Writing a compelling Common App essay is a crucial step in the college application process. With over 900 colleges and universities accepting the Common App, the essay provides an opportunity for applicants to showcase their unique experiences, perspectives, and goals. In this article, we will explore the best strategies for writing standout Common App essays, including understanding the prompts, crafting a compelling narrative, and editing for clarity and impact.
Understanding the Common App Prompts
The Common App essay prompts are designed to allow applicants to share their stories, passions, and interests. The prompts are carefully crafted to elicit thoughtful and reflective responses that reveal an applicant’s character, values, and potential for growth. For the 2022-2023 application cycle, the Common App essay prompts are:
- 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.
- Topic of your choice.
When selecting a prompt, it's essential to choose one that resonates with your experiences and passions. The essay should be a genuine reflection of your voice and perspective, rather than a forced attempt to fit into a particular mold.
Crafting a Compelling Narrative
A strong Common App essay tells a story that is both personal and meaningful. The narrative should be well-structured, with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion. The introduction should set the tone and provide context for the story, while the body should provide specific examples and anecdotes that support the narrative. The conclusion should summarize the main points and reiterate the significance of the experience.
When crafting a narrative, it's essential to use descriptive language and vivid imagery to bring the story to life. The use of sensory details can help to create a immersive experience for the reader, while active voice can add clarity and depth to the narrative. Additionally, show, don't tell is a crucial principle in storytelling, as it allows the reader to infer and interpret the experience rather than being told what to think or feel.
| Essay Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Introduction | Set the tone and provide context for the story |
| Body | Provide specific examples and anecdotes that support the narrative |
| Conclusion | Summarize the main points and reiterate the significance of the experience |
| Descriptive Language | Use vivid and descriptive language to bring the story to life |
| Sensory Details | Use sensory details to create an immersive experience for the reader |
Editing for Clarity and Impact
Once you have crafted a compelling narrative, it’s essential to edit the essay for clarity and impact. The editing process involves reviewing the essay for grammar and punctuation, tone and voice, and structure and organization. It’s also important to seek feedback from others, such as teachers, counselors, or mentors, to gain a fresh perspective on the essay.
When editing, it's essential to use clear and concise language and to avoid jargon and clichés. The essay should be free of errors and easy to follow, with a clear and logical structure. Additionally, the essay should be concise and focused, with a clear and compelling thesis statement.
Common App Essay Examples
Here are a few examples of standout Common App essays:
- A student who wrote about their experience as a first-generation immigrant, and how it shaped their perspective on identity and community.
- A student who wrote about their passion for environmental sustainability, and how it inspired them to start a recycling program in their school.
- A student who wrote about their experience with mental health, and how it taught them the importance of self-care and resilience.
These essays are standout because they are personal, meaningful, and well-crafted. They showcase the student's unique perspective and voice, and demonstrate their potential for growth and success.
What is the word limit for the Common App essay?
+The word limit for the Common App essay is 650 words. However, it's essential to note that the essay should be concise and focused, and should not exceed the word limit.
Can I use a topic of my choice for the Common App essay?
+Yes, you can use a topic of your choice for the Common App essay. However, it's essential to ensure that the topic is relevant and meaningful, and that it showcases your unique perspective and voice.
How many times should I edit my Common App essay?
+It's essential to edit your Common App essay multiple times, seeking feedback from others and reviewing the essay for clarity and impact. A good rule of thumb is to edit the essay at least 3-5 times, and to seek feedback from at least 2-3 people.
In conclusion, writing a standout Common App essay requires careful planning, crafting, and editing. By understanding the prompts, crafting a compelling narrative, and editing for clarity and impact, you can create an essay that showcases your unique perspective and voice, and demonstrates your potential for growth and success. Remember to use descriptive language, vivid imagery, and sensory details to bring the story to life, and to seek feedback from others to gain a fresh perspective on the essay.
