Back in 1975, administrators from fifteen colleges got together and decided to create one application that students could use to apply to any or all of their colleges. This was the birth of “The Common App” which, as of 2021, is accepted by more than 900 colleges and universities across the United States. More than one million students are expected to use this year’s Common App – which will go live with its latest updates on August 1st – to file about six million applications. But college-bound students can get started on the most time-consuming part of the application right now.
An integral component of The Common App is an essay of 250 to 650 words that is required by the majority of its participating colleges. Students have a choice of seven essay topics, one of which states, “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.” So, the topic options are truly limitless!
Most students, however, choose to respond to one of the six clearly defined essay questions. The first prompt asks students to share a story about their background, identity, interest, or talent that is particularly meaningful. The second asks about a time when students faced a challenge, setback, or failure and an explanation about what was learned from the experience. The third prompt has students reflecting on a time when they questioned or challenged a belief or idea. The fourth prompt, which is a new option for the 2021-22 application cycle, ask students to describe someone or something that has made them happy or thankful and to describe how this gratitude has affected them. The fifth prompt asks students to discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth. The sixth prompt instructs students to describe a topic, idea, or concept that totally captivates them.
In addition to the essay, the Common App includes a series of questions in several categories including parents’ educational history and current employment, and students’ SAT/ACT/AP test scores, senior year courses, high school activities, and intended college major.
On the “dashboard” of the Common App, students list all the colleges to which they want to apply. Most colleges have some additional questions, and some even have supplemental essays (although they are usually only looking for 100 to 250 words). Once all of the questions are answered and essays are completed, students pay the application fee for each college online and press “submit.” Then the waiting game begins!
Susan Alaimo is the founder and director of Collegebound Review that, for the past 25 years, has offered PSAT/SAT® preparation and private college advising by Ivy League educated instructors. Visit CollegeboundReview.com or call 908-369-5362
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