When applying to college using the Common App, it's important to understand the essay prompts it offers to help you decide which one to focus yours on. Your essay is one of the most essential components of your college application, so choosing a prompt that best helps you tell your unique story matters. Below, we'll help you understand the Common App's college essay prompts for the 2024-2025 application cycle!

General advice

Regardless of the prompt you choose, your essay should demonstrate your personal growth and be clear of spelling and grammar errors. Read our tips on writing your college application essay before selecting your prompt! 

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. 

This prompt invites you to highlight something that's personal to you. For example, you can write about a cultural identity that has shaped your worldview, a passion for playing an instrument that has influenced your career path, or an extracurricular activity that helped you build community. 

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? 

Setbacks and failures are a part of life, but the ability to persevere and learn is what sets you apart! You don’t need to share anything too personal if it doesn’t feel right, but if you can connect an obstacle you faced with how you overcame it and how it shaped your goals for the future, this might be the prompt for you.

Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?

This prompt invites you to reflect on a time when you used your voice to challenge the status quo. Whether you stood up for a social cause you believe in or navigated conflict around your family's expectations, you can write about what inspired you to speak up and why you felt strongly about challenging the norm. 

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?

There may be moments of joy or gratitude that stand out as important to you. What experiences changed your perspective or made an impact? Who are you thankful for, and why? How has that gratitude shaped your story or inspired you to pay it forward?

Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.

High school is a time of growth and self-discovery! If an experience led you to reflect and learn, this prompt could be a great fit. Demonstrating a clear connection between your personal growth and your hopes for the future is one of the most important things you can do in your college application essay.

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?

This prompt is a great fit for students who have a strong passion for a specific topic, idea, or concept. It could be a school subject, a hobby you spend hours on, or something that fascinates you. Sharing your enthusiasm can give an admissions team a deeper understanding of who you are outside of your transcripts and test scores. 

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.

If none of the Common App's prompts fit the story you want to tell, you can choose your own! Keep in mind that it's still just as important to make sure your essay is clear, free of grammar and spelling mistakes, and demonstrates personal growth and reflection.

Have any questions about the Common App's essay prompts or about writing your college application essay? Text #Essay to 33-55-77 to chat with one of our Advisors!