Hey there, future college superstars! 🎓✨ Ready to tackle the beast that is college applications? Picture this: You’re sitting at your desk, surrounded by a mountain of application forms, and suddenly you realize – it’s time to write that essay. You know, the one where you have to somehow cram your entire awesome personality into 650 words or less. No pressure, right? 😅 But here’s the thing – this isn’t just another boring essay. Oh no, my friends. This is your chance to shine brighter than a disco ball at prom! It’s where you get to show those admissions folks the real you, beyond all those A’s and extracurriculars. They want to hear your voice, not a robot impression of what you think they want to hear.
College Common App Essay Prompts / College Personal Statement Questions
The Common App Essay Prompts ask you to demonstrate “your ability to write clearly and concisely on a selected topic and helps you distinguish yourself in your own voice. What do you want the readers of your application to know about you apart from courses, grades, and test scores? Choose the option that best helps you answer that question and write an essay of no more than 650 words, using the prompt to inspire and structure your response. Remember: 650 words is your limit, not your goal. Use the full range if you need it, but don’t feel obligated to do so. (The application won’t accept a response shorter than 250 words.)”
Common App Essay Question 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.
Common App Essay Question 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?
Common App Essay Question 3
Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?
Common App Essay Question 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?
Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.
Common App Essay Question 5
Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time.
Common App Essay Question 6
Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?
Common App Essay Question 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 Start Writing the Personal Statement Essay
Now, I know what you’re thinking. “But how do I even start?” Well, fear not! We’ve got a treasure trove of personal statement examples from 10 different schools to inspire you. But remember – don’t just copy these essays! That’s like wearing someone else’s shoes to a marathon. Sure, they might look cool, but they won’t get you across the finish line.
Winning Personal Statement Essay Examples
Let’s take a whirlwind tour of some standout essays, shall we?
- Johns Hopkins University: Get ready to geek out! These essays showcase curiosity that would make Einstein proud. If you’ve ever stayed up all night researching obscure facts about platypuses, this is your moment. JHU loves seeing your inner science geek shine. Their examples show how to geek out about your passions while connecting them to real-world impact.
- Connecticut College: Social Justice Warriors Assemble! ✊
Social justice warriors, unite! These essays highlight students who are ready to change the world, one bake sale at a time.
- NYU: Big Apple, Big Dreams 🍎
Think global, write local. These essays scream “citizen of the world” louder than a New Yorker ordering a bagel.
- Hamilton College: Think Deep, Write Clearly 🤔✍️
Clear writing is the name of the game here. It’s like Twitter, but with better grammar and fewer memes.
- Wesleyan University: Embrace your inner Renaissance person! These essays blend art, science, and philosophy faster than you can say “interdisciplinary studies.”
- St. John’s College: Bookworms Unite! 📚
Calling all bookworms! If you’ve ever had a heated debate about Plato’s cave allegory, this is your time to shine.St. John’s is looking for deep thinkers who love to wrestle with big ideas. Their essays show how to geek out over classic texts and philosophical debates.
- University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign: Show off your master plan! These essays are all about connecting your passion to your future career.UIUC wants to see how you’ll use their resources to launch your career. Their examples showcase strategic thinking and clear goals.
- Harvard University: Leaders and Changemakers 🌟
Harvard’s essays blend academic excellence with community impact. They’re looking for future world-changers!Leadership and community service are the golden tickets here. Did you organize a flash mob for charity and raise millions? Write about it!
- Purdue University: STEM Stars ⚗️🔧
STEM enthusiasts, assemble!Purdue’s examples shine a spotlight on scientific curiosity and innovation. If you’ve got big plans for your STEM career, this is how to show it off!
- St. Mary’s University: Community Vibes 🤗These essays are all about showing off your community spirit and personal growth. Think less “I’m perfect” and more “I’m perfectly imperfect but always improving!” Think less “I single-handedly saved the world” and more “I learned to make a mean lasagna for the local shelter.”
Remember, the secret sauce to all these essays? Authenticity. They’re as unique as a snowflake in a heatwave. So, channel your inner weirdo, embrace your quirks, and let your idiosyncratic flag fly! For more advice, check out a past Opus College Prep student’s advice on writing the Common App essay here.
Need Some Help Getting Started?
🎉 Ready to ace your college application essays? Opus College Prep’s expert admissions coached and advisors are here to help you polish your essay, brainstorm killer ideas, and turn your personal statement into something that really shines. ✨ Meet with an Opus College Prep admissions expert today. Contact us.
