How to Write a Common App Essay Part 1: Examples & Common Mistakes
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Understand everything that you would need while crafting your essays for Common App. We have discussed about the essays that are required to be answered in the application, along with how an applicant must target them plus how to avoid some of the common mistakes. Check out the article and know about how to write a Common App essay part 1.
Choosing the Best Common App Essay Prompt for You
To begin with, let us understand what is the Common Application Essay or personal statement, popularly known as the Common App Essay. It is the most important essay that is submitted by undergraduate applicants, who wish to attend certain US universities. As the name suggests, it is common for the universities that are members of the Common Application portal. This 650-word piece of writing is accepted by more than 800 universities in the USA! Now, this may appear both convenient and challenging, because the applicant has to decide the prompt and content very carefully. There are seven different common app essay prompts, out of which only one has to be attempted. So, one must make the right choice and ensure that the essay is well written and convincing enough to lead to success. While this may seem intimidating, you have nothing to worry about as we are here to help you in your essay preparation.
Common App Essay Prompts
Let us have a look at the Common App Essay prompts:
- Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, 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.
To gain more clarity, learn how to write a Compelling Essay for UG through video.
Looking at these Common App Essay prompts, you must be thinking that there is a lot of flexibility and choice, which can be puzzling enough when it comes to picking up one prompt. To do away with this confusion: Do not rush to answer the prompt first, rather, begin by thinking of your own values, goals, and experiences. Once you decide the perfect topic or experience to write, it will be easier to choose the right prompt to answer. Now the question is: what to think to choose the right topic? Continue reading to learn how to identify a common app essay topic that is unique to you - the one that only you can write!
Predict your IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE in just 4 steps!
Purpose of Common App Essay
First, let us understand the purpose of a common app essay. As an undergraduate student, the authorities are not expecting you to be the master of your chosen field; rather, they want to assess if you have the capability to succeed. Hence, the goal of a common app essay is to prove that you will be successful in college and beyond. Show which qualities will make you successful, and remember that different people follow different routes to success! Given below are five personality traits that predict a successful college experience. Do not try and show that you possess all of them; most successful students will have at least two or three of them. In your common app essay too, focus on one or two of them. As you read about these traits, feel free to jot down answers to the questions, or anything else that comes to your mind!
Check out the different types of essays here.
The Five Traits of a Successful Student
- Drive: It is your drive that pushes you to accomplish your dreams, irrespective of the challenges that you come across! Students having the drive or motivation grow with experiences. If you feel that you have the drive, answer what is the most significant challenge you faced, and the efforts you made to overcome it? How your experience transformed you and what did you learn out of it? What skill you developed and the actions you took to develop or nurture this skill?
- Intellectual Curiosity: Students with intellectual curiosity do not leave a chance to learn for they find it interesting. They strive to surpass their coursework to gain a deeper understanding of the concepts that speak to their interest. To show your intellectual curiosity, describe the subject or topic that you explore just for fun. Recount how you found yourself immersed in a topic and what have you learnt to date? Show how you lose track of time when you are indulging in that topic/subject?
- Initiative: Students who have the confidence and ability to challenge the status quo often focus on improving the existing situation, and generate outcomes. They are potential leaders, and carry the strength to take the first step! If this sounds like you, think of a time you took the lead to challenge something? What difference did you make and what was the learning?
- Contribution: Students having the intent to contribute (otherwise known as a social conscience) give back to the community. They make their communities, schools, and organizations better than before. If you have similar qualities, your common app essay should highlight the time when you made someone’s life better? How do you feel when you serve people or the community? How often do you do so, such that your presence will be missed in your community, when you will leave for college?
- Diversity of Experiences: Students who have experienced distinguishing life experiences and/or have a distinct background, are considered to be equipped with a ‘diversity of experience’. They are expected to add unique perspectives to the student community at the institution. If you have got a diversity of experience, write what have you done or experienced in your life that will make you stand out among other applicants? How have these experiences shaped you as a person? What is it that you know more about than anyone else in the room?
It is important to note that you simply cannot mention that you have the drive or intellectual curiosity in your common app essay. It is imperative to substantiate the qualities by focusing on personal experiences. Now that you have read the five traits, do any instances come to your mind? We recommend that you take your time thinking about your life and experiences, before you begin to write. It is not necessary that your experience should be larger than life, even small contributions and initiatives count. Remember that the authorities are trying to judge your thought process and personality. We have also provided a set of free brainstorming tools on our platform, for further help, if needed.
Take a look at some examples of common app essay topics that are as per the five traits described above:
Example 1 - After following the process election data analysis closely, I realized that the turn out in my school’s student body election was fairly low. Therefore, I decided to appeal to the students and change their outlook towards elections. Ties to: Intellectual curiosity, initiative, contribution
Example 2 - In my Irish dance class sessions, I am the only one that belongs to a mixed race. Although my presence raises eyebrows, I love the art form, and I am determined to succeed in it. Ties to: Diversity of experience, drive
Example 3 – During my after-school job at Whataburger, I noticed that new employees were not trained properly. I could recognize the loopholes and came up with a plan to fix it. I spoke to my manager about it and successfully presented my opinion. Ties to: Initiative, contribution
You might also be interested in learning:
Common Mistakes in Common App Essays
At Shiksha, we review scores of common app essay every year, and we have identified some common mistakes that students make. Given below are some common app essay topic traps to avoid:
- Covering too much: The prescribed word limit is only 650 words; however, it is best to finish your essay in around 500 words only. Try not to fit in everything in one essay. Focus on a single experience or topic in your common app essay that will reveal one of your strongest traits, using it as a lens to help the reader to get to know your personality.
- Too much drama: Students often think that they need to be dramatic and distinct from their everyday lives in their common app essay. A few of them write stories that feels like reading a fictional novel. In reality, several compelling and successful essays talk about things that might seem small or trivial, like a hobby, a fandom or a small moment or event in an applicant’s life that influenced him or her significantly. If the event that you are thinking to write in your essay did not have a positive impact on who you are now, it might not be the best topic for you.
- Writing an academic resume: Do not include all your achievements and accomplishments in your common app essay; it is not your resume. Students have a tendency to describe everything good about them and it defeats the purpose of the essay. The common app activities list is already available for that purpose. Hence, be honest, and narrate a story that shows you as a person who fails sometimes, but knows how to accept, learn, and grow through difficult situations.
- Spinning yarns: Another put-off for the authorities is when the students beat around the bush. Nobody wants to read about a topic, generically, or the little details of the applicant’s experiences, which are irrelevant to the context. Thus, students must be aware of what to include and should not write unnecessarily just to prove one’s mettle, or to reach the word limit. If you can describe your story, satisfactorily, in less than 500 words, it is not an issue.
Learn about the importance of word limits in a college essay here.
Also Read:
| How to Write a Common App Essay Part 2 | How to Write the UCAS Personal Statement? |
| How to Write College Supplemental Essays? | How to Write a Graduate School Statement of Purpose |
About the Author
Brad is a Co-founder and the CEO of Prompt – the #1 provider of admissions essay feedback in the world. Prompt's 150 writing coaches provide instructional, actionable feedback to help students improve their essays' content, structure, clarity, and grammar. He has advised hundreds of students who gained acceptance at highly-selective universities, and his team works with over 5,000 students per year on admissions essays. Brad is a former McKinsey Consultant and holds degrees in Mechanical Engineering and Management Science from MIT.
How to Write a Common App Essay: FAQs
Q. Will my setbacks affect my application negatively?
A. No, if you are talking about certain challenges or setbacks that you faced in your life, then they do not have any negative impact on your application as long as you show your growth and learning out of them. Be careful about the challenge that you are mentioning. For instance, if your academic scores went down at a certain point in time, you should show a logical reason behind it, and more importantly, how you coped up with the situation and bounced back.
Q. Which is the best prompt to answer for a common app essay?
A. There is no best prompt or preferred prompt. Each of them is treated equally by the admission authorities. The important thing to understand here is that your answer should be aligned with the prompt that you are choosing. Also, avoid writing on generic topics like environment or pollution. Your common app essay should be focused on your personal experiences.
Q. Can I talk about something entirely different than my course in my essay?
A. Yes, your common app essay is not your motivation letter to justify your interest in a particular subject. It is written to show your personality and character. Even if you are applying for a Bachelor’s degree in computer science, you can describe your love for sports in your essay, of course, under a relevant prompt. Make sure that your interest is backed by the efforts you have made to excel in your favourite sport. Highlight your dedication and accomplishments in the same.
Q. Is common app essay the only requirement for my admission?
A. No, other than your common app essay, a lot of universities also have their own set of essays and questions that you would need to answer. These are referred to as Supplementary/Supplemental Essays. You will find the prompts and specific word limits on the portal. Please note that you should not repeat your common app essay in any of the other prompts because the admissions committee will read all of them. Avoid mentioning similar content, and prepare unique answers for each prompt. Take help from experts, if needed.
Q: How can I get admission in the University of Manchester?
The application process at the University of Manchester may vary depending on the course and level of study. However, here is the application process for UG and PG courses:
The Undergraduate Application Process:
Step 1: You can apply through the UCAS common application portal.
Step 2: Go to the website and select the course you are interested in.
Step 3: Ensure you meet the Entry requirements (Academic qualifications, English proficiency, etc.
Step 4: Once you decide on the course, submit documents such as SOP, Transcripts and personal statements.
Check out: tips to improve your SOP.
Step 5: You can track the application's progress through your given credentials by UCAS.
Step 6: Once the applicant submits the application to UCAS, it forwards to the University, and the admission teams carefully analyse the application document.
Step 7: The university will send you an offer letter once selected. Hence keep checking your UCAS portal for your application status.
The Postgraduate application process:
Step 1: Select the postgraduate course you are interested in from the University of Manchester.\
Step 2: Ensure you meet the entry requirements for the chosen program, as they vary depending on the course.
Step 3: Complete the online application by providing your personal information.
Step 4: Upload the required documents, such as Academic transcripts and proof of English language proficiency ( TOEFL/ IELTS). experience in your fields and references (depending on the course). You also may require Two LORs depending on the course.
To make your admission better, check out the following: How Admission Officers Evaluate your application.
Step 5: If your application is successful, you will receive an offer from the University of Manchester.
Q: Does the University of Essex require IELTS?
International students whose native language is not English must meet the University of Essex English language requirements to get admission. The university accepts IELTS scores as proof of English language proficiency. Mentioned below are the IELTS scores required for UG and PG admission at the university:
English Language Test | Score |
|---|---|
IELTS | Overall score of 5.5 to 8.0 with minimum of 5.5 to 7.5 in each section |
The university also accepts the score of other English language tests such as TOEFL and PTE for admission to undergraduate and graduate programs:
English Language Test | Score |
TOEFL iBT | Overall score of 72 to 114 |
PTE | Overall score of 59 to 84 with minimum of 59 to 80 in each section |
Also read: Required IELTS Score for UK Universities
Q: Why indian students choose to study at Hult International Business School - UK?
Indian students choose to study at Hult International Business School in the UK for several reasons, including its highly ranked programs, global outlook, and career support. Hult offers a range of full-time master’s degrees, immersive bachelor's programs, and MBA options that prepare students to excel in the global job market. The school is the largest and top-ranked global business school, providing students with an incomparable universal outlook. Additionally, Hult's focus on experiential learning, extensive career support, and the opportunity to study at multiple campuses around the world are attractive to Indian students seeking a global business education. Furthermore, the school's emphasis on innovation and meeting the needs of students and employers may also contribute to its appeal to Indian students
Q: How to prepare for UK 10th board exam 2025?
Those who are preparing for the UK Class 10 exam 2025 are recommended to follow the tips below.
- Know the exam pattern
- Make a proper time table as per the syllabus
- Solve previous year question papers
- Make short notes of important formulas and theorems
- Revise regularly
- Figure out weaker areas and learn them well
With proper planning and hard work, students can easily clear the UK 10th board exam.
Q: Is MIT costly for Indians?
MIT is not costly for Indian students. Applicants can study BTech program at affordable tuition fees as compared to other BTech colleges in the USA. The MIT BTech fees is around INR 50 L to INR 52 L.
Q: How long does it take to get admission to Iowa State?
After submitting the application the Iowa State admission committee will review the application for admission on the basis of documents that applicants provide. A decision may require several weeks as it depends on the time of year the applicant submits the application (Applications submitted right before the deadline require a much longer processing time due to the volume of applications received then.). Applicants will receive an admission offer letter and the I-20 Form if admitted.
Q: How is studying at Mount Allison University in Canada?
Mount Allison University is one of the reputed universities in Canada that provides excellent programs and follows a brilliant academic culture. It ranked #1 for reputation and library expenses and second for student awards and faculty awards. Mt A is primarily an undergraduate Liberal Arts and Sciences university with over 2,300 students. Students from all over the globe are attracted to the university for its high-quality academic experience, hands-on learning opportunities, rankings, and small class size. The average class size at the university is 41 with student to faculty ratio of 16:1.
Q: Is Cambrian College in Canada a good option for international students?
Cambrian College in Canada is largely recognised as a prestigious institution, making it an attractive option for overseas students. The college provides a wide choice of programmes, and its accreditation guarantees respect to academic standards. Prospective students should carefully assess Cambrian College's suitability in terms of individual programme offers, campus facilities, location, and foreign student support services. The total cost of education, including tuition and living expenses, should also be considered, as well as any available financial help or scholarships. For the most up-to-date and accurate information, check Cambrian College's official website, contact international student services, and speak with current or former international students for firsthand experiences.
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