What are the current Common App college essay prompts, and how do I choose one?
I'm starting to brainstorm for my college application essays, and I'm feeling kind of overwhelmed by the options. I know the Common App has a set of prompts each year, but I'm not sure if they've changed for the 2024-2025 cycle or not. If anyone knows where I can find the official list, could you point me in the right direction?
Also, for those who've already gone through the process, how did you pick which prompt to write about? Did you just go with whatever felt natural, or was it more strategic? I've got a few ideas, but I keep second-guessing if they'll fit any of the prompts well. Any tips would really help since I want my essay to stand out but also fit the guidelines.
Also, for those who've already gone through the process, how did you pick which prompt to write about? Did you just go with whatever felt natural, or was it more strategic? I've got a few ideas, but I keep second-guessing if they'll fit any of the prompts well. Any tips would really help since I want my essay to stand out but also fit the guidelines.
3 months ago
•
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Camille L.
• 3 months ago
Advisor
The Common App essay prompts for the 2024-2025 application cycle have not changed from recent years. You can always find the official and most up-to-date list directly on the Common App website under their 'First-year essay prompts' section. Here are the prompts for this year:
1. 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.
2. 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?
3. Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?
4. Reflect on something that someone has done for you that has made you happy or thankful in a surprising way. How has this gratitude affected or motivated you?
5. Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.
6. Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?
7. Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you’ve already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design.
In terms of choosing a prompt, it's much more important that you focus on the story you want to tell than on picking a prompt first. Start by brainstorming moments, experiences, or qualities you want colleges to know about you. Often, your best essay idea reveals itself as you write about what matters most to you—then you can choose the prompt that best fits that story.
For example, one student wanted to write about their childhood fascination with magic tricks and how it developed into a love for chemistry. This fit nicely in prompt 6 about engaging topics. Another student had a moving experience tutoring a neighbor's child and used prompt 4 about gratitude. If none of the set prompts match perfectly, prompt 7 (the free choice one) is always available.
It’s common to second-guess yourself at first. The trick is to focus on whichever prompt allows you to showcase authenticity and personal growth while highlighting something not obvious elsewhere in your application. Write some rough drafts or outlines for a couple of prompts, and see which feels most true to you.
Your goal should be to tell a story only you can tell, even if others might have similar themes. Choose a specific moment or turning point rather than trying to cover your entire life or too many unrelated topics. Specific details and self-reflection make essays stand out.
If you’re still uncertain, you might even write your essay draft first and then see which prompt it fits best. Don’t stress about matching your idea to a prompt—the prompts are very broad for a reason, and admissions officers care much more about your writing and insight than about which number you pick.
1. 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.
2. 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?
3. Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?
4. Reflect on something that someone has done for you that has made you happy or thankful in a surprising way. How has this gratitude affected or motivated you?
5. Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.
6. Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?
7. Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you’ve already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design.
In terms of choosing a prompt, it's much more important that you focus on the story you want to tell than on picking a prompt first. Start by brainstorming moments, experiences, or qualities you want colleges to know about you. Often, your best essay idea reveals itself as you write about what matters most to you—then you can choose the prompt that best fits that story.
For example, one student wanted to write about their childhood fascination with magic tricks and how it developed into a love for chemistry. This fit nicely in prompt 6 about engaging topics. Another student had a moving experience tutoring a neighbor's child and used prompt 4 about gratitude. If none of the set prompts match perfectly, prompt 7 (the free choice one) is always available.
It’s common to second-guess yourself at first. The trick is to focus on whichever prompt allows you to showcase authenticity and personal growth while highlighting something not obvious elsewhere in your application. Write some rough drafts or outlines for a couple of prompts, and see which feels most true to you.
Your goal should be to tell a story only you can tell, even if others might have similar themes. Choose a specific moment or turning point rather than trying to cover your entire life or too many unrelated topics. Specific details and self-reflection make essays stand out.
If you’re still uncertain, you might even write your essay draft first and then see which prompt it fits best. Don’t stress about matching your idea to a prompt—the prompts are very broad for a reason, and admissions officers care much more about your writing and insight than about which number you pick.
Camille L.
Nomadic
Stanford University, BAH in Urban Studies
Experience
5 years
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5.0 (4 reviews)