Write the Common Application

This is part 4 of our “The Complete Guide to the Common App Personal Statement Essay” series. In this article, our Director of Coach Training and long-time Prompt Writing Coach will explain the differences between each of the Common App essay prompts and provide example topics for each.

Brainstorming Your Common App Personal Statement Essay using The 3 T’s

This is part 3 of our “The Complete Guide to the Common App Personal Statement Essay” series. Our Director of Coach Training and long-time Prompt Writing Coach will fill you in on what college admissions readers look for and how to use those five traits to inform your Common App essay brainstorming.

Breaking Down Myths About the Common App Essay

This is part 2 of our series “The Complete Guide to the Common App Personal Statement Essay” where we walk first-year undergraduate students through writing the Common App essay from start to finish. That's right — from the very beginning. If you missed our first installment, “Is the Common App Essay Really That Important?”, check it out here. Our Director of Coach Training and long-time Prompt Writing Coach breaks down common myths and mistakes students make when writing their Common App personal statement essay. Let’s dig in so that you can tackle your personal statement with confidence!

Is the Common App Essay Really That Important?

This is part 1 of our series “The Complete Guide to the Common App Personal Statement Essay” where we walk first-year undergraduate students through writing the Common App essay from start to finish. That's right — from the very beginning. We'll start with tackling a common question we get from parents and students alike: "Is the Common App essay really that important?"

Top 5 Most Used Common App Essay Topics — And How to Make Yours Stand Out

Many students have the same self-defeating worry: “My life is normal, and there is no way I can stand out on college applications." Don't worry! Here are the 5 most common narratives we see on Common App essays, and how to make yours stand out to get you in.

Common App Essay Examples

College essay examples that show you how to write a great Common App essay, with detailed analyses of what works and why.

Decoding the Prompt

Before beginning to outline your essay in response to a prompt, you must figure out what the prompt is really asking. Follow these tips to writing success.

The Complete Guide to the Common App Personal Statement | 2023-2024

How to write a Common App personal statement that impresses college admissions officers. How to choose the prompt, and write a strong essay quickly.

Selecting Your Common App Essay Prompt 2022-2023

Pick the right essay prompt and it's a blessing. Pick the wrong one and you will fail to differentiate yourself from everyone else.

Making the Most of the Activities Section

The activities section of the Common Application is a vital opportunity to showcase your achievements and commitments outside of class.

Your Complete Guide to Writing the Common App Personal Statement

How to write a strong Common App personal statement, Covid-19 response, Activities List, and get good recommendations. What colleges want. Mistakes to avoid.

Getting the Most Out of the Common App’s Additional Info Section

What to include in the Common App Additional Information section, with tips and examples of what works and why.

How to Write the Common App Activities Section (with examples!)

Learn how to make the most of those 150 character descriptions in your Common App activities section to show admissions readers you belong on their campus.

Short and Sweet: Listing your Awards on the Common App

The awards section is an opportunity to demonstrate that you have achieved recognition for your academic work. Follow these steps to ensure success.

The Best Common App Essay Prompt | 2022-2023

Picking the right common app essay prompt is a blessing. Pick the wrong one and you will fail to differentiate yourself from everyone else.

How and when to write the COVID-19 Question | Common App, 2022