Your Complete Guide to Common App Essay Prompts in

Common App Essay Prompts

Here are the 7 Common App essay prompts you can choose from for your application:

1. Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.
2. The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?
3. Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?
4. Reflect on something that someone has done for you that has made you happy or thankful in a surprising way. How has this gratitude affected or motivated you?
5. Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.
6. Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?
7. Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you’ve already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design.

The Common App prompts may feel intimidating, but this feeling will lessen if you’re well prepared. To make the most out of the 250-650 wordcount you’ll be allotted, we recommend you review our tips below to avoid having vague or cliché responses to your prompts.

Tip: Before you begin writing, check out which schools use the Common App.

Tips for Every Common App Essay Prompt

Let’s take a peek at each Common App prompt and view some sample excerpts from real essays to inspire your own!

Common App Essay 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.

What they’re looking for: Admissions officers want to understand what makes you unique. Use this prompt to highlight an aspect of your background, identity, or a passion that defines you.

• Choose a story that only you can tell. Check out some college diversity essay examples for inspiration!
• Avoid generic topics or cliches.
• Connect your experience to your growth or goals.

Note: Working with a college essay advisor can help you refine your story and present it effectively.

Sample Answer (Excerpt): "Growing up in a small farming community, I developed a passion for sustainability. Helping my parents with the harvest and learning about the challenges of modern agriculture inspired me to start a composting program at school. This initiative not only reduced waste but also ignited my desire to address larger environmental issues.”

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Click here to view our full-length Common App essay sample responses.

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Common App Essay Prompt #2

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

What they’re looking for: Colleges value resilience and the ability to learn from setbacks. This prompt allows you to show how you’ve grown through challenges…and is also a great chance to prove know how to write a college essay.

• Focus on the lessons you learned, not the obstacle.
• Keep a positive tone; show how you’ve overcome adversity.
• Be specific about what you learned.

Sample Answer (Excerpt): "When my family moved to a new country, I faced the challenge of learning a new language and adapting to an unfamiliar culture. Struggling to communicate was frustrating, but it taught me patience and empathy. Joining the debate team helped me overcome my fears and gave me the confidence to thrive in diverse environments."

Common App Essay Prompt #3

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

What they’re looking for: Colleges want to see critical thinking and courage. Use this prompt to show how questioning a belief led to growth or new understanding.

• Be respectful of differing perspectives.
• Highlight the outcome and what you learned.
• Show your ability to think independently.

Sample Answer (Excerpt): "In middle school, I challenged my school’s outdated dress code policy, which I felt unfairly targeted female students. Researching gender equality and presenting my findings to the school board taught me the power of advocacy and the importance of standing up for what I believe in."

 Want to discover more Common App tips? Check out this video:

Common App Essay Prompt #4

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

What they’re looking for: Admissions committees want to see how you process gratitude and how it impacts your goals or perspective.

• Choose a meaningful story.
• Focus on how gratitude changed or inspired you.
• Highlight personal growth.

Sample Answer (Excerpt): "When a neighbor unexpectedly brought meals to my family during a difficult time, it reminded me of the power of community. This act of kindness inspired me to volunteer at a local food pantry, where I learned the value of giving back and connecting with others in meaningful ways."

For this essay prompt you’ll need a good hook to reel your reader in. If you’re not sure how to start a college essay, look at some college essay introduction examples to spark some inspiration.

Common App Essay Prompt #5

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

What they’re looking for: Share a moment of personal growth or insight. Colleges want to understand how this experience shaped your character.

• Focus on the impact of the event, not just the event itself.
• Make it relatable and introspective.
• Highlight how the experience influenced your goals.

Sample Answer (Excerpt): "Organizing a local food drive during the pandemic was both challenging and rewarding. Seeing the community come together to support those in need reinforced my belief in the importance of collective action and inspired my goal to pursue a career in public policy."

 Not sure where to start? Consider these college essay tips:

Common App Essay 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?

 What they’re looking for: Colleges want to see intellectual curiosity and passion for learning.

• Choose a topic you’re genuinely excited about.
• Show how this passion connects to your goals.
• Be specific about why it captivates you.

Sample Answer (Excerpt): "I’ve always been fascinated by astronomy. Watching documentaries about space and reading articles on the latest discoveries make hours disappear. This passion has driven me to join my school’s science club and pursue physics courses to understand the universe more deeply."

Common App Essay Prompt #7

Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you’ve already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design.

What they’re looking for: This is a flexible option that lets you showcase your creativity and originality.

• Use this prompt if you have a strong, unique story that doesn’t fit other prompts.
• Ensure your essay still reveals personal growth and reflection.

Sample Answer (Excerpt): "When I designed a board game to teach younger students about climate change, I combined my love for creativity and my passion for environmental science. Seeing the students enjoy the game and grasp key concepts showed me the power of education as a tool for change."

Additionally, you can check out more of our Common App essay examples here.

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