Example Common App Essay IV
For the vast majority of U.S. colleges, prospective students will apply via the Common Application. In doing so, students will complete a 650 essay that they submit through this platform for review by U.S. college admissions administrators. The purpose of this task is to allow U.S. college admissions officers to get a sense of the student as an individual, beyond their academic credentials. For this reason, it is essential that candidates think carefully about the prompt they select to write under, of which there are seven. The act of choosing the correct Common App prompt will define the content of the essay and, so, should not be taken lightly.
As previously mentioned, there are seven Common App essay prompts. These have remained the same over the last few years and are as follows:
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.
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?
Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?
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?
Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.
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?
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.
What is important for soon-to-be undergraduates to understand is that not all Common App prompts are created equally. To ensure the best possible receptions from U.S. college admissions officers, candidates must be discerning in their choice of prompt. They must keep in mind that this essay is, to put it bluntly, an act of self-promotion in which the writer carves out a space for themselves as a unique individual and valuable addition to the college to which they are applying. Consequently, prompts such as numbers 6 and 7 should be avoided as they do not allow adequate room for candidates to describe any defining life experiences. To an extent, prompt 4 may also be questionable if a student spends too much time discussing the actions of another person rather than themselves.
Below is an extract from an anonymised Common App essay that responds to prompt 5, ‘Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realisation that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.’
My bolt from the blue came when I found a roll of fabric in my closet. As part of a school assignment, I created a line of clothing out of secondhand materials with the aim of spreading awareness about the impact of fast fashion on workers and the environment, while also expressing my creativity. When I saw that ream of fabric in a corner, I thought of the hands that produced it. I realized then that if I wanted to make a real difference, I needed to support other people. Conditions and wages for workers must be improved, and greater regulations introduced regarding the chemicals used in cheap fabrics. For the first time, I was able to see how my interests could intersect, both creatively and academically.
Although brief, this extract speaks directly to the prompt. It allows U.S. college admissions officers the ability to understand not only that the student is a creative individual but also thoughtful and empathetic. Moreover, the defining event is realistic and clearly described.
The Common App essay can be a challenge for any one. Coupled with the underlying pressure associated with college admissions, students can struggle to produce high quality writing that would impression an admissions officer.
Over the years, BartyED has guided countless young learners through the U.S. college admissions process, from the early stages of course and college selection up to submitting completed Common App essays. Our expert admissions consultants work closely with students to understand their strengths, weaknesses, and goals for the future, so as to ensure a highly polished Common App essay is produced. If you or your child is interested in receiving high quality guidance through the U.S. college admissions process, please contact us by phone at +852 2882 1017 or email us at enquiries@bartyed.com.