Common App Prompts: The Ultimate Guide 🎓

Are you feeling overwhelmed by the Common App prompt Do you want to know how to stand out from the crowd and impress the admissions officers? Look no further, because this article is your ultimate guide to the Common App prompts. 

In this article, we will cover everything you need to know about the Common App prompts, from what they are to how to answer them effectively. We will also include FAQs, examples, quizzes, and MCQs to test your knowledge and boost your confidence. So, let's get started! 

What Are Common App Prompts? 

The Common App prompts are a series of essay questions that are used by more than 800 colleges and universities in the United States and other countries as part of their application process. The prompts are designed to give applicants the opportunity to showcase their personality, character, and writing skills. The Common App prompts for the 2021-2022 application cycle are:

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, 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. 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.


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.

How to Answer Common App Prompts Effectively? 

Now that you know what the Common App prompts are, the next question is how to answer them effectively. Here are some tips to help you:

1. Start with a hook: You want to catch the reader's attention from the very beginning. You can start with a quote, a question, a surprising fact, or a personal anecdote.


2. Be specific: Don't be vague or general. Use concrete examples, details, and vivid descriptions to make your essay come alive.


3. Show, don't tell: Instead of telling the reader how you feel or what you think, show them through actions, dialogue, and sensory details.


4. Be authentic: Don't try to be someone you're not or pretend to have experiences you haven't had. Be true to yourself and your own voice.


5. Edit and revise: Don't submit your first draft. Take the time to edit and revise your essay until it's the best it can be.

Examples of Common App Prompts 📝

To help you understand how to answer the Common App prompts effectively, here are some examples of successful essays:

1. "The Power of Vulnerability" by Brené Brown: In this essay, Brown shares her personal story of how she overcame shame and embraced vulnerability. She uses vivid descriptions, personal anecdotes, and humor to engage the reader and make her message resonate.


2. "The Ride of My Life" by Jordan Romero: In this essay, Romero shares his experience of climbing Mount Everest at the age of 13. He uses sensory details, dialogue, and suspense to make the reader feel like they're right there with him.


3. "Breaking Barriers" by Jackie Robinson: In this essay, Robinson reflects on his experience of breaking the color barrier in baseball and the obstacles he had to overcome. He uses his own voice, emotion, and conviction to inspire the reader.

Common App Prompts FAQ 

Q: Can I submit more than one essay for the Common App prompts? A: No, you can only submit one essay for the Common App prompts. However, some colleges and universities may require additional essays or supplements.

Q: Should I choose the prompt that I think the admissions officers want to hear or the one that I'm most passionate about? A: You should choose the prompt that you're most passionate about and that showcases your personality and character. Don't try to second-guess what the admissions officers want to hear.

Q: How long should my Common App essay be? A: The Common App essay should be between 250 and 650 words. However, some colleges and universities may have their own word limits or requirements.

Common App Prompts Quiz 

1. How many Common App prompts are there for the 2021-2022 application cycle? 


2. A) 5


3.  B) 6


4.  C) 7 


5. D) 8

Answer: C) 7

2. What is the word limit for the Common App essay? A) 100-250 words 


3. B) 250-500 words 


4. C) 500-750 words 


5. D) 750-1000 words

Answer: B) 250-500 words

3. Should you choose the prompt that you think the admissions officers want to hear or the one that you're most passionate about? 


4. A) The one that showcases your personality and character 


5. B) The one that the admissions officers want to hear C


6. ) The one that is the easiest to write about 


7. D) The one that your friends recommend

Answer: A) The one that showcases your personality and character

Congratulations, you've completed the Common App Prompts Quiz! 

Conclusion 🎉

In conclusion, the Common App prompts are your opportunity to showcase your personality, character, and writing skills to the admissions officers. By following our tips and examples, you can answer the prompts effectively and stand out from the crowd. Don't forget to edit and revise your essay, and be true to yourself and your own voice.

Now it's your turn to take action and start working on your Common App essay. Remember, the deadline is approaching, so don't procrastinate! We believe in you and can't wait to read your amazing essay. Good luck! 🍀