Updated: Feb 7
Most of the prompts will stay the same as the 2020-2021 application cycle; however, the only change will be the following:
- The Common Application will remove the prompt “Describe a problem you’ve solved or a problem you’d like to solve. It can be an intellectual challenge, a research query, an ethical dilemma – anything that is of personal importance, no matter the scale. Explain its significance to you and what steps you took or could be taken to identify a solution.”
- The Common Application will add the prompt “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?”
Additionally, the optional COVID-19 question will remain on the application in the additional information section. Also, keep in mind that each school has supplemental essays in additional to this general personal statement essay.
Below is the full set of 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.
For more information, gladly visit the the common application website. Also, if you are in search for any guidance in reference to the your college application, don’t hesitate to reach out to Prep For Success. Our team is happy to help guide you through the application journey!
You can reach out at PrepForSuccessTutors@gmail.com or (732) 485.1539 or (201) 566.5943.
