What are the best college essay prompts to write about?

Great question—choosing the right essay prompt can definitely make a big difference in your writing process, even though colleges generally care far more about the story you tell than the prompt itself. Both of the Common App options you're considering (background, identity, interest, and challenge) are flexible enough to let you write a truly personal, creative essay.

To answer your questions: instead of hunting for the 'best' or most effective prompt, focus on choosing the one that gives you entry to telling your most meaningful story. The best prompt for you is the one that unlocks something honest, specific, and memorable about who you are.

For example, one student I worked with wrote about her experience collecting rare coins with her grandfather, which fit under the 'interest' prompt. But the essay wasn't just about coins—it ended up being about family, history, and curiosity. Another student wrote for the 'challenge' prompt, but focused on the moment he spoke up in defense of a friend at school, tying it to his growth as an advocate—not a generic struggle, but a specific, meaningful choice.

Prompts that invite creativity or fun often work well for students who have a quirky passion, a moment of personal realization, or a unique hobby. One friend wrote for the 'topic of your choice' prompt about performing magic shows at kids’ birthday parties. The essay was full of wit and personality, making him instantly memorable to admissions.

If you want to stand out, lean into what’s distinctive about you: a turning-point moment, an unexpected hobby, a deeply personal insight, or even a small, quiet realization that changed you in some way. Avoid broad summaries of identity or challenge—focus on a single story or moment, rich in detail. If the prompt feels limiting, remember that most Common App prompts are broad enough to let you reframe your best story to fit.

In summary: choose the prompt that gets your ideas flowing and helps capture your voice. The story matters much more than the prompt. The most fun essays to write are often the ones where you lose track of time and get genuinely excited to put your thoughts on the page.

Brainstorm a few ideas for each prompt, see which story feels most alive, and don’t be afraid to focus on a small moment with big meaning. Good luck—you've got this!