7 Common App Essay Prompts for 2023-2024 Application Cycle
The college application season is upon us, and with it comes the inevitable anxiety over essay prompts. While the essay might seem like a terrifying task, it’s actually an incredible opportunity to tell your story and make yourself stand out from the crowd. On the same note, this year’s prompts are not just challenges; they’re opportunities to talk about your unique voice, experiences, and ambitions. But where do you even begin?
Whether you’re a seasoned storyteller or a first-time scribbler, this blog post is your guide to acing the 2023–2024 Common App essay prompts. Remember that the best essays aren’t about perfection but about authenticity. In this blog, we’ll talk about each prompt and offer tips to craft an essay that will leave admissions officers wanting more. Stay tuned for prompts, analysis, and writing tips in the following sections!
What is a Common App Essay Prompt?
The Common App offers seven essay prompts, each posing broad, open-ended questions or statements that invite you to reflect on your personal growth, intellectual challenges, and problem-solving. While some prompts might resonate more with certain applicants, there’s no inherent “better” or “worse” choice.
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7 Common App Essay Prompts for 2023–2024
Explore the 2023–2024 Common App essay options and get expert tips to write a powerful personal statement (250–650 words) that impresses admissions officers.
Common App Essay Prompt #1
Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful that they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.
While the prompt might appear as a standard diversity essay question, high school students who don’t identify with traditional diversity topics or simply dislike writing about them might be tempted to ignore it. However, despite the apparent focus on highlighting specific identities, the prompt holds a broader meaning than first meets the eye. Yes, identity remains central, but it extends far beyond mere race, gender, or religious beliefs.
Prompt 1 allows you to explore a diverse range of experiences that shape you as a person. This includes but is not limited to, your family’s unique traditions, your most cherished hobbies, and even your talents and passions. If anything about yourself feels fundamentally “you”—like your hometown, your physical appearance, your favorite leisure activities, what ignites your passion, or even your name—consider exploring it within this essay.
Common App Essay Prompt #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?
College applications often emphasize personal growth but rarely do applicants discuss their failures directly. While it may seem strange, exploring a time you fell short and bounced back can make your essay impactful. After all, admissions officers read countless achievement stories—how often do they encounter genuine vulnerability?
Start by reflecting on experiences where you didn’t meet your goals. Consider setbacks both big and small, getting deep into how you eventually overcame them (or are still learning). The focus here isn’t solely on victory but on the journey of learning and improvement. Sharing a struggle might seem counterintuitive when presenting your best self. Overcoming challenges shows courage, resilience, and perseverance. That’s why the prompt emphasizes a perspective shift. By detailing how your obstacle transformed your outlook, you offer insight into who you are and who you’re becoming.
Common App Essay Prompt #3
Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?
This prompt offers an opportunity to show your personal growth and intellectual curiosity. While discussing your intellectual interests can be valuable, this prompt goes beyond that. It seeks introspection and reflection. Share a personal anecdote where one of your core beliefs about society was challenged, either by a specific person or event. Describe your initial reaction and the subsequent process of internal reflection and potential growth.
This prompt is not just about being wrong. Focus on the journey of learning and evolving. Did the challenge lead you to refine your existing belief, adopt a new perspective entirely, or solidify your existing stance with a deeper understanding? Show the admissions committee how you engage in critical thinking and solve conflicting viewpoints.
Common App Essay Prompt #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?
Colleges want students who bring unique experiences to enrich their campus communities. This prompt is your chance to shine, not by bragging about your achievements but by celebrating the kindness of someone who impacted your life. Think beyond your immediate family and friends. Consider teachers, mentors, peers, or even strangers who crossed your path and left a lasting impact.
While you acknowledge their act, do not forget to discuss how it shaped your perspective or inspired your actions. The challenge here is shifting the focus from “what they did” to “what it did to you.” Don’t just recount the act of kindness; describe how it sparked a change within you. Did it ignite a passion, motivate you to overcome a challenge, or solidify a core value?
The true story lies in your response. What actions did you take in response to their kindness? Did you volunteer, pay it forward, or simply appreciate life with newfound gratitude? Show your initiative and how this experience molded you into a community-minded individual.
Common App Essay Prompt #5
Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.
Don’t be fooled by its fifth-place ranking; Prompt 5 is the quintessential Common App essay. While each prompt offers distinct paths, they all share a core requirement: personal growth displayed through a specific event or realization. Even if you choose differently, this fundamental aspect remains key to a compelling essay.
Prompt 5 shines a spotlight on the transformative power of a single moment. Unlike other prompts, which might encompass extended periods or evolving understandings, this prompt demands a singular narrative with lasting impact. If you know an anecdote that changed your outlook and actions, this is your perfect platform.
Common App Essay Prompt #6
Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?
This prompt isn’t just an invitation to write; it’s a call to share your genuine interests. Colleges want curious minds brimming with questions and a genuine desire to learn. They’re not looking for essays crafted to impress, but for stories that reveal who you are and what ignites your spark.
Forget about the “what” and talk about the “why.” Sure, you can mention your fascinating bird-watching hobby, but what truly compels you to spend hours observing your feathered friends? Does it connect you to nature, teach you about resilience, or offer a glimpse into the intricate balance of our ecosystem? By the end, the admissions officer shouldn’t just be familiar with your topic; they should be familiar with you.
Common App Essay Prompt #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.
Prompt 7, “Topic of Your Choice,” offers a blank canvas for students with a clear story in mind, one that doesn’t quite fit any other prompts. This freedom comes with a crucial responsibility: authenticity. Your essay should be a genuine, introspective reflection of your journey. Don’t force a specific theme or topic just for the sake of this prompt.
Regardless of your chosen topic, the core principles of a remarkable college essay remain:
- Show, don’t tell: Go beyond mere grades and test scores by painting a vivid picture of your character, aspirations, and unique experiences. Admissions officers want to know who you are, not just what you’ve achieved.
- Dig deep: Don’t just recount events; talk about the “how” and “why” behind them. What lessons did you learn? How did these experiences shape your perspective? This introspection reveals your growth and potential.
Note: While tempting, avoid submitting a pre-written essay, especially an analytical or research-based one. While you can adapt something you wrote for class if it meets the goals of a personal essay, shoehorning it rarely works. Instead, dedicate time to crafting a new essay specifically tailored to the expectations of admissions officers.
Tips to Ace the Common App Essay Prompts
The key lies in choosing a prompt that allows you to tell a captivating story of genuine personal significance—an event or experience that deeply impacted you. Explain why it held such meaning, and you’ll craft an essay that stands out.
- Instead of simply recounting your achievements, narrate your story with vivid details that draw readers into the moment.
- Skip the resume regurgitation; your grades and extracurriculars can be found elsewhere. Rather, talk about a compelling conflict you faced. Showcase ethical dilemmas, growth moments, and resilience—the ingredients admissions officers crave.
- Keep in mind that you’re a stranger to them, so paint a friendly, likable, and thoughtful portrait through specific, unique experiences.
- Admissions officers are looking for a unique personality, not a generic applicant. So, ditch the clichés and share specific, unique details that paint a vivid picture of your personality and journey.
- Focus on telling your most compelling story, not just fitting it into a prompt. If you don’t find a perfect fit, the “topic of your choice” option is always there!
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From the Desk of Yocket
The Common App essay prompts offer flexibility and allow students to showcase their unique stories and voices. This can be incredibly beneficial for applicants with experiences or perspectives that wouldn’t fit neatly into a more restrictive prompt. The open-ended nature also encourages self-reflection and personal growth as students express their experiences and motivations.
Some prompts, like “Share your story” or “Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging,” are excellent for showcasing individual passions and experiences. They encourage authenticity and allow students to connect their interests to their academic and personal goals. However, prompts like “Reflect on something that someone has done for you” or “Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth” can feel more generic and require careful crafting to avoid sounding formulaic. This is where the importance of careful selection and thoughtful execution comes in.
The success of the Common App essay prompts depends on how students approach them. By choosing a prompt that resonates deeply, reflecting authentically, and crafting a compelling narrative, students can use these prompts to their advantage and create essays that leave a lasting impression on admissions officers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which essay prompt should I pick in the Common App?
The best essay prompt is one that allows you to tell a compelling story that reveals your personality, values, and experiences. Consider what makes you unique, and choose a prompt that lets you highlight those aspects.
Do I have to use the same essay for every college?
No, you can tailor each essay to the specific college’s values and interests. However, ensure consistency in your overall message and avoid major contradictions.
How long should my essay be?
Aim for 650 words maximum, but prioritize quality over quantity. Focus on a compelling story and insightful reflection.