Can You Write a Common App Essay About Anything BUT Yourself? 🤔
Okay, so you’re staring at the Common App essay prompts, feeling like a deer caught in headlights. You’ve got a million stories, but none of them seem to fit the “tell us about yourself” vibe. You’re thinking, “Can I just write about, like, the history of the internet or how to make the perfect cup of coffee?”
Hold your horses, aspiring college student. While the Common App is a place for you to showcase your personality and passions, it’s not a space for random musings. The essay is your chance to connect your experiences and perspectives to the university you’re applying to.
Let’s break down why you can’t write about anything and everything you fancy, and how to use your unique angle to make a winning essay.
It’s Not About *What* You Write, It’s About *How* You Write It
Imagine this: You’re a college admissions officer drowning in a sea of essays. You’ve read about a thousand “overcoming adversity” tales, “passionate volunteer experiences”, and “life-changing trips.” You’re starting to see double, and your brain feels like it’s turning to mush.
You pick up your next essay, and it’s about the history of the internet… or the perfect cup of coffee. You might be thinking, “Huh, interesting,” but you’re probably also wondering, “What does this tell me about this applicant?”
The truth is, your essay needs to be a reflection of you. It’s not just about the topic, it’s about how you weave your personality, experiences, and aspirations into the story.
Think of it like a puzzle. You have the pieces – your unique experiences, perspectives, and ambitions – and the essay prompt is the frame. You need to fit the pieces together in a way that creates a compelling picture.
The Common App Essay Prompts: Your Gateway to Storytelling
The Common App essay prompts are designed to be broad enough to accommodate a range of stories. They’re your springboard for revealing who you are and what you’re passionate about.
Take a look at the 2023-2024 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. 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 questioning or challenge? What was the outcome?
- Describe a place or environment where you are perfectly content. What do you do or experience there, and why is it meaningful to 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 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.
These prompts are your starting points. They encourage you to think about your passions, challenges, and growth. Your goal is to craft a story that showcases your unique voice and connects it to the values of the university you’re applying to.
How to Turn Your Unique Angle Into a Compelling Essay
Let’s say you’re passionate about astrophysics. You could write about your fascination with the universe and how it’s shaped your worldview. But instead of just listing facts about black holes and galaxies, connect your passion to your personal experiences. Maybe you volunteered at a planetarium, leading stargazing sessions for kids. Or maybe you built your own telescope and spent countless hours gazing at the night sky, wondering about the vastness of space.
Here’s how to make your unique angle shine:
- Brainstorm: Start by listing all your interests, passions, and experiences. Don’t censor yourself – write down everything that comes to mind. This is your raw material!
- Connect the Dots: Connect your experiences to the Common App essay prompts. For example, if you’re passionate about photography and you’ve used your skills to document your volunteer work at a local animal shelter, you could write about how your passion for photography allowed you to connect with the community and make a difference.
- Show, Don’t Tell: Use vivid language and specific details to bring your story to life. Instead of saying, “I’m passionate about helping others,” show your passion through the specific actions you’ve taken. For example, describe how you organized a fundraiser for a local charity or how you mentored a younger student.
- Reflect: Don’t just recount your experiences, think about what you learned from them. How have these experiences shaped your values, goals, and aspirations? How will they contribute to the campus community?
- Be Authentic: Don’t try to be someone you’re not. Be genuine and showcase your true personality. The admissions officers want to get to know you, so let your authentic self shine through.
The Common App Essay: Your Chance to Tell a Story
Remember: The Common App essay is about showcasing your personality, experiences, and aspirations. It’s your chance to tell a story that’s uniquely yours.
Don’t be afraid to be creative and think outside the box. Connect your experiences to the prompts, and most importantly, be yourself! The admissions officers want to see your passion, your growth, and your potential.
If you’re still struggling to find the right topic, consider exploring the Common App’s website. They have a wealth of resources, including examples of successful essays and tips for crafting a compelling story.
And if you need further help, answer, or research resources about writing the Common App essay, you can connect with the JobLoving community. We’re here to help you navigate this exciting (and sometimes daunting) part of the college application process.