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.
Does it matter what Common App prompt you choose?
With this information, picking a Common App prompt is
a matter of identifying which prompt you want to write about the most
. Many students will try to find the easiest prompt or force their writing to fit a prompt. Unfortunately, this usually makes for confusing or uninteresting reading.
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.
What should my Common App essay be about?
Your essay should
illustrate something about you beyond what's in the rest of your application
. Try to write about a topic you haven't talked about elsewhere, or take a different angle on it. A college essay is not a resume—it's the best opportunity to show off your unique personality to admissions committees.
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 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.
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 essays, short blog posts, and news articles.
How do I make my common app stand out?
- The Common Application Essay. The essay is the most logical place for you to tell the admissions committee something they do not know about you that was not communicated in the general information. …
- The Additional Information Section. …
- Community Service Activities.
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.
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 long is a 500 word essay?
Answer: 500 words is
1 page single-spaced or 2 pages double-spaced
. Documents that typically contain 500 words are high school and college essays, short blog posts, and news articles.
Can my common app essay be more than 650 words?
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.
What should you not do in a college essay?
- Never rehash your academic and extracurricular accomplishments.
- Never write about a “topic”
- Never start with a preamble.
- Never end with a “happily ever after” conclusion.
- Never pontificate.
- Never retreat into your thoughts.
- Never hold back.
- Never give TMI.
How do you answer the first Common App prompt?
First, here is prompt #1: ‘Some students have a
background, identity, interest, or talent so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it
. If this sounds like you, please share your story. ‘
Do you have to write all the Common App essays?
You must submit the Common App essay to all schools that require it
, but you don't have to write a separate statement for each Common App college (though some schools may ask you to submit supplemental essays — more on this later).
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.
