Where can I find this year's personal essay prompts for common college applications?
I'm currently a rising senior and trying to get ahead on my college essays this summer. I know the Common App usually has a set of personal essay prompts, but I'm not sure if they've changed for this year or where to locate the official list.
Are there other major platforms that release them early, or is it best to wait until the application portals actually open?
If anyone has advice on where to find the most up-to-date prompts (and maybe tips on how to choose one), I’d really appreciate it.
Are there other major platforms that release them early, or is it best to wait until the application portals actually open?
If anyone has advice on where to find the most up-to-date prompts (and maybe tips on how to choose one), I’d really appreciate it.
4 months ago
•
23 views
Camille Luong
• 4 months ago
Advisor
You can find the official personal essay prompts for the Common Application directly on their website. For the 2024-2025 cycle, the Common App has kept the same main prompts as last year, and they’ve confirmed this on their site under the 'Common App Essay' section. Simply google 'Common App essay prompts 2024-2025,' and you'll see the official list in the top search results. Common App usually announces any changes by spring, so if you see a reputable source with this year’s date, you can trust it.
Another main platform is the Coalition Application. Their prompts are also listed on their website but tend not to change much from year to year. The UC (University of California) system and the ApplyTexas application for Texas public universities each have their own set of personal insight or essay prompts on their respective sites. If you’re even considering applying to one of those, it’s a good idea to look into them early, too.
Application portals themselves typically open in August, but the essay prompts rarely change at the last minute, so prepping over the summer is smart. For the most reliable info, always go directly to the platform’s website, not a third-party blog or summary, since sometimes blog posts have outdated info.
When it comes to picking a prompt, choose one that lets you share a side of yourself that won’t show up elsewhere on your application. For example, if you’re passionate about cooking with your family, you might use the 'share an essay on a topic of your choice' prompt or the prompt about an interest or background. The prompt is a framework—it’s more important that your essay tells an authentic story about you.
In short: Get your prompts from the official application sites. Their FAQ sections are also good for confirming that you have the right year. And if you want to get started, the Common App and the UCs have already posted their current prompts. Good luck planning your essays this summer!
Another main platform is the Coalition Application. Their prompts are also listed on their website but tend not to change much from year to year. The UC (University of California) system and the ApplyTexas application for Texas public universities each have their own set of personal insight or essay prompts on their respective sites. If you’re even considering applying to one of those, it’s a good idea to look into them early, too.
Application portals themselves typically open in August, but the essay prompts rarely change at the last minute, so prepping over the summer is smart. For the most reliable info, always go directly to the platform’s website, not a third-party blog or summary, since sometimes blog posts have outdated info.
When it comes to picking a prompt, choose one that lets you share a side of yourself that won’t show up elsewhere on your application. For example, if you’re passionate about cooking with your family, you might use the 'share an essay on a topic of your choice' prompt or the prompt about an interest or background. The prompt is a framework—it’s more important that your essay tells an authentic story about you.
In short: Get your prompts from the official application sites. Their FAQ sections are also good for confirming that you have the right year. And if you want to get started, the Common App and the UCs have already posted their current prompts. Good luck planning your essays this summer!
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