Man who used to study at McDonald's shares his essay about the experience that got him into Harvard

Writing a college essay can feel daunting, as it plays a major role in determining admission to your dream school. Many applicants go all out to perfect their essays, but sometimes, simplicity can be just as effective. Jeffrey Wang, who goes by @wangzjeff on X, proved this by getting into Harvard with an essay about studying at McDonald's. Wang shared his story online, revealing how his unconventional essay resonated with multiple colleges.

"Some people study best at the library. Others occupy a corner in a coffee shop where inspiration and creativity flow with a cappuccino. Personally, I do some of my best work while sipping a one-dollar plus tax Mclced Tea at a plastic table on which my laptop and book rest," the essay began. "The subtle scent of grease fills my nose and the shouting of order numbers rings in my ears. I've found an unconventional place of contentment beneath the Golden Arches." In his essay, Wang explained how he was home alone and hungry when he discovered the McDonald's near his high school. "The refrigerator is empty, preventing me from cooking, so I decide to become Mickey D's daily customer number sixty million and blank," he wrote.

"In the middle of my feast, I realize that there is nothing on my mind but my surroundings and my stomach. I'm completely at ease; no pretension exists in this global franchise that has more stores in the world than people in my town," the essay continued. "I return to study for a few hours that I've realized were some of the most restful yet productive I had had for a long time. I've spent many more hours at McDonald's since usually just to use the space to work or even just meditate on weekends that might otherwise have been lazy," Wang recounted. "I don't claim that McDonald's is the perfect place to be. The commotion in the kitchen and the indelible buzzing of pop music often make it hard to do things like appreciate the structure of certain biochemicals or follow local politics."

When he reads Charlotte Bronte, someone calling for a McFlurry might interrupt his reverie and bring him back to the place. “While attention-catching sights and sounds sometimes divert my attention, they’ve helped me to work by forcing me to focus harder,” he continued. "Better yet, I've found meaningful the array of diversions I've experienced, from a conversation with my quirky, retired seventh-grade English teacher about how fast (not quick, he had taught me) life passes by to companionship with employees here like Milly, who works the cash register, and Maureen, the manager," the man wrote. "As far as why I've settled on McDonald's as my choice of refuge, the only other two fast food restaurants in my town don't have adequate places to sit, the town library has short hours, and my thrift prevents me from frequenting the local coffee shop."

Multiple admission officers complimented Wang on his essay. "To any frantic high school senior, the best advice I got was - keep in mind that the admissions officer is some dude lying on a couch reading your essay at 10 PM. Make sure that this person is entertained and thinks that you're an authentic human being," he suggested. People took to the comments section to express their opinions. @MeganNyvold wrote, "I used to always study at Chick-fil-A between 2-5 and I gatekept it too. Great WiFi, good food, spacious booth and my location was really quiet those hours." @smcx22 commented, "I’m in the thick of this now. Appreciate your sharing." @pdhsu remarked, "I am so glad that my college admissions essay is lost forever."