How to Write the Common App Essay
The best way to figure out how to write the Common App essay is to start by thinking about your interests. The essay does not need to be an exhaustive research project. Your interest in the topic should shine through, so try to tap into something you are passionate about. If you have no interest in writing, you may want to select a different topic. Listed below are a few ideas to get you started. Here are some tips to help you make your essay stand out.
Your personal statement
The 650-word Common Application Essay is synonymous with the personal statement. It is a significant opportunity for applicants to share qualitative aspects of themselves. Many schools require this essay, which you should treat as an opportunity to showcase your unique perspective. Listed below are some tips for composing a compelling personal statement:
Using a word processor to compose your personal statement is an ideal way to write a Common Application essay. After writing your personal statement, paste it into the Common App essay box. Most colleges require the essay, and an excellent one can win admission to their school of choice. You can find a sample essay prompt by visiting the Common App website and clicking on “Writing.”
Your supplemental essays
Applicants can use supplemental essays to provide specific details about their lives and talents. A supplemental essay can highlight the applicant’s involvement in theater or extracurricular activities. The essay should also demonstrate how these interests and talents are relevant to the chosen college. Students should aim to write a narrative, rather than merely repeating the same information from the Common Application essay. The following tips will help you write an effective supplemental essay for the Common App.
Research the college. If you are applying to a big university, you may be asked to write about the community you would create if you were a student there. For smaller colleges, try to think about how you would enrich diversity or join existing communities. For religious colleges, think about the ways in which you can enrich their spirituality. In short, the supplemental essay is an opportunity to showcase your creativity and originality.
Your interests
The Common App prompt “How do you learn?” gives you ample opportunity to showcase your personal interests. This is a great time to highlight your love of knowledge and your passion for learning. While the prompt is open-ended, you shouldn’t simply recycle the same topics you’ve covered in previous essays. Instead, try to connect your interests to one of the Core Four questions. By following these steps, you can make your Common App essay stand out from the rest.
While interests are closely related to activities, they are not always organized. Writing about your passions and activities will highlight these more cohesively. If you’re an avid reader, you’ll want to write about the specific aspects of your reading life, such as your favorite books or your personal growth from reading. Your passions and activities can be a perfect way to capture attention on your Common App essay. In addition, you’ll have more time to spend revising.
Your passions
For college admissions officers to see your true passion and dedication to your dream school, your essay must be memorable. This prompt will allow you to express your curiosity and drive to learn more about your chosen field. You may also be interested in learning about other students’ lives and how they handle their passions. Here are some ideas on how to write a great essay on a topic that is close to your heart.
Students who have an interest in environmental justice may have participated in Model Congress, created a recycling program in their community, or worked with a local politician to initiate an initiative to improve local waste management. Students who have taken on environmental justice issues can discuss their public advocacy and the lessons they learned from past failed efforts, or fantasize about solving the waste management problems of our time. By demonstrating your passion for your chosen subject, college admissions officers will see how your interests and experiences will help them decide whether you are a good fit for their school.
Your aspirations
The Common App essay is one of the most important components of an application. It allows you to speak directly to admissions committees and humanize yourself. While grades and standardized test scores may prove academic prowess, they don’t show you as a person. By adding personal context to your application, you can make it more appealing to colleges. Listed below are some tips for writing an effective Common App essay.
Write about your passions. The Common App essay prompts ask you to describe something that you love to do. This could be anything, from playing a musical instrument to fixing things around the house. The possibilities are endless! In general, though, it’s better to focus on your passions than your interests. The Common App essay prompt is 650 words long, and you can tackle a large or small topic.