The essay prompts on the Common App are extremely important in your application profile to prestigious colleges and universities. Students can use the personal statement to reflect who they are outside of their studies and exam scores. Students who can use their writing to reveal something distinctive about themselves or to shine a light on a fascinating facet of their identity earn a competitive advantage in admissions. With one exception: the option concerning correcting a problem has been deleted from the Common App prompts for the 2021-22 admissions season.” Someone has done something for you that has made you happy or thankful in an unexpected way.
2021-22 Common App Prompts
Some students have a significant background, identity, interest, or talent that they believe would make their application incomplete without it. Responding to a Complaint If this describes you, please tell us about it.
Our failures may teach us valuable lessons that may help us succeed in the long run. Recall a time when you had to deal with a challenge, a setback, or a failure. What was the impact on you, and what did you take away from it?
prompt from mon AppConsider a period when you questioned or opposed a belief or an idea. What made you believe that? What was the final outcome?
Consider something someone has done for you that has surprised you by making you joyful or thankful. How has this gratitude influenced or influenced you? What sparked your interest?
Discuss a personal achievement, incident, or insight that prompted personal growth and new knowledge of yourself or others.
Describe a topic, idea, or concept that keeps you so engrossed that you lose count of time. Why are you so enthralled by it? When you want to learn more, who or what do you go to?
Share an essay on any subject you want. It can be one you've already written, one you've written in response to a different challenge, or one you've created yourself.
Choosing your Common App prompt
The most important thing to keep in mind about the Common App prompts is that they are designed to help you figure out who you are. Colleges and universities are interested in learning more about you, your motivations, and how you will fit into their community. They seek information in your personal statement, and if it's lacking, they'll have a hard time finding grounds to admit you. As a result, we recommend that you brainstorm the storey you want to tell colleges before you start writing your personal statement. The truth is that your writing will be more personable and honest if you write about a subject that truly resonates with you. As previously stated, all of the prompts are designed to accomplish the same goal, so choose the one that excites you the most or best fits the topic you wish to write about.
Responding to a prompt on the Common App
There is no formula or template for responding to your essay prompt, just as there is no formula or template for choosing your prompt. However, you should follow basic rules to ensure that your essay is well-written and impresses college admissions committees. Here are three things to remember when writing your Common App essay:
DO give your essay significance
One of the most common mistakes students make when replying to their Common App essay is failing to give it any weight. They'll write about a significant event or remarkable achievement, assuming the reader is aware of its significance. You must explain why the topic you're writing about is important. Take the time to explain how your issue relates to you and how it has meaning in your life. Your essay must not only describe an event or notion but also provide further context for that event or idea. Explanatory writing is tedious, while articles with plot arcs and stakes are engaging to read.
DO contextualize your essay
The only information admissions officers have about you is which classes you took and your scores. It is your responsibility to supply further information about yourself. Because you'll be telling them about yourself, you'll want to make sure your storey makes sense. Students frequently fall into the trap of delving too deeply into the specifics of an event or moment. This tendency might lead to the reader becoming disoriented and your article becoming incoherent. Make careful to set the setting in your essay using the first couple of phrases. Be specific about key feelings and thoughts, and explain important aspects. Contextualizing your writing will help it become more purposeful.
DO focus your essay on yourself
When college admissions officers get essays about a student's grandma, dog, or sibling, they may decide to reject the student. This is due to the fact that they are interested in learning more about you, not someone else in your life. Do not devote the entirety of your essay to someone or something that is not directly related to you. Instead, centre your essay on yourself and your accomplishments without coming across as pompous. You're applying to the school because you want to attend there and believe it'll be a good fit for you, so be sure to express why.
DON'T exaggerate or undersell
In their writing, many students feel compelled to include some spectacular event or life-changing experience. On the other hand, some students' essays are too hesitant to communicate their strengths and personalities. You should not do either of these things. In your essay, don't makeup feelings, events, or actions. Avoid attempting to cram a storey into your work that isn't already there. If you do one of these things, your essay will come across as superficial and disconnected.
