The Common Application has officially released its 2025–2026 essay prompts, and they remain unchanged from the previous year. This means students can start working on their personal statements early, ensuring a polished, compelling essay that leaves a lasting impression on admissions officers.
2025–2026 Common App Essay Prompts
Background, Identity, Interest, or Talent
Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent so meaningful that their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, share your story.
Lessons from Obstacles
The lessons we take from obstacles can be fundamental to later success. Recount a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?
Challenging a Belief or Idea
Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?
Gratitude
Reflect on something that someone has done for you that made you happy or thankful in a surprising way. How has this gratitude affected or motivated you?
Personal Growth
Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.
Engaging Topic, Idea, or Concept
Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?
Topic of Choice
Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you've already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design.
These prompts give students a wide range of opportunities to showcase their unique experiences, personal values, and academic interests.
Updates to the “Additional Information” Section
The Common App has also made key updates to the optional "Additional Information" section:
✅ Challenges and Circumstances Prompt Expansion: This section will now allow students to discuss a broader range of personal experiences, not just community disruptions.
✅ Word Limit Reduction: The section will now have a shorter word limit, encouraging more concise and focused responses.
How to Write an Outstanding Common App Essay
If you want your essay to capture attention and make a strong impression, follow these tips:
📌 Start Early: Give yourself time to brainstorm, write, and revise your essay.
📌 Be Authentic: Admissions officers value genuine stories that reflect who you are.
📌 Show, Don’t Tell: Use vivid details and real-life examples to bring your experiences to life.
📌 Seek Professional Guidance: The best essays often go through multiple rounds of feedback and revision.
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