Common App Essay Examples
Writing an Effective Common App Essay
The Common App is an online portal for submitting university applications that is accepted by more than 900 schools, with that number growing steadily in recent years. One aspect of the Common App that generates a lot of discussion is the main essay. This serves as the applicant’s primary writing sample and is evaluated by college admissions officers eager to formulate a comprehensive view of the applicant and their abilities.
Common App Prompts Explained
The Common App essay provides six prompts the student can choose from. Or, if none of the six pre-selected topics appeal to them, their seventh option is a free topic of their choosing. The Common App prompts are:
Background, identity or talent
Overcoming challenges
Questioning a belief or idea
Appreciation for an influential person
A transformative event
A hobby or interest that encourages learning
Free topic
There are four boxes you will want to check no matter what type of Common App essay you choose to write. They are:
You should address the topic at the start of the essay in a way that grabs the reader's attention.
The writing style and tone should be appropriate to the topic.
It should demonstrate your personal authenticity.
Finally, it should demonstrate some of your positive traits, without being boastful.
An Example of Effective Common App Essay Writing
Now let’s look at how one student, writing in response to Prompt 1 (identity) addressed all four of those points in the space of just two sentences in her opening. Here are those sentences:
“Once that song came on I lost my ability to concentrate and, instead of laying out my usual floor routine, I careened out of bounds. As I picked myself up I knew that with the regionals only seven days away I would have to come to terms with what happened or consign myself to crashing out.”
1: Addressing the topic at the start of the essay
In just 56 words the writer establishes her identity (young aspiring gymnast), intimates there is some type of conflict affecting her ability to be who she is, and establishes the stakes.
2: Establishing an appropriate tone and style
The writer quickly establishes a conversational style with a tone that communicates frustration but stops short of resignation. She’s aware of the stakes yet we don’t sense she’s going to throw in the towel.
3: Establishing the writer’s authenticity
The writer establishes her authenticity by relating how a lingering personal issue is negatively affecting her performance. Something many people who have chased their dreams can relate to.
4: Demonstrating positive traits
By picking herself up and reviewing the problem in her mind she demonstrates both resolve and self-awareness. Two very positive traits.
Following our advice helps students achieve great outcomes
Arrange an Introductory Meeting
If you plan on using the Common App to apply to colleges and universities you will need to make sure you ace the Common App essay. The admissions and application mentors at Cohort can help. Get in touch to arrange an introductory meeting by writing to info@bycohort.com.
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Harvard
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Stanford
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Harvard