The Prompt Doesn't Matter as Much as You Think
Here's what elite consultants know: the prompts are intentionally broad. Any good essay can fit multiple prompts. Write your best essay first, then find the prompt that fits. Don't force your story into a prompt— let your authentic voice guide you.
All 7 Common App Prompts Decoded
Click each prompt to see insider tips
Background, Identity, Interest, or Talent
"Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it."
Focus on ONE specific aspect. The word 'meaningful' is key—show how it shaped you.
Setback or Failure
"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."
The failure itself matters less than your response. Use Narrative Structure: Challenge (33%), Response (33%), Growth (33%).
Challenging a Belief
"Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking?"
Intellectual humility wins here. Show you can hold complexity and change your mind.
Gratitude
"Reflect on something that someone has done for you that has made you happy or thankful in a surprising way."
The surprise element is crucial. Avoid obvious gratitude—find unexpected moments.
Personal Growth
"Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others."
The realization matters more than the accomplishment. Small moments often work best.
Topic of Your Choice
"Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose track of time."
Show genuine passion through specific details. What would you stay up until 3 AM doing?
Any Topic
"Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you've already written."
Use this for essays that don't fit other prompts—but still apply all our frameworks.
The Essay Writing Timeline
When to start and what to do each month
Begin brainstorming. Complete Values Exercise and 'I Remember' lists (50+ memories).
Write 3-5 rough drafts (different topics). This is your most productive month—no school.
Complete 2nd/3rd drafts. Apply the 'beheading' technique—cut first paragraphs that don't hook.
Finalize personal statement by mid-month. Get feedback from 3-4 trusted readers.
Complete final revisions. Submit EA/ED by October 25th (buffer before Nov 1).
Truth Bomb: Students who start essays in October write worse essays than students who start in July— not because they're less talented, but because quality requires iteration. Give yourself time for 4+ revisions.
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