common mistakes on common app essay

19 Common Application Essay Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Many students trip over common obstacles in their college application essays. For example, many students can’t see beyond the superficial prompt to construct an essay that positively communicates their personality and passion. Some students rehash their activities and achievements without adding the personal flavor, perspective and substance that admissions officers look for. Learn how to avoid these and other damaging traps.

As an independent college admissions consultant, I read many application essays and see many common application essay mistakes. Here’s some helpful advice:

• Select the Best Topic and Subject. The Common Application, as well as many individual college applications and supplements, give students a choice of essay topics. Resist the temptation to quickly make a selection. Instead make an inventory of your key experiences and achievements, adjectives that describe you, anything significant in your background, as well as what you can potentially “offer” (e.g. athletics, music, dance) a college. Then read the options carefully and decide which topic(s) provides the best opportunity to portray your self in a desirable manner. If the application requires more than one essay, select distinct topics and subject areas so the admissions people get a broader, and more complete, picture of you. If you are an athlete, for example, try not to write more than one essay about sports.
• Answer the Question. Read the prompt carefully and pay particular attention to two part questions. For example, if you choose to “evaluate a significant experience, achievement or risk you have taken and its impact on you”, make sure you thoughtfully and critically analyze both the situation and its impact. If you choose to “discuss an issue and its importance to you” make sure you focus on its importance to you. The admissions people are looking for a window into your character, passion and reasoning.
• Be Personable and Specific. Colleges don’t learn much from a generic essay. If you are asked to describe your reasons for your interest in a particular school that you are applying to, make sure your essay addresses the particular features of that school that appeal to you and explain why. Brainstorm with others. Don’t be afraid to think creatively. Don’t be afraid to reject ideas! Most strong essays have more “show” than “tell”.
• Make Your Essay The Right Length. Many prompts specify a desired number of words or a range. If it’s 200 to 250 words, don’t insert your 500 word essay. In fact, many on-line applications will not even accept more than the stated limit. If there is only an upper limit, don’t stress if your essay appears too short. Lincoln got his points across succinctly in the Gettysburg address — in less than 275 words. Be concise. Omit irrelevant details, clichés, and poorly developed ideas. Do not distract the reader with unnecessary words and repetition.
• Watch Your Tone. If you come across as a spoiled child, a stuck-up rich kid, lazy, sarcastic or a cynic, the admissions team might decide that you are not the right fit for their school. A bit of well placed humor is fine, but don’t try to be a comedian.
• Don’t Appear Self-Interested or Materialistic. While few applicants are genuinely altruistic, most colleges are turned off by students who appear more focused on what the school can do for them, rather than how they can benefit from the education and at the same time be a contributing member of the campus community. If you are applying to a business program, the average starting salary of recent graduates should not be your stated motivation for seeking admission!
• Don’t Rely on Your Computer’s Spell Checker. Applicants who rely solely on their computer’s spell check program may find themselves submitting applications with poor grammar and word choice. Just because everything is spelled properly doesn’t mean it is correct. A good way to catch mistakes is to read your essay very slowly and out loud.
• Don’t Overlook the Mundane. Some of the best and most memorable essays are based on a simple conversation between people. The impressions and takeaways from such a conversation can be extremely engaging and provide a valuable window into the personality and values of the writer. Some essays of this type center on a moment of enlightenment or illumination when the writer views life from a new perspective and/or gains new confidence.
• Skip the Volunteer Trip. Dedicated community service over a period of time can be a strong topic for an application essay. Volunteer day at the local park, or two weeks of school building in Africa, will probably not impress the admissions committee. They see many essays of this type. Not only is it difficult to stand out from the pack, but these experiences are often more about the experience than about you, or convey that money buys opportunity.
• Don’t Rehash the Resume. The admissions committee relies on essays to learn additional things about you such as your initiative, curiosity about the world, personal growth, willingness to take risks, ability to be self directed, motivation and ability to make the most of a situation. They are interested in your personal qualities such as leadership, confidence, ability to work in a team, strength of character, resilience, sense of humor, ability to get along with others and what you might add to the campus community. In short, use your essays to showcase a side of you not visible from other parts of the application.
• Peruse the Entire Application. Many applications, especially for some of the more competitive schools, are complex and require multiple essays and short answers. Don’t look at each question in a vacuum, but rather view the application holistically when deciding how to best portray yourself through responding to the various prompts. For example, if you have five key areas you wish to cover, and there are five essays, try to strategically focus on one area in each essay.
• Don’t Fall in Love with the Thesaurus. Resist the temptation to be a sesquipedalian or come across as a pedantic fop! There’s no need to use a big word in every sentence. Use caution when showing off your extensive vocabulary. You risk using language improperly and may appear insecure or overly eager to impress. Admissions people aren’t keen about picking up a dictionary to understand your essay. Worse yet, if your essay vocabulary is at a much higher level than what would be expected from your English grades and SAT/ACT scores, it may appear that your essay is not your own work. Most teenagers don’t use myriad and plethora in their daily vernacular.
• Check Your Ego at the Door. Even if you are impressed with yourself, most admissions officers don’t respond favorably to students who brag, put down classmates, or wax eloquent about their amazing achievements. While self doubt is generally undesirable, a bit of humility can be well received, especially in an essay about overcoming adversity.
• Accentuate the Positive. Few students have a perfect resume, which is apparent in the application. Drawing attention to weakness in an essay is generally not a good idea, unless you were able to overcome a weakness, and make it a strong suit.
• Proofread Carefully. Don’t let your eagerness to submit an application cause you to overlook careless mistakes. Errors can doom your otherwise excellent application. Make sure you schedule sufficient time for a thorough review. When possible, have at least one other person proofread your essay. They may catch something important that you missed. For example, you don’t want to tell Ohio State that you really want to be a Wolverine!  Again, read your essay out loud.
• Organize Your Essay. An impressive essay generally contains a strong opening, well organized content, and a powerful closing. If your essay lacks structure and seems to ramble, chances are it won’t impress the reader. Start with an outline and design your essay paragraph by paragraph. Make sure you include enough background information about whatever topic you are writing about so that the reader can put it into context. For example, one student wrote an excellent essay about a horrible first day of school, but forgot to include that he had just moved to town, from halfway around the world, and was struggling with English. Resist the temptation to run off and start writing. Experts will tell you that up-front planning of your essays is well worth the time invested. Not only will the quality of your essays be much higher, you’ll probably end up saving time in the long run!
• Research the College Before Writing the Essay. Almost every school has its own identity and mission. Some universities even have a slogan. Others have niche areas of study that they like to promote. Pay attention to what is important to the particular school and, when appropriate, consider including it in some manner in your essay.
• Invest in a Strong Introduction. Admissions people read a lot of essays and may not be energetic and fresh when yours reaches the top of their pile. That’s why it’s essential to attract their attention up front. It is critical that the first few sentences capture their interest. A boring opening may cause the reader to not pay close attention to the remainder of the essay. Design the introduction to draw them into your essay. A well-planned essay may omit some key details in the opening forcing the reader to pay close attention to the rest of the story.
• Start Early and Take Your Time. Don’t wait until the last minute. Application essays almost always take longer than you anticipate. Invest the time necessary to do it right. It should be your best work. Ask others to review your drafts and offer comments and suggestions. Take comments and suggestions seriously – behind every good writer is usually at least one good editor!

Author: Lynn Radlauer Lubell is the Publisher of InLikeMe.com, and the Founder of Admission By Design , a College Consultancy, based in Boca Raton, Florida.

Lynn Radlauer Lubell, Publisher of InLikeMe.com and Founder of Admission By Design, an Educational Consultancy based in Boca Raton, Florida.

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5 Tips on How to Write The Perfect Common App Essay

The Common App Essay is a type of Personal Statement that you’ll be submitting to nearly all the colleges you’ll be applying to. It gives you the opportunity to better describe your interests, passions, and experiences in ways that can’t necessarily be seen in other parts of your application. 

While the majority of your college applications require you to tediously enter in bits of random information like your demographics and parents’ level of education, the essay is your chance to stand out, set yourself apart, and make your case for getting accepted to the college of your dreams. 

There’s certainly a lot of pressure riding on this essay, and it can be overwhelming to even know where to begin. For many people, picking a prompt and finding a topic is the hardest part —and that’s before the writing even begins!

Writing the Common App Essay is not designed to be easy, and there are some common pitfalls you might fall into. Sometimes, it’s about choosing the wrong topic that isn’t revealing enough about you. Other times, it’s using the wrong tone that can make you come off differently than you’d expected.

After having successfully written my Common App Essay, 12 drafts and all, I’m here to share my best tips that I wish someone would have told me before I began the process. 

1. Don’t Be Cliche

College admissions officers read thousands of essays each year, and if you want yours to stand out against the crowd, steer clear of cliche topics.

There’s the classic, “I did a mission trip and learned that I like giving back,” or “I learned the power of teamwork when we won our rival’s soccer tournament.” And while there’s nothing wrong with these essays, they’re not unique and don’t reveal enough about who you are.

Dig deeper into specific moments of your life where you learned something important about yourself or others around you, even if you think it’s mundane.

Maybe it’s a dish your mom makes from your culture that makes you feel connected to your roots. Or how your favorite song takes you back to a specific childhood memory and makes you feel alive. 

Whatever it is, make sure it’s revealing something insightful about yourself that colleges can get invested in. Look around your home, school, or community: what stories can you tell?

2. Don’t Treat it Like a Resume

Treating your Common App Essay like a resume is one of the most common mistakes. Many students feel the need to use the space as a place to boast about all their accomplishments, almost as if their essay was a resume in paragraph form.

For one, college admissions officers already know all of this information from reading other parts of your application like your activities list, and by doing this, you’re wasting a bunch of space that could be better used.

Also, it can come across as conceited, so let your accomplishments speak for themselves. Even if you don’t mean to come across this way, it can still leave a bad taste in your application reader’s mouth.

It’s totally fine if your essay revolves around a specific experience that’s also on your resume, but make sure to do it in a narrative form (more on that next) instead of treating it like a cover letter.

3. Tell a Narrative

Like I mentioned, writing your essay in a narrative form is one of the best techniques you can use because it engages your reader and makes you stand out.

All this means is that you’re showing your reader how and why something interests you —be it art, science, or writing— through descriptive language, dialogue, and other storytelling tools, rather than just flat-out saying it. 

Dig deep into a specific moment when you discovered your passion for something, and use sensory details like sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell that you can remember from that moment. 

Invite your reader into a snapshot of your world , and get as detailed as possible.

4. Watch Your Tone

The tone of the essay is something that’s often overlooked, but is an important factor in how your application reader perceives your personality. 

Think of your essay as a first impression, because if you aren’t interviewing with the school, it’ll be all they know about you besides your grades, scores, and activities.

Try to aim for a balance of humility, humor, and seriousness. Your reader wants to see that you’re serious about their school and your education, but also down-to-earth and easy to get along with. They’re people too, and they are looking for applicants who are relatable and don’t take themselves too seriously.

The best piece of advice I was told was to treat my essay like a conversation. Always put yourself in your reader’s shoes and see what initial thoughts or judgments you think they’d form based on what you’re saying.

Also, let your essay breathe for a bit and come back to it a few weeks later with a fresh mindset. See what you think of it then. 

5. Use Your Space Wisely

There are two types of Common App Essay writers: those who write far too much and those who write far too little. 

If you write too much, you’re faced with having to trim out important parts, which can end up sounding disjointed. If you write too little, you’ll hardly crack the surface and risk sounding superficial.

Something I found helpful was planning out each paragraph with a topic sentence, one to two points I wanted to make, and a transition sentence that would lead into my next paragraph. By doing this, I had the skeleton of my essay and only had to add in details and supporting information. 

I highly suggest that if you tend to write too much (like me), you shouldn’t free-write your drafts. You’ll probably end up including too much information that distracts from your main idea. 

If you’re prone to writing too little, spend more time in the brainstorming part and get all your supporting details laid out from the start. It’ll be easier to build off of that way. 

Final Words of Wisdom

At the end of the day, this is your essay, so write it how you see fit. Make sure you’re letting your own voice shine through and being your honest, true self. I’m sure that’s exactly what your dream school wants, so don’t be afraid to be authentically you .

When every draft you make starts to feel worse than the one before it, remember that it’s totally normal to feel frustrated.

It took me 12 drafts, dozens of topics, and a LOT of willpower to finish it. 

But I got there, and you will, too. 

Author: Norah Baldwin

Norah is a high school senior from Boston, Massachusetts, and will major in Nursing next year at college. She currently works as a lifeguard and swim instructor for kids, and volunteers with the American Cancer Society in addition to blogging for Niche.

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The 2021-2022 Common App Essay: How to Write a Great Essay That Will Get You Accepted

If you’re reading this, then you’ve probably started the very exciting process of applying to college—and chances are you may be a little overwhelmed at times. That’s OK! The key to getting into the right college for you is taking each step of the application process in stride, and one of those steps is completing the Common App and the Common App essay.

In this post, you’ll learn what the Common Application essay is, how to write one (including a free checklist to help you with the process), example essays, and much more. Let’s get started!

Table of Contents

What is the Common App, and More Importantly, What is the Common App Essay? Quick Facts on the 2021-2022 Common App Essay How Do You Write a Common App Essay?

What Should I Avoid in My Common App Essay? What Are Some Good Common App Essay Examples?

Common Application Essay FAQs

What is the common app, and more importantly, what is the common app essay.

The “Common App,” short for the Common Application , is a general application used to apply to multiple college undergraduate programs at once. It’s accepted by hundreds of colleges in the United States as well as some colleges internationally.

The idea is that the Common App is a “one-stop shop” so you don’t have to complete a million separate applications. That said, plenty of colleges still require their own application components, and the Common App, as user-friendly as it aims to be, can still feel like a bit of a challenge to complete.

Part of the reason the Common App can seem intimidating is because of the Common App essay component, which is required of all students who submit a college application this way. But never fear! In reality, the Common App essay is easy to ace if you know how to approach it and you give it your best.

So without further ado, let’s take a look at anything and everything you need to know about the 2021-2022 Common App essay in order to help you get into the school of your dreams. We’ve also created a downloadable quick guide to writing a great Common Application essay.

Quick Facts on the 2021-2022 Common App Essay

Below are just a few of the short and sweet things you need to know about the 2021-2022 Common App essay, but we’ll elaborate on some of this content later in this post.

How Do You Write a Common App Essay?

The million dollar question about the Common App essay is obviously, “How do I actually write it?!”

Now there’s something to keep in mind before exploring how to compose the Common App essay, and that’s the purpose of this task. You may be wondering:

• What are college admissions boards actually looking for?
• Why are you being asked to write this essay?

College admissions boards want to see that you can compose a compelling, well-crafted essay. After four years of high school, you’re expected to be able to craft a clear and concise piece of writing that addresses a specific subject.

So yes, you’re actually being evaluated on your essay writing skills, but the purpose of the Common Application essay is deeper than that—it’s to present the type of person and thinker that you are.

Regardless of which prompt you choose, colleges are trying to get a sense of how thoughtfully and critically you can reflect on your life and the world around you .

And furthermore, they want to get a sense of who you are—your interests, your personality, your values—the dimensional aspects of you as an applicant that simply can’t be expressed in transcripts and test scores . In short, you want to stand out and be memorable.

That said, there is no exact formula for “cracking the case” of the Common App essay, but there are plenty of useful steps and tips that can help you write a great essay.

(In a hurry? Download our quick and concise handout that sums up some of the keys to the Common App essay!)

1) Familiarize Yourself With the Common App Prompts and How to Approach Them

The Common App recently released the 2021-2022 essay prompts , which are almost the same as last year’s prompts, but with one BIG difference.

The prompt about problem solving (formerly prompt #4) has been replaced with a prompt about gratitude and how it has motivated you. According to Common App President and CEO Jenny Rickard, this change was inspired by new scientific research on the benefits of writing about gratitude and the positive impact others have had on our lives.

Additionally, the Common App now includes an optional Covid-19 prompt where you can discuss how you’ve personally been affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Now, let’s take a look at each 2021-2022 Common App prompt individually. You’ll notice that every prompt really has two parts to it:

• share, explain and describe a narrative, and
• reflect on, analyze, and draw meaning from it.

Let’s take a look.

  Prompt #1: A snapshot of your story

Prompt: 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.

• Discuss a background, identity, or interest that you feel is meaningful to who you are and/or that or sets you apart from others.
• Reflect on why this attribute is meaningful and how it has shaped you as a person.

  Prompt #2: An obstacle you overcame

Prompt: 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?

• Recount a time you faced a challenge, setback, or failure.
• Reflect on how this affected you, what you learned from it, and if it led to any successes later down the line.

  Prompt #3: A belief or idea you questioned or challenged

Prompt: Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?

• Explain a time that you questioned a particular belief or way of thinking.
• Elaborate on what prompted this questioning, what the outcome was, and why this outcome was significant.

  Prompt #4: An experience of gratitude that has motivated you

Prompt: 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?

• Describe the specific experience or interaction that made you feel a sense of gratitude. Make sure to explain who did something nice for you and why it was surprising or unexpected.
• Explain, as specifically as possible, how this feeling of gratitude changed or motivated you. What actions did you take a result? How did your mindset change?

  Prompt #5: An accomplishment or event that sparked personal growth

Prompt: Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.

• Describe an accomplishment or event that sparked personal growth for you.
• Reflect on the nature of this growth and/or a new understanding you gained in the process.

  Prompt #6: An interest so engaging you lose track of time

Prompt: 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?

• Discuss a topic, idea, or interest that is so engaging to you that you lose track of time when focused on it.
• Reflect on and explain why this interest is so important to you, and your method of learning more about it.

  Prompt #7: An essay topic of your choice

Prompt: 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.

• Discuss any subject matter or philosophical question of interest to you.
• Reflect on the implications of this subject or question, and how it has shaped you, transformed you, impacted your life, etc.

  Now keep in mind that to some degree, it doesn’t actually matter which prompt you choose to answer, so long as you write and present yourself well. But you obviously want to pick whichever Common App essay prompt speaks to you most, and the one you think will provide you the meatiest and most meaningful material.

This is an outstanding guide to choosing the right Common App essay prompt, but as a rule of thumb, the “right” prompt will probably stand out to you. If you have to rack your brain, for example, to think of a challenge you’ve overcome and how the experience has shaped you, then that prompt probably isn’t the right one.

Authenticity is key, so choose the prompt you can answer thoroughly.

2) Brainstorm

Whether you know immediately which prompt you’re going to choose or not, do yourself a huge favor and brainstorm . Take out a notebook and jot down or free write all of the ideas that spring to your mind for as many of the prompts that you’re considering. You might be surprised what ideas you generate as you start doing this, and you might be surprised which ideas seem to have the most content and examples to elaborate on.

Also, it’s important to note that your subject matter doesn’t have to be highly dramatic or spectacular. You don’t have to recount a near-death experience, an epic overseas adventure, a 180-degree turn of faith, etc. Your ordinary life, when reflected upon thoughtfully, is interesting and profound.

3) Answer the Question (and Stay on Topic!)

This may sound painfully obvious, but for some of us, it can be hard to stay on topic. Each prompt is posed as a question , so don’t lose sight of that and let your essay devolve into a story about yourself that never really gets at the heart of the prompt.

As you’re drafting your essay—say after each paragraph—pause and refer back to the question, making sure each paragraph plays some part in actually responding to the prompt.

4) Structure and Organize Your Essay Effectively

The Common App essay isn’t like many of the other argumentative essays you’ve been taught to write in school. It is argumentative in that you are essentially arguing for why you are a good candidate for a particular college, using your personal experience as support, but it’s more than that.

The Common Application essay is essentially a narrative essay that is reflective and analytical by nature. This means that regardless of which prompt you select, you’ll be sharing something personal about yourself, and then reflecting on and analyzing why what you shared is important.

And even if this isn’t an essay format that you’re accustomed to writing, you can still rely on your knowledge of basic essay structures to help you. You’ll still need a clear introduction, body, and conclusion.

Let’s talk about those three pieces now.

Introduction

The purpose of an introduction is 1) to grab the reader’s attention and compel them to continue reading, and 2) to introduce the reader to the general subject at hand.

So the most important part of the introduction is a unique attention-getter that establishes your personal voice and tone while piquing the reader’s interest. An example of a good hook could be a brief illustrative anecdote, a quote, a rhetorical question, and so on.

Now, you may be wondering, “Do I need a thesis statement?” This is a great question and the simple answer is no.

This is because some students prefer to hook their reader with a bit of mystery and let their story unfold organically without a thesis sentence “spoiling” what is to come. This doesn’t mean you can’t have a thesis sentence, it just means you don’t need one. It just depends on how you want to build your personal narrative, and what serves you best.

That said, your essay does need a greater message or lesson in it, which is another way of saying a thesis . You just don’t necessarily have to write it out in the introduction paragraph.

It might help you to keep a thesis in mind or even write it down just for your own sake, even if you don’t explicitly use it in your introduction. Doing so can help you stay on track and help you build up to a stronger reflection.

Here are some examples of narrative thesis statements:

• I moved a lot as a child on account of having a parent in the military, which led me to become highly adaptable to change.
• The greatest obstacle I’ve overcome is my battle with leukemia, which has taught me both incredible resilience and reverence for the present.
• An accomplishment that I achieved was making the varsity volleyball team, which has made me grow tremendously as a person, specifically in the areas of self-confidence and collaboration.

As discussed earlier, there are two parts to each prompt: explanation and reflection . Each part should be addressed throughout the essay, but how you organize your content is up to you.

A good rule of thumb for structuring the body of your essay is as follows:

• Situate your reader: provide context for your story by focusing in on a particular setting, subject matter, or set of details. For example, you may frame an essay about an internship at the zoo with the phrase, “Elephants make the best friends.” Your reader knows immediately that the subject matter involves your interaction with animals, specifically elephants.
• Explain more about your topic and how it affected you, using specific examples and key details.
• Go deeper. Elaborate and reflect on the message at hand and how this particular topic shaped the person you are today.

Note that while there are no set rules for how many paragraphs you should use for your essay, be mindful of breaking paragraphs whenever you naturally shift gears, and be mindful of too-long paragraphs that just feel like walls of text for the reader.

Your conclusion should flow nicely from your elaboration, really driving home your message or what you learned. Be careful not to just dead-end your essay abruptly.

This is a great place to speculate on how you see the subject matter informing your future, especially as a college student and beyond. For example, what might you want to continue to learn about? What problems do you anticipate being able to solve given your experience?

5) Write Honestly, Specifically, and Vividly

It may go without saying, but tell your own story, without borrowing from someone else’s or embellishing. Profound reflection, insight, and wisdom can be gleaned from the seemingly simplest experiences, so don’t feel the need to stray from the truth of your unique personal experiences.

Also, make sure to laser in on a highly specific event, obstacle, interest, etc. It is better to go “narrower and deeper” than to go “wider and shallower,” because the more specific you are, the more vivid and engrossing your essay will naturally be.

For example, if you were a camp counselor every summer for the last few years, avoid sharing several summers’ worth of content in your essay. Focus instead on one summer , and even better, on one incident during that summer at camp.

And on that note, remember to be vivid! Follow the cardinal rule of writing: show and don’t tell . Provide specific details, examples, and images in order to create a clear and captivating narrative for your readers.

6) Be Mindful of Voice and Tone

Unlike in most academic essays, you can sound a bit less stuffy and a bit more like yourself in the Common App essay. Your essay should be professional, but can be conversational. Try reading it aloud; does it sound like you? That’s good!

Be mindful, however, of not getting too casual or colloquial in it. This means avoiding slang, contractions, or “text speak” abbreviations (e.g. “lol”), at least without deliberate context in your story (for example, if you’re recounting dialogue).

You’re still appealing to academic institutions here, so avoid profanity at all costs, and make sure you’re still upholding all the rules for proper style, grammar, and punctuation.

7) Revise and Proofread

This one is a biggie. Give yourself time during your application process to revise, rework, and even rewrite your essay several times. Let it grow and change and become the best version it can be. After you write your first draft, walk away from it for a couple days, and return to it with fresh eyes. You may be surprised by what you feel like adding, removing, or changing.

And of course, make sure your essay is pristine before you submit it. Triple and quadruple check for spelling and usage errors, typos, etc. Since this isn’t a timed essay you have to sit for (like the ACT essay test , for example), the college admissions readers will expect your essay to be polished and sparkling.

A tried and true method for both ensuring flow and catching errors is reading your essay aloud. You may sound a little silly, but it really works!

What Should I Avoid in My Common App Essay?

Resume Material

Your Common App essay is your chance to provide a deeper insight into you as a person, so avoid just repeating what you’d put on a resume. This is not to say you can’t discuss something mentioned briefly on your resume in greater depth, but the best essays offer something new that helps round out the whole college application.

Controversy

Okay, now this one is a bit tricky. On the one hand, you should write boldly and honestly, and some of the prompts (the one about challenging a particular belief, for example) are appropriate for addressing potentially contentious topics.

But that said, avoid being controversial or edgy for the sake of being controversial or edgy. Be steadfast in your beliefs for the greater sake of the narrative and your essay will be naturally compelling without being alienating to your readers.

Vague Stories

If you have a personal story that you’re not entirely comfortable sharing, avoid it, even if it would make a great essay topic in theory. This is because if you’re not comfortable writing on the subject matter, you’ll end up being too vague, which won’t do your story or overall application justice. So choose a subject matter you’re familiar with and comfortable discussing in specifics.

Unless they really, truly serve your essay, avoid general platitudes and cliches in your language. It is definitely encouraged to have an essay with a moral, lesson, or greater takeaway, but try to avoid summing up what you’ve learned with reductive phrases like “slow and steady wins the race,” “good things come in small packages,” “actions speak louder than words,” “you can’t judge a book by its cover,” and so on.

What Are Some Good Common App Essay Examples?

There are tons of Common App essays out there, including these Common App essay examples accepted at Connecticut College, which include explanations from admissions readers about why they were chosen.

But let’s take a look here at two versions of an example essay, one that is just okay and one that is great.

Both Common App essay examples are crafted in response to prompt #2, which is:

Essay Version #1, Satisfactory Essay:

During my sophomore year of high school, I tore my ACL, which stands for “anterior cruciate ligament,” and is the kiss of death for most athletic careers. This injury ended up being one of the greatest obstacles of my life. It was also, however, a turning point that taught me to see opportunity amidst adversity.

It was particularly awful that I was just about to score a winning goal during a championship hockey game when I was checked by a guy on the opposing team and came crashing down on my knee. It was pain unlike anything I’d ever felt before, and I knew immediately that this was going to be bad.

For the few months that followed the accident, I was lost, not really knowing what to do with myself. I didn’t know who I was anymore because hockey had been my whole world and sense of identity. Between working out, attending practice, playing home and away games, and watching games to learn more, it was my lifeblood. Losing my ability to play took a toll on me physically and emotionally and I grew lethargic and depressed.

And then one day I heard my school would be adding an advanced multimedia art class for those students who wanted to continue studying art beyond what was already offered. I had taken the handful of art classes my school offered and really enjoyed and excelled at them—though I had never considered them more than just fun electives to fill my scheduled, as required.

After a couple of weeks of the class, I began feeling better. Suddenly I wanted to draw or paint everything I looked at. I wanted to share the world around me as I saw it with others, to connect with people in a way I’d never done before. I met and made friends with many new people in that art class, people I would have never known if I hadn’t taken it, which also opened me up to all kinds of new mindsets and experiences.

We’re all familiar with the common adage, “When one door closes, another opens,” and this is exactly what happened for me. I might never have pursued art more seriously if I hadn’t been taken out of hockey. This has served as a great reminder for me to stay open to new opportunities. We never know what will unexpectedly bring us joy and make us more well-rounded people.

Areas for Improvement in Version #1:

• It lacks a compelling hook.
• The discussion of the obstacle and reflection upon it are both a bit rushed.
• It could use more vivid and evocative language.
• It uses a cliche (“one door closes”).
• It is somewhat vague at times (e.g. what kinds of “new mindsets and experiences” did the writer experience? In what ways are they now more “well-rounded”?).

Now let’s apply this feedback and revise the essay.

Essay Version #2, Excellent Essay:

My body was splayed out on the ice and I was simultaneously right there, in searing pain, and watching everything from above, outside of myself. It wasn’t actually a “near death” experience, but it was certainly disorienting, considering that just seconds before, I was flying down the ice in possession of the puck, about to score the winning goal of our championship game.

Instead, I had taken a check from an opposing team member, and had torn my ACL (or anterior cruciate ligament), which is the kiss of death for most athletic careers.

My road to recovery included two major surgeries, a couple months on crutches, a year of physical therapy, and absolutely zero athletic activity. I would heal, thankfully, and regain movement in my knee and leg, but I was told by doctors that I may never play hockey again, which was devastating to me. Hockey wasn’t just my passion—it was my life’s goal to play professionally.

For the few months that followed the accident, I was lost, feeling like a ghost haunting my own life, watching everything but unable to participate. I didn’t know who I was anymore because hockey had been my whole world and sense of identity. Between working out, attending practice, playing home and away games, and watching games to learn more, it was my lifeblood. Losing my ability to play took a toll on me physically and emotionally, and I grew lethargic and depressed.

And then one day I heard my school would be adding an advanced multimedia art class after school for those students who wanted to study art more seriously. I had already taken the handful of art classes my school offered and really enjoyed them—though I had never considered them more than just fun electives to fill my schedule, as required. And, because of hockey, I certainly had never had afternoons open.

After a couple of weeks of the class, I began to feel alive again, like “myself” but renewed, more awake and aware of everything around me. Suddenly I wanted to draw or paint everything I looked at, to bring everything I saw to life. It wasn’t just that I’d adopted a new hobby or passion, it was that I began looking more closely and critically at the world around me. I wanted to share what I saw with others, to connect with people in a way I’d never done before.

My art teacher selected a charcoal portrait of mine to be showcased in a local art show and I’ve never been more proud of myself for anything. Many of my friends, family members, and teammates came to see the show, which blew me away, but also I realized then just how much of my own self worth had been attached to people’s perception of me as a successful athlete. I learned how much better it feels to gain self worth from within. Unlike hockey, which I’d trained to be good at since I was a toddler, art is something that made me much more vulnerable. I didn’t do it to try to be the best, I did it because it felt good. And getting out of my comfort zone in this way gave me a sense of confidence I had never known prior, despite all my time on the ice during high-stakes games.

Today, I’m back in skates and able to play hockey, but will probably not play professionally; while I am disappointed, I’m also at peace with it. We make plans in life, and sometimes life has other plans for us that we have to adapt to and embrace, which is the more profound lesson I’ve learned in the healing process. We can crumple in the face of obstacles, or we can look for a silver lining and allow ourselves to grow into more complex, dynamic, well-rounded people. I don’t know what the rest of life holds for me, but I do know that I’m going to keep making art, and I’m going to keep opening myself up to new opportunities and experiences.

Strengths of Version #2:

• It has a compelling hook that draws the reader in.
• It has a clear beginning, middle, and end (expressed as an introduction, body, and conclusion).
• It directly addresses the prompt at hand and sticks to it.
• It focuses on one specific incident.
• It is well balanced in its explanation of and reflection on a given experience.
• It uses a clear, unique voice and tone as well as vivid, evocative language.
• It has a logical and cohesive flow.
• It is highly personal while also polished and professional.

Hopefully these examples have given you ideas of how you can take your Common App essay from good to great. If you have more questions about how to write a Common App essay, keep reading our FAQs below.

How much do I actually have to write for the Common App essay?

Last year, the Common App essay was capped at 650 words with a minimum of 250 words required. The best essays tend to range between 500-650 words.

Think of it this way as you start to draft: 500 words is one single-spaced page (250 words is one double-spaced page), so you should write roughly a page to page and half of typed, single-spaced content.

Where can I find the official Common App essay prompts?

Here are the 2021-2022 Common App essay prompts , which are the same as last year’s, with the exception of a new prompt #4 and the addition of a Covid-19 Common App prompt .

Do I need a title for the Common App essay?

A title is not required for the Common App essay, but you are, of course, more than welcome to include one if you’d like.

Where can I go for more information about the Common App essay?

All of the necessary information for the Common App and the Common App essay can be found on the Common Application home page.

For further reading, here are some posts that tackle and dispel common myths about the Common App essay:

Myth: The Common App essay must sound professional. Myth: Colleges can’t tell if someone helps write a common app essay.

If you haven’t already, you can download our free Common App essay checklist .

Happy Writing!

There you have it! The Common App essay can actually be quite rewarding to write if you give yourself enough time to prepare for it thoroughly. Remember, it’s all about you, and you’re the authority on that! So hunker down and don’t forget to have fun in the writing process.

We’d also love to hear from you! What questions or concerns do you still have about the Common Application essay? What are you thinking about writing on?

Comment below, and good luck!

Nadyja von Ebers is one of Magoosh’s Content Creators. Nadyja holds an MA in English from DePaul University and has taught English and at the high school and college levels for twelve years. She has a decade of experience teaching preparation for the AP exams, the SAT, and the ACT, among other tests. Additionally, Nadyja has worked as an academic advisor at college level and considers herself an expert in all things related to college-prep. She’s applied her college expertise to posts such as UCLA Admissions: The SAT Scores, ACT Scores, and GPA You Need to Get in and A Family Guide to College Admissions . Nadyja loves helping students reach their maximum potential and thrives in both literal and virtual classrooms. When she’s not teaching, she enjoys reading and writing for pleasure and loves spending time in or near the ocean. You can connect with her on LinkedIn !

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25 Elite Common App Essay Examples (And Why They Worked)

Applying to competitive colleges? You'll need to have a stand-out Common App essay.

In this article, I'm going to share with you:

• 25 outstanding Common App essay examples
• Links to tons of personal statement examples
• Why these Common App essays worked

If you're looking for outstanding Common App essay examples, you've found the right place.

If you're applying to colleges in 2023, you're going to write some form of a Common App essay.

Writing a great Common App personal essay is key if you want to maximize your chances of getting admitted.

Whether you're a student working on your Common App essay, or a parent wondering what it takes, this article will help you master the Common App Essay.

What are the Common App Essay Prompts for 2023?

There are seven prompts for the Common App essay. Remember that the prompts are simply to help get you started thinking.

You don't have to answer any of the prompts if you don't want (see prompt #7 ).

Here's the seven Common App essay questions for 2022, which are the same as previous years:

• 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.
• 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?
• Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?
• 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?
• Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.
• 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?
• 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.

The last prompt is a catch-all prompt, which means you can submit an essay on any topic you want.

Use the Common App prompts as brainstorming questions and to get you thinking.

But ultimately, you should write about any topic you meaningfully care about.

What makes an outstanding Common App personal essay?

I've read thousands of Common App essays from highly motivated students over the past years.

And if I had to choose the top 2 things that makes for incredible Common App essays it's these:

1. Being Genuine

Sounds simple enough. But it's something that is incredibly rare in admissions.

Authenticity is something we all know when we see it, but can be hard to define.

Instead of focus on what you think sounds the best to admissions officers, focus on what you have to say—what interests you.

2. Having Unique Ideas

The best ideas come about while you're writing.

You can't just sit down and say, "I'll think really hard of good essay ideas."

I wish that worked, but it sadly doesn't. And neither do most brainstorming questions.

The ideas you come up with from these surface-level tactics are cheap, because no effort was put in.

As they say,

"Writing is thinking"

By choosing a general topic (e.g. my leadership experience in choir) and writing on it, you'll naturally come to ideas.

As you write, continue asking yourself questions that make you reflect.

It is more of an artistic process than technical one, so you'll have to feel what ideas are most interesting.

25 Common App Essay Examples from Top Schools

With that, here's 25 examples as Common App essay inspiration to get you started.

These examples aren't perfect—nor should you expect yours to be—but they are stand-out essays.

I've handpicked these examples of personal statements from admitted students because they showcase a variety of topics and writing levels.

These students got into top schools and Ivy League colleges in recent years:

Table of Contents

• 1. Seeds of Immigration
• 2. Color Guard
• 3. Big Eater
• 4. Love for Medicine
• 5. Cultural Confusion
• 6. Football Manager
• 9. Mountaineering
• 10. Boarding School
• 11. My Father
• 12. DMV Trials
• 13. Ice Cream Fridays
• 14. Key to Happiness
• 15. Discovering Passion
• 16. Girl Things
• 17. Robotics
• 18. Lab Research
• 19. Carioca Dance
• 20. Chinese Language
• 21. Kiki's Delivery Service
• 22. Museum of Life
• 23. French Horn
• 24. Dear My Younger Self
• 25. Monopoly

Common App Essay Example #1: Seeds of Immigration

This student was admitted to Dartmouth College . In this Common App essay, they discuss their immigrant family background that motivates them.

Although family is a commonly used topic, this student makes sure to have unique ideas and write in a genuine way.

Common App Prompt #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. (250-650 words)

I placed three tiny seeds, imagining the corn stalk growing while the pumpkin vines wrapped around it; both sprouting, trying to bear fruit. I clenched a fistful of dirt and placed it on them. “Más,” my grandpa told me as he quickly flooded the seeds with life-giving dirt.

Covered. Completely trapped.

Why This Essay Works:

Everyone has a unique family history and story, and often that can make for a strong central theme of a personal statement. In this essay, the student does a great job of sharing aspects of his family's culture by using specific Spanish words like "yunta" and by describing their unique immigration story. Regardless of your background, sharing your culture and what it means to you can be a powerful tool for reflection.

This student focuses on reflecting on what their culture and immigrant background means to them. By focusing on what something represents, rather than just what it literally is, you can connect to more interesting ideas. This essay uses the metaphor of their family's history as farmers to connect to their own motivation for succeeding in life.

This essay has an overall tone of immense gratitude, by recognizing the hard work that this student's family has put in to afford them certain opportunities. By recognizing the efforts of others in your life—especially efforts which benefit you—you can create a powerful sense of gratitude. Showing gratitude is effective because it implies that you'll take full advantage of future opportunities (such as college) and not take them for granted. This student also demonstrates a mature worldview, by recognizing the difficulty in their family's past and how things easily could have turned out differently for this student.

This essay uses three moments of short, one-sentence long paragraphs. These moments create emphasis and are more impactful because they standalone. In general, paragraph breaks are your friend and you should use them liberally because they help keep the reader engaged. Long, dense paragraphs are easy to gloss over and ideas can lose focus within them. By using a variety of shorter and longer paragraphs (as well as shorter and longer sentences) you can create moments of emphasis and a more interesting structure.

What They Might Improve:

This conclusion is somewhat off-putting because it focuses on "other students" rather than the author themself. By saying it "fills me with pride" for having achieved without the same advantages, it could create the tone of "I'm better than those other students" which is distasteful. In general, avoid putting down others (unless they egregiously deserve it) and even subtle phrasings that imply you're better than others could create a negative tone. Always approach your writing with an attitude of optimism, understanding, and err on the side of positivity.

Common App Essay Example #2: Color Guard

This student was admitted to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill . Check out their Common App essay that focuses on an extracurricular:

Sweaty from the hot lights, the feeling of nervousness and excitement return as I take my place on the 30-yard line. For 10 short minutes, everyone is watching me. The first note of the opening song begins, and I’m off. Spinning flags, tossing rifles, and dancing across the football field. Being one of only two people on the colorguard means everyone will see everything. It’s amazing and terrifying. And just like that, the performance is over.

Flashback to almost four years ago, when I walked into the guard room for the first time. I saw flyers for a “dance/flag team” hanging in the bland school hallway, and because I am a dancer, I decided to go. This was not a dance team at all. Spinning flags and being part of the marching band did not sound like how I wanted to spend my free time. After the first day, I considered not going back. But, for some unknown reason, I stayed. And after that, I began to fall in love with color guard. It is such an unknown activity, and maybe that’s part of what captivated me. How could people not know about something so amazing? I learned everything about flags and dancing in that year. And something interesting happened- I noticed my confidence begin to grow. I had never thought I was that good at anything, there was always someone better. However, color guard was something I truly loved, and I was good at it.

The next year, I was thrown into an interesting position. Our current captain quit in the middle of the season, and I was named the new captain of a team of six. At first, this was quite a daunting task. I was only a sophomore, and I was supposed to lead people two years older than me? Someone must’ve really believed in me. Being captain sounded impossible to me at first, but I wouldn’t let that stop me from doing my best. This is where my confidence really shot up. I learned how to be a captain. Of course I was timid at first, but slowly, I began to become a true leader.

The next marching season, it paid off. I choreographed many pieces of our show, and helped teach the other part of my guard, which at the time was only one other person. Having a small guard, we had to be spectacular, especially for band competitions. We ended up winning first place and second place trophies, something that had never been done before at our school, especially for such a small guard. That season is still one of my favorite memories. The grueling hours of learning routines, making changes, and learning how to be a leader finally paid off.

Looking back on it as I exit the field after halftime once again, I am so proud of myself. Not only has color guard helped the band succeed, I’ve also grown. I am now confident in what my skills are. Of course there is always more to be done, but I now I have the confidence to share my ideas, which is something I can’t say I had before color guard. Every Friday night we perform, I think about the growth I’ve made, and I feel on top of the world. That feeling never gets old.

Common App Essay Example #3: Big Eater

This Common App essay is a successful Northwestern essay from an admitted student. It has a unique take using the topic of eating habits—an example of how "mundane" topics can make for interesting ideas.

This essay uses their relationship with food to explore how their perspective has changed through moving high schools far away. Having a central theme is often a good strategy because it allows you to explore ideas while making them feel connected and cohesive. This essay shows how even a "simple" topic like food can show a lot about your character because you can extrapolate what it represents, rather than just what it literally is. With every topic, you can analyze on two levels: what it literally is, and what it represents.

Admissions officers want to get a sense of who you are, and one way to convey that is by using natural-sounding language and being somewhat informal. In this essay, the student writes as they'd speak, which creates a "voice" that you as the reader can easily hear. Phrases like "I kind of got used to it" may be informal, but work to show a sense of character. Referring to their parents as "Ma" and "Papa" also bring the reader into their world. If you come from a non-English speaking country or household, it can also be beneficial to use words from your language, such as "chiemo" in this essay. Using foreign language words helps share your unique culture with admissions.

Rather than "telling" the reader what they have to say, this student does a great job of "showing" them through specific imagery and anecdotes. Using short but descriptive phrases like "whether it was a sum or Sam the bully" are able to capture bigger ideas in a more memorable way. Showing your points through anecdotes and examples is always more effective than simply telling them, because showing allows the reader to come to their own conclusion, rather than having to believe what you're saying.

This student's first language is not English, which does make it challenging to express ideas with the best clarity. Although this student does an overall great job in writing despite this hindrance, there are moments where their ideas are not easily understood. In particular, when discussing substance addiction, it isn't clear: Was the student's relationship with food a disorder, or was that a metaphor? When drafting your essay, focus first on expressing your points as clearly and plainly as possible (it's harder than you may think). Simplicity is often better, but if you'd like, afterwards you can add creative details and stylistic changes.

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Common App Essay Example #4: Love for Medicine

Here's another Common App essay which is an accepted Dartmouth essay . This student talks about their range of experiences as an emergency medical responder:

I never knew I had the courage to talk a suicidal sixteen-year-old boy down from the edge of a bridge, knowing that he could jump and take his life at any moment.

I never knew I had the confidence to stand my ground and defend my treatment plan to those who saw me as less than capable because of my age or gender.

This essay has lots of detailed moments and descriptions. These anecdotes help back up their main idea by showing, rather than just telling. It's always important to include relevant examples because they are the "proof in the pudding" for what you're trying to say.

This topic deals with a lot of sensitive issues, and at certain points the writing could be interpreted as insensitive or not humble. It's especially important when writing about tragedies that you focus on others, rather than yourself. Don't try to play up your accomplishments or role; let them speak for themselves. By doing so, you'll actually achieve what you're trying to do: create an image of an honorable and inspirational person.

This essay touches on a lot of challenging and difficult moments, but it lacks a deep level of reflection upon those moments. When analyzing your essay, ask yourself: what is the deepest idea in it? In this case, there are some interesting ideas (e.g. "when they were on my stretcher, socioeconomic status...fell away"), but they are not fully developed or fleshed out.

Common App Essay Example #5: Cultural Confusion

This student's Common App was accepted to Pomona College , among other schools. Although this essay uses a common topic of discussing cultural background, this student writes a compelling take.

This student uses the theme of cultural confusion to explain their interests and identity:

Common App Essay Example #6: Football Manager

Here's a UPenn essay that worked for the Common App:

This essay has lighthearted moments in it, such as recognizing how being a football manager "does not sound glamorous" and how "we managers go by many names: watergirls..." Using moments of humor can be appropriate for contrasting with moments of serious reflection. Being lighthearted also shows a sense of personality and that you are able to take things with stride.

The reflections in this essay are far too generic overall and ultimately lack meaning because they are unspecific. Using buzzwords like "hard work" and "valuable lessons" comes off as unoriginal, so avoid using them at all costs. Your reflections need to be specific to you to be most meaningful. If you could (in theory) pluck out sentences from your essay and drop them into another student's essay, then chances are those sentences are not very insightful. Your ideas should be only have been able to been written by you: specific to your experiences, personal in nature, and show deep reflection.

Although this essay uses the topic of "being a football manager," by the end of the essay it isn't clear what that role even constitutes. Avoid over-relying on other people or other's ideas when writing your essay. That is, most of the reflections in this essay are based on what the author witnessed the football team doing, rather than what they experienced for themselves in their role. Focus on your own experiences first, and be as specific and tangible as possible when describing your ideas. Rather than saying "hard work," show that hard work through an anecdote.

More important than your stories is the "So what?" behind them. Avoid writing stories that don't have a clear purpose besides "setting the scene." Although most fiction writing describes people and places as exposition, for your essays you want to avoid that unless it specifically contributes to your main point. In this essay, the first two paragraphs are almost entirely unnecessary, as the point of them can be captured in one sentence: "I joined to be a football manager one summer." The details of how that happened aren't necessary because they aren't reflected upon.

In typical academic writing, we're taught to "tell them what you're going to tell them" before telling them. But for college essays, every word is highly valuable. Avoid prefacing your statements and preparing the reader for them. Instead of saying "XYZ would prove to be an unforgettable experience," just dive right into the experience itself. Think of admissions officers as "being in a rush," and give them what they want: your interesting ideas and experiences.

Common App Essay Example #7: Coffee

This student was admitted to several selective colleges, including Emory University, Northwestern University , Tufts University, and the University of Southern California . Here's their Common Application they submitted to these schools:

I was 16 years old, and working at a family-owned coffee shop training other employees to pour latte art. Making coffee became an artistic outlet that I never had before. I always loved math, but once I explored the complexities of coffee, I began to delve into a more creative realm--photography and writing--and exposed myself to the arts--something foreign and intriguing.

This essay uses coffee as a metaphor for this student's self-growth, especially in dealing with the absence of their father. Showing the change of their relationship with coffee works well as a structure because it allows the student to explore various activities and ideas while making them seem connected.

This student does a great job of including specifics, such as coffee terminology ("bloom the grounds" and "pour a swan"). Using specific and "nerdy" language shows your interests effectively. Don't worry if they won't understand all the references exactly, as long as there is context around them.

While coffee is the central topic, the author also references their father extensively throughout. It isn't clear until the conclusion how these topics relate, which makes the essay feel disjointed. In addition, there is no strong main idea, but instead a few different ideas. In general, it is better to focus on one interesting idea and delve deeply, rather than focus on many and be surface-level.

Near the conclusion, this student tells about their character: "humble, yet important, simple, yet complex..." You should avoid describing yourself to admissions officers, as it is less convincing. Instead, use stories, anecdotes, and ideas to demonstrate these qualities. For example, don't say "I'm curious," but show them by asking questions. Don't say, "I'm humble," but show them with how you reacted after a success or failure.

Common App Essay Example #8: Chicago

Here's another Northwestern essay . Northwestern is a quite popular school with lots of strong essay-focused applicants, which makes your "Why Northwestern?" essay important.

To write a strong Why Northwestern essay, try to answer these questions: What does NU represent to you? What does NU offer for you (and your interests) that other schools don't?

This essay uses a variety of descriptive and compelling words, without seeming forced or unnatural. It is important that you use your best vocabulary, but don't go reaching for a thesaurus. Instead, use words that are the most descriptive, while remaining true to how you'd actually write.

This essay is one big metaphor: the "L" train serves as a vehicle to explore this student's intellectual curiosity. Throughout the essay, the student also incorporates creative metaphors like "the belly of a gargantuan silver beast" and "seventy-five cent silver chariot" that show a keen sense of expression. If a metaphor sounds like one you've heard before, you probably shouldn't use it.

This student does a fantastic job of naturally talking about their activities. By connecting their activities to a common theme—in this case the "L" train—you can more easily move from one activity to the next, without seeming like you're just listing activities. This serves as an engaging way of introducing your extracurriculars and achievements, while still having the focus of your essay be on your interesting ideas.

Admissions officers are ultimately trying to get a sense of who you are. This student does a great job of taking the reader into their world. By sharing quirks and colloquialisms (i.e. specific language you use), you can create an authentic sense of personality.

Common App Essay Example #9: Mountaineering

Here's a liberal arts college Common App essay from Colby College . Colby is a highly ranked liberal arts college.

As with all colleges—but especially liberal arts schools—your personal essay will be a considerable factor.

In this essay, the student describes their experience climbing Mount Adams, and the physical and logistical preparations that went into it. They describe how they overcame some initial setbacks by using their organizational skills from previous expeditions.

This Colby student explains how the process of preparation can lead to success in academics and other endeavours, but with the potential for negative unintended consequences.

Common App 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? (250-650 words)

This essay does a great job of having a cohesive theme: mountaineering. Often times, great essay topics can be something simple on the surface, such as your favorite extracurricular activity or a notable experience. Consider using the literal activity as a sort of metaphor, like this essay does. This student uses mountaineering as a metaphor for preparation in the face of upcoming challenge. Using an overarching metaphor along with a central theme can be effective because it allows you to explore various ideas while having them all feel connected and cohesive.

Admissions officers want to see your self-growth, which doesn't always mean your successes. Often times, being vulnerable by expressing your struggles is powerful because it makes you more human and relatable, while providing the opportunity to reflect on what you learned. The best lessons from come failures, and writing about challenge can also make your later successes feel more impactful. Everyone loves to hear an underdog or zero-to-hero story. But counterintuitively, your failures are actually more important than your successes.

This essay has some nice ideas about focusing only on what's in your control: your attitude and your effort. However, these ideas are ultimately somewhat generic as they have been used countless times in admissions essays. Although ideas like this can be a good foundation, you should strive to reach deeper ideas. Deeper ideas are ones that are specific to you, unique, and interesting. You can reach deeper ideas by continually asking yourself "How" and "Why" questions that cause you to think deeper about a topic. Don't be satisfied with surface-level reflections. Think about what they represent more deeply, or how you can connect to other ideas or areas of your life.

Common App Essay Example #10: Boarding School

This personal essay was accepted to Claremont McKenna College . See how this student wrote a vulnerable essay about boarding school experience and their family relationship:

I began attending boarding school aged nine.

Obviously, this is not particularly unusual – my school dorms were comprised of boys and girls in the same position as me. However, for me it was difficult – or perhaps it was for all of us; I don’t know. We certainly never discussed it.

I felt utterly alone, as though my family had abruptly withdrawn the love and support thatI so desperately needed. At first, I did try to open up to them during weekly phone calls, but what could they do? As months slipped by, the number of calls reduced. I felt they had forgotten me. Maybe they felt I had withdrawn from them. A vast chasm of distance was cracking open between us.

At first, I shared my hurt feelings with my peers, who were amazingly supportive, but there was a limit to how much help they could offer. After a while, I realized that by opening up, I was burdening them, perhaps even irritating them. The feelings I was sharing should have been reserved for family. So, I withdrew into myself. I started storing up my emotions and became a man of few words. In the classroom or on the sports field, people saw a self-confident and cheerful character, but behind that facade was someone who yearned for someone to understand him and accept him as he was.

Years went past.

Then came the phone call which was about to change my life. “Just come home Aryan, it’s really important!” My mother’s voice was odd, brittle. I told her I had important exams the following week, so needed to study. “Aryan, why don’t you listen to me? There is no other option, okay? You are coming home.”

Concerned, I arranged to fly home. When I got there, my sister didn’t say hi to me, my grandmother didn’t seem overly enthusiastic to see me and my mother was nowhere to be seen. I wanted to be told why I was called back so suddenly just to be greeted as though I wasn’t even welcome.

Then my mother then came out of her room and saw me. To my immense incredulity, she ran to me and hugged me, and started crying in my arms.

Then came the revelation, “Your father had a heart attack.”

My father. The man I hadn’t really talked to in years. A man who didn’t even know who I was anymore. I’d spent so long being disappointed in him and suspecting he was disappointed in me, I sunk under a flood of emotions.

I opened the door to his room and there he was sitting on his bed with a weak smile on his face. I felt shaken to my core. All at once it was clear to me how self-centered I had become. A feeling of humiliation engulfed me, but finally I realized that rather than wallow in it, I needed to appreciate I was not alone in having feelings.

I remained at home that week. I understood that my family needed me. I worked with my uncle to ensure my family business was running smoothly and often invited relatives or friends over to cheer my father up.

Most importantly, I spent time with my family. It had been years since I’d last wanted to do this – I had actively built the distance between us – but really, I’d never stopped craving it. Sitting together in the living room, I realized how badly I needed them.

Seeing happiness in my father’s eyes, I felt I was finally being the son he had always needed me to be: A strong, capable young man equipped to take over the family business if need be.

Common App Essay Example #11: My Father

This Cornell University essay is an example of writing about a tragedy, which can be a tricky topic to write about well.

Family and tragedy essays are a commonly used topic, so it can be harder to come up with a unique essay idea using these topics.

Let me know what you think of this essay for Cornell:

My father was wise, reserved, hardworking, and above all, caring. I idolized his humility and pragmatism, and I cherish it today. But after his death, I was emotionally raw. I could barely get through class without staving off a breakdown.

Writing about tragedy, such as the loss of a loved one, is a tricky topic because it has been used countless times in college admissions. It is difficult to not come off as a "victim" or that you're trying to garner sympathy by using the topic (i.e. a "sob story"). This essay does a great job of writing about a personal tragedy in a meaningful and unique way by connecting to values and ideas, rather than staying focused on what literally happened. By connecting tragedy to lessons and takeaways, you can show how—despite the difficulty and sorrow—you have gained something positive from it, however small that may be. Don't write about personal tragedy because you think "you should." As with any topic, only write about it if you have a meaningful point to make.

This essay is effective at making the reader feel the similar emotions as the author does and in bringing the reader into their "world." Even small remarks like noting the the "firsts" without their loved one are powerful because it is relatable and something that is apparent, but not commonly talked about. Using short phrases like "That was it. No goodbye, no I love you..." create emphasis and again a sense of relatability. As the reader, you can vividly imagine how the author must have felt during these moments. The author also uses questions, such as "What did I last say to him?" which showcase their thought process, another powerful way to bring the reader into your world.

Admissions officers are looking for self-growth, which can come in a variety of forms. Showing a new perspective is one way to convey that you've developed over time, learned something new, or gained new understanding or appreciation. In this essay, the student uses the "sticker of a black and white eye" to represent how they viewed their father differently before and after his passing. By using a static, unchanging object like this, and showing how you now view it differently over time, you convey a change in perspective that can make for interesting reflections.

Common App Essay Example #12: DMV Trials

Here's a funny Common App essay from a Northwestern admitted student about getting their driver's license.

This topic has been used before—as many "topics" have—but what's important is having a unique take or idea.

What do you think of this Northwestern essay ?

Breath, Emily, breath. I drive to the exit and face a four-lane roadway. “Turn left,” my passenger says.

On July 29, [Date] , I finally got my license. After the April debacle, I practiced driving almost every week. I learned to stop at stop signs and look both ways before crossing streets, the things I apparently didn’t know how to do during my first two tests. When pulling into the parking lot with the examiner for the last time, a wave of relief washed over me.

This essay does a good job of having a compelling narrative. By setting the scene descriptively, it is easy to follow and makes for a pleasant reading experience. However, avoid excessive storytelling, as it can overshadow your reflections, which are ultimately most important.

This essay has some moments where the author may come off as being overly critical, of either themselves or of others. Although it is okay (and good) to recognize your flaws, you don't want to portray yourself in a negative manner. Avoid being too negative, and instead try to find the positive aspects when possible.

More important than your stories is the answer to "So what?" and why they matter. Avoid writing a personal statement that is entirely story-based, because this leaves little room for reflection and to share your ideas. In this essay, the reflections are delayed to the end and not as developed as they could be.

In this essay, it comes across that failure is negative. Although the conclusion ultimately has a change of perspective in that "failure is inevitable and essential to moving forward," it doesn't address that failure is ultimately a positive thing. Admissions officers want to see failure and your challenges, because overcoming those challenges is what demonstrates personal growth.

Common App Essay Example #13: Ice Cream Fridays

This Columbia essay starts off with a vulnerable moment of running for school president. The student goes on to show their growth through Model UN, using detailed anecdotes and selected moments.

My fascination with geopolitical and economic issues were what kept me committed to MUN. But by the end of sophomore year, the co-presidents were fed up. “Henry, we know how hard you try, but there are only so many spots for each conference...” said one. “You’re wasting space, you should quit,” said the other.

This essay has a compelling story, starting from this author's early struggles with public speaking and developing into their later successes with Model UN. Using a central theme—in this case public speaking—is an effective way of creating a cohesive essay. By having a main idea, you can tie in multiple moments or achievements without them coming across unrelated.

This student talks about their achievements with a humble attitude. To reference your successes, it's equally important to address your failures. By expressing your challenges, it will make your later achievements seem more impactful in contrast. This student also is less "me-focused" and instead is interested in others dealing with the same struggles. By connecting to people in your life, values, or interesting ideas, you can reference your accomplishments without coming off as bragging.

This essay has moments of reflection, such as "math and programming made sense... people didn't". However, most of these ideas are cut short, without going much deeper. When you strike upon a potentially interesting idea, keep going with it. Try to explain the nuances, or broaden your idea to more universal themes. Find what is most interesting about your experience and share that with admissions.

Stories are important, but make sure all your descriptions are critical for the story. In this essay, the author describes things that don't add to the story, such as the appearance of other people or what they were wearing. These ultimately don't relate to their main idea—overcoming public speaking challenges—and instead are distracting.

Common App Essay Example #14: Key to Happiness

Here's a Brown University application essay that does a great job of a broad timeline essay. This student shows the change in their thinking and motivations over a period of time, which makes for an interesting topic.

Let me know what you think of this Brown essay:

Common App Prompt #3: Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome? (250-650 words)

This student's first language is not English, which provides some insight into why the phrasing may not seem as natural or show as much personality. Admissions officers are holistic in determining who to admit, meaning they take into account many different factors when judging your essays. While this essay may not be the strongest, the applicant probably had other qualities or "hooks" that helped them get accepted, such as awards, activities, unique background, etc. Plus, there is some leniency granted to students who don't speak English as their first language, because writing essays in a foreign language is tough in and of itself.

It's good to be confident in your achievements, but you don't want to come across as boastful or self-assured. In this essay, some of the phrasing such as "when I was the best at everything" seems exaggerated and is off-putting. Instead of boosting your accomplishments, write about them in a way that almost "diminishes" them. Connect your achievements to something bigger than you: an interesting idea, a passionate cause, another person or group. By not inflating your achievements, you'll come across more humble and your achievements will actually seem more impactful. We all have heard of a highly successful person who thinks "it's no big deal," which actually makes their talents seem far more impressive.

This essay has some takeaways and reflections, as your essay should too, but ultimately these ideas are unoriginal and potentially cliché. Ideas like "what makes you happy is pursing your passion" are overused and have been heard thousands of times by admissions officers. Instead, focus on getting to unique and "deep" ideas: ideas that are specific to you and that have meaningful implications. It's okay to start off with more surface-level ideas, but you want to keep asking questions to yourself like "Why" and "How" to push yourself to think deeper. Try making connections, asking what something represents more broadly, or analyzing something from a different perspective.

You don't need to preface your ideas in your essay. Don't say things like "I later found out this would be life-changing, and here's why." Instead, just jump into the details that are most compelling. In this essay, there are moments that seem repetitive and redundant because they don't add new ideas and instead restate what's already been said in different words. When editing your essay, be critical of every sentence (and even words) by asking: Does this add something new to my essay? Does it have a clear, distinct purpose? If the answer is no, you should probably remove that sentence.

Common App Essay Example #15: Discovering Passion

Here's a Johns Hopkins essay that shows how the student had a change in attitude and perspective after taking a summer job at a care facility.

It may seem odd to write about your potential drawbacks or weaknesses—such as having a bad attitude towards something—but it's real and can help demonstrate personal growth.

So tell me your thoughts on this JHU Common App essay:

Common App Prompt #5: Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others. (250-650 words)

This student uses vulnerability in admitting that they held preconceived notions about the elderly before this experience. The quote introduces these preconceived notions well, while the description of how this student got their job in the care facility is also engaging.

Admission officers love to see your interactions with others. Showing how you interact reveals a lot about your character, and this essay benefits from reflecting upon the student's relationship with a particular elderly individual.

It is good to be descriptive, but only when it supports your expression of ideas. In this essay, the author uses adjectives and adverbs excessively, without introducing new ideas. Your ideas are more important than having a diverse vocabulary, and the realizations in this essay are muddled by rephrasing similar ideas using seemingly "impressive," but ultimately somewhat meaningless, vocabulary.

This essay touches on some interesting ideas, but on multiple occasions these ideas are repeated just in different phrasing. If you have already expressed an idea, don't repeat it unless you're adding something new: a deeper context, a new angle, a broadened application, etc. Ask yourself: what is the purpose of each sentence, and have I expressed it already?

It's true that almost any topic can make for a strong essay, but certain topics are trickier because they make it easy to write about overly used ideas. In this essay, the main idea can be summarized as: "I realized the elderly were worthy humans too." It touches upon more interesting ideas, such as how people can be reduced down to their afflictions rather than their true character, but the main idea is somewhat surface-level.

Common App Essay Example #16: "A Cow Gave Birth"

This Common App essay for the University of Pennsylvania centers on the theme of womanhood. Not only is it well-written, but this essay has interesting and unique ideas that relate to the student's interests.

Common App Essay Example #17: Robotics

This Common App essay was for Washington University in St. Louis .

This student writes about their experience creating and using an engineering notebook to better document their robotics progress. They share the story of how their dedication and perseverance led to winning awards and qualifying for the national championships.

Lastly, they reflect on the importance of following one's passions in life and decision to pursue a business degree instead of a engineering one.

This essay touches on various lessons that they've learned as a result of their experience doing robotics. However, these lessons are ultimately surface-level and generic, such as "I embraced new challenges." Although these could be a starting point for deeper ideas, on their own they come off as unoriginal and overused. Having interesting ideas is what makes an essay the most compelling, and you need to delve deeply into reflection, past the surface-level takeaways. When drafting and brainstorming, keep asking yourself questions like "How" and "Why" to dig deeper. Ask "What does this represent? How does it connect to other things? What does this show about myself/the world/society/etc.?"

Although this essay is focused on "VEX robotics," the details of what that activity involves are not elaborated. Rather than focusing on the surface-level descriptions like "We competed and won," it would be more engaging to delve into the details. What did your robot do? How did you compete? What were the specific challenges in "lacking building materials"? Use visuals and imagery to create a more engaging picture of what you were doing.

The hook and ending sentences of "drifting off to sleep" feel arbitrary and not at all connected to any ideas throughout the essay. Instead, it comes off as a contrived choice to create a "full circle" essay. Although coming full circle is often a good strategy, there should be a specific purpose in doing so. For your intro, try using a short sentence that creates emphasis on something interesting. For the conclusion, try using similar language to the intro, expanding upon your ideas to more universal takeaways, or connecting back to previous ideas with a new nuance.

Common App Essay Example #18: Lab Research

Common app essay example #19: carioca dance.

Having a natural-sounding style of writing can be a great way of conveying personality. This student does a fantastic job of writing as they'd speak, which lets admissions officers create a clear "image" of who you are in their head. By writing naturally and not robotically, you can create a "voice" and add character to your essay.

This student chooses a unique activity, the Carioca drill, as their main topic. By choosing a "theme" like this, it allows you to easily and naturally talk about other activities too, without seeming like you're simply listing activities. This student uses the Carioca as a metaphor for overcoming difficulties and relates it to their other activities and academics—public speaking and their job experience.

Showing a sense of humor can indicate wit, which not only makes you seem more likeable, but also conveys self-awareness. By not always taking yourself 100% seriously, you can be more relatable to the reader. This student acknowledges their struggles in conjunction with using humor ("the drills were not named after me—'Saads'"), which shows a recognition that they have room to improve, while not being overly self-critical.

Common App Essay Example #20: Chinese Language

The list of languages that Lincoln offered startled me. “There’s so many,” I thought, “Latin, Spanish, Chinese, and French.”

As soon as I stepped off the plane, and set my eyes upon the beautiful city of Shanghai, I fell in love. In that moment, I had an epiphany. China was made for me, and I wanted to give it all my first; first job and first apartment.

Using creative metaphors can be an effective way of conveying ideas. In this essay, the metaphor of "Chinese characters...were the names of my best friends" tells a lot about this student's relationship with the language. When coming up with metaphors, a good rule of thumb is: if you've heard it before, don't use it. Only use metaphors that are specific, make sense for what you're trying to say, and are highly unique.

Whenever you "tell" something, you should try and back it up with anecdotes, examples, or experiences. Instead of saying that "I made conversation," this student exemplifies it by listing who they talked to. Showing is always going to be more compelling than telling because it allows the reader to come to the conclusion on their own, which makes them believe it much stronger. Use specific, tangible examples to back up your points and convince the reader of what you're saying.

Although this essay has reflections, they tend to be more surface-level, rather than unique and compelling. Admissions officers have read thousands of application essays and are familiar with most of the ideas students write about. To stand out, you'll need to dive deeper into your ideas. To do this, keep asking yourself questions whenever you have an interesting idea. Ask "Why" and "How" repeatedly until you reach something that is unique, specific to you, and super interesting.

Avoid writing a conclusion that only "sounds nice," but lacks real meaning. Often times, students write conclusions that go full circle, or have an interesting quote, but they still don't connect to the main idea of the essay. Your conclusion should be your strongest, most interesting idea. It should say something new: a new perspective, a new takeaway, a new aspect of your main point. End your essay strongly by staying on topic, but taking your idea one step further to the deepest it can go.

Common App Essay Example #21: Kiki's Delivery Service

Common App Prompt #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? (250-650 words)

I spent much of my childhood watching movies. I became absolutely engrossed in many different films, TV shows, and animations. From the movie theatres to the TV, I spent my hours enjoying the beauty of visual media. One place that was special to me was the car. My parents purchased a special screen that could be mounted on the back of the headrest, so that I could watch movies on trips. This benefited both parties, as I was occupied, and they had peace. Looking back, I realize this screen played a crucial role in my childhood. It was an integral part of many journeys. I remember taking a drive to Washington D.C, with my visiting relatives from Poland, and spending my time with my eyes on the screen. I remember packing up my possessions and moving to my current home from Queens, watching my cartoons the whole time. I can comfortably say that watching movies in the car has been an familiar anchor during times of change in my life.

I used to watch many different cartoons, nature documentaries, and other products in the car, yet there has been one movie that I have rewatched constantly. It is called “Kiki’s Delivery Service” by Hayao Miyazaki. My parents picked it up at a garage sale one day, and I fell in love. The style of the animations were beautiful, and the captivating story of a thirteen year old witch leaving home really appealed to me. To be honest, the initial times I watched it, I didn’t fully understand the story but the magic and beauty just made me happy. Then, the more I watched it, I began to see that it was more about independence, including the need to get away from home and establish yourself as your own person. This mirrors how I felt during that period of my life,with mehaving a little rebellious streak; I didn’t agree with my parents on certain topics. That is not the end of the story though. As the years passed, and I watched it a couple more times, although with less frequency than before, my view of this movie evolved yet again.

Instead of solely thinking about the need for independence, I began to think the movie was more about the balance of independence and reliance. In the movie, the girl finds herself struggling until she begins to accept help from others. Looking back, this also follows my own philosophy during this time. As I began to mature, I began to realize the value of family, and accept all the help I can get from them. I appreciate all the hard work they had done for me, and I recognize their experience in life and take advantage of it. I passed through my rebellious phase, and this reflected in my analysis of the movie. I believe that this is common, and if I look through the rest of my life I am sure I would find other similar examples of my thoughts evolving based on the stage in my life. This movie is one of the most important to me throughout my life.

Common App Essay Example #22: Museum of Life

Using visuals can be a way to add interesting moments to your essay. Avoid being overly descriptive, however, as it can be distracting from your main point. When drafting, start by focusing on your ideas (your reflections and takeaways). Once you have a rough draft, then you can consider ways to incorporate imagery that can add character and flavor to your essay.

Admissions officers are people, just like you, and therefore are drawn to personalities that exhibit positive qualities. Some of the most important qualities to portray are: humility, curiosity, thoughtfulness, and passion. In this essay, there are several moments that could be interpreted as potentially self-centered or arrogant. Avoid trying to make yourself out to be "better" or "greater" than other people. Instead, focus on having unique and interesting ideas first, and this will show you as a likeable, insightful person. Although this is a "personal" statement, you should also avoid over using "I" in your essay. When you have lots of "I" sentences, it starts to feel somewhat ego-centric, rather than humble and interested in something greater than you.

This essay does a lot of "telling" about the author's character. Instead, you want to provide evidence—through examples, anecdotes, and moments—that allow the reader to come to their own conclusions about who you are. Avoid surface-level takeaways like "I am open-minded and have a thirst for knowledge." These types of statements are meaningless because anyone can write them. Instead, focus on backing up your points by "showing," and then reflect genuinely and deeply on those topics.

This essay is focused on art museums and tries to tie in a connection to studying medicine. However, because this connection is very brief and not elaborated, the connection seems weak. To connect to your area of study when writing about a different topic, try reflecting on your topic first. Go deep into interesting ideas by asking "How" and "Why" questions. Then, take those ideas and broaden them. Think of ways they could differ or parallel your desired area of study. The best connections between a topic (such as an extracurricular) and your area of study (i.e. your major) is through having interesting ideas.

Common App Essay Example #23: French Horn

This student chose the creative idea of personifying their French horn as their central theme. Using this personification, they are able to write about a multitude of moments while making them all feel connected. This unique approach also makes for a more engaging essay, as it is not overly straightforward and generic.

It can be challenging to reference your achievements without seeming boastful or coming across too plainly. This student manages to write about their successes ("acceptance into the Julliard Pre-College program") by using them as moments part of a broader story. The focus isn't necessarily on the accomplishments themselves, but the role they play in this relationship with their instrument. By connecting more subtly like this, it shows humility. Often, "diminishing" your achievements will actually make them stand out more, because it shows you're focused on the greater meaning behind them, rather than just "what you did."

This student does a good job of exemplifying each of their ideas. Rather than just saying "I experienced failure," they show it through imagery ("dried lips, cracked notes, and missed entrances"). Similarly, with their idea "no success comes without sacrifice," they exemplify it using examples of sacrifice. Always try to back up your points using examples, because showing is much more convincing than telling. Anyone can "tell" things, but showing requires proof.

This essay has a decent conclusion, but it could be stronger by adding nuance to their main idea or connecting to the beginning with a new perspective. Rather than repeating what you've established previously, make sure your conclusion has a different "angle" or new aspect. This can be connecting your main idea to more universal values, showing how you now view something differently, or emphasizing a particular aspect of your main idea that was earlier introduced.

Common App Essay Example #24: Dear My Younger Self

Common App 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. (250-650 words)

Younger Anna,

• Don’t live your life as if you're constantly being watched and criticized. Chances are, no one is even paying attention to you.
• Wear your retainer.
• Empathy makes your life easier. People who are inexplicably cruel are suffering just as much as the recipients of their abuse. Understanding this makes your interactions with these people less painful.
• Comparing yourself to your classmates is counterproductive. Sometimes you will forge ahead, other times you will lag behind. But ultimately, you’re only racing yourself.
• Speak up to your stepmom.
• Always eat the cake. I couldn't tell you how many times I’ve turned away a slice of cake, only to regret it the next day. If you really can’t commit, do yourself a favor and take a slice home with you.
• Cherish your grandparents.
• Forgive your mother. Harboring resentment hurts you just as much as her. All the time I spent being angry at her could’ve been spent discovering her strengths.

This essay chose a unique structure in the form of a letter addressed to themselves with a list of lessons they've learned. This structure is unique, and also allows the student to explore a variety of topics and ideas while making them all feel connected. It is tricky to not seem "gimmicky" when choosing a creative structure like this, but the key is to make your essay well thought-out. Show that you've put effort into reflecting deeply, and that you aren't choosing a unique structure just to stand out.

This essay is highly focused on lessons they've learned, which shows a deep level of reflection. Your ideas and takeaways from life experience are ultimately most compelling to admissions officers, and this essay succeeds because it is focused almost entirely on those reflections. This student also manages to incorporate anecdotes and mini stories where appropriate, which makes their reflections more memorable by being tangible.

Showing humility and self-awareness are two highly attractive traits in college admissions. Being able to recognize your own flaws and strengths, while not making yourself out to be more than what you are, shows that you are mature and thoughtful. Avoid trying to "boost yourself up" by exaggerating your accomplishments or over-emphasizing your strengths. Instead, let your ideas speak for themselves, and by focusing on genuine, meaningful ideas, you'll convey a persona that is both humble and insightful.

The drawback of having a structure like this, where lots of different ideas are examined, is that no one idea is examined in-depth. As a result, some ideas (such as "intelligence is not defined by your grades") come across as trite and overused. In general, avoid touching on lots of ideas while being surface-level. Instead, it's almost always better to choose a handful (or even just one main idea) and go as in-depth as possible by continually asking probing questions—"How" and "Why"—that force yourself to think deeper and be more critical. Having depth of ideas shows inquisitiveness, thoughtfulness, and ultimately are more interesting because they are ideas that only you could have written.

Common App Essay Example #25: Monopoly

Feeling a bit weary from my last roll of the dice, I cross my fingers with the “FREE PARKING” square in sight. As luck has it, I smoothly glide past the hotels to have my best horse show yet- earning multiple wins against stiff competition and gaining points to qualify for five different national finals this year.

This essay uses the board game "Monopoly" as a metaphor for their life. By using a metaphor as your main topic, you can connect to different ideas and activities in a cohesive way. However, make sure the metaphor isn't chosen arbitrarily. In this essay, it isn't completely clear why Monopoly is an apt metaphor for their life, because the specific qualities that make Monopoly unique aren't explained or elaborated. Lots of games require "strategy and precision, with a hint of luck and a tremendous amount of challenge," so it'd be better to focus on the unique aspects of the game to make a more clear connection. For example, moving around the board in a "repetitive" fashion, but each time you go around with a different perspective. When choosing a metaphor, first make sure that it is fitting for what you're trying to describe.

You want to avoid listing your activities or referencing them without a clear connection to something greater. Since you have an activities list already, referencing your activities in your essay should have a specific purpose, rather than just emphasizing your achievements. In this essay, the student connects their activities by connecting them to a specific idea: how each activity is like a mini challenge that they must encounter to progress in life. Make sure your activities connect to something specifically: an idea, a value, an aspect of your character.

This essay lacks depth in their reflections by not delving deeply into their main takeaways. In this essay, the main "idea" is that they've learned to be persistent with whatever comes their way. This idea could be a good starting point, but on its own is too generic and not unique enough. Your idea should be deep and specific, meaning that it should be something only you could have written about. If your takeaway could be used in another student's essay without much modification, chances are it is a surface-level takeaway and you want to go more in-depth. To go in-depth, keep asking probing questions like "How" and "Why" or try making more abstract connections between topics.

In the final two paragraphs, this essay does a lot of "telling" about the lessons they've learned. They write "I know that in moments of doubt...I can rise to the occasion." Although this could be interesting, it would be far more effective if this idea is shown through anecdotes or experiences. The previous examples in the essay don't "show" this idea. When drafting, take your ideas and think of ways you can represent them without having to state them outright. By showing your points, you will create a more engaging and convincing essay because you'll allow the reader to come to the conclusion themselves, rather than having to believe what you've told them.

What Can You Learn from These Common App Essay Examples?

With these 25 Common App essay examples, you can get inspired and improve your own personal statement.

If you want to get accepted into selective colleges this year, your Common App essays needs to be its best possible.

What makes a good Common App essay isn't easy to define. There aren't any rules or steps.

But using these samples from real students, you can understand what it takes to write an outstanding personal statement .

Let me know, which Common App essay did you think was the best?

Ryan Chiang , Founder of EssaysThatWorked

Want to read more amazing essays that worked for top schools?

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I'm Ryan Chiang and I created EssaysThatWorked - a website dedicated to helping students write college essays they're proud of. We publish the best college admissions essays from successful applicants every year to inspire and teach future students.

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Princeton Admitted Essay

People love to ask why. Why do you wear a turban? Why do you have long hair? Why are you playing a guitar with only 3 strings and watching TV at 3 A.M.—where did you get that cat? Why won’t you go back to your country, you terrorist? My answer is... uncomfortable. Many truths of the world are uncomfortable...

MIT Admitted Essay

Her baking is not confined to an amalgamation of sugar, butter, and flour. It's an outstretched hand, an open invitation, a makeshift bridge thrown across the divides of age and culture. Thanks to Buni, the reason I bake has evolved. What started as stress relief is now a lifeline to my heritage, a language that allows me to communicate with my family in ways my tongue cannot. By rolling dough for saratele and crushing walnuts for cornulete, my baking speaks more fluently to my Romanian heritage than my broken Romanian ever could....

UPenn Admitted Essay

A cow gave birth and I watched. Staring from the window of our stopped car, I experienced two beginnings that day: the small bovine life and my future. Both emerged when I was only 10 years old and cruising along the twisting roads of rural Maryland...

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College Essays

If you're applying to more than one or two colleges, there's a good chance you'll have to use the Common Application, and that means you'll probably have to write a Common App essay .

In this guide, I'll cover everything you need to know about the essay. I'll break down every single Common App essay prompt by going over the following:

• What is the question asking?
• What do college admissions officers want to hear from you?
• What topics can you write about effectively?
• What should you avoid at all costs?

This will be your complete starting guide for Common App essays. After reading this, you should have a lot of ideas for your own essays and directions to write a really strong personal statement .

What Is the Common App Essay? Overview

Before we dig into the nitty-gritty of the individual prompts, let's quickly go over the logistics of the Common App essay and some general tips to keep in mind.

Most—but Not All—Schools Require the Essay

Keep in mind that the Common App essay is optional for some schools.

Here are a few examples of schools that do not require the Common App essay (note that some may require a school-specific writing supplement instead):

• Arizona State University
• Clemson University
• DePaul University
• Eastern Michigan University
• Georgia State University
• Old Dominion University
• Pratt Institute
• University of Idaho

If you're applying to more than one or two schools through the Common App, you'll almost certainly need to write a response to the Common App prompts. As such, we recommend sending your essay to schools even if they don't explicitly require it. You're writing it anyways, and it's the best way for the school to get to know you as a person.

It's also worth noting that because of the way this system is set up, you could theoretically send a different essay to each school. However, doing so isn't a good use of your time : if schools want to know something more specific about you, they'll require a supplement. Focus on writing a single great personal statement.

Pay Attention to the Word Limit

The exact word limit for the Common App essay has varied somewhat over the years, but the current range is 250-650 words . You must stay within this length; in fact, the online application won't allow you to submit fewer than 250 words or more than 650.

Some schools will state that if this isn't enough space, you can send them a physical copy of your essay. Don't do this. No matter how tempting it might be, stick to the word limit . Otherwise, you risk seeming self-indulgent.

In general, we advise shooting for an essay between 500 and 650 words long . You want to have enough space to really explore one specific idea, but you don't need to include everything. Editing is an important part of the essay-writing process, after all!

Don't Stress Too Much About the Question

As you'll see, the Common App prompts are very general and leave a lot of room for interpretation.

Moreover, colleges interpret the questions generously —they're more concerned with learning something interesting about you than with whether your topic perfectly fits the question.

Per a Common App survey from 2015 , 85% of member schools " feel the prompts should be left open to broad interpretation."

You can write about almost anything and make it work, so if you have an idea, don't let the fact that it doesn't fit neatly into one of these categories stop you. Treat these breakdowns as jumping-off points to help you start brainstorming , not the final word in how you need to approach the essay.

Make Sure You Look at This Year's Prompts

The Common App changes its prompts fairly frequently , so make sure you're familiar with the most up-to-date versions of the Common App essay questions . If you have friends or siblings who applied in past years, don't assume that you can take the exact same approaches they did.

This guide will go over the details of all seven current prompts, but first let's talk about some overall advice.

4 Tips For Finding Your Best Common App Essay Topic

As you're brainstorming and preparing to write your Common App essay, you'll want to keep these tips in mind.

#1: Make It Personal

The point of a personal statement is to, well, make a personal statement , that is to say, tell the reader something about yourself . As such, your topic needs to be something meaningful to you.

What does it mean for a topic to be "meaningful to you"?

First, it means that you genuinely care about the topic and want to write your college essay on it— no one ever wrote a great essay on a topic that they felt they had to write about .

Second, it means that the topic shows off a quality or trait you want to highlight for the admissions committee . For example, say I wanted to write about my summer job with the Parks Department. It's not enough to simply tell a story about my feud with a raccoon that kept destroying all the progress I made repairing a bench; I would need to make it clear what that experience ;shows about my character (perseverance) and explain what it ;taught me (that there are some things in life you simply can't control).

Remember that the most important thing is that your essay is about you . This advice might sound obvious, but when you're used to writing academic essays, it can be tricky to dive deep into your own perspective.

#2: Take Your Time

Give yourself plenty of time to brainstorm and write so you don't feel rushed into jotting down the first thing you can come up with and sending it right off. We recommend starting the writing process two months in advance of your first college application deadline .

On a similar note, you should take the essay seriously: it's an important part of your application and worth investing the time in to get right. If you just dash something off thoughtlessly, admissions officers will recognize that and consider it evidence that you aren't really interested in their school.

#3: Avoid Repetition

Your essay should illustrate something about you beyond what's in the rest of your application . Try to write about a topic you haven't talked about elsewhere, or take a different angle on it.

A college essay is not a resume —it's the best opportunity to show off your unique personality to admissions committees. Pick your topic accordingly.

#4: Get Specific

The best topics are usually the narrowest ones: essays focused on a single interaction, a single phrase, or a single object. The more specific you can get, the more unique your topic will be to you.

Lots of people have tried out for a school play, for example, but each had their own particular experience of doing so. One student saw trying out for the role of Hamlet as the culmination of many years of study and hard work and was devastated not to get it, while another was simply proud to have overcome her nerves enough to try out for the chorus line in West Side Story . These would make for very different essays, even though they're on basically the same topic.

Another benefit of a specific topic is that it makes coming up with supporting details much easier. Specific, sensory details make the reader feel as if they're seeing the experience through your eyes, giving them a better sense of who you are.

Take a look at this example sentence:

General: I was nervous as I waited for my turn to audition.

Specific: As I waited for my name to be called, I tapped the rhythm of "America" on the hard plastic chair, going through the beats of my audition song over and over in my head.

The first version could be written by almost anyone; the second version has a specific perspective—it's also intriguing and makes you want to know more.

The more specific your essay topic is, the more clearly your unique voice will come through and the more engaging your essay will be.

Breaking Down the 2022-23 Common App Essay Prompts

Now that we've established the basic ideas you need to keep in mind as you brainstorm, let's go through the 2022-23 Common App essay questions one at a time and break down what admissions committees are looking for in responses.

Keep in mind that for each of these questions, there are really two parts . The first is describing something you did or something that happened to you. The second is explaining what that event, action, or activity means to you . No essay is complete without addressing both sides of the topic.

Common App Essay Prompt 1: A Key Piece of Your Story

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.

What Is It Asking?

This prompt is very broad. Is there something you do or love, or something that happened to you, that isn't reflected elsewhere in your application but that you feel is vital to your personal story ? Then this prompt could be a good one for you.

The key is that whatever you write about needs to be genuinely important to you personally, not just something you think will look good to the admissions committee. You need to clarify why this story is so important that you couldn't leave it off your application.

What Do They Want to Know?

This question is really about showing admissions officers how your background has shaped you . Can you learn and grow from your experiences?

By identifying an experience or trait that is vital to your story, you're also showing what kind of person you see yourself as. Do you value your leadership abilities or your determination to overcome challenges? Your intellectual curiosity or your artistic talent?

Everyone has more than one important trait, but in answering this prompt, you're telling admissions officers what you think is your most significant quality .

What Kinds of Topics Could Work?

You could write about almost anything for this prompt: an unexpected interest, a particularly consuming hobby, a part of your family history, or a life-changing event. Make sure to narrow in on something specific, though. You don't have room to tell your whole life story!

Your topic can be serious or silly, as long as it's important to you. Just remember that it needs to showcase a deeper quality of yours.

For example, if I were writing an essay on this topic, I would probably write about my life-long obsession with books. I'd start with a story about how my parents worried I read too much as a kid, give some specific examples of things I've learned from particular books, and talk about how my enthusiasm for reading was so extreme it sometimes interfered with my actual life (like the time I tripped and fell because I couldn't be bothered to put down my book long enough to walk from my room to the kitchen).

Then I would tie it all together by explaining how my love of reading has taught me to look for ideas in unexpected places.

What Should You Avoid?

You don't want your essay to read like a resume: it shouldn't be a list of accomplishments. Your essay needs to add something to the rest of your application, so it also shouldn't focus on something you've already covered unless you have a really different take on it.

In addition, try to avoid generic and broad topics: you don't want your essay to feel as though it could've been written by any student.

As we touched on above, one way to avoid this problem is to be very  specific —rather than writing generally about your experience as the child of immigrants, you might tell a story about a specific family ritual or meaningful moment.

Common App Essay Prompt 2: Coping With Obstacles

The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount an incident or time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?

This prompt is pretty straightforward. It's asking you to describe a challenge or obstacle you faced or a time you failed, and how you dealt with it .

The part many students forget is the second half: what lessons did you learn from your challenge or failure ? If you take on this question, you must show how you grew from the experience and, ideally, how you incorporated what you learned into other endeavors.

This question really raises two issues: how you handle difficult situations and whether you're capable of learning from your mistakes.

You'll face a lot of challenges in college, both academic and social. In addressing this prompt, you have the opportunity to show admissions officers that you can deal with hardships without just giving up .

You also need to show that you can learn from challenges and mistakes. Can you find a positive lesson in a negative experience? Colleges want to see an example of how you've done so.

Good topics will be specific and have a clearly explained impact on your perspective . You need to address both parts of the question: the experience of facing the challenge and what you learned from it.

However, almost any kind of obstacle, challenge, or failure—large or small—can work:

• Doing poorly at a job interview and how that taught you to deal with nerves
• Failing a class and how retaking it taught you better study skills
• Directing a school play when the set collapsed and how it taught you to stay cool under pressure and think on your feet

Make sure you pick an actual failure or challenge—don't turn your essay into a humblebrag. How you failed at procrastination because you're just so organized or how you've been challenged by the high expectations of teachers at school because everyone knows you are so smart are not appropriate topics.

Also, don't write about something completely negative . Your response needs to show that you got something out of your challenge or failure and that you've learned skills you can apply to other situations.

Spilling your coffee is not an appropriate failure, no matter how disastrous it may feel.

Common App Essay Prompt 3: Challenging a Belief

Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?

There are two ways to approach this question. The first is to talk about a time you questioned a person or group on an idea of theirs. The second is to talk about a time that something caused you to reconsider a belief of your own.

In either case, you need to explain why you decided the belief should be challenged, what you actually did —if your story is just that someone gave you a new piece of information and you changed your mind, you should probably find a different topic— and how you feel about your actions in hindsight .

The obvious question this prompt raises is what your values are and whether you're willing to stand up for what you believe . Whether you've reconsidered your own beliefs or asked others to reconsider theirs, it shows you've put genuine thought into what you value and why.

However, colleges also want to see that you're open minded and able to be fair and kind toward those who have different beliefs than you do. Can you question someone else's beliefs without belittling them? If not, don't choose this prompt.

This prompt is really one where you either have a relevant story or you don't . If there's a belief or idea that's particularly important to you, whether political or personal, this might be a good question for you to address.

The main pitfall with this question is that it lends itself to very abstract answers . It's not that interesting to read about how you used to believe chocolate is the best ice cream flavor but then changed your mind and decided the best flavor is actually strawberry. (Seriously, though, what is wrong with you!?) Make sure there's clear conflict and action in your essay.

Divisive political issues, such as abortion and gun rights, are tricky to write about (although not impossible) because people feel very strongly about them and often have a hard time accepting the opposite viewpoint. In general, I would avoid these kinds of topics unless you have a highly compelling story.

Also, keep in mind that most people who work at colleges are liberal, so if you have a conservative viewpoint, you'll need to tread more carefully. Regardless of what you're writing about, don't assume that the reader shares your views .

Finally, you want to avoid coming off as petty or inflexible , especially if you're writing about a controversial topic. It's great to have strong beliefs, but you also want to show that you're open to listening to other people's perspectives, even if they don't change your mind.

Common App Essay Prompt 4: Gratitude Reflection

Reflect on something that someone had done for you that has made you happy or thankful in a surprising way. How has this gratitude affected or motivated you?

The first part is straightforward: describe a time someone did something positive for you that made you happy or thankful  in a surprising way.  So it can't have been something you expected to happen (i.e. your parents gave you the birthday present you were hoping for).

Next, you need to explain how that surprising gratitude affected or motivated you. So, what was the result of this positive feeling?  How did you keep it going?

This prompt helps admissions officers see both what your expectations are for certain situations and how you react when things go differently than expected. Did you take it in stride when you were pleasantly surprised? Were you too shocked to speak? Why? What about the situation wasn't what you were expecting?  Additionally, it shows them what you personally are grateful for. Gratitude is an important personal characteristic to have. What in life makes you thankful and happy? Your answer will show admissions officers a lot about what you value and how you think.

Finally—and this is the key part—they want to know the larger impact of this gratitude. Did you decide to pay it forward? Use it as motivation to better yourself/your world? When something good happens to you, how do you react?

Because this is a reflection prompt, it's a great way to show admissions officers the kind of person you are and what you value. You'll have a lot of surprising moments, both good and bad, in college, and they want to know how you deal with them and how you spread the happiness you come across.

You can choose any event, even a minor one, as long as your reaction is  unexpected happiness/gratefulness. The "unexpected" part is key. You need to choose a situation where things didn't go the way you expected. So if your uncle, who has always been a great mentor, gives you great advice, that likely won't work because you'd be expecting it.

Next, it had to have had some sort of real impact so you can explain how your gratefulness affected you. This means that, even if the event itself was small, it had to have brought about some sort of lasting change in how you live your life.

To start, brainstorm times when something went better than expected/you were happily surprised by an outcome/you were especially grateful/someone restored your faith in humanity. Remember, this has to be, overall, a positive situation, as you're being asked about an event that made you happy or grateful. This is in contrast to prompts 2 and 3 which focus more on challenges you've faced.

Once you have your list, eliminate any instances that didn't affect or motivate you. The key part of this prompt is explaining the impact of your gratitude, so you need to write about a time when gratitude made you do something you normally wouldn't have done. This could be focusing on self-care/self-improvement, paying it forward by helping someone else, shifting your values, etc. Colleges want to see how you changed because of this event.

For example, say you decide to write about your first time traveling through an airport alone. You're not sure where to go, and all the workers look busy and like they're just waiting for their break. You're wandering around, lost, too shy to ask someone for help, when a gruff-looking employee comes up and asks if you need something. When you admit you don't know how to find your gate, they take the time to walk you to it, show you which screen to watch so you know when to board, and tell you to come get them if you need any more help. It's much more help than you thought anyone would give you.

Because of that person's actions (and this is the key part), you now always keep an eye out for people who look lost or confused and try to help them because you know how intimidating it can be to be out of your depth. You also know that many times people feel embarrassed to ask for help, so you need to make the first move to help them. If you have a specific example of you helping someone in need as a result, including that will make the essay even stronger.

Avoid scenarios where you were the first person to help another. The prompt is asking about a time someone was kind to you, and  then  you reacted in response to that. You need to have the grateful moment first, then the change in behavior.

Additionally, avoid examples where someone treated you badly but you rose above it. This is a situation where someone was kind to you, and you decided to keep that kindness going.

Look at those dummies, solving a problem!

Common App Essay Prompt 5: Personal Growth and Maturity

Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.

Like Prompt 1, this one is very general. It's asking you to talk about something you did or something that happened that caused you to grow or mature as a person.

The other key point to remember when addressing this question is that you need to explain how this event changed or enriched your understanding of yourself or other people.

In short: when and how have you grown as a person ? Personal growth and maturity are complicated issues. Your essay might touch on themes such as personal responsibility and your role in the world and your community.

You don't have to explain your whole worldview, but you need to give readers a sense of why this particular event caused significant growth for you as a person.

This prompt can also help you show either your own sense of self-concept or how you relate to others.

Much like Prompt 3, this question likely either appeals to you or doesn't . Nonetheless, here are some potential topics:

• A time you had to step up in your household
• A common milestone (such as voting for the first time or getting your driver's license) that was particularly meaningful to you
• A big change in your life, such as becoming an older sibling or moving to a new place

It's important that your topic describes a transition that led to real positive growth or change in you as a person .

However, personal growth is a gradual process, and you can definitely still approach this topic if you feel you have more maturing to do. (Fun fact: most adults feel they have more maturing to do, too!) Just focus on a specific step in the process of growing up and explain what it meant to you and how you've changed.

Almost any topic could theoretically make a good essay about personal growth, but it's important that the overall message conveys maturity . If the main point of your essay about junior prom is that you learned you look bad in purple and now you know not to wear it, you'll seem like you just haven't had a lot of meaningful growth experiences in your life.

You also want the personal growth and new understanding(s) you describe in your essay to be positive in nature . If the conclusion of your essay is "and that's how I matured and realized that everyone in the world is terrible," that's not going to work very well with admissions committees, as you'll seem pessimistic and unable to cope with challenges.

Common App Essay Prompt 6: Your Passion

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?

This prompt is asking you to describe something you're intellectually passionate about .

But in addition to describing a topic of personal fascination and why you're so interested in it, you need to detail how you have pursued furthering your own knowledge of the topic . Did you undertake extra study? Hole yourself up in the library? Ask your math team coach for more practice problems?

Colleges want to admit students who are intellectually engaged with the world. They want you to show that you have a genuine love for the pursuit of knowledge .

Additionally, by describing how you've learned more about your chosen topic, concept, or idea, you can prove that you are self-motivated and resourceful .

Pretty much any topic you're really interested in and passionate about could make a good essay here, just as long as you can put can put an intellectual spin on it and demonstrate that you've gone out of your way to learn about the topic.

So It's fine to say that the topic that engages you most is football, but talk about what interests you in an academic sense about the sport. Have you learned everything there is to know about the history of the sport? Are you an expert on football statistics? Emphasize how the topic you are writing about engages your brain.

Don't pick something you don't actually care about just because you think it would sound good.

If you say you love black holes but actually hate them and tortured yourself with astronomy books in the library for a weekend to glean enough knowledge to write your essay, your lack of enthusiasm will definitely come through.

Common App Essay Prompt 7: Your Choice

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.

You can write about anything for this one!

Since this is a choose-your-own-adventure prompt, colleges aren't looking for anything specific to this prompt .

However, you'll want to demonstrate some of the same qualities that colleges are looking for in all college essays: things like academic passion, maturity, resourcefulness, and persistence. What are your values? How do you face setbacks? These are all things you can consider touching on in your essay.

If you already have a topic in mind for this one that doesn't really fit with any of the other prompts, go for it!

Avoid essays that aren't really about you as a person. So no submitting your rhetorical close-reading of the poem "Ode on a Grecian Urn" you wrote for AP English!

However, if you want to write about the way that "Ode on a Grecian Urn" made you reconsider your entire approach to life, go ahead.

The Common App Essay Questions: 5 Key Takeaways

We've covered a lot of ground, but don't panic. I've collected the main ideas you should keep in mind as you plan your Common App essay below.

#1: A Prompt 1 Topic Must Go Beyond What's in the Rest of Your Application

For prompt 1, it's absolutely vital that your topic be something genuinely meaningful to you . Don't write about something just because you think it's impressive. Big achievements and leadership roles, such as serving as captain of a team or winning a journalism award, can certainly be used as topics, but only if you can explain why they mattered to you beyond that it was cool to be in charge or that you liked winning.

It's better if you can pick out something smaller and more individual , like helping your team rally after a particularly rough loss or laboring over a specific article to make sure you got every detail right.

#2: Prompts 2, 4, and 6 Are Generally the Simplest Options

Most students have an experience or interest that will work for either Prompt 2, Prompt 4, or Prompt 6. If you're uncertain what you want to write about, think about challenges you've faced, a time you were grateful, or your major intellectual passions.

These prompts are slightly easier to approach than the others because they lend themselves to very specific and concrete topics that show clear growth. Describing a failure and what you learned from it is much simpler than trying to clarify why an event is a vital part of your identity.

#3: Prompts 3 and 5 Can Be Trickier—but You Don't Need to Avoid Them

These questions ask about specific types of experiences that not every high school student has had. If they don't speak to you, don't feel compelled to answer them.

If you do want to take on Prompt 3 or 5, however, remember to clearly explain your perspective to the reader , even if it seems obvious to you.

For Prompt 3, you have to establish not just what you believe but why you believe it and why that belief matters to you, too. For prompt 5, you need to clarify how you moved from childhood to adulthood and what that means to both you and others.

These prompts elicit some of the most personal responses , which can make for great essays but also feel too revealing to many students. Trust your instincts and don't pick a topic you're not comfortable writing about.

At the same time, don't hesitate to take on a difficult or controversial topic if you're excited about it and think you can treat it with the necessary nuance.

#4: Make Sure to Explain What Your Experience Taught You

I've tried to emphasize this idea throughout this guide: it's not enough to simply describe what you did—you also have to explain what it meant to you .

Pushing past the surface level while avoiding clichés and generalizations is a big challenge, but it's ultimately what will make your essay stand out. Make sure you know what personal quality you want to emphasize before you start and keep it in mind as you write.

Try to avoid boring generalizations in favor of more specific and personal insights.

Bad: Solving a Rubik's cube for the first time taught me a lot.

Better: Solving a Rubik's cube for the first time taught me that I love puzzles and made me wonder what other problems I could solve.

Best: When I finally twisted the last piece of the Rubik's cube into place after months of work, I was almost disappointed. I'd solved the puzzle; what would I do now? But then I started to wonder if I could use what I'd learned to do the whole thing faster. Upon solving one problem, I had immediately moved onto the next one, as I do with most things in life.

As you go back through your essay to edit, every step of the way ask yourself, "So what?" Why does the reader need to know this? What does it show about me? How can I go one step deeper?

#5: Don't Worry About What You Think You're Supposed to Write

There is no single right answer to these prompts , and if you try to find one, you'll end up doing yourself a disservice. What's important is to tell your story—and no one can tell you what that means because it's unique to you.

Many students believe that they should write about resume-padding activities that look especially impressive, such as volunteering abroad. These essays are often boring and derivative because the writer doesn't really have anything to say on the topic and assumes it'll speak for itself.

But the point of a personal statement isn't to explain what you've done; it's to show who you are .

Take the time to brainstorm and figure out what you want to show colleges about yourself and what story or interest best exemplifies that quality.

What's Next?

For more background on college essays and tips for crafting a great one, check out our complete explanation of the basics of the personal statement .

Make sure you're prepared for the rest of the college application process as well with our guides to asking for recommendations , writing about extracurriculars , taking the SAT , and researching colleges .

Alex is an experienced tutor and writer. Over the past five years, she has worked with almost a hundred students and written about pop culture for a wide range of publications. She graduated with honors from University of Chicago, receiving a BA in English and Anthropology, and then went on to earn an MA at NYU in Cultural Reporting and Criticism. In high school, she was a National Merit Scholar, took 12 AP tests and scored 99 percentile scores on the SAT and ACT.

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TeacherHabits.com, a popular site for teachers with lots of great tips and ideas for educators, is now teaming up with BetterWritingServices.com, a site dedicated to helping students write awesome essays. This is a big deal for both sites and for everyone who uses them!

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If you’ve been a fan of TeacherHabits.com, you know it’s a great place to find help for teaching, especially writing. Now that it’s joining forces with BetterWritingServices.com, you’ll get even more useful information!

The writing team at TeacherHabits.com will continue writing articles that focus on how to teach academic writing, especially essays and research papers, as well as share useful teaching tips to help other educators make their work lives easier.

Students, you’re not left out! This will help you better understand teachers and give you insight into what educators expect from you in writing assignments. Teachers, in turn, will be able to read about and understand students’ challenges.

What to Look Forward to

• More New Content: There will be more articles, reviews, videos, and tools that help both teachers and students.
• Personalized Help: If you’re really stuck on an essay, you can get one-on-one help from people who know their job.

As these two sites come together, watch for new content ideas coming your way. Whether you’re a teacher wanting to spice up your lessons or a student looking to ace your next college paper, the new combined site has got your back.

Apart from writing informational articles, BetterWritingServices.com can also help you find the best essay writing service for your specific needs, whether you’re looking for someone to proofread your work, assist with research, or even write an essay from scratch.

We have a separate team that is focused on writing reviews and helping students find the most effective tools to improve their studying process, from software and apps to textbooks and online courses.

P.S. We’ve also recently launched our forum, where you can discuss any topics related to education. This forum is a great place to share experiences, ask questions, and connect with others who have similar interests and challenges.

Students and teachers can create topics and join conversations like this one that discusses top research paper writing services , you can virtually discuss anything as long as it falls into the categories of education and academic development.

We’re really excited about what this partnership will bring. It’s a chance to make a big difference in the way we teach and learn. Stay tuned for more updates, and let’s make learning awesome together.

Common App Essay Mistakes You Should Avoid at all Costs

So you want some tips on Common App essay mistakes ?

Well, buckle up because I’ve got you covered!

Let’s cut to the chase, college application essays can be a real pain. And that blinking cursor on an empty screen can be very demotivating.

Sometimes, students can make a ton of Common App essay mistakes because they feel “stuck” and just want to get the thing written, even if it means going in the wrong direction.

But hey, here’s the deal: saying the wrong thing or going overboard can actually do more harm than good. A killer college essay requires serious thought and preparation.

The Common App not just about showcasing your writing skills; it’s also a chance to reveal your perspective, personality, and life experiences. This is your one shot to introduce yourself to your dream colleges and show the admissions committee how you’ll rock their freshman class.

Sounds important? Well, that’s because it is!

In this article, we’ll take a look at seven common app essay mistakes you need to avoid when writing your college essay. Follow these tips, and you’ll be one step closer to that acceptance letter!

7 Common App Essay Mistakes to Avoid

1. telling lies.

Don’t lie, my friend. Seriously, it should go without saying, but let’s emphasize it anyway. Instead of fabricating stories, reflect honestly on your successes, meaningful experiences, hobbies, and unique essay topics. You’ve got plenty of material that already qualifies you for the college you’re applying to. No need for embellishments!

If you’re writing a Common App essay, choose the topic that enables you to shine. Our guide to the Common App essay prompts should help.

2. Fixating too much on grand future ambitions

Look, it’s totally okay if you haven’t figured out your entire life plan yet. Most students at your stage don’t have it all mapped out, and that’s perfectly fine. Colleges understand that too. When choosing an essay topic , focus on what you’ve accomplished and experienced so far; that will make a more impactful essay than a bunch of future fantasies.

3. Forgetting your audience

Don’t treat the common app essay like a chore to check off your to-do list, especially if you’re applying to multiple universities. Understand that your essay will be read by someone important, someone who’s looking for specific things. So, write with purpose, avoid being too casual or overly detailed, and consider what matters to your readers.

4. Using a cookie-cutter template

Keep in mind that it’s a competition out there. Admissions committees have to go through hundreds of essays each year. Imagine being in their shoes, reading countless accounts of “perfect” students who all blend together. Boring, right? You want to stand out! Be the essay that grabs their attention, evokes emotions, and makes them remember you as someone special.

Check out our guide to how to start an admissions essay for help creating a unique hook.

5. Being too formal

Don’t get too formal or wordy. Using a thesaurus won’t magically get you into your dream college. Admissions officers can spot pretentious language from a mile away. If your essay is filled with words that no normal 18-year-old would ever use, it’s a red flag. Keep it readable, informal, and engaging. Explain your thoughts clearly and concisely, instead of trying to impress with unnecessary complexity. Use college application editing services to get the best result.

6. Writing the Common App essay on the last minute

Avoid last-minute essays like the plague. Seriously, procrastination leads to stress, sloppy mistakes, and a subpar final product. Even if you’re a talented writer, your first draft is rarely a masterpiece. Treat your essay with care. Take time for brainstorming, revise it multiple times, and edit meticulously to catch errors. Your essay should be a strong asset, not a liability.

7. Confusing the essay with the application

Remember, your college application is like a puzzle, and each component should add something unique. The essay shouldn’t repeat what’s already in your transcripts or other application materials. It’s an opportunity to share a personal challenge, a lesson learned, a moment of growth, or a unique experience that makes you stand out from the crowd. Admissions committees don’t just want to see repetitive information; they want to learn something new about you through your essay.

So, when you’re writing your essay, think about what makes you unique and how you can showcase that. Share a story that reflects a challenge you overcame, a moment of personal growth, or a lesson that shaped you into who you are today. Let your college application essay be a window into your world, a glimpse of what sets you apart from other applicants.

Remember, you’re not just filling out forms and writing essays for the sake of it. Each component of your application serves a specific purpose. Your essay is your chance to demonstrate your character, resilience, and individuality. Make it count by avoiding these Common App essay mistakes!

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Common App Mistakes: Errors to Avoid in Your Application

Padya Paramita

March 8, 2021

If you’ve embarked on the scary but exciting journey of applying to college, you’ve probably heard of the Common Application. If you don’t know, the Common App is an application system that eases your workload by sending your information to most (if not all!) of the schools on your list. The Common App helps you organize your information, activities, and scores so that you don’t have to type them multiple times to send to each institution. Over 800 colleges use the Common App, so chances are, at least a few of your schools are members of this portal. It is divided into different sections:

• Additional Information

At first glance, the Common App can seem overwhelming. It’s very easy to forget a tiny detail that can make a big difference in how your applications are evaluated. Look over our list of frequent mistakes to stay extra careful. If you avoid the following Common App mistakes , the process of filling out the portal will go much more smoothly and help you submit clean applications. 

List of Common App Mistakes You Should Avoid

Mistyping personal information.

When filling out the Profile, Contact Information and Family sections of the Common App, be very careful. It’s surprisingly among the top Common App mistakes to mix up your school address with your house address, put your sibling’s first name where your first name should go, or accidentally reverse two digits of your phone number. These sound obvious, but you’d be amazed how often it happens. Read through each section very carefully, and double-checking that all names, addresses, and phone numbers are correct.

Having someone else fill out the application on your behalf

 This is your application. Of course, it’s okay to have a parent or teacher proofread the different sections. But ultimately you should be the one physically typing everything in the Common Application. When you fill out the Common App, you have to affirm that everything you’ve submitted is your own work, factually correct, and presented honestly. Don’t start your college journey by compromising your integrity!

If someone else is typing from your account, they won’t know everything about you because nobody knows your interests, grades, and extracurricular activities better than you do. Only you can paint a full and clear picture of what you’ve achieved so far. Moreover, you’re going to have to fill out a lot of applications when you’re in college - for courses, fellowships, clubs, and more, so start making a habit of it now. 

Only listing native languages

You do not have to be fluent in a language to add it to your Common App profile. Though this error won’t make a huge difference, it’s still pretty impressive if you can read and write in two or three languages even if you’re not a native speaker. For example, if you’re hoping to major in Middle Eastern Studies, the ability to read or write in Arabic is undoubtedly an asset. Admissions officers will understand more about your interests and/or cultural background through the languages where you have relatively proficiency.

Confusing community-based organizations with other outside resources

The Education section of the Common App asks whether you’ve received support with your college applications from any community-based organizations. It’s important to know which organizations count. Examples of community-based organizations are Quest Bridge, Upward Bound, Boys and Girls Club, and The Posse Foundation. Community-based organizations do not include guidance counselors or private counselors, so don’t include them as your answer to this section.

Listing that you are “undecided” in the Future Plans section

This entry among the Common App mistakes is one you don’t want to make. Since you’re in high school, you probably don’t have your entire career plan mapped out right now. Having said that, you shouldn’t select “Undecided” under “Career Interest” in the Future Plans subsection under Education. Doing so tosses away an opportunity to tell admissions officers something about yourself. Colleges might think you haven’t put any serious thought into your career, or that you lack ambition. So brainstorm what your academic interests are, what you’re passionate about, and what you can see yourself doing. Your answer here doesn’t have to be set in stone, so don’t worry, you’re not making a lifelong commitment! 

Overemphasizing extracurricular activities

The Common App allows you to add up to 10 extracurriculars in the Activities section. For some students, this number may be a lot. It can be tempting to exaggerate your achievements to appear more impressive - saying you’ve led projects for your organization when you’ve been just a general member, or stating your documentary has reached over 100,000 views when it only has 1000. Instead of exaggerating your accomplishments, focus on framing what you’ve actually done so far in a way that exemplifies your leadership and communication skills, highlights tangible achievements, and conveys your passion and interests. An important inclusion among Common App mistakes is making sure you don’t overstate the hours spent on an extracurricular either. Admissions officers are smart enough to do the math and know that your after-school clubs adding up to 40+ hours isn’t exactly accurate.

Failing to take full advantage of the space available

You can add up to 150 characters to sum up each of your 10 activities. No, that’s not a lot of characters, but being able to summarize your extracurriculars is also an opportunity you don’t want to miss. So don’t just name what you’ve done - optimize the space to describe it further. Use strong verbs to be as specific as possible, and remember to prioritize your tangible and quantifiable achievements. 

Using uncommon acronyms

While you don’t want to run out of characters when describing your activities, you also don’t want to leave admissions officers confused and lost when they are reading your Common App. So even though the names of organizations may take up a lot of characters, using acronyms for uncommon institutions will not work in your favor. It’s okay to use well-known acronyms such as UNICEF or BBC. But if you use acronyms for obscure online magazines or grassroots organizations, such as ASOFFM, admissions officers will not immediately know that you’re talking about the Asian Student Organization for Future Musicians. 

Adding non-academic achievements in the Honors list

The Activities section in the Common App includes a subsection to list your honors and achievements. The Common App does specify that your achievements indicated in this section must be “academic.” While the definition of academic includes an art prize or published journal article, this is not the place where you mention that you’ve won a nationwide award for video gaming or set a new world record for hopscotch. Use your best judgment to determine what counts under academic achievements. When you think about Common App mistakes to avoid, remember that if the award is in an area that is a common academic department at college, then it is fine to list here.

Mixing up grades

This one is of the easiest Common App mistakes to make, and easy to avoid at the same time. When listing your grades, be careful about transcribing information onto the Common App. Admissions officers expect consistency!

Reporting standardized scores incorrectly

On a similar note, you do not want to type in the wrong scores for standardized tests, whether intentionally or by accident. Your official SAT scores are sent by College Board to each of your schools, so if you’ve made an error on the Common App, and it doesn’t match the official score, admissions officers will grow skeptical about your entire application, even if you did type the wrong score by accident. Proofread everything!

Selecting the wrong essay topic  

Before you write or paste your personal statement in the Common App, you have to indicate which essay prompt you’ve answered. An easy error you can make here is mistakenly selecting the fourth prompt when you’ve actually answered the third. Your essay will leave admissions officers confused or believing that you didn’t answer the prompt. 

Answering only parts of a prompt

Speaking of incorrectly answering a prompt, often personal statements and supplemental essay prompts contain multiple questions. When you’re reading fast it’s easy to overlook a second sentence or miss a section part of the question, and only answer half of the prompt. Make sure you read very carefully and note exactly what the question is asking for before you sit down to outline your essay. 

Writing your personal statement about someone else

Your personal statement is exactly what it sounds like - it’s an essay about you . The essay is your chance to tell a story about your life or highlight a part of you that cannot be guessed from reading the rest of your application. What it also means is that you can’t make someone else the protagonist of your own personal statement. Yes, your grandfather’s experiences at war could have inspired you. But his story is unlikely to belong in your essay. It’s not his college application. As you think about Common App mistakes , remember that your goal is to avoid focusing on anyone else and instead write a powerful essay that narrates a unique story about you .

Doing a poor editing job

You’re going to have to do a lot of writing in college. You shouldn’t submit a sloppy first draft as your final Common App personal statement. Proofread multiple times, and have a parent or teacher proofread as well. Make sure you’ve used correct spelling and grammar. Avoid flowery language and overused figures of speech. Go through multiple drafts to make sure you’re turning in the best essay you possibly can. Your writing has to capture admissions officers’ attention from the very beginning. Any glaring errors will work against you. 

Writing generic supplemental essays

When you add your colleges on the Common App, you’ll be able to see supplemental questions for most colleges. While some prompts may overlap, such as “why do you want to go to our school,” avoid submitting the same supplement for multiple schools because they will end up sounding generic. Don’t copy and paste an essay for one school onto another because you might forget to change the name of the school. The last thing you want is to accidentally mention Harvard in your Princeton essay, but admissions officers see this every year. Instead, look through the website of each school and find examples of what you’re excited about - whether it’s certain courses, the ice cream selection at the cafeteria, or the research facilities. You want admissions officers to see that you’ve done the research and that you’re genuinely interested in the school. 

Using the Additional Information section as an extension of other sections

This is among the Common App mistakes many students make. The Additional Information section at the end of the Common App should not be used as a continuation of your personal statement or your activities list. Those sections have assigned character limits for a reason. This section can be used to explain extenuating circumstances, link to a research abstract, or include your writing or art portfolio. 

Closing the tab without saving

When you click the “continue” or “back” back buttons after you’ve filled out a section, your information is automatically saved. However, if you close the window without clicking either, or you refresh the tab, everything you’ve put in will be lost. So make sure all changes are saved before you exit. You don’t want to lose progress and have to re-write all 10 of your activities. 

Forgetting that all schools aren’t on the Common App

Don’t start planning your next vacation once you’ve finished filling out the Common App. Remember, not all schools are member colleges. Some, such as the University of California schools, MIT, and schools in Texas have their own application systems. So your job may not be done. Make sure that you’ve completed your profile on all applicable portals. You don’t want to scramble the day before the deadline. 

Waiting until the last minute

The Common App cannot and should not be entirely filled out in one day. As you know by now, it’s easy to overlook instructions or mix up numbers. You need to give yourself enough time to gather all your materials, and actually sit down and carefully list your information. Don’t wait until the day before your first college app is due to start writing down your name and contact information. This can be started as early as August 1st when the Common App opens. Take advantage of the time now when you’re less stressed to keep ahead of the deadlines. 

Once you work on your application, review this list of Common App mistakes according to the section you’re tackling. Completing the Common App requires a significant amount of time, but once you’ve hit that submit button, college applications will be out of your way. Remember - start early. As August rolls around, log on to commonapp.org and start filling out your information. Good luck!

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5 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Writing Essays

This article was written based on the information and opinions presented by Jordan Sanchez in a CollegeVine livestream. You can watch the full livestream for more info.

What’s Covered:

Essay length, cohesive writing, reusing essays.

In this post, we discuss mistakes to avoid when writing your college essay . For more information, check out this post about how to write this year’s Common App essays . 

A common college essay mistake is writing an essay that’s too short. For example, the word limit for the Common App essay is 650 words, and you should try as hard as you can to reach that number. A 400-word essay is definitely too short. Make sure you’re using all the words available to you.

If you’re having difficulty meeting the word limit, your essay topic may be too specific. Also, you may not be including enough details or descriptive language. Conversely, if your essay is too long, you may have sections that could be simplified. Look for any areas where the writing may be repetitive or redundant. Consider whether your essay is too broad. Are you trying to cover multiple topics? It can be helpful to break down your essay paragraph by paragraph and ensure that everything you’ve written aligns with the goals of the essay.

Since supplemental essays tend to have low word limits, you can do more telling than showing when writing these. That said, while you don’t want to waste words, if there’s an opportunity to add a bit of personality to a supplemental essay, you should take it. 

Another common mistake is incohesive writing. Cohesive essays are easy and enjoyable to read. If an essay is jumping around and doesn’t have a clear narrative or connection between ideas, it can be distracting. The reader will be wondering what’s relevant and what they should be caring about, which takes attention away from the content and purpose of your essay.

Incohesive writing happens in two major ways. The first is when a writer doesn’t use effective transitions. These show the reader how different ideas are related, and without them, an essay can be disorganized and difficult to understand. Transitions can be as short as one or two sentences or as long as a whole paragraph.

Incohesive writing can also happen when the writer is inconsistent. Your essay should maintain the same tense, point of view, and writing style from beginning to end. Don’t use extremely complicated vocabulary in one paragraph and incredibly simple language in the next. Write in your natural style and voice, and you’ll never go wrong. 

To check the cohesion of your writing, go over your first or second draft and answer the following questions: “What is the main idea of this paragraph? Does it align with the central theme of the essay? How does this relate to the previous paragraph? Do I illustrate the connection here or later in the essay? What point of view is this written in? What about tense? Is it narrative or creative? Distant or close and engaging? Informative or persuasive?” Your answers should be the same or similar for each paragraph. 

It’s crucial to write your essay in the correct form. The Common App essay is similar to a narrative or memoir in that it’s a short personal story. Many students have little to no experience writing in this form, and if you’re one of them, that’s okay, you’re not alone.

Keep in mind that this is not a five-paragraph essay. You won’t have an introduction or conclusion in the traditional sense. Your introduction will be the hook of your essay, whether it comes in the form of dialogue, descriptive language, or imagery. The conclusion will be a short wrap-up, perhaps a few sentences in length. 

The essay isn’t a thought piece either. You shouldn’t be writing something speculative. You want to include specific personal details from your life. This will ground the essay so it doesn’t feel lofty, and it will help the reader get to know you better. 

Not sounding like yourself is a big issue in college essays. The admissions committee is not expecting the most beautiful prose or intelligent language. They want to read an essay by you and about you, so be sure to write your essay in your own voice.

Don’t include words in your essay that you don’t use regularly. You don’t need big, fancy words to impress admissions officers. Your character and your story will impress them for you. In the same vein, your essay should center around who you are today. It’s okay to write about something that happened in the distant past, but the bulk of your essay should be about events that occurred between 10th and 12th grade. Don’t talk too much about your past without connecting it back to who you are today. 

Throughout the college application process, you’ll write several essays, including personal statements and supplements. A few of these essays can be used in applications for several schools, but be careful not to reuse the wrong ones.

Admissions officers can tell when you’re reusing an essay that you shouldn’t. It shows carelessness and a lack of interest in the school and can lower your chances of admission. To avoid this mistake, before writing any of your supplemental essays, copy and paste all the prompts into a single document, and take inventory of how many you’ll actually have to write and how many you can reuse.

Related CollegeVine Blog Posts

7 Common Mistakes on the Common App

If you are applying to college, you will almost certainly be using the Common Application. Here is our list of the 7 most common mistakes we see students and families make in filling out the Common App with advice on how to avoid them.

Proofreading the “Print Previewing”

The Common Application allows you to review your application as a PDF in the same format that admissions officers will see your application. Make sure you review this PDF, which can be accessed before the payment and signature pages. (Don’t worry if it says submit as part of the navigation button – as long as you have not paid for or signed/dated the application it will not actually be submitted.) When you look over the PDF, make sure you proofread for spelling, grammar, and accuracy but also make sure you proofread for formatting! Check to make sure that none of your answers are cut off and that all your information is inputted into the correct data fields.

Careless mistakes in an application communicate to admissions officers a lack of effort. In a pool of thousands (or tens of thousands) of applicants, you do not want to appear like you are not taking the application seriously.

Putting resumes in Additional Information

Some schools might ask or allow for a resume, and if they do, you can be assured they will have specific instructions on how to submit that document. Most schools, however, do not ask for a resume and will use the Academic, Extracurricular, and Awards & Honors sections to paint a more detailed view than what a one-page document can provide. Copying and pasting a resume into the Additional Information section is not only unnecessary but mostly unwanted by admissions officers. Bottom line: do not submit a resume unless a college asks for it.

Not using each area to tell your story

Admissions officers will read your Common Application as one document. Make sure you are organizing your information into the sections where it fits best rather than trying to figure out how you can work every piece into every section. Your Common App should collectively tell a story, so allow that story to develop throughout the application. Don’t repeat yourself needlessly. Nobody likes redundancy.

Writing about specific colleges outside of their supplements

You should not write anything specific about a school you are applying to in the main section of the Common App. After all, if you write in the Additional Information section how much you love East College and how it is your first choice school, then every college you apply to will see this information! Keep the Common App information common to all the schools you are applying to and the school-specific information in the sections unique to each school. Proofreading (see above) will also help catch this embarrassing mistake!

Waiting until the last minute

Procrastination is never a good idea, and the Common App is no exception. While students should get the process started when they are ready, sticking closer to August 1st is a better idea than December 31st. Adding schools to your Common App early will allow you to view the supplementary sections that are otherwise unviewable and will add you to a list of interested students the school can use to send you information and marketing materials. Starting earlier will also allow your teachers to submit their recommendations earlier. And at the very least, starting earlier can help you avoid the last-minute rush so you are not affected by high web traffic at 11:59pm or last-minute technical difficulties the Common Application has experienced in recent years.

It goes without saying, but you should not falsify any information on your application. If you do not have a class rank, do not put a class rank. If you are not the president of an organization, do not put you are president. Inconsistencies are giant red flags to an admissions committee. Something that you say that doesn’t line up with what a teacher or guidance counselor writes about you in their recommendation or that doesn’t line up with something you’ve put elsewhere in your application is likely to be uncovered and can put the rest of the application into question. You’ve worked hard during your entire high school career; don’t let something so silly taint it all. In the Activities section, admissions officers can add up the hours and recognize an impossible level of extracurricular commitment.

Picking the wrong essay topic

Your Personal Statement should be you on a page. The Common App gives 7 different topics to choose from, and given the seventh is “Topic of your choice” you can certainly write about any topic you choose that will best demonstrate to the admissions committee who you are. Three of the prompts accounted for nearly 75% of all student personal statements last year, and “Topic of your choice” was not the most answered! Don’t feel compelled to pick one prompt because it might stand out or another prompt because someone told you that’s the one admissions committees want to read about (they don’t care). Write your Personal Statement about what you want the committee to know and understand about you.

If you need guidance in choosing a topic and crafting a personal statement, contact us today through our website or at [email protected]!

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• How to Write a Common App Essay Part 1: Examples & Common Mistakes

The Common Application essay, affectionately known as the Common App Essay, is the cornerstone of undergraduate admissions for those aspiring to join American universities. Accepted by an impressive 800+ institutions, this 650-word narrative is both convenient and challenging. Fear not, for we're here to navigate you through the labyrinth of seven diverse Common App Essay prompts and help you discover the one that will elevate your college application.

Check Out: IELTS Essay Topics 2023

Choosing the Right Prompt

Selecting the ideal Common App Essay prompt involves a personalized approach. Instead of fixating on prompts initially, embark on a journey of self-discovery. Delve into your values, goals, and experiences. Once you've unearthed the perfect topic that resonates with you, aligning it with a suitable prompt becomes an organic process. The real challenge awaits: choosing a compelling and unique topic that reflects your individuality.

Understanding the Purpose and Traits of a Successful Common App Essay

A profound understanding of its purpose lies at the heart of a successful Common App Essay. This pivotal writing seeks to illuminate your potential for success in college and beyond. To guide you in this introspective journey, let's explore five traits that predict a flourishing college experience. Each trait presents an opportunity for you to weave a narrative that captivates your audience:

Drive (Grit)

Embark on a recount of a significant challenge you faced. Unveil the efforts undertaken to overcome it and delve into its transformative impact on your character.

Intellectual Curiosity

Take your audience on a journey through a subject you explore simply for the joy of learning. Share an experience that not only deepened your understanding but reshaped your worldview.

Share a compelling story of when you assumed leadership or addressed a problem proactively. Illuminate the impact of your actions and the invaluable lessons learned.

Contribution (Social Conscience)

Reflect on a moment when you positively impacted someone's life. Consider the consistent contributions you make to your community and environment.

Diversity of Experiences

Highlight the unique aspects of your background or life experiences that set you apart. Illustrate how these experiences have sculpted your identity and perspective.

In emphasizing these traits, it is crucial to substantiate them with specific and personal experiences. Invest time in brainstorming before you embark on the writing journey, as this upfront effort can save you from extensive revisions later.

Similar Topic: 100+ PTE Essay Topics (Updated 2023)

Examples of Common App Essay Topics

Election data enthusiast.

Embark on a narrative journey of exploring low participation in school elections. Demonstrate the link between your intellectual curiosity and your contribution to the school community.

Mixed-Race Irish Dancer

Navigate the challenges of being the only mixed-race dancer in an Irish dance class. Showcase how your determination and unique background drive your pursuit of success.

Whataburger Employee

Unveil the tale of identifying and rectifying training issues at your workplace. Illustrate your proactive initiative and problem-solving skills.

Common App Essay Mistakes to Avoid

Covering too much.

Focus on one experience or topic that reveals a strong trait. Avoid attempting to encompass your entire life within the 650-word limit.

Too Much Drama

Steer clear of overly dramatic narratives. Small, impactful moments often hold more significance than grandiose events.

Writing an Academic Resume

Resist the temptation to list all accomplishments. Instead, share a story that reflects personal growth and resilience.

Spinning Yarns

Maintain clarity and relevance. Avoid unnecessary details that detract from the central theme of your essay.

In conclusion, crafting a successful Common App Essay requires a thoughtful approach to prompt selection, a focus on key traits, and a vigilant avoidance of common pitfalls. Dive into the reservoir of your experiences, and let your unique story illuminate the pages of your application.

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The Common App for Transfer Students Guide

Common app for transfer students guide.

If you’re looking to transfer colleges, odds are you’ve probably already used the Common App . Since the Common App makes applying to multiple schools easy, you’ll be pleased to hear that there’s a just as useful Common App transfer application. As long as schools accept the Common App transfer application, you can use one handy tool for all of your schools. 

When considering how to transfer colleges, you may feel overwhelmed by the process. However, there are ways to stay organized and prepared in order to streamline your transfer. The Common App transfer option is an excellent way to stay on top of all of your required materials, essays, and deadlines. 

In this Common App transfer guide, we’ll cover the following topics: 

• Understanding the Common App as a transfer student
• Required materials and how to complete them
• Planning your transfer application and meeting academic requirements
• Obtaining your Common App transfer forms: transcripts, recommendation letters, etc.
• Writing the best Common App transfer essay
• Avoiding common mistakes as a Common App transfer applicant
• Tracking your application status after meeting the Common App transfer application deadline

Before discussing how to transfer colleges using the Common App college application, let’s start with the basics: understanding the Common Application. 

What is the Common Application?

The Common Application offers a streamlined process for students in their college application journeys. Before the creation of the Common App 40 years ago, students had to fill out individual applications for each school. The Common Application revolutionized the application process by allowing students to use one platform to apply to multiple schools.

Now with the Common App, students can compile standard application information and a Common App essay to send anywhere. Of course, schools often have their own supplemental essay requirements. Today, more than 1,000 higher education institutions make up the network of Common App colleges.

Common App for Transfers

When looking to transfer colleges, the Common App works in the same way as when applying for the first time. Over 600 institutions allow students to complete their transfer application via the Common App . Whether you’re a community college or 4-year institution transfer applicant, the Common App can work for you! You’ll find plenty of Common App colleges to apply to in one place. 

Applicants will be able to organize their Common App transfer forms after creating their Common App transfer login. The process is simple, but you need to gather some important materials prior to creating your Common App transfer login. From there, you can search Common App colleges based on program, transfer application deadline, start date, and more. 

Moreover, this platform offers a comprehensive way to stay organized throughout the application process. You can stay on track with your Common App transfer forms, Common App transfer essay, and transfer application deadlines.

If you’re still curious about the difference between the Common App transfer and first-year Common App processes, then check out this page . You might also want to check out this article from U.S. News that covers the Common App in general. Up next, we’ll turn our attention to the all-important Common App transfer essays.

Is there a Common App Essay for Transfers?

Logically, you might be asking yourself if there is a Common App essay for transferring. In fact, you may be surprised to learn that there is no general Common App transfer essay. However, this doesn’t mean that as a transfer student, you’re off the hook with essays.

Instead of a general Common App transfer essay, students will respond to school-specific essay prompts accessed via the Common App. In this way, Common App transfer essays are more similar to supplemental essays than a personal statement . However, some schools may ask students for a personal essay as their Common App transfer essay. If this is the case, students will respond to the personal essay prompts found in the Common App. 

Ultimately, the essay requirements will vary based on your schools of interest. You will likely highlight your academic experiences in college rather than high school when applying as a transfer. In addition to your essays, you will need to submit Common App transfer forms. You’ll need to submit a transcript from your current college or university, alongside other materials. We’ll learn more about Common App transfer forms in later sections.

How does the Common App Transfer process work?

Once you have your Common App transfer login, applying to Common App colleges is simple. In fact, the Common App transfer application makes it relatively easy to complete all the necessary application steps. However, it’s certainly important to pay close attention when applying to ensure you don’t miss anything. Let’s look at the Common App transfer process broken down into 5 steps: 

5-Step Common App Transfer Process

1. gather materials.

The materials you’ll likely need to include as a transfer applicant are not too different from first-year requirements. In general, you’ll need your transcripts and educational coursework, standardized test scores, employment experience, extracurriculars, and other achievements to complete your application. Of course, required Common App transfer forms may vary depending on the school. 

2. Create an account

You won’t be able to do much without first creating your Common App transfer login. After gathering the Common App transfer forms above, create your Common App transfer login. Once you’ve done so, you’ll be able to take advantage of the app and start the application process. 

3. Add programs

Now you can search for schools and programs that suit your needs and preferences. Once you enter using your Common App transfer login, simply go to the “Add programs” tab to get started. You can search based on several criteria: program availability, state, college, start term, deadline, application fee, and country. Once you’ve filtered programs based on your criteria, you can add the schools that interest you to your “selected programs.” 

4. Request letters of recommendation

Similar to a Common App transfer essay, letters of recommendation play an important role in the admissions process. You can use the Common App transfer to request these letters of recommendation. All you need is the recommender’s name, email, and due date for the recommendation. To get strong recommendation letters , however, you should personally reach out to your recommender to request their support. 

5. Transcript collection

Again, the requirements for your transcripts will depend on your program of interest. Some may request official transcripts, others unofficial, and some may require none at all. You can request Common App transfer forms like official transcripts within the Common App.

These are the general steps you’ll need to follow as you begin the application process. Now, let’s take a closer look at the application itself.

The Common App Transfer Application

The Common App transfer application has four sections:

• Personal information
• Academic history
• Supporting information
• Program materials (including school-specific transfer essays or questions)

While this may seem like a lot of information, once you create your Common App transfer login, the process is quite simple. Upon entering your Common Application login details, you’ll be taken to your dashboard. The Common App dashboard has plenty of useful information to help you with your Common App transfer applications.

Past the Common Application login screen, you’ll have access to various college application reference materials and resources . These include a transfer application guide, an application dictionary, and even a library of FAQs and video tutorials. Furthermore, Santa Monica College has provided a useful and informative presentation on the Common App transfer process.

So, if you’re wondering “Should I transfer colleges?”, don’t let the process of transferring be the deciding factor. Simply create your Common App transfer login and start exploring! There are plenty of resources out there to teach you how to transfer colleges seamlessly. 

How much does the Common App Transfer cost?

When asking yourself “Should I transfer colleges?”, money may be on your mind. Applying to many schools can be costly, even as a Common App transfer applicant. In fact, the costs are usually the same for transfers as first-time applicants. That being said, application costs and fees vary by school.

Typically, costs are $70-80 per application. However, some schools may have application costs as low as $15 while others as high as $125. Alternatively, some transfer applications are free or have fee waiver options. An advantage of having a Common App transfer login is the ability to see the application fee when searching for programs.

If paying application costs presents a barrier for you, then look into a fee waiver. To counteract recent trends of lower diversity among Common App transfer students, fee waivers are on the rise. There is a Common App fee waiver for qualifying students, so be sure to check the requirements to see if you qualify. Remember, if you’re wondering “Should I transfer colleges?” and are concerned about application fees, don’t let that stop you. There are options out there to make it more affordable.

Determining If the Common App Is Right for Your Transfer

Maybe you’re no longer asking yourself, “Should I transfer colleges?”, but are now asking yourself if you should use the Common App. Well, while the Common App partners with over 600 transfer colleges, not every school uses the Common App. Other schools may use a different application platform or have their own transfer application. Therefore, the schools you’re interested in will play the largest role in which applications you’ll use. 

Common vs Coalition Application

Alongside the Common App, the Coalition App is another application platform transfer students can use. However, it is uncommon for a school to accept only the Coalition App and not the Common App; typically, both are accepted. For example, Harvard University accepts either the Coalition Application or the Common Application. In this case, you may choose to use Coalition on Scoir, especially if you did so as a first-year applicant. Of course, similar to the Common App transfer forms, the Coalition App will have different requirements for transfer applications. 

School-specific transfer applications

Alternatively, some schools may have their own platform for transfer students. In that case, you won’t be making a Common App transfer login but one for that individual school. For example, the University of California schools have their own application platform for first-years and transfers. Similarly, the University of Texas at Austin accepts applications via Apply Texas, which many Texas universities use. MIT is another school that has its own application portal for transfer students. 

Why Common App?

Some students may find that they are leading hectic lives. Transfer students are often in school or may even be working part- or full-time with families to support. Therefore, if you are in a similar position and wondering, “Should I transfer colleges?”, then the Common App transfer can certainly streamline the process.

Among the resources that the Common App offers, the Common App map is an important one. Students can look at a map of American schools that accept the Common Application. As such, you won’t have to create a myriad of logins to complete your application, you’ll simply use the Common Application login. It makes the process quicker and often less stressful. 

Preparing Your Documents

If asking how to transfer colleges, then obtaining the required materials is a large part of the answer. Once you create a Common Application login, you’ll see the list of Common App transfer forms and other required materials. Remember that you can also see transfer application deadlines for all Common App colleges. So, when organizing your transfer application timeline, keep those important dates in mind. 

Here are some of the materials you’ll need to prepare for your application:

Materials for Transfer Application

Transcripts.

Transcripts are important because they show your courses and grades. Schools may ask for an official or unofficial transcript. You can request an official transcript from your school through the Common App platform. Note that you likely won’t need to submit a high school transcript unless you have fewer than 12 college credits. If you’re unsure how many credits you have, your college registrar’s office can probably help. 

College reports

An official at your current institution of learning must fill out your college report. It will contain your GPA and information on your current academic standing. 

Mid-term reports

Some schools may also ask for a mid-year report. It will have your grades from the previous semester, the ones you were completing while also doing your applications. Note that while this is a common requirement, not all schools ask for it.

A CV or resume will include not only prominent academic achievements, but also extracurriculars, volunteer experiences, hobbies, and any other accolades. As a transfer student, you may also have ample work and leadership experience. You should include it here. Most college career services offices provide resume writing support, so don’t be afraid to ask for help.

Additionally, if you’re a foreign resident in the U.S., you will need proper documentation to continue further education in the country. As a transfer student, this means providing proof of your valid green card or student visa.

Recommendations

One of the Common App transfer forms that ranks similarly in importance to the Common App transfer essay is the recommendations. Choose your recommenders carefully, as these letters provide admissions officers with a deeper insight into you as a person and student. And of course, give your recommenders plenty of time to meet the deadline and a hearty thank you! 

Once you have a Common App login, however, requesting and submitting these documents to your transfer colleges is quite simple. Now, let’s turn our attention back to your transfer essays.

Crafting a Compelling Common App Transfer Essay

Remember, there is technically no general Common App transfer essay like the Common App personal statement. Rather, each school will likely have their own supplemental essays for transfer students. However, you may be asked to write a Common App personal essay as a transfer student.

Essays are extremely important whether a first-year or transfer applicant. A compelling Common App transfer essay will make a case for your acceptance as a transfer student. Here are some questions that a successful Common App transfer essay will answer: 

Questions to Answer in Common App Transfer Essay

“why do you want to leave your current institution”.

Address what your previous institution was lacking. Why wasn’t it a good fit? Be careful not to be overly negative or critical of your school in this essay. Focus on yourself and why you want to seek greener pastures.

“Why do you want to transfer to a new institution?”

Articulate why you want to attend this particular school. What attracts you to it? Why is it a better fit? Be specific in writing about the new school and how transferring will help you achieve your goals.

“What makes you a strong candidate?”

Think about what makes you unique. What are your goals, strengths, and interests? How will you contribute to your new community? Use strong, concrete examples, preferably of achievements at your current institution.

Common App Transfer Essay Tips

The Common App transfer essay also provides the following topics for students to engage with in their essays. Here are some of the points that the Common App recommends transfer students touch on in their Common App personal essay:

• Academic and career aspirations
• Personal experiences, overcoming obstacles, other pertinent background information
• Growth and personal development from life experiences since high school—what have you learned about yourself and how have these experiences affected your educational goals?
• Reasons for transferring or returning to college
• Major-specific interests—what type of research would you want to conduct? Are there specific problems you’d like to investigate?
• Opportunities you’re hoping to find at your new institution

The Common App transfer essay and/or school-specific essays are a vital part of your transfer application. When considering how to transfer colleges, writing impressive essays should play a role in your plan to get into your dream school . Check out our guide on the Common App transfer essay to see some examples of successful transfer essays. 

Does the Common App have supplemental essays for transfer students?

Put simply, yes, the Common App has supplemental essays. These are often different from the first-year Common App essay and will vary based on the program you’re applying to. To find these essays, use your Common Application login to enter the site. Then, go to your dashboard, then navigate to Program Materials. Select your school and then look at the Questions section. Here, you will find the school-specific essay prompts you’ll need to complete. 

As a transfer student, you will need to complete either the Common App essay or school-specific supplemental essays. Every school is different, so your essay requirements will depend on the schools you plan to apply to. For example, Case Western Reserve asks students to submit a personal statement essay, choosing from the Common App essay prompts. However, Claremont McKenna asks applicants to submit three supplemental essays, responding to school-specific prompts. 

Highlighting Your College Experience in the Common App

While the application process as a transfer student appears quite similar to a first-year applicant, there are subtle differences. Namely, the main difference between a transfer and a first-year college application is that transfer applicants need to highlight college experiences. Admissions will want to see that you’ve made the most of your education at your current institution. And, if for some reason you haven’t, they’ll want to know the circumstances behind that. 

So, when considering how to transfer colleges, you’ll want to think about highlighting important experiences within your application. Here are some different areas within the application that will give you an opportunity to show off what you’ve done: 

Sections to Highlight Your Experience

Academic history section.

In this section, you’ll mention the colleges you’ve attended as well as your college coursework. This will show admissions if you’ve completed the required courses and if you’re up for taking challenging courses later on. It may also be important when applying to certain majors. For example, as a biology major, admissions would want to see you’ve taken the basic requisites. 

Supporting Information section

Now is the time to add all the information that admissions can’t see by simply looking at your academics. You’ll add your experiences and achievements, like extracurricular activities, leadership positions, and awards. You can also attach a CV or resume where you can show off your work, life, academic, and personal experiences. 

Without a doubt, your essays are your best opportunity to discuss your college experience in your own words. You might discuss highs and lows, both in and out of the classroom. It’s also an opportunity to expand on your future goals and why you need to transfer in order to achieve them. Well-written transfer essays will touch on the past as well as the future. And, of course, they need to be personal and school-specific. 

Now that we’ve covered the basics of the Common App transfer application and the Common App essay, let’s discuss your transcripts. Later on, we’ll do a deep dive into your letters of recommendation.

High School Transcripts and Transfer Applications

Transcripts are a critical part of the admissions review process at most every college. Typically, traditional first-year applicants are required to submit their high school transcripts. Similarly, Common App transfer applicants are required to submit their college transcripts. However, in some instances, schools may want to see both.

Transcript requirements

Typically, students with less than 12-semester college credits will need to submit a high school transcript. This is because a low number of college credits doesn’t provide sufficient academic context to the admissions committee. In this case, a college’s admissions requirement will likely include your high school transcript and maybe even your standardized test scores, like the SAT or the ACT.

However, certain colleges require all transfer applicants, regardless of completed college credits, to submit both their high school and college transcripts. Common App transfer requirements can vary by college and even by major. So, it is important to research which transcripts are required to complete your application based on your individual circumstances.

For instance, if you are a transfer student who has attended more than one college, you will be required to submit all transcripts when completing your Common App transfer application. Failure to submit all required transcripts may lead to your application being rendered incomplete. Using your Common App transfer login to continuously check your requirements can help you stay organized and informed.

Recommendation Letters: Tips for Transfer Students

Alongside your Common App transfer essay, your recommendation letters are one of the most valuable components of your transfer application. Common App transfer recommendations must be submitted directly by recommenders via a portal called Liaison Letters .

The Liaison Letters portal is separate from your Common App transfer login information. In fact, only your recommenders will be able to access Liaison Letters. However, students will need to request recommendations via the Program Materials section of their college application for each school they are applying to.

Who to ask for recommendation letters

The art of a successful Common App transfer recommendation is knowing who to ask for a recommendation. You should start by making a list of multiple people that you have a real relationship with or who showed a real interest in you. This can include professors, administrators, advisors of a club or organization, coaches, or supervisors.

Ultimately, you’ll want to choose someone who knows you in an academic, professional, or extracurricular capacity. While personal recommendations from family and friends can often speak to your character, these recommendations are not particularly helpful for an admissions committee evaluating Common App transfer applications. It is also important that you focus on college recommenders and not those from high school.

Depending on how long you have been at your current institution, you may find that you have fewer long-standing relationships with your instructors compared to what you had in high school. Some transfer students at larger schools may even feel like they have no one who knows them well enough to write a recommendation letter. If this sounds like you, do your best to forge meaningful relationships with faculty, even if it’s only your first year in college. You can do this organically by visiting professors during office hours and participating in clubs and organizations.  

When to ask for recommendation letters 

Like when you applied as a first-year applicant, applying as a transfer student takes a great deal of organization and deadline management. It can often be difficult to manage deadlines for yourself. However, it’s important to remember that you are also managing deadlines for the professors who will ultimately write your letters of recommendation.

To give your recommenders ample time, it is important to request recommendations no later than six weeks prior to your application date. This will give your recommenders plenty of time to consider your request, write the recommendation, and submit the recommendation letter through the preferred platform.

How to submit recommendation letters 

Common App transfer applicants should instruct their professors to submit recommendation letters through Liaison Letters. Once you’ve requested them in your Common App portal, your recommender will receive an email invitation that grants them personalized access to the platform.

However, as part of your request for a letter of recommendation, you should also make sure that your recommenders have access to the platform and any other necessary Common App transfer forms. That means checking in with them and ensuring you have the correct name, email address, and any other contact information needed to request your recommendations.

At any time, you can use your Common Application login to check the status of your recommendation letters. The status area of the webpage will show exactly where your recommendations are in the process.

If your Common App transfer recommendation has not moved past the requested, you should follow up with your recommender immediately to prompt them to complete the Common App transfer forms. This may be a sign that your Common App transfer recommendation invitation did not reach your recommender. The status of your Common App transfer recommendations should complete all three steps:

Requested→Accepted→Complete

Once your Common App transfer recommendation letter reaches the Complete step, your recommendation has been successfully completed.

The Transfer Academic Evaluation

Now that we’ve discussed the required Common App transfer forms, let’s discuss how your academic performance is evaluated.

Minimum GPA requirements

It is common for schools to have a minimum GPA requirement for transfer applicants. After all, your future institution is looking for evidence that you will be successful on their campus should you transfer colleges. Consequently, your academic transcript is one of the most important documents in determining whether you will be an academic fit for the institution.

However, don’t mistake meeting the minimum GPA requirement for guaranteed admissions. While Common App transfer schools often publish their minimum GPA requirements, you may find that accepted transfer students tend to have even higher GPAs than the published averages. If you want to see how your GPA compares, reach out to your admissions counselor or look online to learn more about the admitted student profile for transfer students.

Academic success

Transfer colleges are looking for students who have done well in their college coursework. This demonstrates dedication to studies and readiness to tackle the rigorous challenges of college-level courses. However, the academic evaluation for transfer students will vary from school to school. The selectivity of a school or your specific major of interest can both influence how transcripts are reviewed.

For one, you may be asking yourself, “Should I transfer colleges?” because you’re doing so well in your courses and you need more of a challenge. In this case, your grades will positively reflect your academic success! However, not getting As in your most challenging courses shouldn’t deter you from submitting a transfer application to more selective universities. If you’re applying yourself, and provide context in a stellar Common App essay, you can definitely still demonstrate your academic achievements.

Ultimately, understanding what your future college expects academically can help you determine if they are the right fit for you.

Exploring the Common App Schools: Finding the Right Fit

Finding the right fit college is one of the most important parts of the college search process. Whether you are seeking to transfer due to dissatisfaction with your first institution or as part of a strategic plan to enroll in your dream school, your future institution should suit your preferences, needs, and goals.  

Consider the “why” 

Many students find themselves asking “should I transfer colleges?” The next question to ask before submitting a Common App transfer application is “ why should I transfer colleges?”. Being clear on the reasons you want to transfer is a great way to find transfer colleges that are a good fit. You may consider features like research opportunities, student life, student-to-faculty ratio, and available majors.

Common App transfer colleges will also ask you why you are interested in transferring as part of your Common App transfer essays. Developing a list of reasons you want to transfer will also help you in this process.

Do your research

Finding a school that’s the right fit requires you to reflect on campus size, region, institutional type, academic major, and student life. In your research, do not limit yourself to only considering the Common App colleges that you have heard of. There are hundreds of Common App colleges in the U.S. that could be a good fit for you. A great way to learn of all the possible options is to browse Common App’s list of transfer schools, taking note of details like location , student life, and majors and programs.

Furthermore, a college’s website is the best place to get the most up-to-date information on their transfer application deadlines, academic programs, and policies. In addition to doing a thorough website review, there may be an opportunity to participate in a virtual tour or virtual information. A virtual visit option is great for students who live far away from the transfer colleges they are considering.

Transfer logistics

It is also important to know the starting term (Fall vs Spring, etc.) and how that fits into your overall transfer plan. Additionally, your academic major and program can also influence whether a school is a good fit for you.

Many transfer institutions have additional rules around transferring into certain majors. Remember, transfer admissions are often based on availability. So, if your major is popular, it is possible that the department is not taking additional students. It’s always a good plan to inquire specifically about transferring into your intended major.

Once you have a preliminary list of schools, you should plan to use your Common Application login to double-check deadlines, requirements, application costs, and entry terms. That way, you can plan a more seamless Common App transfer application. The next section will discuss more about getting and staying organized during the application process.

Planning Your Transfer Application

Completing a transfer application for Common App colleges takes time. To stay organized, you may want to create a college application calendar that has a list of To-Do’s. This might include when you want to have each step completed, as well as your final application deadlines.

Keeping your Common App transfer login information and any other Common Application login credentials handy will also allow you to check your portal frequently. Required Common App transfer forms may vary depending on the institution. Staying organized will help ensure that your Common App transfer essay and any other Common App transfer forms are given the time and attention they deserve.

In general, be sure to give yourself ample time to refine your Common App transfer essay and other Common App transfer forms. That way, you can stay on top of all of your transfer application deadlines.

Common App Transfer Deadlines

Your Common App transfer colleges will either have one set deadline or participate in rolling admissions. Deadlines for Fall admission can be as early as March and for some schools as late as August. You should pay close attention to each of the deadlines for the Common App colleges on your list.

Rolling admissions means there are no official transfer application deadlines or notification dates. Instead, Common App transfer applications are reviewed as they are received. Acceptance under rolling admission is highly dependent on availability on campus. If there is a Common App transfer college that has rolling admissions on your college list, be sure to submit your college application as soon as possible. The admissions team is often working to fill individual seats, and once those seats are filled, they may not be accepting any additional college applications.  

Students should always confirm the transfer application deadline of their specific school and the desired start term. For transfer students, this process typically includes bypassing registration for the upcoming term at your current institution. If deadlines and start terms are overlooked, you may have to stay enrolled at your current institution longer than you originally planned.

Learning how to transfer colleges can be a confusing process. Next, we’ll discuss some common mistakes to avoid when completing your Common App transfer college application.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Your Transfer Application

Like the first-year college application process, there are many common mistakes you can make when it comes to your Common App transfer forms and overall application.

Managing communications 

One mistake that students might make is using an email address that they do not check regularly. In addition to your Common App transfer login, your email is a critical way for you to stay up to date on your application. Learning how to transfer colleges requires a great deal of organization and attention to email communications.

Students should become very comfortable with the Common App platform and required Common App transfer forms. This means keeping track of your Common App transfer login and the status of each of your materials. Because the recommendation process requires an email invitation, you should be sure that you are communicating properly with each of your recommenders.

To avoid missing important communications, you might consider creating a dedicated email to use for your Common Application login and any other portals associated with your Common App transfer login.

Polishing your essays

Writing effective Common App transfer essays is another part of the application process that many students struggle with. Your Common App essay should be free of typos and grammatical errors. You also want to be sure that your Common App transfer essay does not speak too negatively about your current intuition. In the Common App transfer essay, students must be able to articulate why they are looking to transfer without harping on why their current school is subpar.

To submit a strong Common App transfer essay, you should proofread your Common App essay multiple times, even reading it out loud to catch any grammar mistakes. We also recommend sending your Common App essay to at least one other person for them to review it.

Overall, being organized and planning ahead will help you avoid careless mistakes, like missing a deadline or neglecting to pay your application fee. Your Common App transfer login will also help you track your application and avoid some of these mistakes.  

Tracking your application after submission

The Common App transfer portal makes it easy to track your application status at all of your Common App colleges. All you need to check your status is your Common App transfer login. You can view the progress of your Common App transfer application by visiting the application dashboard and clicking ‘view my notifications’.

Remember, submitting your Common App transfer application is just the first step. You may have to submit additional Common App transfer forms for your transfer application to be considered complete. 

The Common App transfer status portal divides your transfer application into three areas: application, transcript, and recommendation letters. Here are some of the different types of statuses you should be aware of:

Important application statuses

• Application: The application portion of the Common App status portal is divided into four status updates: In Progress, Received, Complete, and Undelivered. Your application will be considered complete once you’ve submitted your application, and your recommenders have submitted their recommendations. and your application fee payment has been processed.
• Transcript: You can submit your transcripts electronically or by mail. Regardless, students can track the progress of their transcripts based on three status updates: Not Required, Not Arrived, and Arrived. In general, it can take five business days for your transcripts to be posted to your application once they have been received by Common App. So, be sure to check for any unexpected delays.
• Recommendations: The recommendation portion of the Common App transfer portal helps you assess the progress of your recommendations. As you may recall, Common App Transfer recommendations are directly tied to a personal email invitation. While you won’t be able to access your recommendations, you are still responsible for ensuring they are completed. The status stages for Common App transfer recommendations include Requested, Accepted Completed, Declined, and Expired.

It is critical that you stay up to date on each of these Common App transfer materials so that you are prepared to meet all of your transfer application deadlines.

Five Takeaways for Common App Transfer

At this point, we’ve covered a lot about the Common App transfer process and how to transfer colleges. Before we wrap up, let’s review five important takeaways:

Common App Transfer Takeaways

• The Common App transfer application makes it easy for students to apply as a transfer student to multiple colleges. The application itself is split into four sections: Personal Information, Academic History, Supporting Information, and Program Materials.
• You can browse and add programs that best fit your needs. Schools are listed with details such as start terms, deadlines, and application fees. Once selected, you can then view the individual requirements of each school. Before you apply, be sure to ask yourself “Why should I transfer colleges?” This will be helpful when you begin the school selection process.
• The Common App transfer application is generally not free. While select schools accept applications at no cost, transfer application fees are typically $70-$80. However, students who qualify can apply for fee waivers at some institutions.
• One of the more significant portions of the transfer application is the writing section. You may be required to respond to the Common App Personal Statement prompts or school-specific Common App transfer essay prompts.
• You will need to submit required documents, such as transcripts and recommendations using your Common App transfer login. Carefully complete each step to ensure your documents are properly submitted before the transfer application deadline.

Still, have questions on how to transfer colleges? Don’t forget to use your Common App transfer login to visit the Common App for transfer Help Center for more helpful information.

Common App for Transfer Students – Final Thoughts

The Common App transfer application provides an organized platform for transfer students to explore and apply to transfer colleges. Before applying, students should reflect deeply on the following questions: “Should I transfer colleges?” and “Why do I want to transfer colleges?”. This self-reflection will help you compile a list of potential transfer colleges that are a good fit for you.

Submitting a Common App transfer application also involves a great deal of organization and time management. Staying organized can help you submit a strong transfer application that includes compelling letters of recommendation and a thoughtful Common App transfer essay. In addition to these requirements, be sure to use your Common Application login to make sure you are up to date on submitting any required Common App transfer forms.

We hope this guide on how to transfer colleges through Common App has been helpful. However, if you ever get stuck on the Common App transfer application, don’t hesitate to reach out for more personalized guidance! CollegeAdvisor can help you navigate the Common App transfer process, from researching alternative institutions all the way to tracking your application to completion.

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How to Start a College Essay: 5 Effective Techniques

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Impressionable Openers

Descriptions and demonstrations, show vulnerability, be authentic, stay personal, fun & quirky, common mistakes to avoid in your college essay.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Starting a College Essay

College essays are a huge part of your college career. If not huge, one of the biggest, and for someone who has been there and done that, I know the amount of pressure the beginning of a college essay, as well as the entire essay, can put on your shoulders.

Not only are you trying to juggle things like word count and grammar errors, but you're also trying to create the perfect college essay introduction that will attract admissions officers to your application or professors to your writing skills. And that, itself, can feel impossible, fill you with dread and self-doubt, but just breathe. I am here to help all present and future students know how to start a college essay.

Today is all about starting a college essay. I have come up with five easy and effective techniques that will help you create essays so good you're going to leave your readers wanting more , starting with your opening sentence! So, this is for all college students and college applicants. Stress no more! This guide was created to help you write a successful college essay. Let's get into it.

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The beginning of your essay should, first and foremost, always have a strong opening sentence . This sentence sets the tone for not only your readers but for the entire essay. Having a wobbly, almost interesting opener can steer an admissions officer and/or professor away, so you want it to be strong. And it doesn't have to be complicated! Less is more in this situation. Here are a couple of ways you can accomplish this.

• Look within and be relatable
• Use your real life for inspiration
• Think about ways to evoke emotion

Here are some examples of impressionable openers:

• Example 1: When I was 11 years old, my mother told me she had cancer over breakfast.
• Example 2: Maybe yellow isn't my favorite color.
• Example 3: I sat next to this girl in class who made me feel stupid.

DISCLAIMER : your opener should ALWAYS adhere to the essay prompts. These are just a few examples that can capture your reader's attention almost immediately.

In order to keep readers interested, visuals are key . Image-based descriptions will not only add value to your writing, it will give your readers front seats to your essay's journey. These descriptions let actions speak for themselves.

Here is an example of a description and demonstration in an essay:

• Example 1: "I was sitting on a bar stool when the word 'cancer' hit me like the smell of her coffee brewing on the stove. The Rice Krispies were popping in my cereal bowl, and MTV Jams was playing in the background, yet all I could hear was the sound of doom all around me. The lips of my mother were moving, but I was frozen, crumbling on this stool like my mother's health. She was sick, and I didn't know how sick or what that even meant, and that terrified me."

Why This Works:

Here you can clearly feel the writers emotional state: shocked, still, scared. Not only is this moment at breakfast traumatic, you feel frozen in time with the writer. Using descriptions like this will evoke so much emotion and leave your reader wanting more.

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Something one of my teachers told me in high school was any good essay will have personal elements in it, no matter the topic. That always stuck with me and became the way I approached my college essays. Showing vulnerability in your writing will always guarantee interest. It also evokes emotion.

You can show vulnerability by:

• Being honest
• Explaining what's going on inside underneath the exterior
• Describe what's going on around you at the moment
• Letting go of the fear of being seen
• Connecting with the topic
• Being transparent about mistakes/flaws

Examples of showing vulnerability:

• Example 1 : My mother telling me she had cancer over breakfast was not on my bingo card this year.
• Example 2 : I never thought losing someone I love would change me.
• Example 3: I had to lose everything in order to gain everything.

I know being vulnerable can be tough for some , but showing this side of you to college admissions officers and/or professors will not only make you stand out, but it can also help free you of things that might be weighing on your mind. Not to sound corny, but it can be therapeutic and make you a better writer . Just make sure you are staying on track with the essay prompt, and you're set!

Whether it's believed or not, an admissions officer wants to see pieces of you in your personal statement, so starting your essay by showing authenticity is a major major key. Along with being vulnerable, there are a few ways you can achieve this.

• Reflect : Take the time to reflect on your experiences, values, and beliefs that have shaped who you are today. Let your values, passions, and interests shine through in your writing.
• Mind Your Voice : Write in your own voice and avoid trying to sound like someone you're not. Authenticity comes from being genuine and true to yourself.
• Tell Your Story : Share personal anecdotes and insights that show your unique perspective.
• Be True to You : Focus on what matters to YOU (as long as you're on topic!). Write about what is meaningful and important to you rather than what you think admissions officers want to hear.

Above all, be open . Showing introspection and self-awareness in your essay will show any admissions committee who you are beneath the surface, as well as your personal growth.

You can also begin your essay being as random and silly as you'd like . It goes hand-in-hand with other important factors like vulnerability and authenticity. But don't get too crazy . Beginning your essay with something strange will definitely draw readers in. Let me show you what I mean.

• Example 1 : I start my mornings off in silence and solitude to keep people away from me.
• Example 2 : Sometimes, I like to circle big words in complex articles to learn new words. Yeah, but to also keep one in my back pocket for later use.
• Example 3 : Being the youngest child means getting away with everything you want, and that's exactly how I like it.

Do you see how each sentence draws you in? Not only are they light-hearted, but they also make you want to know why you want to keep people away in the morning and what kind of weapon you're forming against others with new words. And every youngest sibling will attest to feeling that exact same way. All of these examples are sure to make your essay fun, show who you are, and leave readers wanting more.

Years of writing college essays have taken me through every high and low of the process possible. And when they're good, they're great! But for some reason, my mistakes stick out more than anything. So, I've compiled a list of common mistakes to avoid when writing your college essay .

• Avoid Being Cliche - While you want to be captivating, you want to avoid overly used syntax and phrases that could potentially lose your reader's curiosity. For example, "in today's day and age," "follow my heart," "don't judge a book by its cover," etc. are all cliches that can be avoided by thinking outside of the box.
• Using Vocabulary to be Impressive - I know you want to impress the admissions committees, but it's important to stick to what you know and not what you can allude to. That is, use verbiage that resonates with your personality. Using extravagant words can work against you, and they can also sound forced. College admissions officers want to see the real you, so show it to them.
• Steer Clear of Controversy - Though it's not said enough, your college essay should tell your personal story and not touch on things that can stir the pot. For instance, talking about politics and religious beliefs may not be the route you want to take UNLESS it's called for in the college essay topic. And if so, stay on track with the essay prompts.
• Procrastinating : Waiting until the last minute to start writing your essay will bite you in the butt. You will feel rushed and end up writing a poorly crafted piece. Give yourself enough time to complete an essay draft, edit the draft, and repeat this two-step cycle until your essay is complete.
• Lack of originality : This goes hand-in-hand with avoiding cliches. Your college essay should exude a lot of your personality, so show admissions officers and teachers who you are! Include your cultural background, test scores that you're proud of, any future aspirations, etc. This all depends on the essay prompts, of course, but in my experience, every essay topic has room to show who you are.
• Ignoring the prompt : This is a major key. STAY ON TRACK. Make sure to carefully read and understand the essay prompt, and write your essay accordingly. The last thing you want to do is write a college essay that has nothing to do with the prompt. Reading is essential here.
• Lack of focus : If you want to know how to start a college essay, that means knowing how to stay focused. Find a quiet space, turn off electronics, hide your phone, and really nestle into how you want to capture your reader's attention. This will help you use your five senses clearly, keep your writing strong and not write an overly wordy essay. Focus is the tool here.
• Poor organization : Make sure your essay has a strong structure with clear transitions between paragraphs. An outline will work best to accomplish this. If you go into starting your college essay without a plan, be prepared to hit all roadblocks.
• Neglecting to Revise and Edit : Like procrastinating, don't fail to revise and edit your work. Always, always, always proofread your essay for grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors , as well as clarity and coherence.
• Not Seeking Feedback : Listen, I know that completing an essay is an accomplishment in itself, and you immediately want to submit it, but it's so beneficial to have others read your essay for feedback. You can only spot so many holes in your work when your eyes are constantly reviewing it, so a second, third, or even fourth set of eyes can help point out areas for improvement.

Above all, trust the writing process. Though I do want you to be aware of your jargon, don't get too wrapped up in thinking you're making a mistake. That's what editing is for! Once you complete your college essay, you should always revise and edit accordingly . What you thought sounded good might make you edit it to sound great. Just keep in mind that many colleges are looking for honesty and authenticity vs how well you can sound on paper . So, if you're aware of these factors, you'll be good to go.

Ways to Overcome Writer's Block

Take it from someone who has suffered from chronic writer's block, it's a pain to get through . Imagine being on a writing streak so good that when you stop, the entire essay writing process stops as a whole. It's definitely a challenge, but after 10 years of writing essays and really honing my craft, I learned a few things that have helped me get through even the thickest of writer's blocks, and I want to share them with you. Check them out:

• Take a break : This works every single time. Take a short break and step away from your computer to clear your mind and come back with a fresh perspective. For me, 15 minutes is all I ever need. If you need more time, that's okay. Just try not to make your break a rest.
• Freewriting : Sometimes, I'd start writing without worrying about my structure or grammar to get the ideas flowing, and surprisingly enough, I found my essay taking a pleasant turn.
• Change your environment : Move around. Don't underestimate the effects of a different location or workspace to stimulate creativity. Try coffee shops, bookstores, a park, or a new room in your house. New environment, new energy.
• Set small goals : This one is actually the most important. Some people get overwhelmed with the word "essay" for things like lack of proper writing skills, pressure to write a great essay, etc. But if you try breaking down your writing task into smaller, manageable chunks to make it less overwhelming, it can help. For example, set a goal of three paragraphs one day, take a day to edit those paragraphs, two more the next day, and so forth. Find a formula that works for you.
• Brainstorming : Write down all your ideas--everything. No matter how small you think the idea is, write it down. Even if these ideas seem unrelated, they will help you generate new thoughts and connections.
• Read or listen to music : It took me a while to realize this helps, but engaging in other forms of art can inspire new ideas and break through mental blocks. And new creativity can lead you to impress admissions officers.
• Talk it out : As a writer, it's hard to let people in on the creative process, but discussing my ideas with a friend, family member, or colleague helped me gain new perspectives and insights.
• Relax and Meditate : Hear me out: it works! Practice deep breathing and/or meditation to reduce stress and anxiety that may be contributing to writer's block.

I won't sugarcoat it: the college application process can be intimidating , but it doesn't have to throw you off your game. When it comes to college essays, I see them as opportunities to be fun and expressive. Trust me when I say if you have fun with it, you'll attract the reader's attention , paint vivid details, and write an essay that will leave the admissions officer wanting you at their school. So, take it one step at a time and watch your personal statement come to life.

How can I make my college essay stand out to admissions officers?

Simply put, be yourself. As long as you stay on track with the essay's topic, showing pieces of yourself will allow admissions officers to know more about who you are. Essays are meant to show readers who you are, how you feel, and what you think naturally, not robotically, so be authentic in your writing, and you'll be sure to stand out amongst the rest.

What are some common mistakes to avoid when writing a college essay?

Some common mistakes to avoid in your essay are using cliches and boring wording. You also want to avoid procrastinating, wasting time, not focusing, not editing, etc. When writing your essay, you want to make sure you give your writing the time and attention it deserves, so make sure you're aware of what is pulling you away from your writing. This will help you stay focused. If you have any other doubts, refer to the section about mistakes in this article and let it guide you to success.

How important is the college essay in the admissions process?

Your college essay is key in the admissions process . It's an admissions committee's first impression of you as a writer and potential student, so it should be taken very seriously. Trying to cut corners or rush through the writing process will be obvious, and it will stand out more than things like test scores, academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and any other positive influence you've had in your life. So, don't take the easy way out and really work on your essay.

Feeling confident in your college essay skills and want to explore some other essay content? Explore our blog on the comma splice to enhance your technical writing skills!

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What's up, everyone? I'm starting to work on my college essays and I want to avoid common pitfalls that could make my essay look bad. Does anyone have examples of what NOT to do when writing a college essay? Any advice would be really helpful! Thanks!

Hey there! It's great that you're being proactive about avoiding common mistakes in your college essays. I'm happy to provide you with some examples and advice on what NOT to do when writing your essay:

1. Overused Topics: Avoid cliché topics like sports injuries, coming-of-age experiences, and sob stories about overcoming challenges. Those types of essays tend to be less engaging and fail to stand out among applicants. Instead, try to focus on personal, unique stories that showcase your personality and perspective.

2. Generic Writing: Stay away from generic statements or platitudes that don't actually say anything insightful about you. For instance, starting your essay with something like "I've always been passionate about..." is too vague and won't hook the reader. Begin your essay with an engaging anecdote or a creative hook that showcases your personality right from the start.

3. Not Being Authentic: Don't try to write what you think the admissions officers want to hear. Instead, be genuine and honest about your experiences, opinions, and goals. Your authenticity will shine through, and it's what will make your essay stand out.

4. Overusing Thesaurus: Using big, fancy words just for the sake of it often leads to awkward sentences and a fake, impersonal tone. Stick to your natural voice and use language that you're comfortable and familiar with.

5. Lack of Focus: Stay on topic and keep your essay focused on a central theme or idea. Avoid rambling or trying to include too many unrelated points. The reader should have a clear understanding of the message you're trying to convey.

6. Poor Grammar: It seems obvious, but it's crucial to proofread your essay for grammar, punctuation, and spelling errors. These minor mistakes can make your essay look unpolished and reflect poorly on you. Having someone else look over your essay can also help catch errors you might have missed.

7. Not Following Instructions: Make sure you're answering the specific essay prompt and adhering to the word count. Failing to do so could give the impression that you're not detail-oriented or didn't take the process seriously.

8. Negativity: While it's okay to discuss challenges and setbacks, avoid focusing solely on the negative aspects. Show how you've grown from those experiences and frame them in a positive light.

In short, the key to writing a successful college essay is to be authentic, focused, and engaging. Choose a unique topic and stay true to your voice, while avoiding overused themes and clichés. Best of luck with your college essays!

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May 23, 2024

What Is Common Application Account Rollover?

Many of the most ambitious rising seniors cannot wait to dive into beginning their college applications as soon as possible. At  Ivy Coach , we know that it is never too early to begin preparing for a process that only gets more competitive over time. But is there such a thing as starting a  Common Application  too early? The answer boils down to one variable: account rollover.

When Is the Common App Account Rollover Date?

“Every year on August 1, Common App. gets a refresh.” Common App.  account rollover  occurs on August 1st of each year. During this time, applications to colleges that use the Common App. are updated with new material for the current academic year. This includes all essay prompts and supplemental information.

In other words, any progress made on your Common App. prior to August 1st will be deleted, including any responses or writing supplements you were working on, any recommendation requests sent to teachers and counselors, and most of the remaining information in the My Colleges tab. According to Common App., the only things that are maintained through rollover are the following:

• Common App. tab responses
• Colleges in your My Colleges list (optional)
• Your past applications (if applicable)

Account rollover is necessary because certain essay prompts and questions change each year. For example, if account rollover had not occurred this past year, many colleges would be in hot water for continuing to collect racial demographic data on applicants in spite of the recent  Supreme Court ruling  to end Affirmative Action (although many of these colleges still collect this data using more  covert methods ).

Common App Account Rollover FAQ

How does one initiate account rollover.

Students simply login to their accounts after August 1st with their current username and password and answer a few questions to initiate account rollover.

How does account rollover impact the application timeline?

Account rollover essentially means that any application planning done prior to August 1st of a student’s senior year should be done outside of the Common App. to avoid losing any progress. It’s not a bad idea to create your Common App. account, fill out your identifying information, and begin to browse potential colleges during the spring or summer before your senior year, but planning your responses to pre-rollover questions from the previous admissions cycle would quite simply be a waste of time. 

With that being said, as soon as August 1st rolls around, students should kick it into high gear! While the supplemental essays of some elite universities vary significantly each year, others more or less stay the same. Students should peruse the Common App. soon after August 1st to get a lay of the land for that admission cycle, including which questions are being asked, how the supplemental essays for each school are structured, and which deadlines are coming up the soonest. You got this!

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