Are you a junior who will be applying to a college during the 2021-2022 school year that uses the common application for admissions? (Georgia College, UGA, Georgia Tech, Emory, etc.)
If so, make a note to check out the newly released essay prompts. Now is a great time for students to begin pondering their essays. Remember that the essay portion of the application is a way for colleges to get to know YOU! Make sure you take the time to let your personality and character shine in your essays. Let your counselor/English teacher know if you have questions or would like to talk further about how to improve your essays!
Below is the full set of Common App essay 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.