What are some of the most common college essay prompts and how do you approach them?

You’re right—many colleges use similar essay prompts, and knowing how to approach each type can make the whole process feel more manageable. Here are a few of the most common prompts and tips for tackling each one:

1. The "Meaningful Experience" Prompt: This usually asks you to describe an event, accomplishment, or realization that sparked personal growth. The key here is not just to narrate what happened but to reflect on why the experience mattered. For example, instead of only describing a summer job, you might focus on a specific moment—like helping a frustrated customer—and what it taught you about patience or leadership.

2. The "Obstacle or Challenge" Prompt: This prompt wants to see resilience and problem-solving. Go beyond simply stating the challenge—focus on your reactions and how you grew. Let’s say you struggled with remote learning during the pandemic. Rather than just describing the difficulties, you could zoom in on one particular day when you turned things around, maybe by creating your own study schedule or forming an online study group.

3. The "Activity That’s Important to You" Prompt: Here, the goal is to showcase a part of your identity and passion. Try to reveal something personal through the lens of the activity. Instead of a generic account of being on the debate team, maybe share a story about a debate topic that shaped your worldview or a moment when you mentored a new team member.

As for reusing essays, it’s fairly common to adapt a strong essay for multiple prompts, but be careful—a one-size-fits-all approach rarely works. Always tweak the intro/conclusion and check that you’re answering the specific question being asked. For example, a story about volunteering at an animal shelter could work for prompts about community, leadership, or a challenge, but you’d need to emphasize different aspects depending on the prompt.

For brainstorming, jot down a list of moments when you felt changed, proud, challenged, or moved. Then, pick 2-3 and ask yourself: What does this reveal about who I am? When I wrote my own essays, I looked for stories in which my actions or decisions said more about me than a list of achievements ever could. If you’re stuck, ask family or friends which stories or moments stand out about you—that outside perspective can help.

Lastly, create a quick outline before you write. Start with the moment or story, then connect it to what you learned or how it shapes your goals. Try not to stress too much; remember, it’s your perspective and voice that will stand out the most.