College Essay
Common App Personal Essay
Common App has announced that the 2023-2024 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 thinking? What was the outcome?
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?
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 any 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.
*You will have a chance to work on this essay during your junior and senior year ELA classes!*
Sample College Essays
Johns Hopkins University releases actual sample college essays each year with admissions committee commentary. Even if you are not thinking about applying to John Hopkins University, these are great samples!
U.S. News Article "College Essay Examples: How to Write Your Story: Experts say a good college essay is one that features a student's voice and personality." By Josh Moody, Reporter
Take a look at these helpful advice from admissions officers by The Writing Lab & The OWL at Purdue and Purdue University.