I know it's a bit early, but I'm curious about the Common App writing prompts that I'll have to choose from when I apply for colleges next year. Can someone provide me with a list of past prompts or an idea about what kinds of prompts are typically provided? Thanks a bunch!
No problem at all! It's great that you're starting to think about the essay prompts ahead of time. While the Common App essay prompts can vary slightly from year to year, any changes will be small, and they'll always be open-ended. Here is the most recent set of prompts, which can give you an idea of what to expect:
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.
Keep in mind that when the new prompts are released (usually around March or April), some of these might be slightly revised, removed, or replaced, but they should give you a general idea of the types of questions you'll encounter. And if you're looking for guidance on how to tackle these broad questions, you can find a breakdown of each prompt option on CollegeVine's blog: https://blog.collegevine.com/how-to-write-the-common-application-essays/.
Good luck with your college application process!
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