Common App Essays  

The Common App essay is crucial to your college application, allowing you to showcase your personality, experiences, and writing skills. With seven prompts to choose from, you have the flexibility to explore various topics and share your unique perspective. Here’s a concise overview of the Common App essay, seven strong examples, and explanations of why they work.

What is the Common Application essay?

The Common Application essay is a personal statement required by most colleges and universities that use the Common App. It is a chance for students to reflect on their experiences, goals, and values and demonstrate their ability to communicate effectively through writing. The essay is 650 words long and can be chosen from one of seven prompts.

Prompt 1: Background, identity, interest, or talent

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.

This prompt invites students to share a meaningful aspect of their background, identity, interest, or talent that has shaped their experiences and personal growth.

Example

This essay effectively showcases the writer’s talent and passion for drumming while also highlighting the personal growth and life lessons gained through their experiences. The writer demonstrates their ability to connect their interest to broader themes of community, education, and social impact, making the essay engaging and meaningful.

Prompt 2: Overcoming challenges

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?

This prompt asks students to discuss when they faced a challenge, setback, or failure, how they overcame it, and what they learned from the experience.

Example

This essay effectively addresses the prompt by describing a specific challenge and the steps taken to overcome it. The writer demonstrates personal growth and self-awareness, showing how they transformed a setback into an opportunity for learning and improvement. The essay also touches on important themes such as resilience, collaboration, and the value of failure as a learning experience.

Prompt 3: Questioning a belief or idea

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

This prompt encourages students to reflect on a time when they questioned or challenged a belief or idea and to explain what prompted their thinking and what they learned from the experience.

Example

This essay tackles a sensitive and complex topic with thoughtfulness. The writer demonstrates their ability to critically examine a long-held belief and articulate their own perspective while also acknowledging the importance of tradition and family. The essay showcases personal growth and self-awareness as the writer navigates the tension between cultural expectations and individual autonomy.

Prompt 4: Appreciating an influential person

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?

This prompt asks students to reflect on someone who has significantly impacted their life and describe that influence and its importance.

Example

This essay beautifully captures a teacher’s profound impact on a student’s life. The writer provides specific examples of how Mrs. Thompson influenced their academic and personal growth, demonstrating the lasting power of mentorship and support. The essay also reflects on the broader lessons learned, such as the importance of compassion, self-belief, and the transformative potential of education.

Prompt 5: Transformative event

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

This prompt invites students to discuss an event, achievement, or realization that sparked personal growth and a new understanding of themselves or others.

Example

This essay effectively demonstrates personal growth and a new understanding of self and others through a transformative experience. The writer vividly describes the language barrier challenge and the realization that connection can transcend words. The essay also showcases the writer’s initiative in applying the lessons learned, such as enrolling in Spanish classes and starting a club to promote cross-cultural exchange. 

Overall, the essay conveys a powerful message about stepping outside one’s comfort zone, embracing diversity, and seeking to understand others more deeply.

Prompt 6: Interest or hobby that inspires learning

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?

This prompt asks students to describe a topic, idea, or concept they find so engaging that they lose track of time and explain why it is captivating and what they have learned from their involvement.

Example

This essay stands out for its unique and engaging topic and thoughtful reflection on the personal and philosophical lessons learned through the practice of bonsai. The writer demonstrates a deep passion for the subject and an ability to connect it to broader themes of personal growth, self-discovery, and the power of transformation. 

The essay also showcases the writer’s intellectual curiosity as they describe their exploration of bonsai’s history and cultural significance. Overall, the essay leaves a lasting impression of a student who is introspective, passionate, and always eager to learn and grow.

Prompt 7: Free topic

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.

This prompt allows students to write an essay on any topic of their choice, allowing them to explore a particularly meaningful or interesting subject.

Example

This essay is a compelling example of how students can take a broad and personal topic—in this case, a love for storytelling—and use it to reflect on their experiences, passions, and goals. The writer demonstrates a clear, authentic voice and a thoughtful and introspective approach. 

The essay also showcases the writer’s ability to connect personal interests to broader themes of human connection, empathy, and the power of narrative. Overall, it leaves a strong impression of a student who is creative, compassionate, and deeply committed to using their skills and passions to positively impact the world.