Why The Best Common App Essays Work
The Best Common App Essays - What makes them work?
The Common App provides a simple, easily accessible way for countless people to apply to the college or university of their choice. Applications submitted through the Common App are currently accepted by more than 900 schools, with more signing on every year.
The Common App requires the applicant to produce an essay to be submitted with the rest of their materials, a prospect that some find a bit daunting. In order to demystify the Common App essay we’re going to look at those things the best ones have in common.
The Common App Essay Prompts
In order to simplify things for applicants Common provides 6 subject prompts students can compose their essay around. That said, if the applicant is not enamored of any of these prompts they have the option of choosing their own topic. The Common App prompts are:
Background, identity, talents, interests
How you’ve learned from overcoming obstacles
Reflections on a time you questioned an idea or belief, and the result
How the generosity of someone else has influenced you
Describe a period of personal growth and what prompted it
Ideas or concepts that compel you to contemplate them
Free topic
Elements the Best Common App Essays Have in Common
The best Common App essays tend to exhibit the following characteristics:
They introduce the topic in a compelling way: No matter how seemingly mundane the subject the writer should introduce it in a way that piques the reader’s interest and makes them want to know more.
They are written in a voice appropriate to the material: If the topic is the applicant's love of animated content the voice is informal, even colloquial. On the other hand, if the writer is describing their interest in criminal law and its evolution a more formal voice is used.
They demonstrate the personal authenticity of the writer’s viewpoint: The best Common App essays are infused with just enough of the author’s personal experience to lend credence to their observations and conclusions.
They are free of boastful declarations: An essay that amounts to “12 Reasons Why I’m So Great” will wind up in the reject pile pretty quickly. The best Common App essays mention the author’s personal strengths in a way that lends authority to their voice, but does not devolve into pointless boasting.
Following our advice helps students achieve great outcomes
Contact Cohort
The admissions experts at Cohort can help you compose a Common App essay that will enhance your prospects of gaining admission to your preferred school. To learn more write to - info@bycohort.com.
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