The Common Application offers six different essay prompts for you to choose from as you write your personal statement. This is fantastic news! However, sometimes having lots of choices can be overwhelming and confusing. Here are some general tips to help you get started.
Start by making a list of the five or six things that are most important to you and that you feel you could talk about on paper, in a conversation, over coffee, etc. for a really long time. This list can include people, places, things, ideas, events, issues, and more.
Next, think about what kind of information is found in the other sections of your application. Is there something new that you want to communicate about yourself? Is there a particularly meaningful activity or piece of information that you have listed that you would like to say more about?
As you look over this preliminary list, see if any of the topics jump out at you and make your heart flutter a little more than usual. That could be a match made in heaven.
Next, look at the list of Common Application essay prompts. Which one fits the topic that you’ve chosen the best?
As you begin writing, if you feel like the prompt you have chosen doesn’t quite work or fit your topic, don’t worry. There are five others to choose from.
Option #1: Evaluate a significant experience, achievement, risk you have taken, or ethical dilemma you have faced and its impact on you.
General Tips
Get your specific on. This prompt is asking for one specific experience, achievement, or risk.
Anecdotes are key. For this essay prompt, you will be talking about a specific moment in your life. Become a storyteller, and have fun telling the story. Add some color and detail. You can even spice it up with some dialogue to really set the scene.
Make