A Common App essay is a requirement for applying for college through Common App. Typically written in response to one of seven prompts, this college essay can greatly influence your chances of admission. This article provides the ultimate guide for crafting an exceptional Common App essay, complete with effective examples and explanations to help you stand out in the admissions process.
Inhaltsverzeichnis
- 1 Common App essay – In a nutshell
- 2 Definition: Common App essay
- 3 1. Prompt on Common App essay – Background, identity, and interest
- 4 2. Prompt on Common App essay – Overcoming challenges
- 5 3. Prompt of Common App essay – Questioning a belief
- 6 4. Prompt on Common App essay – Inspired by an influential person
- 7 5. Prompt on common app – Transformative event
- 8 6. Prompt on Common App essay – Interest that motivates learning
- 9 7. Prompt on Common App essay – Free topic
- 10 FAQs
Common App essay – In a nutshell
- Common App is a college application portal accepted by over 900 schools.
- The Common App essay is a main essay and a primary writing sample that prospective academic institutions read to evaluate an applicant’s critical thinking skills and overall values.
- The essay is usually read by several schools.
Definition: Common App essay
The Common App essay is a college application essay written by students applying for college via the Common App. The Common Application is accepted by over 900 schools. The prospective schools use it to analyse your values and critical thinking abilities.
Since many schools read these essays, it is usually written without a specific school name or program title. Students are usually provided with seven prompts. The admissions officers will use the essay to analyse your ability to communicate creatively and clearly while following the prompt.
1. Prompt on Common App essay – Background, identity, and interest
A Common App essay responding to the first prompt usually explores your emotional journey, background, identity, interests, and talents.
Example
Common App essay prompt: Several students believe that their backgrounds, identities, talents, and specific interests are significant to their application. If this is the case for you, please share your story.
Common App essay checklist:
| Clear and well-constructed narrative responding to the prompt | The essay above showcases the student’s childhood trauma. |
| Appropriate writing style and tone | The example applies a conventional ton with elevated language and personification. |
| Authenticity and positive traits | The student showcases dedication, self-reflection, self-awareness, and growth. |
| Self-reflection and insight | The final part of the essay shows self-reflection and insight. |
2. Prompt on Common App essay – Overcoming challenges
This Common App essay prompt calls for an essay that shows how you overcame challenges.
Example
Common App essay prompt: Life lessons we get from overcoming obstacles are fundamental to future success. Recount an experience when you experienced a challenge, how it affected you and what you learned from it.
Common App essay checklist:
| Clear and well-constructed narrative responding to the prompt | The essay has a logical flow and shows the student’s challenges as a middle child. |
| Appropriate writing style and tone | The student uses a conversational tone that shows vulnerability. |
| Authenticity and positive traits | It demonstrates resilience. |
| Self-reflection and insight | The student displays honesty and growth. |
3. Prompt of Common App essay – Questioning a belief
This Common App essay prompt requires you to display courage in challenging a cultural construct or belief.
Example
Common App essay prompt: Reflect on a moment when you questioned or challenged an idea. What prompted your beliefs and what was the outcome?
Common App essay checklist:
| Clear and well-constructed narrative responding to the prompt | It paints a picture of confrontation. |
| Appropriate writing style and tone | It uses a conversational tone. |
| Authenticity and positive traits | It demonstrates qualities of courage. |
| Self-reflection and insight | It is an honest assessment of culture and shows reasons for challenging common beliefs. |
4. Prompt on Common App essay – Inspired by an influential person
Show a character in your life that influenced your choices.
Example
Common App essay prompt: Reflect on something that someone has done for you that motivated you or influenced your choices. How has this person influenced you?
Common App essay checklist:
| Clear and well-constructed narrative responding to the prompt | Its beginning is attention-grabbing. |
| Appropriate writing style and tone | It uses an accessible and casual tine. |
| Authenticity and positive traits | The student is open and honest. |
| Self-reflection and insight | It concludes with growth. |
5. Prompt on common app – Transformative event
It showcases a transformative experience.
Example
Common App essay prompt: Explore an experience or accomplishment that sparked a period of personal growth and self-understanding.
Common App essay checklist:
| Clear and well-constructed narrative responding to the prompt | It identifies the prompt at the start and conclusion. |
| Appropriate writing style and tone | The student uses a reflective tone. |
| Authenticity and positive traits | It portrays growth and maturity. |
| Self-reflection and insight | It creates interest and answers the prompt. |
6. Prompt on Common App essay – Interest that motivates learning
The Common App essay should focus on an interest that inspires learning.
Example
Common App essay prompt: Describe a topic or concept that interests you. Why is it captivating to you and what do you turn to for more information?
Common App essay checklist:
| Clear and well-constructed narrative responding to the prompt | It is attention capturing. |
| Appropriate writing style and tone | It uses a conversational and neutral tone. |
| Authenticity and positive traits | It is detailed and honest. |
| Self-reflection and insight | It shows passion. |
7. Prompt on Common App essay – Free topic
This free Common App essay topic allows you the freedom to choose whatever you want to write about.
Example
Common App essay prompt: Write about any topic, even if it is one you have written about before.
Common App essay checklist:
| Clear and well-constructed narrative responding to the prompt | It uses a common competition as the concept. |
| Appropriate writing style and tone | It used a reflective tone. |
| Authenticity and positive traits | It showcases the challenges of leadership. |
| Self-reflection and insight | It shows honesty. |
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FAQs
The Common App essay is a college application essay written by students applying for college via the Common App.
A Common App essay tests an applicant’s critical thinking skills and overall values.
Several prospective academic institutions read the Common App essay to evaluate an applicant’s critical thinking skills and overall values.
A Common App essay is written in response to one of seven prompts. Each prompt tests a different element.
