Hi everyone, I'm a junior getting ready to start working on my college applications. Can someone provide a quick rundown of this year's Common App prompts? I'd like to know what the available options are so I can start brainstorming ideas. Thanks in advance!
Hi! It's awesome that you're getting started on your college applications early. I'd be happy to list out the current Common App prompts for you. These prompts are designed to give you the freedom to express yourself and tell your own unique story. Here they are:
1. 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.
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?
3. Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?
4. 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?
5. Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.
6. 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?
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.
Do be aware that the Common App prompts can change slightly year to year, but since all of them are intentionally open-ended, you don't need to worry too much about that. In fact, many students simply write the story they want to tell, and decide later which prompt it fits best with.
Finally, if you want guidance on how to tackle the Common App essay, check out CollegeVine's comprehensive breakdown of both the purpose of the personal statement and each Common App prompt option: https://blog.collegevine.com/how-to-write-the-common-application-essays/.
Good luck, and happy brainstorming!
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