What Are The Common App Essay Prompts For 2021?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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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.

Which Common App prompt is the most popular?

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) essay 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.

Will Common App prompts change for 2021 application?

The Common App essay

prompts will remain the same for 2021-2022

with one exception. We will retire the seldom used option about solving a problem and replace it with the following: Reflect on something that someone has done for you that has made you happy or thankful in a surprising way.

What are good Common App 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.

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 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.

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 college , short blog posts, and news articles.

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.

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.

Is the Common App open for 2021 2022?

Common App Launches More Inclusive Application for 2021-2022 School Year. Arlington, VA – Common App, the non-profit membership organization that serves over 1 million aspiring college students every year, will launch its 2021-2022 application on

Sunday, August 1

.

How many prompts do you answer for Common App?

You can find the Common App essay prompts and instructions by navigating to the “Common App” tab on your Common App account and clicking on “Writing.” You'll get to choose one of

seven prompts

to respond to, and your essay must be between 250 and 650 words long.

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!

Do colleges give you an essay topic?

Since many colleges allow students to choose from a few different prompts, addressing

the topic of your choice

is an easy way to tell your story within the constraints of an essay. When writing, consider the admissions officer who will read your essay.

What is prompt essay?

An essay prompt is

a statement that presents a specific topic or issue, followed by a set of questions which require an essay response

. Essay prompts are frequently used in English composition courses and college entrance exams to test writing, analytical, and reasoning skills.

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.