What are some common college admissions essay prompts, and how should I approach them?

Most colleges that use the Common Application generally offer you the same set of prompts, and many schools' essays center around similar themes. The Common App personal statement prompts cover topics like overcoming challenges, personal growth, a moment when you questioned or challenged a belief, or describing something that captivates you. Some colleges, especially highly selective ones or those not on the Common App (like MIT or the University of California system), have their own distinct prompts. These sometimes ask about your intended major, community involvement, or a quirky "fun fact" about yourself.

Because most prompts are open-ended, you have a lot of freedom to choose a story that genuinely reflects who you are. When deciding how to approach a very broad prompt (such as, "Reflect on a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure"), focus less on the event itself and more on your personal response and growth. Small, specific moments often carry more emotional impact than big, sweeping stories. For example, instead of describing a generic struggle with a tough class, you could write about a particular moment in the school library when you almost gave up, but a conversation with a friend shifted your mindset.

To decide which prompt to choose, try free-writing three stories from your life that are meaningful to you, even if they aren't "big accomplishments." For instance, maybe you bonded with your neighbor over a shared love of chess and created an informal chess club in your apartment building. Once you have your stories, see which prompt they fit best—remember, most prompts are broad enough to accommodate almost any topic with a little creative framing.

A helpful tip: ask yourself what you want colleges to understand about you that isn't already clear from your activities or grades. Are you naturally curious, persistent, empathetic, creative? Choose a story and prompt that lets you bring forward that character trait.

Here's an example: One student wrote about their love for baking as a way to connect with their immigrant grandmother, tying her learning process in the kitchen to larger themes of patience, tradition, and bridging generational gaps. Even though the topic was "ordinary," her essay stood out because it shared personal insight, vivid detail, and growth.

The key is authenticity—pick the prompt that lets you tell the story that matters most to you. Even a small, quiet moment can make a big impression if you can convey why it was meaningful. Take your time brainstorming, and don't be afraid to write out rough drafts for more than one prompt until you find one that feels right!