how to write the common app essay

Learn how to come up with a unique topic, choose the right prompt, and write a strong personal statement for the Common App Essay. This guide covers the basics of the Common App Essay, the types of essays, the brainstorming process, the writing process, and the common errors to avoid.

Because the Common App essay is 650 words long and has few formal directions, organizing a response might seem daunting. Fortunately, at CollegeVine, we've developed a straightforward approach to formulating strong, unique responses. This section outlines how to: 1) Brainstorm, 2) Organize, and 3) Write a Common App essay.

The Common Application, or Common App, is a college application portal that is accepted by more than 900 schools. Within the Common App is your main essay, a primary writing sample that all your prospective schools will read to evaluate your critical thinking skills and value as a student.

Common App Essay Examples. Here are the current Common App prompts. Click the links to jump to the examples for a specific prompt, or keep reading to review the examples for all the prompts. Prompt #1: Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without ...

The exact word limit for the Common App essay has varied somewhat over the years, but the current range is 250-650 words. You must stay within this length; in fact, the online application won't allow you to submit fewer than 250 words or more than 650. Some schools will state that if this isn't enough space, you can send them a physical copy of ...

The Common App essay provides colleges with this holistic view of you as a person, not just a student. It is a window into your personality, character, values, and life experiences. Through the Common App essay, admissions officers gain insight into your passions, motivations, and the unique qualities that set you apart from other applicants.

Common App Essay Examples: Prompt #1. 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 asks applicants to write about what makes them uniquely them.

The "Common App," short for the Common Application, is a general application used to apply to multiple college undergraduate programs at once.It's accepted by hundreds of colleges in the United States as well as some colleges internationally. The idea is that the Common App is a "one-stop shop" so you don't have to complete a million separate applications.

Admissions officers look for clarity of thought, coherence in the flow of ideas, and grammatical accuracy. Intellectual rigor, creativity, and originality in expressing your ideas are valued. When writing your essay, take the time to revise and edit your work. Pay attention to the structure and organization of your ideas, ensuring that your ...

3. Use Your Space Wisely. Students tend to go one of two ways with the Common App essay: They either write way too much and struggle to trim it down, or they write way too little and end up sounding superficial and generic. The Common App essay word count range is 250-650 words.

Below is the complete list of the Common App essay prompts. 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 ...

Starting a Common App essay involves more than grabbing the reader's attention. It's about building a narrative bridge from the first line that connects the reader to the heart of your story. The goal is to create a compelling introduction that not only reflects your individuality but also resonates with the reader's curiosity, making ...

Tackling your common app essay without having a creative outline with points of growth is HARD. So I created a guiding outline (template linked below) that y...

Common App Essay Example #1: Seeds of Immigration. This student was admitted to Dartmouth College. In this Common App essay, they discuss their immigrant family background that motivates them. Although family is a commonly used topic, this student makes sure to have unique ideas and write in a genuine way.

Writing a Common App essay requires significant thought on what to include, how to structure the essay and what tone or style to use. Here are five steps for how to write a great Common App essay: 1. Choose a writing prompt. The first step to writing a great Common App essay is choosing a writing prompt. The prompt helps provide a guide for ...

The Common App Essay Common App Essay Prompts Common App Essay: Unique Challenges Recommended Timelines Preparing for Your Common App Essay Writing the Common App Essay Sample #1: Rina Sample #2: Robert Sample #3: Sarah FAQs. The Common App essay is the personal statement that students have to submit on the Common Application portal.

Many sample Common App essays write so much about the other person that they forget to center the author. However, in this essay, the author demonstrates the impact that Sophia had on her, centering her own experiences. In doing so, it highlights how Sophia taught the author to face challenges with joy and courage.

The Common App can allow students to submit essays, recommendation letters, and numeric measures like test scores and class rank. Below, we'll talk through the prompts, how to brainstorm and write your essay, and offer example essays and analysis.

The essay you write for the Common App is sent to basically every school that you apply to. The Common App essay is 650 words, and you have 7 prompts to pick from. (But note: It doesn't matter which prompt you pick. In fact, I recommend you write your essay first and then choose the prompt to match it.)

Your first words on your Common Application essay. Your introduction is one of the most important parts of the Common Application essay. Your introduction needs to have a three way focus: grab the reader's attention, highlight you as an individual and identify which topic you're writing about. For example a great introduction could be ...

In this guide, you will learn strategies for determining what to write about in the Common App Essay. This series will be broken into four parts and cover five topics: Part 1: Understanding the Common App Essay + Demonstrating your best qualities. Part 2: What to write about. Part 3: What NOT to write about. Part 4: Demonstrating grit.

Learn how to write a compelling Common App essay with BridgeU, a platform that connects international students with universities and supports their application journey.

It's great for developing better content for your activities list. Instructions: Spend 5-8 minutes filling out a BEABIES chart per activity on your list to generate plenty of content for your activities list descriptions. Use the 25 questions below the chart for ideas. The key here is active verbs.

Common App Prompt #1: Identity essay. "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.".

Students writing Common App essays tend to overwrite or write too little. Common App essays have a word count between 250 and 650 words. The ideal essay should have a word count of about 500 words. Be Detailed. The perfect Common App essay is one that is detailed with a central story. You go deep or general with your story, but we advise going ...

Can I write about leadership in my common app college essay. Personal Essay. I have served as the head of student government in my high school . Can I write about that experience in common app college essay under prompt #5. 1.