Are Common App Prompts the Same Every Year?
You’re about to embark on the thrilling (and sometimes terrifying) journey of college applications. You’ve got your SAT scores, your extracurricular activities, and your stellar GPA. But there’s one hurdle that’s always looming: the dreaded college essay.
And you’re probably wondering, “Are the Common App prompts the same every year? Do I have to reinvent the wheel?”
Well, buckle up, because the answer is a resounding YES and NO! It’s like a game of college application twister, where the prompts stay the same but the way you spin your story can make all the difference.
The Common App’s Prompt Repeat Offender
For the 2024-25 application cycle, the Common App threw us a curveball (or maybe a well-worn fastball) by keeping the essay prompts exactly the same as the previous year.
So, you can breathe a sigh of relief, grab your lucky pen, and get ready to revisit those familiar prompts:
- 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.
- 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?
- Prompt #3: Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your questioning or challenge? What was the outcome?
- Prompt #4: 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 to you. Explain its significance to you and what steps you took or could be taken to identify a solution.
- Prompt #5: Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a significant personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.
- Prompt #6: Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging 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?
- Prompt #7: Share an essay on a 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.
The Common App’s Prompt Twist: College-Specific Supplements
While the Common App might be playing it safe with its prompts, colleges themselves love to shake things up. They’ll often change their supplemental essays every year, throwing you a curveball of unique prompts that make you think, “Did I just sign up for a college application or a philosophy seminar?”
Don’t be intimidated! This is a good thing. It means you have the chance to dig deeper into your passions, experiences, and why you’d be a great fit for that specific school.
Making Your Essay Stand Out in a Sea of Sameness
So, even though the Common App prompts might be the same, your essay still needs to stand out from the crowd. It’s like trying to get your voice heard at a crowded concert. How do you make sure your essay resonates with the admissions committee?
Here’s the secret sauce: Think outside the box.
- Don’t just tell a story, show them how it transformed you.
- Don’t just state your accomplishments, explain the impact they had on you and others.
- Don’t just regurgitate your resume, let your personality shine through.
The “Make Your Own” Prompt: Your Creative Playground
And speaking of personality, the Common App gives you a wild card—Prompt #7, the “make your own” prompt. This is your chance to be bold, creative, and completely YOU. Want to write a haiku about your love of physics? Go for it! Want to write a letter to your favorite fictional character? Do it! But remember, even with this prompt, your essay still needs to be thoughtful and engaging. Don’t just throw a random topic out there and hope for the best.
The Bottom Line: Embrace the Opportunity
So, embrace the repetitive nature of the Common App prompts. It’s an opportunity to show off your writing skills and to get creative with your personal story. And remember, even though the prompts might be the same, your essay is a chance to shine, to reveal your unique voice, and to tell the world who you are.
Don’t let the commonality of the prompts make you feel like your story is ordinary. It’s not. It’s yours, and it’s extraordinary.
Need more help? Connect with the JobLoving community for more advice, resources, and support as you navigate the world of college applications.