“Do You Write the Prompt in Your Common App Essay? (Spoiler Alert: No!)”
Alright, future college students, let’s talk about that dreaded Common App essay. You’ve got your list of colleges, your GPA’s looking good, and your extracurriculars are stacked higher than a freshman’s laundry pile. But here comes the big question: Do you include the prompt in your essay, or just answer it?
The short answer: No, you don’t include the prompt.
Think of it like this: you wouldn’t write “What is your favorite color?” at the top of a paper and then answer with “Blue.” It’s redundant, right? The prompt is there to guide you, not to be the foundation of your essay.
But wait! There’s a catch! While you don’t need to copy the prompt verbatim, you do need to make sure you’re addressing it directly. Imagine you’re having a conversation with an admissions officer. They’re asking you a question, and you’re giving them a thoughtful, well-crafted response.
So, how do you show you’re answering the prompt without being repetitive?
- Re-phrase the prompt in your own words: Start your essay with a sentence that reflects the essence of the prompt. For example, if the prompt is “Discuss a time you faced a challenge,” you could begin with, “The most significant challenge I’ve faced wasn’t a grand battle, but a quiet struggle with self-doubt.” Boom! You’ve addressed the prompt without stating it word-for-word.
- Use the prompt as a springboard: Think of the prompt as a starting point for your story. Let it lead you to the heart of your experience, but don’t feel like you need to stick to a rigid outline.
- Show, don’t tell: Instead of simply stating “I overcame this challenge,” demonstrate how you did it. Use vivid details, anecdotes, and sensory language to paint a picture for the reader.
Now, let’s dive a bit deeper into the world of Common App essay prompts.
Common App Essay Prompts: The Real Stars of the Show
Okay, so the actual Common App prompt itself isn’t a focus for the admissions officers. However, how you answer those prompts? That’s where the real magic happens. Think of it like this: the prompts are the ingredients, and your essay is the masterpiece you create with them.
The Common App offers seven prompts, and they cover a wide range of topics:
- 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 is your “Tell me about yourself” prompt. It’s a chance to highlight something unique about you, whether it’s your cultural heritage, a passion for a particular hobby, or a challenging experience that shaped who you are.
- Prompt 2: “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?” Here, you’re showing resilience and growth. Don’t just tell them about the challenge; show them how you learned from it and what you gained from the experience.
- Prompt 3: “Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your questioning, and what did you learn?” This is a chance to showcase your intellectual curiosity and critical thinking skills. Did you question a societal norm, a scientific theory, or a personal belief? What did you learn from the process?
- Prompt 4: “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?” This prompt is all about gratitude and the impact others have had on you. Think about a time someone did something unexpected that touched you deeply. How did it shape your outlook or motivate you to do something good in return?
- Prompt 5: “Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.” This prompt is all about self-discovery. Think about a moment that changed your perspective or made you see yourself or others in a new light. What did you learn about yourself during this period of growth?
- Prompt 6: “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 your chance to talk about your passions. What gets you so excited that you can’t help but delve deeper? It could be a subject you’re studying, a hobby you love, or a piece of art that inspires you.
- Prompt 7: “Share an experience that helped you learn something about yourself or the world around you.” This is the “catch-all” prompt, giving you flexibility to write about any experience that was meaningful to you.
Writing Your Common App Essay: Don’t Overthink It
Remember, the Common App essay is just one piece of the puzzle. It’s important to think about the overall picture, including your grades, extracurriculars, and recommendations.
Here are a few final tips for writing that stellar Common App essay:
- Start early: Don’t leave it until the last minute. Give yourself plenty of time to brainstorm, draft, revise, and get feedback.
- Be authentic: Write with your own voice. Don’t try to be someone you’re not.
- Show, don’t tell: Use vivid language and specific details to bring your story to life.
- Get feedback: Ask friends, family, teachers, or college counselors to read your essay and give you constructive criticism.
- Proofread carefully: Typos and grammatical errors can make a bad impression. Take your time and double-check everything before you submit.
Writing the Common App essay can be a challenge, but it’s also an opportunity to showcase your personality, skills, and experiences. Don’t be afraid to be yourself, and have fun with it!
Need more help with your Common App essay? Join the JobLoving community! We’re a group of seasoned college application experts ready to help you navigate the process and write an essay that shines.