd language. Stephen uses handy phrases like "twists and turns" and "don't sweat the small stuff" as a kind of shorthand for explaining his relationship to chaos and unpredictability. But using too many of these ready-made expressions runs the risk of clouding out your own voice and replacing it with something expected and boring.

Use another example from recent life. Stephen's first example (breaking into the van in Laredo) is a great illustration of being resourceful in an unexpected situation. But his essay also emphasizes that he "learned to adapt" by being "different things to different people." It would be great to see how this plays out outside his family, either in the situation in Laredo or another context.

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Example 2: By Renner Kwittken, Tufts Class of '23 (Common App Essay, 645 words long)

My first dream job was to be a pickle truck driver. I saw it in my favorite book, Richard Scarry's "Cars and Trucks and Things That Go," and for some reason, I was absolutely obsessed with the idea of driving a giant pickle. Much to the discontent of my younger sister, I insisted that my parents read us that book as many nights as possible so we could find goldbug, a small little golden bug, on every page. I would imagine the wonderful life I would have: being a pig driving a giant pickle truck across the country, chasing and finding goldbug. I then moved on to wanting to be a Lego Master. Then an architect. Then a surgeon.

Then I discovered a real goldbug: gold nanoparticles that can reprogram macrophages to assist in killing tumors, produce clear images of them without sacrificing the subject, and heat them to obliteration.

Suddenly the destination of my pickle was clear.

I quickly became enveloped by the world of nanomedicine; I scoured articles about liposomes, polymeric micelles, dendrimers, targeting ligands, and self-assembling nanoparticles, all conquering cancer in some exotic way. Completely absorbed, I set out to find a mentor to dive even deeper into these topics. After several rejections, I was immensely grateful to receive an invitation to work alongside Dr. Sangeeta Ray at Johns Hopkins.

In the lab, Dr. Ray encouraged a great amount of autonomy to design and implement my own procedures. I chose to attack a problem that affects the entire field of nanomedicine: nanoparticles consistently fail to translate from animal studies into clinical trials. Jumping off recent literature, I set out to see if a pre-dose of a common chemotherapeutic could enhance nanoparticle delivery in aggressive prostate cancer, creating three novel constructs based on three different linear polymers, each using fluorescent dye (although no gold, sorry goldbug!). Though using radioactive isotopes like Gallium and Yttrium would have been incredible, as a 17-year-old, I unfortunately wasn't allowed in the same room as these radioactive materials (even though I took a Geiger counter to a pair of shoes and found them to be slightly dangerous).

I hadn't expected my hypothesis to work, as the research project would have ideally been led across two full years. Yet while there are still many optimizations and revisions to be done, I was thrilled to find -- with completely new nanoparticles that may one day mean future trials will use particles with the initials "RK-1" -- thatcyclophosphamide did indeed increase nanoparticle delivery to the tumor in a statistically significant way.

A secondary, unexpected research project was living alone in Baltimore, a new city to me, surrounded by people much older than I. Even with moving frequently between hotels, AirBnB's, and students' apartments, I strangely reveled in the freedom I had to enjoy my surroundings and form new friendships with graduate school students from the lab. We explored The Inner Harbor at night, attended a concert together one weekend, and even got to watch the Orioles lose (to nobody's surprise). Ironically, it's through these new friendships I discovered something unexpected: what I truly love is sharing research. Whether in a presentation or in a casual conversation, making others interested in science is perhaps more exciting to me than the research itself. This solidified a new pursuit to angle my love for writing towards illuminating science in ways people can understand, adding value to a society that can certainly benefit from more scientific literacy.

It seems fitting that my goals are still transforming: in Scarry's book, there is not just one goldbug, there is one on every page. With each new experience, I'm learning that it isn't the goldbug itself, but rather the act of searching for the goldbugs that will encourage, shape, and refine my ever-evolving passions. Regardless of the goldbug I seek -- I know my pickle truck has just begun its journey.

Renner takes a somewhat different approach than Stephen, but their essay is just as detailed and engaging. Let's go through some of the strengths of this essay.

One Clear Governing Metaphor

This essay is ultimately about two things: Renner’s dreams and future career goals, and Renner’s philosophy on goal-setting and achieving one’s dreams.

But instead of listing off all the amazing things they’ve done to pursue their dream of working in nanomedicine, Renner tells a powerful, unique story instead. To set up the narrative, Renner opens the essay by connecting their experiences with goal-setting and dream-chasing all the way back to a memorable childhood experience:

This lighthearted–but relevant!--story about the moment when Renner first developed a passion for a specific career (“finding the goldbug”) provides an anchor point for the rest of the essay. As Renner pivots to describing their current dreams and goals–working in nanomedicine–the metaphor of “finding the goldbug” is reflected in Renner’s experiments, rejections, and new discoveries.

Though Renner tells multiple stories about their quest to “find the goldbug,” or, in other words, pursue their passion, each story is connected by a unifying theme; namely, that as we search and grow over time, our goals will transform…and that’s okay! By the end of the essay, Renner uses the metaphor of “finding the goldbug” to reiterate the relevance of the opening story:

While the earlier parts of the essay convey Renner’s core message by showing, the final, concluding paragraph sums up Renner’s insights by telling. By briefly and clearly stating the relevance of the goldbug metaphor to their own philosophy on goals and dreams, Renner demonstrates their creativity, insight, and eagerness to grow and evolve as the journey continues into college.

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An Engaging, Individual Voice

This essay uses many techniques that make Renner sound genuine and make the reader feel like we already know them.

Technique #1: humor. Notice Renner's gentle and relaxed humor that lightly mocks their younger self's grand ambitions (this is different from the more sarcastic kind of humor used by Stephen in the first essay—you could never mistake one writer for the other).

My first dream job was to be a pickle truck driver.

I would imagine the wonderful life I would have: being a pig driving a giant pickle truck across the country, chasing and finding goldbug. I then moved on to wanting to be a Lego Master. Then an architect. Then a surgeon.

Renner gives a great example of how to use humor to your advantage in college essays. You don’t want to come off as too self-deprecating or sarcastic, but telling a lightheartedly humorous story about your younger self that also showcases how you’ve grown and changed over time can set the right tone for your entire essay.

Technique #2: intentional, eye-catching structure. The second technique is the way Renner uses a unique structure to bolster the tone and themes of their essay . The structure of your essay can have a major impact on how your ideas come across…so it’s important to give it just as much thought as the content of your essay!

For instance, Renner does a great job of using one-line paragraphs to create dramatic emphasis and to make clear transitions from one phase of the story to the next:

Suddenly the destination of my pickle car was clear.

Not only does the one-liner above signal that Renner is moving into a new phase of the narrative (their nanoparticle research experiences), it also tells the reader that this is a big moment in Renner’s story. It’s clear that Renner made a major discovery that changed the course of their goal pursuit and dream-chasing. Through structure, Renner conveys excitement and entices the reader to keep pushing forward to the next part of the story.

Technique #3: playing with syntax. The third technique is to use sentences of varying length, syntax, and structure. Most of the essay's written in standard English and uses grammatically correct sentences. However, at key moments, Renner emphasizes that the reader needs to sit up and pay attention by switching to short, colloquial, differently punctuated, and sometimes fragmented sentences.

Even with moving frequently between hotels, AirBnB's, and students' apartments, I strangely reveled in the freedom I had to enjoy my surroundings and form new friendships with graduate school students from the lab. We explored The Inner Harbor at night, attended a concert together one weekend, and even got to watch the Orioles lose (to nobody's surprise). Ironically, it's through these new friendships I discovered something unexpected: what I truly love is sharing research.

In the examples above, Renner switches adeptly between long, flowing sentences and quippy, telegraphic ones. At the same time, Renner uses these different sentence lengths intentionally. As they describe their experiences in new places, they use longer sentences to immerse the reader in the sights, smells, and sounds of those experiences. And when it’s time to get a big, key idea across, Renner switches to a short, punchy sentence to stop the reader in their tracks.

The varying syntax and sentence lengths pull the reader into the narrative and set up crucial “aha” moments when it’s most important…which is a surefire way to make any college essay stand out.

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Renner's essay is very strong, but there are still a few little things that could be improved.

Connecting the research experiences to the theme of “finding the goldbug.”  The essay begins and ends with Renner’s connection to the idea of “finding the goldbug.” And while this metaphor is deftly tied into the essay’s intro and conclusion, it isn’t entirely clear what Renner’s big findings were during the research experiences that are described in the middle of the essay. It would be great to add a sentence or two stating what Renner’s big takeaways (or “goldbugs”) were from these experiences, which add more cohesion to the essay as a whole.

Give more details about discovering the world of nanomedicine. It makes sense that Renner wants to get into the details of their big research experiences as quickly as possible. After all, these are the details that show Renner’s dedication to nanomedicine! But a smoother transition from the opening pickle car/goldbug story to Renner’s “real goldbug” of nanoparticles would help the reader understand why nanoparticles became Renner’s goldbug. Finding out why Renner is so motivated to study nanomedicine–and perhaps what put them on to this field of study–would help readers fully understand why Renner chose this path in the first place.

4 Essential Tips for Writing Your Own Essay

How can you use this discussion to better your own college essay? Here are some suggestions for ways to use this resource effectively.

#1: Get Help From the Experts

Getting your college applications together takes a lot of work and can be pretty intimidatin g. Essays are even more important than ever now that admissions processes are changing and schools are going test-optional and removing diversity standards thanks to new Supreme Court rulings .  If you want certified expert help that really makes a difference, get started with  PrepScholar’s Essay Editing and Coaching program. Our program can help you put together an incredible essay from idea to completion so that your application stands out from the crowd. We've helped students get into the best colleges in the United States, including Harvard, Stanford, and Yale.  If you're ready to take the next step and boost your odds of getting into your dream school, connect with our experts today .

#2: Read Other Essays to Get Ideas for Your Own

As you go through the essays we've compiled for you above, ask yourself the following questions:

  • Can you explain to yourself (or someone else!) why the opening sentence works well?
  • Look for the essay's detailed personal anecdote. What senses is the author describing? Can you easily picture the scene in your mind's eye?
  • Find the place where this anecdote bridges into a larger insight about the author. How does the essay connect the two? How does the anecdote work as an example of the author's characteristic, trait, or skill?
  • Check out the essay's tone. If it's funny, can you find the places where the humor comes from? If it's sad and moving, can you find the imagery and description of feelings that make you moved? If it's serious, can you see how word choice adds to this tone?

Make a note whenever you find an essay or part of an essay that you think was particularly well-written, and think about what you like about it . Is it funny? Does it help you really get to know the writer? Does it show what makes the writer unique? Once you have your list, keep it next to you while writing your essay to remind yourself to try and use those same techniques in your own essay.

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#3: Find Your "A-Ha!" Moment

All of these essays rely on connecting with the reader through a heartfelt, highly descriptive scene from the author's life. It can either be very dramatic (did you survive a plane crash?) or it can be completely mundane (did you finally beat your dad at Scrabble?). Either way, it should be personal and revealing about you, your personality, and the way you are now that you are entering the adult world.

Check out essays by authors like John Jeremiah Sullivan , Leslie Jamison , Hanif Abdurraqib , and Esmé Weijun Wang to get more examples of how to craft a compelling personal narrative.

#4: Start Early, Revise Often

Let me level with you: the best writing isn't writing at all. It's rewriting. And in order to have time to rewrite, you have to start way before the application deadline. My advice is to write your first draft at least two months before your applications are due.

Let it sit for a few days untouched. Then come back to it with fresh eyes and think critically about what you've written. What's extra? What's missing? What is in the wrong place? What doesn't make sense? Don't be afraid to take it apart and rearrange sections. Do this several times over, and your essay will be much better for it!

For more editing tips, check out a style guide like Dreyer's English or Eats, Shoots & Leaves .

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What's Next?

Still not sure which colleges you want to apply to? Our experts will show you how to make a college list that will help you choose a college that's right for you.

Interested in learning more about college essays? Check out our detailed breakdown of exactly how personal statements work in an application , some suggestions on what to avoid when writing your essay , and our guide to writing about your extracurricular activities .

Working on the rest of your application? Read what admissions officers wish applicants knew before applying .

Want to improve your SAT score by 160 points or your ACT score by 4 points?   We've written a guide for each test about the top 5 strategies you must be using to have a shot at improving your score. Download them for free now:

The recommendations in this post are based solely on our knowledge and experience. If you purchase an item through one of our links PrepScholar may receive a commission.

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Anna scored in the 99th percentile on her SATs in high school, and went on to major in English at Princeton and to get her doctorate in English Literature at Columbia. She is passionate about improving student access to higher education.

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  • A Research Guide
  • Writing Guide
  • Essay Writing

How to Write a Profile Essay

  • Purpose of profile essay
  • How to start
  • Structure and outline

Step-by-step writing guide

  • Profile essay format

Helpful profile essay examples

What is the purpose of a profile essay, how to start a profile essay correctly, checking successful profile essays matters, choosing your profile essay subject, determine the style and tone of your writing, profile essay structure and outline, profile essay mandatory sections.

  • An Introduction. Under ideal conditions, it should contain several sentences and provide background information about the subject.
  • Body Sections. This part should discuss all the points mentioned in the introduction paragraph yet in greater detail.
  • Conclusion. It is where you provide a summary of all the key points.

1. Determining your profile

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2. Choosing your profile essay subject

3. writing an introduction, 4. working on body paragraphs, 5. conclusion part, 6. final editing and proofreading, profile essay formatting tips.

  • Keep information accessible and clear to your readers.
  • Your sentences should not be overly long. Write to the point.
  • The structure of paragraphs must implement topic sentences as you write.
  • Choose your words and phrases wisely to convey the main meaning.
  • Offer details and examples along with key facts or an interview.
  • Offer a summary sentence in each paragraph to make smooth transitions.
  • Write in a focused and enjoyable manner by avoiding overexplaining things.
  • Use creative narration methods to keep things more inspiring.
  • When you are confused, approaching a cheap essay writing service with experienced writers may help you narrow things down.
  • Keep your writing balanced and offer explanations and glossary points for all the elements that may require an additional explanation.
  • 10+ Profile essay examples . These contain free expository and interview examples available free of charge.
  • Profile essay composition examples by Washtenaw Community College.
  • Purdue OWL Writing Lab formatting and writing style guides help.

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How to Title an Essay

  • Essay Writing Guides

How to Title an Essay? Everything an Essay Guru Should Know

As soon as you sit down to compose an academic paper, you may be troubled by how to name your essay so that it reveals the essence of your text and grabs the audience’s attention at first sight. Ideally, that’s what a good title should achieve – informing and engaging. 

So, what’s the secret recipe for an ideal essay title ? How long should an essay title b e to comply with the college rules and formatting standards? 

The answer is not that straightforward, as you need to be inventive when creating an essay title . Some pro tactics will always help you move on and find a good title for an essay on any topic, and your task is to master the art of naming your works like a pro. 

Read on to get an exhaustive answer to the question, “ What is a good title for an essay ?” Your search for the best essay title ends here. Our guide covers the main principles of title formatting, structuring, and selection to make you a naming guru. We’ve also paired theory with practice and have given a series of catchy essay title examples to illustrate the manual. 

A Secret Recipe of a Good Essay Title 

To understand what a good title for an essay looks like, we need to understand its purpose. Wise people say that a reader shouldn’t judge a book by its cover. Yet, in fact, that’s what usually happens, and this means that your essay headline will be the first (and sometimes the last) information the reader gets about your intellectual product. 

As a rule, paper titles serve the following goals: 

  • Inform the readers what your essay is about. 
  • Motivate them to go on reading. 
  • Excite their interest in the subject. 
  • Catch the readers’ attention to make them read until the end.

Using these features of a good essay title , we may easily arrive at a definition of a winning headline: 

  • A good title captures the main topic and essence of the essay. 
  • It differentiates your piece from hundreds of texts on a similar topic. 
  • It hooks the readers’ attention and urges them to continue. 
  • A good title also exemplifies your expertise on the subject. 

Essay Title Composition Rules You Should Know 

Now, let’s proceed to the essay title format , which also can’t be ignored when composing an academic paper. Professors may require students to use a variety of referencing styles, each of which has specific instructions about the essay or research paper title . 

Guidelines for Essay Titles in MLA Format 

How to title an essay in MLA? A good title for an essay in the MLA referencing style should follow these conventions: 

  • Use title case for notional words. 
  • Place the title at the center and do not underline, bold, or italicize it. 
  • Double-space the heading as the rest of your essay’s text. 

Guidelines for Essay Titles in APA Format 

How to title an essay in APA? The APA essay title format requires you to follow these instructions: 

  • The APA title is placed on the title page and then repeated on the first page. 
  • It should be capitalized (notional words). 
  • It should be centered on the page and written in the bold font. 

Guidelines for Essay Titles in Chicago Manual of Style Format 

How to title an essay in Chicago? When you’re writing an academic task in the Chicago style, your good title for an essay should be structured as follows: 

  • The title should be placed one-third of the page down from the page’s top. 
  • It should be centered and capitalized. 
  • No bolding or italicization is required.  

How to Title an Essay: Pro Guidelines 

Before we proceed to title ideas for essays , let’s briefly cover the step-by-step algorithm for arriving at a good title your professor will love. So, how to title an essay correctly by using a simple instruction? 

#1 Complete Your Essay 

A pro tip for crafting a good essay title is not to start your work with it but rather to end it. Try this tactic out, and you will see how simple it is to formulate a good headline after the whole text is ready. 

#2 Sum It Up 

Your road to a creative title starts with a recap of your essay’s content. You should re-read the text and summarize it in a couple of sentences to see what it’s exactly about. 

#3 Determine the Keywords 

You can create a good title by using the key phrases and words that capture the gist of your essay. So, pick 3-5 main words that characterize the content and make up several versions of the title using their combinations. 

#4 Mind the Format 

As we’ve already noted, a good headline should be composed in line with the referencing style you need to follow. So, you should check whether your essay should be in the APA, MLA, or other format and use appropriate guidelines in composition.  

#5 Rephrase 

Once you have the key ideas in one place, experiment with paraphrasing to find your good title . 

Creative Essay Title Examples 

Now, it’s time to cover some of the coolest essay titles that can make your paper stand out of the crowd and attract the professor’s attention with creativity and originality. We’ve compiled a list of examples of good titles for essays of various types so that you have go-to prompts regardless of the homework your tutor gives. 

Argumentative 

How to title an essay that should argue a point? When you write an argumentative essay , titling an essay should include the position you’re planning to argue. That’s why a good essay heading of an argumentative type should contain your stand. Some great essay names for argumentative pieces are: 

  • Importance of school uniforms in US public schools. 
  • Severity of the greenhouse effect problem in Canada. 

Compare and Contrast 

Creating an essay title for a compare-and-contrast type of paper is a no-brainer, generally speaking. It should name all the subjects you’re planning to compare and may also include the characteristics by which you want to conduct the comparative analysis. Some great paper titles in the comparative format are: 

  • Distinctive features of wild animals compared to domesticated ones. 
  • Online vs. offline learning. 

Analytical 

How to title an essay with an analytical approach? It requires in-depth analysis of an assigned subject using a variety of academic sources. Thus, a good headline for this piece of work should reflect your analytical standpoint and reveal the essence of your inquiry. Best titles for essays of this kind may look as follows: 

  • Therapeutic benefits of CBT for PTSD. 
  • Limitations of AI applications in creative professions. 

Persuasive 

Titling an essay in a persuasive format should look convincing and reflective of the stand you’re holding. A great persuasive essay heading may look as follows: 

  • The need for more nuanced sex education in public schools. 
  • The unmet needs of cyberbullying victims. 

Expository 

How to title an essay in an expository format? This is a form of writing that requires you to describe a specific subject and introduce it to the audience in as much detail as possible. Thus, this essay title format won’t require argumentation or emotional appeals; an expository essay headline should simply name the subject you will deal with. Good titles for essays of this type can be: 

  • Socio-economic reforms in Sweden. 
  • The peacemaking activities of the UN. 

Use these essay title examples as inspiration to create your own good headline once your next assignment arrives. 

Final Word 

Now you know everything about the principles of writing creative essay titles that impress the readers and have several essay title examples for guidance. If you still have many lingering questions about how to title an essay or what the best essay title should look like, don’t struggle with these academic hardships on your own. 

Come to our service and partner with one of our experienced writers. Each expert in our team knows how to pick a title for an essay , how to select the most suitable essay title format , and what impact great college essay titles produce on your grades. Transform your grades with our pros’ support and guidance, and creating an essay title will never be a challenge for you again. 

Evergreen To Kill a Mockingbird Essay Topics

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  1. Profile Essay ⇒ Writing Guide with Outline and Examples

    An outline should include an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Here's an example of a simple but detailed outline of a profile essay about a person: Subject: A profile of my high-school History teacher, Mr. Smith. I. Introduction. A. Hook: Describing how Mr. Smith has impacted my life in a positive way.

  2. 100 Profile Essay Topics

    For example, your subject could be a famous person, a politician, an artist, a musician, or even a local business owner. 2. Conduct research on your subject ... 100 Profile Essay Topics. With the above guidelines for crafting a well-written profile essay in mind, you may now be wondering what topics you could write about. If you're struggling ...

  3. Profile Essay

    Step 3: Outline Your Essay. Always prepare with you a profile essay outline. Essay outlines help in making it easier for you to pinpoint the first idea and what should follow next. This will help you organize your gathered data appropriately. Step 4: Revise or Proofread Your Profile Essay. Once you have followed the three steps meticulously ...

  4. Free Profile Essay Examples. Best Topics, Titles GradesFixer

    Preparing to write a profile essay involves several steps to ensure a successful and engaging essay. By exploring examples of profile essays, choosing a unique and interesting topic, deciding on the writing style, gathering reliable information, and creating a detailed plan, writers can set themselves up for success. Taking the time to prepare ...

  5. Profile Essay Example: Topics, Outline, Writing Tips

    Bonus: Profile Essay Topics Ideas. If a tutor doesn't provide a specific topic for your profile essay and you struggle to find one, try any of these: My Hometown's History: The Hero of People. The Writer Who Shaped My View of Life. The Best Five-Star Hotel In Our Country. An Unusual Millionaire With a Kind Heart.

  6. 150 Inspiring Profile Essay Topics

    Profile essay is an informative type of writing where you provide your readers with a clear description of someone or something, be that a person, a character, an event, or even a place. Such papers have two major features: they should have lots of vivid details and they must flow smoothly. Whatever profile ideas you choose, you should write in ...

  7. How to Write a Profile Essay [Example Inside]

    6 Your Qualitative Profile Essay Example. 6.1 The Incredible Story of Wilma Rudolf. 6.1.1 Early Childhood. 6.1.2 Olympic Fame. 6.1.3 Fighting for a Social Cause. Over their high school and college years, students have to write various essays on different subject matters. While some are narrative and literary, others are more technical and ...

  8. How to Write an Profile Essay

    Writing Tips for a Profile Essay. How to write a profile essay in three steps; pick a subject, do your research, and start writing. Remember that a profile essay is a literary and a journalistic piece of writing. It's non-fiction, so your facts and figures must be accurate, and any discrepancies or controversies surrounding your data can form ...

  9. How to Write a Profile Essay (with Example)

    Jot down the header, "Introduction.". Start listing possible details that will be disclosed later from interviews. Title another header as "Body" and note high points that will become the possible climax of the essay. Tie it all up in the "Conclusion" header and brainstorm solid ending possibilities.

  10. How To Write A Profile Essay: A Comprehensive Guide

    Structure your essay: Begin with an engaging introduction, describe the place vividly, and provide personal insights. Incorporate sensory details: Utilize descriptive language to appeal to the readers' senses. Conclude with a reflection: Share your overall impression and highlight the significance of the place.

  11. Profile Essay Examples PapersOwl

    111 essay samples found. A profile essay is a literary work that focuses on the description of a person, place, event, or activity. Its aim is to present the essence of the subject to the reader by providing detailed descriptions and observations. Unlike other types of essays, a profile essay places emphasis on the writer's ability to convey ...

  12. Profile Essay Guide: Steps, Tips, Outline, Topics, and Examples

    There is a profile essay outline example later in this post. You should use its structure to create your own outline. 5. Write the first draft of your essay ... Follow the example profile essay outline below to discover how exactly to create a profile essay outline. Title: My best friend . I. Introduction. Hook sentence: ...

  13. How to Write a Successful Profile Essay

    A profile essay is a type of informative essay describing a person, place, or event. Get a step-by-step guide for how to write a profile essay that will be a hit with your readers. ... When crafting a profile essay, use a less academic style. For example, if you're doing an interview, it should be in first-person. ...

  14. PDF Profile Essay

    A profile essay does not have the same structure as a narrative essay or an argumentative essay. The type of writing for a profile essay is less rigidly structured, and an author can take several different approaches. Here are a few ideas and general guidelines about writing a profile essay. Tone The tone of a profile essay is different than ...

  15. How to Write a Profile Essay (2022 Guide)

    Profile Essay Example. Slavery, the humiliation of Jim Crow laws, lynchings, segregation, mass incarceration and the shooting of unarmed black men. Racial oppression has been a blight on the history and narrative of America for centuries. The Equal Justice Initiative (EJI), headed by Bryan Stevenson, makes the valid argument that healing cannot ...

  16. A Step-by-Step Guide to Writing a Profile Essay

    Before work, each student should carefully read the examples of profile essays to see the text's structure. To do this, you need to write an "example of a profile essay" in an Internet search engine, and you will immediately be given many sources of information. ... It is often included in the title. Therefore, the question must be answered in ...

  17. Profile Essay Examples

    A typical profile essay example is a creative description of a personality, an event, or an object that relates to a particular person. In some cases, you can choose topics or ideas that describe a celebrity or a scientist. It must deal with the facts and provide descriptions.

  18. PDF Profile Essay

    Profile Essay A profile essay in the context of a composition course may refer to a description of a person, place, activity, or ... (For more information on writing profiles, including examples, see Axelrod & Cooper's Concise Guide to Writing by Rise Axelrod and Charles Cooper.) Created by Dave Waskin . Title: Profile Essay Author: Thomas ...

  19. How to Write a Profile Article

    Written by MasterClass. Last updated: Sep 3, 2021 • 4 min read. Whether it's an article about a Supreme Court justice or a piece about a local store owner, profile writing paints a picture of a person with words—who they are, what they do, and what makes them tick. Whether it's an article about a Supreme Court justice or a piece about a ...

  20. 177 College Essay Examples for 11 Schools + Expert Analysis

    Technique #1: humor. Notice Renner's gentle and relaxed humor that lightly mocks their younger self's grand ambitions (this is different from the more sarcastic kind of humor used by Stephen in the first essay—you could never mistake one writer for the other). My first dream job was to be a pickle truck driver.

  21. How to Write a Profile Essay about a Person Format & Example

    Step-by-step writing guide. 1. Determining your profile. You must define what kind of profile you plan to approach by collecting as much information as possible. Take notes of the facts, check statistical information, and interview a person of choice before you start writing. 2. Choosing your profile essay subject.

  22. How to Title an Essay? All Secrets Revealed

    Your road to a creative title starts with a recap of your essay's content. You should re-read the text and summarize it in a couple of sentences to see what it's exactly about. #3 Determine the Keywords. You can create a good title by using the key phrases and words that capture the gist of your essay.

  23. How to Write a Professional Profile (With Examples)

    1. Keep your profile short and concise. Your professional profile should be no more than four brief sentences. You may write your profile as a list in bullet form or as a short paragraph. Include your job title and years of work or training experience. Highlight your professional strengths for the role. 2.