A Breakdown of the Common App Essay Topics

Most undergraduate students applying to the US will at some point need to tackle the essays in the Common Application. Given how broad the topics are, and the fact that you just have to pick one of the six topics, your options are endless. One way to think about these essays is to first ask yourself -- “What do I want admission committees to know about myself?” If you have a compelling answer, it will undoubtedly fit into one of the six prompts.

Before getting started with your essay, its a good idea to spend a few minutes reflecting on Common App’s instructions -- “Please write an essay (250 words minimum) on a topic of your choice or on one of the options listed below, and attach it to your application before submission. Please indicate your topic by checking the appropriate box. This personal essay helps us become acquainted with you as a person and student, apart from courses, grades, test scores, and other objective data. It will also demonstrate your ability to organize your thoughts and express yourself.” As the bold portion of the instructions indicate, your essay needs to personal and should not read like a laundry list of achievements. To understand this further, please read our previous blog article on building an effective story. Below is a discussion of individual common app essay topics.

Evaluate a significant experience, achievement, risk you have taken, or ethical dilemma you have faced and its impact on you.
One of the broadest essay prompts you will ever see, this topic provides an empty canvas for you to write about almost anything. That does not mean you ignore some basic rules. First, notice the most important phrase - “evaluate a significant.” This means you need to evaluate and not simply describe, you need to focus on one particular experience/achievement/risk or dilemma not several, and it must be personally significant to you. Don’t simply describe something; make sure to delve deeper into the issue. Don’t spend half the essay describing your winning goal or 100% marks in Math! Rather, talk about why that achievement or experience was important to you. Use this essay prompt to come across as an intelligent, insightful and mature individual.

Discuss some issue of personal, local, national, or international concern and its importance to you.
The biggest mistake most applicants make while tackling this question is that they forget this is a personal essay. These pieces often tend to turn into academic works that shed little insight into the applicant’s mind. First things first, only choose this essay prompt if you are really passionate about a certain issue. Second, ask yourself if you have done something about the issue? If you have, this could be a great essay topic for you. Just remember, if this turns out into a rant about global warming or the Godhra Riots, and doesn’t get personal at all, you could be in trouble.

Indicate a person who has had a significant influence on you, and describe that influence.
Again, like the previous question, remember this essay prompt is slightly misleading. You are expected to talk about another person, and yet, at the end of the day, the essay has to focus on you. Try and stick away from cliched answers about dad’s business acumen or mom’s compassion. Admission committees receive thousands of “rags-to-riches” stories about grandfathers and uncles, so unless you have something really unique to say, don’t tackle this question.

Describe a character in fiction, a historical figure, or a creative work (as in art, music, science, etc.) that has had an influence on you, and explain that influence.
If done well, this essay can turn into a very interesting, compelling and often quirky piece that admission committees will enjoy reading. The key is to focus on the character’s influence on you. If you can show your intellectual prowess while at the same time subtly highlight your own character and passions, you have a winning essay. One word of caution: know the character well -- if this means re-reading books or studying paintings all over again, do it! Admission officers are quick to pick up on essays that show a very superficial understanding of the material.

A range of academic interests, personal perspectives, and life experiences adds much to the educational mix. Given your personal background, describe an experience that illustrates what you would bring to the diversity in a college community or an encounter that demonstrated the importance of diversity to you.
As an international student, this is often a great essay topic to sink your teeth into. Remember though, diversity in this case is not defined narrowly; you are encouraged to think beyond race, color and religion. Ask yourself, “What do I bring to the table that is unique?” As long as the essay does not seem too forced or sappy, you’ll do just fine with this essay. If you are itching to talk about your experiences travelling, going on exchange programs, working with organizations or assisting members of disadvantaged communities, this could be a great place to do so.

Topic of your choice.
We, at College Connect, usually do not encourage applicants to resort to this prompt. Since the previous five questions offer you so much flexibility, invariably, whatever you want to say will answer one of the above five questions. Picking “Topic of your choice” does not give you free reign to simply write about anything (or worse, just cut and paste an essay previously written for college or another application). Only if you have something really pressing to say, and there is no way it can be moulded into answering the other prompts, do we recommend picking “topic of your choice.”

To discuss your Common App essay, call us at 09999177517 to set up a free appointment with our team. A College Connect counselor will conduct a complimentary brainstorming session that will equip you to tackle these essays. For more information, visit our website -- www.collegeconnect.in.