The Common Application Essay Prompts have officially been released, marking the start of the application process! Here are the 7 prompts available this year, ensuring you’ll find one that resonates with you.
2025 Common Application Essay Prompts
Prompt 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.
This prompt is perfect if you have a strong personal identity or a unique talent that defines you. It’s an excellent opportunity to share something deeply personal or a hidden talent that might not be apparent in the rest of your application. However, avoid redundancy by not writing about activities already heavily featured in your application.
Prompt 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?
While this prompt is great for showcasing resilience and growth, be careful to keep the focus on the positive aspects of your journey. Spend more time discussing your growth and less on the obstacle itself to avoid a negative tone.
Prompt 3: Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?
Ideal for those passionate about social issues, this prompt allows you to discuss a significant moment of intellectual or moral growth. Be cautious about addressing sensitive topics as you don’t know who will be reading your application.
Prompt 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?
This prompt is excellent for writing a positive, uplifting essay. Keep the focus on yourself and how the act of kindness impacted you, rather than spending too much time on the other person.
Prompt 5: Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.
One of my favorite prompts, this is perfect for highlighting personal growth and maturity. It’s a great way to balance out any less-than-perfect parts of your application by showing how you’ve developed over time.
Prompt 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?
If you have a deep passion for a specific subject, this prompt lets you showcase your intellectual curiosity and love for learning. It’s a great way to demonstrate your readiness for college-level work.
Prompt 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.
This is the catchall prompt that offers the most creative freedom. It’s perfect for unique, fun, and engaging essays that highlight your personality in a distinctive way.
My Top Pick
Now, for my favorite prompt! I love the creative and open-ended nature of the last prompt (Prompt 7). It allows you to truly express who you are without the constraints of a specific question. If you have a unique story or a creative approach, this is the prompt for you. I also really like Prompt 5 for personal growth and Prompt 6 for academic interests.
Final Tips
Regardless of the prompt you choose, focus on what you want to convey to the admissions committee about who you are. Think about your content first, then fit it into the prompt. Your essay should be engaging, positive, and reflective of your true self.
If you need help with your college application essay, check out our services. I’m also offering to read and provide feedback on essays for free. Email me your essay, and I’ll give you my thoughts.
I’m excited to announce that I will be co-hosting a webinar with Julia Ross, the Associate Director of Admissions at Quinnipiac University, on July 31st, 2024, at 7 PM. We’ll be sharing expert tips on how to craft the perfect college essay. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to receive invaluable advice! Register here to join us.