Common Application Essay Prompts to Know for College Process

The Common Application Essay Prompts encourage students to share their unique stories and experiences. These prompts help highlight personal growth, challenges, and passions, making your application more authentic and complete. Use them to showcase what truly matters to you.

1. Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it.

   • Highlight a unique aspect of your background or identity that shapes who you are.
   • Explain how this element influences your perspective and experiences.
   • Discuss why this aspect is essential to your story and how it contributes to your goals.

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.

   • Describe the specific challenge or setback you faced.
   • Reflect on the emotions and thoughts you experienced during this time.
   • Share the lessons learned and how they have shaped your approach to future challenges.

3. Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?

   • Identify the belief or idea you questioned and the context surrounding it.
   • Explain what prompted you to challenge this belief and the process of your reflection.
   • Discuss the outcome of this challenge and how it affected your views or actions moving forward.

4. Reflect on something that someone has done for you that has made you happy or thankful in a surprising way.

   • Describe the action taken by the person and the context in which it occurred.
   • Explain your initial feelings and reactions to this act of kindness or support.
   • Reflect on how this experience impacted your perspective on relationships or gratitude.

5. Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.

   • Identify the specific accomplishment or event that triggered this growth.
   • Reflect on the changes in your understanding of yourself or others as a result.
   • Discuss how this experience has influenced your future aspirations or behaviors.

6. Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time.

   • Identify the topic or concept and explain why it captivates you.
   • Share specific experiences or activities related to this interest that demonstrate your passion.
   • Reflect on how this engagement has contributed to your personal or academic development.

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.

   • Choose a topic that reflects your voice and interests authentically.
   • Ensure the essay showcases your writing skills and ability to convey complex ideas.
   • Highlight any unique perspectives or experiences that make your essay stand out.