Where can I find a list of all the current college essay prompts?

Finding and keeping track of all the college essay prompts can definitely feel overwhelming—especially with so many schools having their own supplements and unique requirements. You don't always have to hunt down each prompt one by one, though. The Common App website is your best starting point for schools that use their application. Once you log in and add colleges to your 'My Colleges' list, you'll unlock all the specific essay requirements for each one, including school-specific supplements. This lets you view prompts in one central place, though you still have to look at each college’s tab.

For schools outside the Common App, the Coalition Application and the UC Application each post their own prompts; these rarely change from year to year. If you're ever unsure, the admissions or undergraduate application section of each college’s website will always have the latest official info.

Some students like to organize everything with a spreadsheet. One strategy is to make a simple chart with columns for: school name, type of application (Common App, Coalition, school-specific), word limits, the main prompt, and supplement details. For example, if you're applying to NYU, Boston College, and the University of Michigan, list them with their required prompts and word counts. This lets you spot similarities (and even potential overlap, so you can rework essays for multiple schools!)

There are also a few college admissions websites and blogs that try to compile annual lists of prompts, but they're not always up-to-date, so double-check any info you find.

Bottom line: use the Common App’s built-in tools, keep a spreadsheet for your own progress, and always verify questionable prompts directly with the college’s admissions site. Organizing early makes the whole essay-writing process much more manageable.