I’m so excited about this development that I’m going to dive right into the news. Do you need a reminder about the Common Application (or Common App)? Check out my two-part series on the Common Application. Check in here again afterwards so you can hear the news about the CommonApp prompts for essays!
Common App Introduces New Prompt for Fall 2021
Breaking news: The Common App prompts for the 2021-2022 application cycle college essays have been announced! And, for the first time in years, the Common Application essay options include a new prompt. I couldn’t be more thrilled that the prompt is tied to such important values and directly invokes a character conversation about 2 essential aspects of life: gratitude and kindness.
“Reflect on something that someone has done for you that has made you happy or thankful in a surprising way. How has this gratitude affected or motivated you?”
I’ve been a big advocate for the importance of character and values throughout the college planning process. This news, coming in the midst of such a difficult year in so many years, shows that many within college admissions agree that character counts.
The Full List of CommonApp Prompts for Your College Essay
Here’s the complete list of Common App prompts for 2021-2022:
- Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.
- 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?
- Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?
- Reflect on something that someone has done for you that has made you happy or thankful in a surprising way. How has this gratitude affected or motivated you?
- Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.
- 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?
- 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.
(PS: Were you hoping to write a college essay for Common App in response to the old prompt about a problem that you’ve overcome? That prompt was dropped to make room for this new prompt. Don’t worry, there’s still the “choose your own adventure” option. You can literally write about anything you feel drawn to.)
(Whew, what a whirlwind of a year in college planning and admissions! Things here at KVP have been quite busy, but I really wanted to pause to share this exciting update. Look for more blog posts coming soon– and in the meantime feel free to follow me on social media for more bite-sized updates and reflections on college admissions and planning milestones!)
