Common App Essay: Showcase Your Unique Narrative In The Personal Statement

The Common App Essay is the best place to show colleges who you are and the way you think. Work with the best advisors to ensure you ace it!

The Common App Essay image
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What Is The Common App Essay?

The Common App essay is a crucial part of your college application. In just 650 words, you have the chance to reveal who you are beyond your grades and activities. This is your opportunity to showcase your passions, dreams, and unique experiences.

This essay isn’t just another requirement; it’s your moment to shine. Whether you love global soccer, classical Indian music, or have a unique hobby, use this space to share your story. Don’t miss your chance to make a lasting impression. Seize it with a Common App essay that’s uniquely you.

Application components for the top 250 universities

15%

Standardized Test Scores

20%

Grades & Coursework

30%

Extracurricular Activities

20%

Application Essays

15%

Interviews & Recomm.

What Are The Essay Prompts? You only get to choose one.

The “Background” Essay

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.

The “Challenge” Essay

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?

The “Belief” Essay

Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?

The “Gratitude” Essay

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?

The “Acomplishment” Essay

Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.

The “Topic” Essay

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?

The “Choos-your-own-topic” Essay

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.
Download This Free Guide on how to choose your essay topic!
Download Guide

Want to see some Ivy League worthy essays?

We have a collection of essays from students who got into Harvard, UPenn and other top tier universities. Check it out. 

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What Does The Essay Writing Process Look Like?

  • June
    11th Grade

    Reviewing the prompts and planning the essay timeline | 1-2 weeks

    • Review your university list and sample essays
    • Review the prompts with your counsellor and bounce ideas
    • Create a clear schedule and timeline for deliverables

  • Jun-Jul
    11th Grade Summer

    Brainstorming and Free Writing | 3-4 weeks

    • Maintain a journal and set aside time to free-write everyday
    • Cover 3/7 prompts from broadest to narrowest
    • Review all the writing with your counsellor once/week

  • Jul - Aug
    11th Grade Summer

    Complete the first draft of your Common App Essay | 2 weeks

    • Narrow down on the topic and prompt and begin writing
    • Ignore the word count and put down all important details
    • Work with the counsellor to bring focus to your narrative

  • Aug - Sept
    12th Grade

    First Big Edit - 3 Person Review and Feedback | 2-3 weeks

    • 1st Review – English Educator for grammar, vocabulary and flow
    • 2nd Review – For uniqueness and authenticity by different counselor
    • 3rd Review – Additional review by different counselor

  • Sept
    12th Grade

    Second Edit - By the Head of College Counseling | 2 weeks

    • Review for clarity of communication and consistent voice
    • Review for any grammatical errors and vocabulary used
    • Review for uniqueness, details, and authenticity

  • Sept-Oct
    12th Grade

    Delayed Review and Submission | 3-4 weeks

    • Review once more after a slight delay
    • Make any final changes live on call with the counselor
    • Submit your essay stress-free and on time!

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Tips From Our Ivy League College Counsellors!

Choose Your Topic Wisely

You should spend roughly 50% of the time on finding the right essay prompt for you! This is the hardest bit. 

Focus on the details!

Specifics set you apart from the others. Break down a topic into the smallest units and write about each one.

Get enough feedback

You need to get at least 3 rounds of feedback from a counsellor, english educator and a friend/family.