What are the most common college application essay prompts?

You're right that a lot of college application essay prompts follow similar themes, especially if you're using platforms like the Common Application or Coalition Application, or applying to several schools with supplemental essays. Most schools try to get to know you beyond your grades and test scores, so their prompts are often pretty open-ended.

The most common prompts you'll see include:

1. "Personal Growth or Challenge": This one usually asks about a time you faced a challenge, setback, or failure and what you learned from it. The famous Common App prompt is, "The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success... Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?" Almost every major application platform has some version of this.

2. "Identity or Background": Here, schools want to know about what makes you unique or what communities you belong to. The question might ask about an aspect of your background, identity, or a belief that's important to you. An example: "Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story."

3. "Why This School?": Many colleges will include a supplemental essay that asks why you want to attend their specific institution. This "Why Us?" prompt will ask you to research what makes their programs, values, or campus life a great fit for you.

4. "Gratitude or Influence": Often, you'll see prompts about a mentor, family member, or experience that has had a significant impact on your life. For example: "Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others."

5. "Future Goals or Impact": These prompts are about your aspirations or how you hope to make a difference. You might be asked what problem you want to solve, or your future career hopes.

A couple tips: Even though these prompts are common, your answer should be specific to your life and perspective. For instance, if you're writing about a challenge, focus on a moment or decision that shaped you in a unique way, rather than just telling a broad story about overcoming adversity.

When I applied, I saw the 'personal growth' and 'identity' prompts everywhere, plus almost every college had its own 'Why Us?' question. I kept a running document of ideas and experiences that fit different themes, which made brainstorming and drafting much easier when it was time to write actual essays. Starting early is a good move!

Looking at last year's prompts on the Common App or college websites is helpful, since they rarely change drastically from year to year. Good luck as you start brainstorming!