I definetely agree that you should read, or watch something. You know, a classic movie, or good book. It was a film that inspired me to write my NYU essay, and I think it turned out pretty good... I hope so at least.
Good luck, and I know how you feel wanting to read other essays. I do not think it is cheating, rather, it is being resourceful. Reading something doesn't mean you are going to steal an idea, but, reading something from someone who got in, and something from someone who didn't, well, they make books on this stuff. It's not cheating.
Just, don't stress so much to the point you naseate yourself (like I did), and just write something from the heart. That's all you can really do.
Tyler