17 Example Common App Essays That Will Make You Stand Out

The Importance of Essay Writing

According to the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC), the Common Application essay is "an opportunity for you to tell the colleges you're applying to something about yourself that's not evident from the rest of your application." The essay is your chance to share your unique voice, values, and experiences with admissions officers. It's also an opportunity to demonstrate your writing skills and critical thinking abilities.

How to Write a Great Common App Essay

There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to writing a great Common App essay. However, there are some general tips that can help you get started:

• Brainstorm ideas. The first step is to brainstorm ideas for your essay. Think about your experiences, values, and goals. What makes you unique? What are you passionate about? What are your dreams?
• Choose a topic. Once you have a few ideas, it's time to choose a topic. Your topic should be something that you're passionate about and that you can write about in a meaningful way.
• Develop a structure. The next step is to develop a structure for your essay. Your essay should have a clear introduction, body, and conclusion. The introduction should hook your reader and give them a brief overview of your essay. The body of your essay should provide evidence to support your claims. The conclusion should wrap up your essay and leave your reader with a lasting impression.
• Write your first draft. Once you have a structure, it's time to start writing your first draft. Don't worry about making it perfect at this stage. Just get your ideas down on paper.
• Revise and edit. Once you have a first draft, it's time to revise and edit your essay. Check for grammar and spelling errors. Make sure your essay flows well and that your arguments are clear and concise.

Example Common App Essays

If you're looking for some inspiration, here are 17 example Common App essays that will make you stand out:

1. The Importance of Failure

2. My Journey to Self-Acceptance

3. The Power of Education

4. The Meaning of Home

5. The Role of Technology in Our Lives

6. The Importance of Family

7. The Value of Friendship

8. The Impact of Nature

9. The Importance of Persistence

10. The Power of Music

11. The Importance of Diversity

12. The Role of Social Media in Our Society

13. The Importance of Mental Health

14. The Value of Service

15. The Importance of Ethics

16. The Role of Religion in My Life

17. The Importance of Dreams

These essays are just a few examples of the many great essays that you can write for your Common App. The most important thing is to find a topic that you're passionate about and to write your essay in a unique and personal way.

Tips and Tricks

Here are a few tips and tricks that can help you write a great Common App essay:

• Be yourself. The most important thing is to be yourself in your essay. Don't try to be someone you're not. Admissions officers want to get to know the real you.
• Tell a story. One of the best ways to engage your reader is to tell a story. Stories are memorable and relatable.
• Use specific examples. When you're making a claim, be sure to use specific examples to support your argument.
• Be concise. Your essay should be no longer than 650 words. Admissions officers don't have time to read long essays.
• Proofread your essay. Before you submit your essay, proofread it carefully for grammar and spelling errors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are a few common mistakes to avoid when writing your Common App essay:

• Don't restate your resume. Your essay is not the place to list your accomplishments. Instead, focus on telling a story about yourself and your experiences.
• Don't be vague. Admissions officers want to get to know the real you. Don't be vague or general in your essay. Be specific and personal.
• Don't make excuses. Admissions officers don't want to hear excuses for why you didn't do well in school or why you didn't participate in extracurricular activities. Focus on the positive and explain how you've overcome challenges.
• Don't be negative. Your essay should be a positive reflection of who you are and what you've accomplished. Don't dwell on negative experiences or setbacks.
• Don't be afraid to be different. Admissions officers are looking for students who stand out from the crowd. Don't be afraid to be different and to share your unique perspective.

Compare and Contrast

Here is a table that compares and contrasts the pros and cons of two different approaches to writing a Common App essay:

Conclusion

The Common App essay is an important part of your college application. By following the tips and advice in this article, you can write an essay that will make you stand out from the crowd and help you get into the college of your dreams.

Additional Resources

• The Common Application website
• The National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) website
• The College Essay Guy website