I have lots of ideas to pass along. In the meantime, here is the list: The Common Application Essay Prompts: Some students have a background or story that is so central to their identity that they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story. If the essay does not show that the student is a better person because of the failure, then the response to this essay prompt is not successful.
Schools are looking for students who do not blame others for their failure. They want to see that a student has assessed a failure, learned from it, and moved on.
Prompt 3: Reflect on a time when you challenged a belief or idea. What prompted you to act? Would you make the same decision again? The belief or idea can take many forms: a political or ethical belief; a theoretical or scientific idea; a personal conviction; an entrenched way of doing things challenging the status quo ; and so on. With this prompt colleges are looking for students to reveal one of their core personal values and show personal growth.
The best essays will be honest and reflective as they explore the difficulty of working against the status quo or a firmly held belief. Colleges want students who will fit into a diverse campus community. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience? Describe a problem you've solved or a problem you'd like to solve. Some of our all-time favorite admissions essays are also some of the shortest we have seen. Note that there is actually also a minimum word limit: words.
Update: Check out our most recent article including three tips you should follow to write a standout Common Application essay! Plan on applying to college soon? What do you want the readers of your application to know about you apart from courses, grades, and test scores? Choose the option that best helps you answer that question and write an essay of no more than words, using the prompt to inspire and structure your response.
Remember: words is your limit, not your goal.
Sakazahn
What do you want the readers of your application to know about you apart from courses, grades, and test scores? Describe a place or environment where you are perfectly content. What prompted you to act? Here are the five prompts with some general tips for each: Prompt 1: Some students have a background or story that is so central to their identity that they believe their application would be incomplete without it. This means the answer needs to show thoughtfulness, sensitivity, analysis and open-mindedness.
Zuluzuru
A student will need to look inward and analyze how and why the event caused him or her to grow and mature. Sharon teaches students how to master interview skills, write killer resumes, and transform goals, dreams and experiences into memorable college application essays. Don't let anyone tell you that you don't have the right or the ability to go to college. Note that there is actually also a minimum word limit: words. Visit her website for more info.
Gujind
If this sounds like you, then please share your story. It can be an intellectual challenge, a research query, an ethical dilemma - anything that is of personal importance, no matter the scale. Don't let anyone tell you that you don't have the right or the ability to go to college. What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more? Blin Kazazi The people behind The Common Application have just released the new essay prompts PDF link for college applicants who apply in the admissions season.
Kazrall
Remember: words is your limit, not your goal. The description part of this essay should be kept simple. What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more? The measure of their success will be how well they help our member institutions make informed decisions.
Bataur
Would you make the same decision again? An adrenaline junkie might be most content when skydiving, and a dancer might be most content when performing in the spotlight. Background can be a broad environmental factor such as growing up in a military family, living in an interesting place, or dealing with an unusual family situation.
Grodal
Choose the option that best helps you answer that question and write an essay of no more than words, using the prompt to inspire and structure your response. Recount an incident or time when you experienced failure. Whatever way this prompt is approached, students need to reflect and explain how and why their identity was influenced by the background or story. Would you make the same decision again?
Tygomi
Every applicant has a unique story. Background can be a broad environmental factor such as growing up in a military family, living in an interesting place, or dealing with an unusual family situation. Veritas Prep offers college admissions consulting to help you find the schools that best fit you, improve your applications, and land a significant financial aid package. How did it affect you, and what lessons did you learn? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?
Samujind
Would you make the same decision again? Share this:. As they considered the topics our members suggested, they worked diligently to ensure that all applicants,regardless of background or access to counseling, would have the chance to tell their unique stories. Unlike in years past where the essay prompts were cloaked in secrecy well into the summer, the Common Application has revealed its essay prompts for the application cycle.
Vudogis
Reflect on a time when you challenged a belief or idea. Discuss an accomplishment or event, formal or informal, that marked your transition from childhood to adulthood within your culture, community, or family. A good essay will have introspection, honesty, self-awareness, and strong critical thinking skills The recounting time of this essay is basically a plot summary. How a student describes his or her response to failure is the critical part of this essay.
Mezigore
The Common Application just announced that The Common Application essay prompts for will be the same as last year. Being real is better than simply being impressive. We will revisit the essay prompts each year, and we will look to our members for input regarding their effectiveness.