We are happy to announce that the Common App essay prompts will remain the same for 2025–2026 🎉
After receiving positive feedback from students, counselors, teachers, and colleges, the Common App has decided to keep the essay prompts unchanged for the 2025–2026 application cycle. We will continue analyzing trends in student choices and use those insights to guide future updates.
Updates to the “Additional Information” Section
Beginning August 1, 2025, students will see two important changes to the optional “Additional Information” section:
- “Community disruption” → “Challenges and circumstances”
- The updated question will allow students to share a broader range of experiences that may have impacted their academic journey.
- The word/character limit will remain the same (First-year: max 250 words, Transfer: max 1250 characters).
- Reduced word/character limits
- First-year app: reduced from 650 → 300 words
- Transfer app: reduced from 3500 → 1500 characters
- Students who exceed the new limit after August 1 will receive an error message, but their earlier responses will remain saved for revision.
Full List of 2025–2026 Essay Prompts
- Share a background, identity, interest, or talent that is meaningful to you.
- Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure and what you learned.
- Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea.
- Write about something someone did that made you unexpectedly thankful or happy.
- Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that led to growth and new understanding.
- Describe a topic, idea, or concept that fascinates you so much that you lose track of time.
- Share an essay on a topic of your choice.
Updated “Challenges and Circumstances” Question (Effective August 1, 2025)
The revised question gives students the opportunity to share how personal circumstances may have influenced their applications. Examples include:
- Limited access to study space or reliable internet
- Community disruptions (violence, protests, strikes, etc.)
- Discrimination
- Family disruptions (divorce, job loss, health issues, bereavement, addiction, etc.)
- Care-taking or financial responsibilities
- Housing instability or homelessness
- Military deployment
- Natural disasters
- Physical or mental health struggles
- War, conflict, or other hardships
By providing this context, colleges can better understand each student’s journey and offer resources and support where possible.
Guidance for Students
While some schools are beginning early conversations about applications, students are not expected to start writing essays immediately. Releasing prompts in advance is meant to give applicants more time for reflection and planning.
Students can take advantage of our essay writing resources (available in English and Spanish) as well as our video guide that breaks down each prompt.
For those who want to get started early, creating a Common App account before August 1 ensures that responses, including the personal essay, will carry over through account rollover.