• College essays are supposed to be personal, and therefore might require a level of vulnerability. However, only share what you are comfortable sharing. Despite what anyone may tell you, you do not have to write about trauma to get into college! 

• Re-use your essays. This is a big time saver! Just make sure that if there's any specifics (school name, scholarship name, program, etc.) change them before you reuse the essay for something else.

• Answer the entire prompt! These prompts often have multiple questions they want you to answer, so make sure you read it well and answer everything.

• Be creative and avoid cliches. The essay is a chance for you to stand out from other applications, so be sure to add your own voice. Keep in mind that college admissions advisors are reading hundreds of essays, so really dig deep and see what you can come up with. 

• Do not repeat what is already shared on other parts of your application. For example, do NOT use the essay as a chance to list all your academic and extracurricular achievements. Admissions advisors will be able to see those on your transcript and resume. This is your chance to share new information about yourself with them.

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.

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?

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

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?

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

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?

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.

Please note that there is also an optional section that gives you an opportunity to share how COVID impacted you, your family, and/or your academics. Your main essays can be COVID related, but try to keep them unique and save the pandemic impact for its section.

Check out Common App's blog for tips!

Still feeling stuck? Check out these examples of "what worked" from Johns Hopkins University. Remember these are for inspiration, not to be copied. Be original and don't plagiarize!