What Are The Common App Essay Prompts For 2020?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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According to the folks at the Common Application, in the 2018-19 admissions cycle,

Option #7 (topic of your choice)

was the most popular and was used by 24.1% of applicants. The second most popular was Option #5 (discuss an accomplishment) with 23.7% of applicants. In third place was Option #2 on a setback or failure.

How many Common App essays are required 2021?

2021-22 college applicants, like those who came before them, will have

seven

(that's right, seven) prompts to choose from. This wide range of questions, meant to inspire candidates in their search for compelling personal stories, is ideal for exploring essay topics of all tones, styles, and subjects.

What is the most popular Common App essay prompt?

According to the folks at the Common Application, in the 2018-19 admissions cycle,

Option #7 (topic of your choice)

was the most popular and was used by 24.1% of applicants. The second most popular was Option #5 (discuss an accomplishment) with 23.7% of applicants. In third place was Option #2 on a setback or failure.

How long is the Common App essay 2020 2021?

Strategy for Writing the 2021-2022 Common App . Because the Common App essay is

650 words long

and has few formal directions, organizing a response might seem daunting. Fortunately, at CollegeVine, we've developed a straightforward approach to formulating strong, unique responses.

How many Common App essays are required 2020?

Students applying to colleges that use the Common Application will typically need to respond to one of

seven essay prompts

. For the 2020-21 application cycle, the length limit for the essay is 650 words. That limit includes the essay title, notes, and any other text that you include in the essay text box.

How many Common App essays are required 2022?

The Common Application is a website that allows over 2 million students to apply to over 900 colleges each year, using one platform. It requires

one general Common App essay

that is then sent to any colleges using the app.

Should I choose a Common App prompt?

Choosing your Common App prompt

The most important thing to note about the Common App prompts is that they

aim to get a sense of who you are

. Colleges and universities want to get a better idea of your identity, what motivates you, and how you will fit into their community.

Is it better to apply through common app or directly?

A:

The Common App adds efficiency

, but use it wisely.

Obviously, this is more efficient. Colleges that utilize The Common Application and still have their own institutional application do not put students at a disadvantage.

How long is a 650 word essay?

Answer: 650 words is

1.3 pages single-spaced or 2.6 pages double-spaced

. Documents that typically contain 650 words are high school and , short blog posts, and news articles.

How many college essays do you have to write?

Most schools require

1-3 supplemental essays

, though some may require more or none at all (see our list of top colleges without supplements). These supplemental essays tend to be around 250 words, though some may be just as long as your main essay.

What should you not talk about in a college essay?

  • Résumé of your life and achievements. …
  • Sports injury, challenge, or success. …
  • Immigrant story. …
  • Tragedy – death, divorce, abuse. …
  • Working hard in a challenging class. …
  • Someone you admire (a person you know or historical figure) …
  • Volunteer trip.

How long should a college essay be 2021?

The word count on the essays is

250-650 words

. The application will not accept an essay that is over or under this number. While you don't have to get to 650, aim to be closer to 650 words than 250. Students who are working with International College Counselors will work directly with their counselors on the essay.

What are the best college essay topics?

  • Prompt #1: Share your story.
  • Prompt #2: Learning from obstacles.
  • Prompt #3: Challenging a belief.
  • Prompt #4: Solving a problem.
  • Prompt #5: Personal growth.
  • Prompt #6: What captivates you?
  • Prompt #7: Topic of your choice.
  • Describe a person you admire.

Do Common App essays need titles?

Do I need a title for the Common App essay?

A title is not required for the Common App essay

, but you are, of course, more than welcome to include one if you'd like.

What is the maximum word count for the Common App essay?


There are no strict word limits

. We suggest that for the first essay (where you choose one of the seven prompts), the extended essay stay around 650 words. While we won't as a rule stop reading after 650 words, we cannot promise that an overly wordy essay will hold our attention for as long as you'd hoped it would.

How do you begin an essay?

  1. Keep it short and focused.
  2. Introduce the topic.
  3. Grab the reader's attention.
  4. Give some context.
  5. Introduce your main points.
  6. What to avoid.
  7. Remember.
  8. Quiz. Find out how much you know about writing an essay introduction in this short quiz!
Amira Khan
Author
Amira Khan
Amira Khan is a philosopher and scholar of religion with a Ph.D. in philosophy and theology. Amira's expertise includes the history of philosophy and religion, ethics, and the philosophy of science. She is passionate about helping readers navigate complex philosophical and religious concepts in a clear and accessible way.