As a high school student, balancing schoolwork, extracurricular activities, and college applications can be challenging. However, applying to multiple colleges has been made easier with the Common Application, or Common App, an online platform that simplifies the process by allowing students to submit a single application. The Common App essay is a crucial component of the application, providing an opportunity for students to showcase their personality and writing skills. Let’s figure out how you can write a great Common App that will help you stand out from the pack.
What is a Common App?
The Common App is a platform that simplifies the college application process by enabling students to apply to multiple colleges and universities with a single application. It allows students to upload supporting documents, such as transcripts and letters of recommendation, and submit them to multiple schools at once. Additionally, the Common App enables colleges to compare applicants across a range of criteria using a standardized format, which helps them review applications and make admissions decisions more efficiently.
7 Tips for Writing a Great Common App Essay
Here are 7 essential tips to help you write a standout Common App essay that will grab the attention of the college admissions committee and display your unique personality.
- Use Active Voice
Active voice makes your writing more engaging. It also helps to emphasize the action and the person or thing performing the action. For example, instead of writing “the ball was thrown by me,” you could write “I threw the ball.” It can also help you make your essay more concise.
- Focus on a Specific Moment
Instead of trying to cover too much ground in your essay, focus on a specific moment or experience that illustrates a larger theme or idea. This can help to make your essay more focused and engaging and help you hold the reader’s attention.
- Show Growth
Admissions officers are interested in seeing how you have grown and learned from your experiences. Don’t be afraid to highlight challenges or setbacks that you have faced, and explain how you overcame them and what you learned in the process.
- Start Early
Don’t wait until the last minute to start your essay. Give yourself plenty of time to brainstorm, write, revise, and edit. The essay is a critical component of your application, so it’s worth investing time and effort into crafting a strong piece
- Be Authentic
Be true to yourself. Don’t try to impress the admissions committee with what you think they want to hear. Instead, focus on sharing your unique voice, perspective, and experiences.
- Answer the Prompt, Or Maybe not
Make sure you go through and understand the prompts provided, but don’t try to answer it as a question. Most of the time, a compelling narrative fits under one more more prompts. Focus on the content of the essay and a clear, compelling narrative and then check which prompt that fits under.
- Be Mindful of Tone
The tone of your essay should be appropriate for the subject matter and audience. Avoid being overly casual or colloquial (so no Bruh, ummm etc) , but also don’t sound too stiff or formal. Strike a balance between professionalism and personality.
How to Structure Your Common App Essay?
The Common App essay has a recommended word count of 650 words, which can seem daunting at first. However, by breaking down your essay into smaller sections, you can create a well-structured and cohesive essay that stands out to admissions committees. Here’s a basic outline to get you started:
- Introduction
Your introduction should be engaging and capture the reader’s attention. Consider starting with a hook, such as a question, quote, or anecdote, that relates to your topic. Eg. “I am embarrassed to visit Starbucks….”
- Background
Provide some context for your essay, including any relevant background information that the reader needs to understand your story. Try not to stray away from the main theme here.
- Main story
This is the heart of your essay and should be the longest section. Focus on telling a personal story that showcases your unique qualities and experiences. Be sure to stay on topic and tie your story back to your overall theme.
- Reflection
After telling your story, take some time to reflect on what you learned from the experience and how it has impacted you. This is an opportunity to showcase your critical thinking and self-awareness.
- Conclusion
Your conclusion should summarize your main points and leave a lasting impression on the reader. Consider ending with a call to action, such as a question or statement that encourages the reader to think more deeply about your topic.
How to Select the Theme of Your Common App?
The Common App essay is an opportunity for you to showcase your personality to the admissions office. One of the best ways to do this is by choosing a theme that reflects your unique values. Here are some steps to help you come up with a good theme for your essay:
- Identify your values
Consider what values are important to you and how they have shaped your life. This could be anything from honesty and integrity to creativity and perseverance.
- Connect your experiences
Look for connections between your experiences and your values. How have your experiences helped shape your values and how have your values impacted your experiences
- Develop your theme
Narrow down your ideas to the ones that resonate with you the most to identify your theme. Then, you can start to develop it through your story. Use specific examples and anecdotes to bring your theme to life.
Examples of Common App Essay Themes
Overcoming Adversity
This theme focuses on a personal struggle that you have faced and how you have overcome it. For example, you may have experienced a difficult family situation, health issue, or academic challenge.
Passion and Purpose
This theme focuses on a passion or interest that you have pursued and how it has shaped your life. For example, you may be passionate about music, art, or community service.
Diversity and Inclusion
This theme focuses on your experiences with diversity and how it has impacted your worldview. For example, you may have grown up in a multicultural community or have volunteered with an organization that promotes diversity and inclusion.
Things to Avoid When Writing Your Common App
While it’s important to know what makes a great Common App essay, it’s equally important to know what to avoid. Here are some common mistakes that you should steer clear of when writing your essay:
- Negativity
Your essay should showcase your positive qualities and accomplishments. Avoid writing about negative experiences or failures in a way that casts you in a negative light. Instead, focus on what you learned from these experiences and how you grew from them.
- Bragging
While you want to highlight your achievements, avoid coming across as arrogant or boastful. Instead, focus on how your accomplishments have shaped you as a person and influenced your goals and aspirations.
- Controversial topics
While it’s important to be authentic and true to yourself, it’s also important to exercise good judgment when choosing a topic. Avoid writing about controversial topics such as religion or politics, which may alienate readers or make them uncomfortable.
Writing a great Common App essay takes time, effort, and dedication. Get started today, and start using our guide to navigate the process with ease. With these strategies in mind, you’ll be well on your way to crafting a standout essay that will help you stand out in the college admissions process.
Good luck!