Common Application Essay Prompts

For the 2025-2026 academic year.

1. Identity/Background
   Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent so meaningful that their application would be incomplete without it.

2. Challenge/Failure
   Recount a time you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. What did you learn from the experience?

3. Belief/Idea
   Reflect on a time you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?

4. Gratitude/Kindness
   Reflect on something someone did for you that made you happy or thankful in a surprising way. How did it affect or motivate you?

5. Personal Growth
   Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding.

6. Passion/Curiosity
   Describe a topic or concept that fascinates you. Why does it captivate you, and how do you pursue it?

7. Topic of Choice
   Share any essay on a topic of your choice — including past work or something self-designed.

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