The Common Application

The Common Application is an application for a myriad of colleges. Most, not all, of them are private institutions, but with the addition of more and more schools, who knows what that will mean for the future. However, the Common Applications has many layers.

Click here for the application: https://www.commonapp.org/CommonApp/default.aspx

There are MANY forms as well for you to fill out and your counselor to fill out. Your counselor fills out the School Report, Mid-Year Report, and for some, End of the Year Report. There are two (2) Teacher Evaluations and they are two (2) pages each. Make sure you are COMPLETE with where you are applying, deadlines, etc. as much of this work is filled out on Naviance...accuracy matters!

And, of course, there are supplemental pages for some Common Application schools. These might be additional essays, questions, forms, and more. It is your responsibility to make sure any supplemental pages are completed as well for your application to be complete.

When you're filling out the Common Application, make sure to DOUBLE CHECK that your preferred school doesn't have an additional Supplement to fill out as well.

2021-2022 Common Application Essay Prompts

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. [No change]

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? [Revised]

3. Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome? [Revised]

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, no matter the scale. Explain its significance to you and what steps you took or could be taken to identify a solution. [No change]

5. Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others. [Revised]

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? [New]

7. 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. [New]