50 Captivating Common App Essay Examples That Will Inspire You

Introduction

The Common App essay is your chance to make a personal statement that sets you apart from other applicants. It is an opportunity to share your unique story, values, and aspirations.

With so much riding on this essay, it is no wonder that many students feel overwhelmed. However, with the right preparation and guidance, you can write an essay that will make a lasting impression on admissions officers.

What Makes a Good Common App Essay?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best essay will vary depending on your individual experiences and goals. However, there are some general qualities that all good essays share:

• They are authentic and original. Your essay should be a reflection of your true self. Do not try to be someone you are not, as admissions officers will be able to tell.
• They are well-written. Your essay should be clear, concise, and error-free. Pay attention to grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
• They are engaging. Admissions officers are busy people, so make sure your essay is interesting and easy to read. Use vivid language and storytelling techniques to keep them hooked.
• They have a clear purpose. What do you want to achieve with your essay? Do you want to share your story, demonstrate your values, or persuade the reader of something? Make sure your essay has a clear focus and that all of your writing supports this focus.

Common App Essay Prompts

The Common App offers a variety of essay prompts to choose from. These prompts are designed to help you explore different aspects of your life and experiences.

Some of the most popular essay prompts include:

• The topic of your choice. This is your chance to write about anything that is important to you.
• A time when you faced a challenge or obstacle. This is a great opportunity to show admissions officers how you handle adversity.
• A person who has had a significant impact on your life. This is a chance to share your gratitude for someone who has made a difference in your life.
• A time when you made a difficult decision. This is a good opportunity to demonstrate your critical thinking skills and decision-making process.
• A time when you learned something important. This is a chance to reflect on a lesson you have learned and how it has shaped you.

Common App Essay Examples

To help you get started, here are a few examples of strong Common App essays:

Example 1:

Prompt: A time when you faced a challenge or obstacle.

Essay:

I have always been a good student. I have always gotten good grades, and I have always been involved in extracurricular activities. However, my junior year of high school was different. I was taking a challenging course load, and I was also working part-time to help my family pay the bills. I was overwhelmed and stressed out.

One day, I was walking home from work when I was mugged. I was scared and shaken, but I was also angry. I was angry that someone had taken something from me. I was angry that I had been made to feel unsafe.

In the aftermath of the mugging, I realized that I had to make a change. I could not continue to be overwhelmed and stressed out. I needed to find a way to cope with the challenges I was facing.

I started by talking to my family and friends. They helped me to realize that I was not alone. They helped me to see that I was strong and that I could overcome anything.

I also started to take care of myself better. I started eating healthier and exercising more. I started to get more sleep. I started to make time for myself to relax and de-stress.

The changes I made were not easy, but they were worth it. I am now able to handle the challenges I face with more grace and ease. I am also more confident and more resilient.

The mugging was a traumatic experience, but it also taught me a lot about myself. I learned that I am stronger than I thought I was. I learned that I can overcome anything if I set my mind to it. I also learned that it is important to take care of myself, both physically and mentally.

I am grateful for the experience, because it has made me a stronger person. I am now more prepared to face the challenges that life throws my way.

Example 2:

Prompt: A person who has had a significant impact on your life.

Essay:

My grandmother is the most important person in my life. She has always been there for me, through thick and thin. She is the one person I can always count on, no matter what.

My grandmother is a strong and independent woman. She has overcome many challenges in her life, but she has never given up. She is a role model for me, and I am so grateful for her love and support.

One of the most important things my grandmother has taught me is the importance of education. She always stressed the importance of getting a good education, and she encouraged me to pursue my dreams.

My grandmother is also the one who taught me the importance of giving back to my community. She has always been involved in volunteer work, and she has instilled in me the importance of helping others.

I am so grateful for my grandmother. She is the most important person in my life, and she has had a profound impact on me. I am the person I am today because of her.

Example 3:

Prompt: A time when you made a difficult decision.

Essay:

The most difficult decision I have ever made was to leave my home country and come to the United States. I was born and raised in a small village in Mexico, and I had never been away from my family before.

I came to the United States to pursue my education. I wanted to become a doctor, and I knew that I would have more opportunities in the United States. However, leaving my home country was a very difficult decision.

I was afraid of leaving my family and friends behind. I was afraid of not being able to adjust to a new culture. I was afraid of not being able to succeed in school.

However, I knew that I had to follow my dreams. I knew that I had to take a risk if I wanted to achieve my goals.

So I said goodbye to my family and friends and came to the United States. It was the hardest thing I have ever done, but it was also the best decision I have ever made.

I am now a successful doctor, and I am so grateful for the opportunity to live and work in the United States. I am also grateful for the support of my family and friends, who have always been there for me.

The decision to leave my home country was not easy, but it was worth it. I am now living my dream, and I am so grateful for the opportunity to make a difference in the world.

Tips for Writing a Strong Common App Essay

Here are a few tips to help you write a strong Common App essay:

• Start early. The Common App essay is due in the fall of your senior year, so it is important to start working on it early. This will give you plenty of time to brainstorm ideas, gather your thoughts, and write a polished essay.
• Choose a prompt that resonates with you. There are a variety of essay prompts to choose from, so take some time to read them all and choose one that you feel inspired by.
• Be yourself. The most important thing is to be yourself in your essay. Do not try to be someone you are not, as admissions officers will be able to tell.
• Tell a story. Admissions officers want to get to know you as a person, so tell them a story about your life. This will help them to see who you are and what you are made of.
• Be specific. Do not be vague or general in your essay. Be specific about your experiences and your thoughts and feelings.
• Proofread your essay carefully. Before you submit your essay, make sure to proofread it carefully for any errors in grammar, spelling, or punctuation.
• Get feedback from others. Ask your family, friends, or teachers to read your essay and give you feedback. This will help you to identify any areas that need improvement.

Additional Resources

• The Common App website
• The College Essay Guy website
• The Princeton Review website

Conclusion

The Common App essay is your chance to make a personal statement that sets you apart from other applicants. It is an opportunity to share your unique story, values, and aspirations.

With the right preparation and guidance, you can write an essay that will make a lasting impression on admissions officers.