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The Common Application Essay Prompts
Write an essay of no more than 650 words, using the prompt to inspire and structure your response. Remember: 650 words is your limit, not your goal. Use the full range if you need it, but don't feel obligated to do so. (The application won't accept a response shorter than 250 words.)
PROMPTS:
• Some students have a background or story that is so central to their identity that they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.
• Recount an incident or time when you experienced failure. How did it affect you, and what lessons did you learn?
• Reflect on a time when you challenged a belief or idea. What prompted you to act? Would you make the same decision again?
• Describe a place or environment where you are perfectly content. What do you do or experience there, and why is it meaningful to you?
• Discuss an accomplishment or event, formal or informal, that marked your transition from childhood to adulthood within your culture, community, or family
PROMPTS:
• Some students have a background or story that is so central to their identity that they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.
• Recount an incident or time when you experienced failure. How did it affect you, and what lessons did you learn?
• Reflect on a time when you challenged a belief or idea. What prompted you to act? Would you make the same decision again?
• Describe a place or environment where you are perfectly content. What do you do or experience there, and why is it meaningful to you?
• Discuss an accomplishment or event, formal or informal, that marked your transition from childhood to adulthood within your culture, community, or family
Advice from the Experts
- NY Times: On Topic Choice: ‘Some of the More Mundane Moments in Life Make Great Essays' http://thechoice.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/10/11/essay/
- Video: NY Times Counting Words, Counting College
- Tip Sheet from NY Times http://thechoice.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/06/23/tip-sheet-essay/
- NY Times: The _____ That Changed My Life
- NY Times: Making a Hard-Life Story Open a Door to College
- Advice from a college essay tutor: http://www.nytimes.com/2012/09/16/jobs/college-essay-advice-from-a-former-soap-opera-writer.html
- US News: Tips for Writing College Essays from Professors http://www.usnews.com/education/blogs/professors-guide/2010/09/15/10-tips-for-writing-the-college-application-essay
- 100 Essay Topic Prompts: http://www.hpregional.org/departments/english/mhassenplug/100%20topics.html