Introduction
The Common Application essay is a crucial component of your college application. It provides an opportunity to showcase your personality, experience, and aspirations beyond just grades and test scores. With thousands of applicants, writing a compelling college application essay that stands out may seem daunting. However, with the right strategies, you can create a story that grabs attention and connects with admissions officers.
In this guide, we’ll explore 15 pro tips to help you write a great Common App essay. These tips cover everything from brainstorming to final editing. By following these steps, your college application essay will not only be engaging but will also increase your chances of getting into your dream school.
Let’s dive deeper and master the art of simple Common App essays!
1. Understand the purpose of the Common App essay
Your Common App essay is your chance to tell your story. Its goal is to give admissions officers a deep insight into who you are, what you value, and how you think. Unlike the rest of your application, which focuses on grades, test scores, and activities, your college application essay lets you express your unique voice.
đź”— Internal link: How to Write a Stellar Common App Essay for 2024-25: A Complete Guide to Stand Out in College Applications
đź”— External link: Read the Common App’s official guide to essay prompts.
Pro tip: Focus on telling a personal story rather than listing accomplishments. Authenticity is key.
2. Select the right prompt
The Common Application offers several prompts to choose from. Read each prompt carefully and choose the one that appeals to you the most. Your Common App essay should align with a theme that allows you to share a meaningful story or experience.
đź”— External link: Explore the latest Common App essay prompts.
Popular prompts include:
- Personal growth from a challenge.
- An experience that changed your perspective.
- A time you questioned or challenged a belief.
- Something that sparked your curiosity or passion.
Pro tip: If none of the prompts fit, use the “open-ended” prompt to write about any topic that reveals something meaningful about you.
3. Brainstorm ideas effectively
Brainstorming is a crucial step in writing a strong college application essay. Spend time reflecting on your life experiences, challenges, accomplishments, and moments of growth. Make a list of potential topics and see which one feels most authentic.
đź”— Internal links: Read our step-by-step brainstorming guide to generate more ideas.
Brainstorming techniques:
- Free writing: Write non-stop for 10-15 minutes about a potential topic.
- Mind mapping: Visualize connections between your experiences and potential topics.
Reflective questions: Ask yourself questions like, What moment changed me? What am I most proud of?
Pro tip: Choose a topic that highlights your personality and shows your growth or self-awareness.
4. Create a catchy hook
Admissions officers read thousands of Common App essays, so your introduction should grab their attention. Start with a catchy hook — a vivid anecdote, a surprising fact, or a thought-provoking question.
đź”— Internal links: Learn more about creating a powerful essay hook.
Examples of effective hooks:
Anecdote: “I stood on stage, knees shaking, the spotlight shining on me.”
Question: “What if the most ordinary moment could change your life forever?”
Bold statement: “I never thought I could find clarity in absolute chaos.”
Pro tip: Your hook should connect seamlessly into the rest of your college application essay.
5. Focus on “show, don’t tell.”
One of the most effective writing techniques for your Common App essay is “show, don’t tell.” Instead of stating facts or characteristics, use descriptive language and examples to illustrate your points.
🔗 External link: Read this guide on mastering show, don’t tell in writing.
6. Highlight personal growth
Colleges are looking for students who show maturity and growth. Your college application essay should reflect how you have grown through experiences. Highlight moments of personal growth or how challenges shape your character.
7. Be authentic and honest
Admissions officers read thousands of essays and can quickly tell when someone is trying too hard to sound impressive. Instead of writing what they want to hear, be yourself. Share your real thoughts, experiences, and feelings.
Why it’s important:
- Authenticity makes your essay relatable and memorable.
- Honesty builds trust and shows self-awareness.
Example:
❌ Trying to make an impact: “I single-handedly solved all the problems in my community through my leadership.”
✅ Being authentic: “I’ve learned that real leadership often means listening to and learning from others.”
8. Clearly structure your essay
A clear structure makes your essay easier to understand and more effective. The most effective essays have three main parts:
Introduction: Start with a hook and introduce your topic.
Body: Share your story, experiences, and key points.
Conclusion: Reflect on what you learned and why it’s important.
Why it’s important:
- A clear structure helps keep the reader engaged.
- It shows that you can organize your ideas logically.
Pro tip: Use paragraphs to easily connect different ideas and transitions.
9. Use active voice and strong verbs
Writing in the active voice makes your essay more lively and direct. In the active voice, the subject does the work (for example, “I found…” instead of “I found…”).
Why it’s important:
- The active voice makes your writing clearer and more energetic.
- Strong verbs make your essay more descriptive and engaging.
Example:
❌ Passive voice: “I was awarded the award by the committee.”
✅ Active voice: “The committee awarded me for my hard work.”
10. Edit and revise well
Your first draft is rarely your best. After you’ve written it, take the time to carefully edit and revise your essay.
Steps to Effective Editing:
Take a break before revising to gain a fresh perspective.
- Check for clarity: Does your story make sense?
- Check grammar and spelling: Use a tool like Grammarly to catch mistakes.
Ask for feedback: Have a teacher, friend, or family member review it.
Why it’s important:
- Revising helps you identify mistakes and improve clarity.
- A polished essay shows effort and attention to detail.
FAQ: More Questions About the Common App Essay
1. How long should a Common App essay be?
Your Common App essay should be between 250-650 words.
2. How many drafts should I write?
Many students write at least 3-4 drafts before finalizing their essay.
3. Can I reuse my Common App essay for other applications?
Yes, but make sure the essay complies with the prompt.
4. What makes a Common App essay stand out to admissions officers?
A standout essay:
1) Tells a personal and authentic story.
2) Reflects your values, growth, or character.
3) Shows self-awareness and how you’ve changed or learned from experiences.
4) Is well-structured, engaging, and error-free.
5. Can I write about a failure or challenge in my essay?
Yes! Writing about a challenge or failure can be powerful if you focus on what you learned and how you grew. Admissions officers appreciate resilience and self-reflection.
Tip: Avoid focusing only on the failure itself; highlight the positive outcome or lesson learned.
6. Should I use humor in my Common App essay?
Humor can work if it’s natural and appropriate. However, avoid forced jokes or sarcasm, as humor is subjective. If humor fits your personality and topic, use it sparingly and thoughtfully.
7. How do I conclude my Common App essay effectively?
A strong conclusion should:
1) Reflect on the main theme or lesson of your story.
2) Show how the experience has shaped who you are today.
3) Provide a forward-looking statement that hints at your future goals or outlook.