The Common App essay is your chance to make a personal and lasting impression on college admissions officers. A well-crafted essay can bring your application to life and set you apart from other applicants. In this guide, we’ll provide examples of strong essays and offer tips to help you craft your best Common App essay for the 2024-2025 admissions cycle.
What Makes a Strong Common App Essay?
A strong Common App essay is:
- Authentic: It reflects your true voice, experiences, and perspective.
- Focused: It hones in on a specific moment, theme, or story.
- Reflective: It demonstrates how the experience shaped your growth, values, or aspirations.
- Well-Written: It’s clear, engaging, and free of grammatical errors.
For inspiration and additional guidance, visit commonapps.
Example 1: Overcoming a Challenge
Prompt: 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. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?
Essay Excerpt:
“During my sophomore year, I tore my ACL while playing basketball. The injury shattered my dreams of making the varsity team, but it also taught me resilience. Through months of grueling physical therapy, I learned the value of patience and perseverance. By the time I returned to the court, I was not only stronger physically but also mentally prepared to face any obstacle. This experience shaped my approach to challenges—I now see setbacks as opportunities for growth.”
Why It Works:
- Focuses on a specific event.
- Highlights personal growth and a positive outlook.
- Demonstrates resilience and determination.
Example 2: Exploring a Passion
Prompt: Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent so meaningful that they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.
Essay Excerpt:
“Ever since I was six, I’ve been fascinated by the stars. I spent countless nights with my telescope, marveling at the constellations and dreaming of exploring the universe. In high school, I founded the astronomy club to share this passion with others. Organizing star-gazing events and discussing the mysteries of black holes with my peers deepened my love for astrophysics. This passion has inspired me to pursue a degree in physics and contribute to our understanding of the cosmos.”
Why It Works:
- Highlights a genuine and specific passion.
- Shows initiative and leadership through the astronomy club.
- Connects past experiences to future aspirations.
Example 3: A Moment of Personal Growth
Prompt: Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?
Essay Excerpt:
“In my junior year, I attended a debate on climate change at a local community center. Although I initially believed I knew all the answers, hearing opposing perspectives challenged my views. I realized the importance of listening and understanding different sides of an argument. This experience not only broadened my perspective but also inspired me to advocate for sustainable practices in my community, bridging gaps between differing opinions.”
Why It Works:
- Focuses on a pivotal moment that changed the writer’s perspective.
- Shows intellectual curiosity and open-mindedness.
- Demonstrates a commitment to making a difference.
Tips for Crafting Your Best Common App Essay
- Start Early: Give yourself plenty of time to brainstorm, write, and revise.
- Be Specific: Focus on a single story or theme rather than trying to cover too much.
- Show, Don’t Tell: Use vivid details and anecdotes to make your story come alive.
- Reflect: Explain why your story matters and how it has shaped you.
- Get Feedback: Share your essay with a trusted teacher, counselor, or mentor for constructive feedback.
- Proofread: Ensure your essay is free of grammatical and spelling errors.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Clichéd Topics: Avoid overused themes like winning a big game or generic volunteering experiences unless you can provide a unique angle.
- Trying to Impress: Focus on being authentic rather than using overly complex language or trying to sound perfect.
- Ignoring the Prompt: Make sure your essay directly addresses the chosen prompt.
- Submitting Without Review: Always proofread and get feedback before submitting.
Final Thoughts
Your Common App essay is an opportunity to share your unique story and connect with admissions officers on a personal level. By studying examples, following best practices, and avoiding common pitfalls, you can craft an essay that leaves a lasting impression.
For more examples and expert advice, visit commonapps. Start writing today and showcase the best version of yourself!