What are the Essay Questions on the Common App?

I'm a little bit stressed over the Common App essay questions. Can anybody enlighten me on what they are and how to tackle them effectively?

Absolutely, don't worry! The Common Application has seven essay prompts to choose from for your personal statement, which stays pretty consistent from year to year. 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. Describe a problem you've solved or a problem you'd like to solve. It can be an intellectual challenge, a research query, an ethical dilemma - anything that is of personal importance, no matter the scale. Explain its significance to you and what steps you took or could be taken to identify a solution.

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.

For most applicants, the biggest challenges are choosing a prompt and brainstorming ideas effectively. You might want to approach these prompts using the "show, don't tell" technique. This technique involves presenting the story or situation, and then showing its impact on you instead of just telling the reader about it. For instance, rather than stating that you have learned the value of hard work, describe a situation where you had to put in a lot of effort and what the outcome was.

Remember that the goal of these essays is to reveal who you are beyond your grades and test scores. It’s your opportunity to tell your individual story and show how you think. Focus on a significant experience that showcases your personal growth, intellect, character, or values. You should select a topic that is meaningful to you and reflects you authentically.

And don't worry if your topic doesn't seem extraordinary or unique. What matters is not what you write about, but how you write about it and the insights you provide into your character and experiences.

Finally, remember to write in your own voice. Authenticity and honesty always resonate more with admissions officers than an attempt to impress. Good luck!