Is there a common template I should use for my Common App essay?

It's totally normal to feel overwhelmed at the start—the Common App essay is one of the most open-ended writing assignments you’ll get in high school! The good news is that there’s no strict, required template you have to follow. Colleges want to hear your voice and see your unique story, so you have a lot of flexibility in structure.

That said, having some structure is definitely helpful. Most successful essays do have a clear beginning, middle, and end, but they don’t have to be a traditional 5-paragraph essay like you write in English class. The best approach is to figure out the story or theme you want to share, and then select a format that best highlights that story.

Here are a few common structures that work well for a standout Common App essay:

- The narrative arc: You start with a compelling anecdote or moment, then use the rest of the essay to reflect on its significance and how it shaped you. For example, you might begin with a vivid description of a moment—say, the first time you volunteered at an animal shelter—and then explore how that grew into a passion for animal welfare and leadership.

- The "montage" or thematic approach: Instead of focusing on one moment, you select a few vignettes or mini-stories—all connected by a central theme. For instance, if you’re passionate about music and problem-solving, you could share quick snapshots of different ways you’ve used music to overcome challenges in your life, tying them together with a unifying message at the end.

- The circular structure: Start and end with the same image, phrase, or event, creating a sense of cohesion and demonstrating how you've grown. Maybe you describe a first day in debate club at the start, and by the end, circle back with a changed perspective after months of growth.

Think about the story you want to tell and let that guide the structure. Some people outline the key moments they want to talk about first, while others draft a few versions in different styles to see what feels most natural.

You don’t have to be wildly creative, but do be honest and personal. The most important thing is that your essay is easy to follow and feels true to you. If you’re still stuck, it can help to jot down a list of important moments or values and think about which storytelling style suits them best.

Starting is the hardest part, so even a rough, messy draft will get you going. You can always revise for structure once you know what you want to say!