Common App Essay options

Common App Essay Options 


  One of the most important parts of the common app is the essay. You need to write a 650 word ( about one page)essay on one of the following topics:

Option #1: 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.

Option #2: The lessons we take from failure can be fundamental to later success. Recount an incident or time when you experienced failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?

 Option #3: Reflect on a time when you challenged a belief or idea. What prompted you to act? 

uld you make the same decision again?

Option #4: 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.

 Option #5: Discuss an accomplishment or event, formal or informal, that marked your transition from childhood to adulthood within your culture, community, or family.

 Don't get stressed looking at the list  You only have to write one of these 

 The essay is a key part of the application as it   is the only way for a student to  show their personality.While the options seem very diverse but they are all  fundamentally asking the student to talk about him/herself.    To start with  Honesty is the most important  principle here. Write a well thought out honest  essay about  who you are, what matters to you and  the people and events that have influenced you intellectually. Dont write what  you think an admission s officer wants to see. A phony made up essay is easy to spot as is an essay written by someone else. 

 Its good to ask for help but eventually  keep in mind that this has to be your voice. Let people help  you with grammar and phrasing but not content. The essay should give the reader an insight into who you are as a person including your values. It should also incorporate your academic interests and goals for college.

  

 In the coming days  we will look at each essay  option individually  and give tips and advice.

 Mid august is a good point in time to  start thinking about which essay you want to write