Where Can I Find Personal Statement Prompts?

So, I'm starting early on my college apps and was wondering where to find personal statement prompts? Didn't want to just wing it without having something to guide my brainstorming, you know?

Absolutely, it's very smart of you to start early on brainstorming, drafting, and revising your personal statement. You'll find that it's a process that requires iteration and reflection over time, so getting started now will definitely set you on the right path.

If you're applying through the Common App, the personal statement prompts are found on the application itself and are released each year, typically around the summer. As of the 2024-2025 application cycle, they've retained the prompts from previous years, which offer a broad range of topics, from recounting an incident that sparked personal growth to describing a problem you'd like to solve.

Similarly, the Coalition App also provides a selection of essay prompts with topics spanning from a meaningful contribution you've made to your community to a time when you had to confront a belief or idea.

Most universities that have their own applications (also known as institutional applications) will typically provide the essay prompts on their websites or as part of the application process. It's just a matter of checking each university's admissions page for this information.

Remember, the goal of the personal statement isn't to share your entire life story or list your achievements—admissions officers can see those in the other parts of your application. Instead, it's to show them a part of you that isn't reflected in your test scores or on your transcript. Whether you're discussing a significant challenge, a personal passion, or a transformational experience, ensure the essay conveys something meaningful about you.

So, the next step for you would be to fetch these prompts from the application portals and start brainstorming potential essay topics. Best of luck with your personal statements!