Common App Essay Prompts: Tips, Examples, and FAQs
If you're applying to college, you'll likely need to write a Common App essay. This essay is an opportunity to showcase your personality, experiences, and goals to admissions officers. In this article, we'll explore tips for writing a great Common App essay, provide examples of successful essays, and answer some frequently asked questions.
What are Common App Essay Prompts?
The Common App essay prompts are a set of seven essay questions that you can choose from to write your personal statement. These prompts are designed to help you showcase your personality, experiences, and goals to admissions officers.
Tips for Writing a Great Common App Essay
- Choose the Right Prompt: Choose a prompt that allows you to showcase your strengths and experiences. Consider which prompt will allow you to tell your story in the most compelling way.
- Be Authentic: Be yourself in your essay. Admissions officers want to get to know the real you, not a version of yourself that you think they want to see.
- Tell a Story: Use your essay to tell a story that illustrates your personality, experiences, and goals. This will help your essay stand out and be more memorable.
- Be Specific: Use specific examples and details to illustrate your points. This will help your essay be more engaging and memorable.
- Edit and Proofread: Edit and proofread your essay carefully. Make sure it is free of errors and flows well.
Examples of Successful Common App Essays
- Prompt #1: Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. Example Essay
- Prompt #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? Example Essay
- Prompt #3: Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome? Example Essay
FAQs
Q: How long should my Common App essay be?
A: The Common App essay should be between 250 and 650 words.Q: Can I write about any topic for my Common App essay?
A: You can write about any topic that allows you to showcase your personality, experiences, and goals.Q: How important is the Common App essay in the admissions process?
A: The Common App essay is an important part of the admissions process. It allows admissions officers to get to know you beyond your grades and test scores.
Conclusion
The Common App essay is an opportunity to showcase your personality, experiences, and goals to admissions officers. By following these tips, reviewing examples of successful essays, and answering some frequently asked questions, you can write a great Common App essay that will help you stand out in the admissions process.