How to Write a Strong Common App Essay

Over 700 American Colleges and Universities utilize the Common Application system to streamline the application process. Among the many elements of the application itself, you will have to choose ONE of seven Personal Statement prompts to respond to, and you’ll have 250-650 words for your narrative. When you’re staring at the seven Common App essay prompts, the choices can seem overwhelming, and the stakes are high.   Depending on the prompt that you select, you’ll need to write something that is informative and emotionally compelling, but not a clichà ©. You need to be unique and demonstrate character, while also proving you’ll add insight and experiences to the incoming freshman class. You need to talk about your leadership and accomplishments, but stay humble.   You need to be yourself while also keeping your voice professional.   It’s a lot to convey your authentic self in 650 words or less, but Veritas Prep has you covered with our Personal Statement Guide. Our College Admissions Consultants all have formal admissions decision-making experience, and they have reviewed each of the seven Personal Statement prompts to provide guidance on how to respond to each of the options.   Best of luck! 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.  Read  advice 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?  Read  advice Prompt #3:  Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?  Read  advice Prompt #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.  Read  advice Prompt #5: Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.  Read  advice 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?  Read  advice 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. Read advice Admissions deadlines are approaching! Do you need more help navigating  the college admissions process?  Fill out our  FREE Profile Evaluation  for personalized feedback on your unique background!  And as always, be sure to follow us on  Facebook,  YouTube,  Google+, and  Twitter!