The Common App essay is a crucial component of the college application process, allowing applicants to showcase their unique experiences, perspectives, and goals to admissions committees. With the ability to choose from a variety of prompts, students can select the one that best aligns with their story and aspirations. In this article, we will delve into the world of Common App essay examples, exploring what makes them effective and how they can inspire your own writing.
Understanding the Common App Essay Prompts
The Common App essay prompts are designed to be thought-provoking and flexible, allowing students to express themselves in a meaningful and creative way. The prompts are carefully crafted to encourage applicants to share their passions, challenges, and accomplishments, providing a glimpse into their personalities, values, and motivations. For the 2022-2023 application cycle, the Common App essay prompts include:
- 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?
- Describe a problem you’ve solved or a problem you’d like to solve. It can be an intellectual challenge, a research query, an ethical dilemma - anything that is of personal importance, no matter the scale. Explain its significance to you and what steps you took or could be taken to identify a solution.
- 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.
Analyzing Effective Common App Essay Examples
When examining successful Common App essay examples, several key elements emerge. These essays often:
- Tell a compelling story that showcases the applicant’s unique voice and perspective
- Demonstrate a deep understanding of the prompt and its themes
- Use vivid language and descriptive details to bring the narrative to life
- Explore complex emotions and ideas, revealing the applicant’s thoughtfulness and introspection
- Highlight the applicant’s passions, interests, and values, providing insight into their motivations and goals
For instance, consider an essay that responds to the first prompt, discussing a meaningful background or identity. A strong example might describe a student's experience growing up in a multicultural community, highlighting the ways in which their diverse heritage has shaped their worldview and informed their aspirations. This essay might explore the challenges of navigating multiple cultural identities, as well as the opportunities for growth and connection that have arisen from this experience.
| Essay Component | Effective Strategy |
|---|---|
| Introduction | Hook the reader with a vivid anecdote or surprising statistic |
| Body Paragraphs | Use descriptive language and sensory details to bring the story to life |
| Conclusion | Leave the reader with a lasting impression, highlighting the significance of the experience or insight |
Common App Essay Examples: A Deeper Dive
To further illustrate the principles of effective Common App essay writing, let’s examine a few examples in greater detail. Consider an essay that responds to the second prompt, discussing a challenge or setback. A strong example might describe a student’s experience overcoming a difficult obstacle, such as a learning disability or a personal loss. This essay might explore the emotional toll of the challenge, as well as the strategies and support systems that helped the student persevere and grow.
Another example might respond to the fifth prompt, discussing an accomplishment or event that sparked personal growth. This essay might describe a student's experience participating in a community service project, highlighting the ways in which this experience deepened their understanding of social justice and inspired them to take action. The essay might explore the challenges and successes of the project, as well as the ways in which it has informed the student's future goals and aspirations.
Using Common App Essay Examples as Inspiration
While it’s essential to avoid copying or imitating others’ work, Common App essay examples can serve as a valuable source of inspiration and guidance. By reading and analyzing successful essays, you can gain a deeper understanding of the types of stories and themes that resonate with admissions committees. You can also develop your own writing skills, learning how to craft a compelling narrative and convey your unique perspective and voice.
When using Common App essay examples as inspiration, remember to:
- Identify the key elements that make the essay effective, such as its use of language, structure, and theme
- Analyze the ways in which the essay responds to the prompt, exploring the connections between the student’s experience and the broader themes and ideas
- Reflect on your own experiences and ideas, considering how you can use the essay as a starting point for your own writing
What is the most important thing to keep in mind when writing a Common App essay?
+The most important thing to keep in mind when writing a Common App essay is to tell a story that showcases your unique voice and perspective. This means being authentic, vulnerable, and honest, while also demonstrating your writing skills and ability to think critically and creatively.
How can I ensure that my Common App essay stands out from the crowd?
+To ensure that your Common App essay stands out from the crowd, focus on telling a story that is both personal and universal. Use vivid language and descriptive details to bring your narrative to life, and explore complex emotions and ideas that reveal your thoughtfulness and introspection. Additionally, make sure to proofread your essay carefully, editing for grammar, punctuation, and clarity.
What are some common mistakes to avoid when writing a Common App essay?
+Some common mistakes to avoid when writing a Common App essay include telling rather than showing, using generic or clichéd language, and failing to proofread carefully. Additionally, avoid trying to tackle too many topics or themes at once, and focus instead on telling a single, compelling story that showcases your unique perspective and voice.
In conclusion, the Common App essay is a unique opportunity for students to showcase their experiences, perspectives, and goals to admissions committees. By examining successful essay examples and avoiding common mistakes, you can craft a compelling narrative that highlights your strengths and aspirations, setting you apart from the crowd and paving the way for a successful college application process.
