69 Common App Essays That Will Set You Apart

Introduction

The Common App is a daunting task, but it's also an opportunity to showcase your talents and why you would be a valuable addition to any college campus. Your college essay allows you to share your story and perspectives. Your essay can help you stand out from the crowd and make a memorable impression on admission officers.

To help you get started, we've compiled a list of 69 Common App essay examples that have been successful in the past. Browse through these examples to get an idea of what topics and styles have worked well for other students.

Personal Anecdote Essays

1. The Time I Lost My Voice: A student shares how losing their voice for a week helped them realize the importance of communication.
2. The Day I Met My Hero: A student describes meeting their childhood hero and how it inspired them to pursue their dreams.
3. The Summer I Worked on a Farm: A student spends a summer working on a farm and develops a new appreciation for hard work and nature.
4. The Year I Volunteered at a Soup Kitchen: A student volunteers at a soup kitchen and learns about the challenges and rewards of helping others.
5. The Trip that Changed My Life: A student travels to a foreign country and experiences a life-changing event.

Identity and Culture Essays

6. Growing Up in Two Worlds: A student explores their bicultural identity and how it shapes their perspective.
7. My Family's Immigration Story: A student shares their family's story of immigration and the challenges and triumphs they have faced.
8. Coming Out: A student recounts their journey of coming to terms with their sexual orientation or gender identity.
9. Overcoming Prejudice: A student shares their experience with prejudice and how they overcame it.
10. The Importance of Representation: A student writes about the importance of representation and how it empowers them.

Challenges and Growth Essays

11. The Time I Failed: A student shares a time when they failed and what they learned from the experience.
12. Overcoming Obstacles: A student writes about a major obstacle they overcame and how it made them stronger.
13. The Power of Perseverance: A student shares a story about how they persevered through a challenging time.
14. The Importance of Support: A student writes about the people who have supported them through their journey.
15. Finding My Passion: A student explores their journey to discovering their true passion.

Values and Beliefs Essays

16. What I Believe In: A student shares their core values and beliefs and how they shape their actions.
17. The Power of Kindness: A student writes about the importance of kindness and how they spread it in their community.
18. The Value of Education: A student discusses the importance of education and how it has impacted their life.
19. The Importance of Integrity: A student shares their thoughts on the importance of integrity and how they live by it.
20. My Contribution to Society: A student writes about their goals and aspirations to make a positive impact on society.

Creative and Humorous Essays

21. The Day I Turned into a Superhero: A student uses humor to tell a story about a time when they felt like a superhero.
22. My Life as a Meme: A student uses internet culture to write a creative essay about their life.
23. The Ballad of My Weirdest Job: A student writes a humorous essay about the strangest job they've ever had.
24. Ode to My Pet Potato: A student writes a creative piece about their pet potato.
25. The Time I Got Lost in a Corn Maze: A student uses humor to describe a time when they got lost in a corn maze.

Social Justice and Activism Essays

26. The Importance of Voting: A student shares their thoughts on the importance of voting and why they encourage others to do the same.
27. Climate Change and Me: A student discusses the challenges and solutions to climate change and their role in addressing it.
28. Fighting for Equal Rights: A student writes about their involvement in a social justice movement and the impact it has made on their life.
29. The Power of Protest: A student shares their thoughts on the power of protest and how it can be used to create change.
30. The Importance of Diversity: A student writes about the importance of diversity and inclusion in our society.

Science and Technology Essays

31. The Wonders of Space: A student explores their fascination with space and how it inspires them to pursue a career in science.
32. The Future of Artificial Intelligence: A student discusses the potential benefits and challenges of artificial intelligence and how it will shape our future.
33. The Power of the Internet: A student examines the impact of the internet on our lives and how it can be used for good.
34. The Ethics of Genetic Engineering: A student explores the ethical implications of genetic engineering and how it could impact society.
35. The Importance of STEM Education: A student advocates for the importance of STEM education and how it prepares students for the future.

Arts and Culture Essays

36. The Power of Music: A student shares their passion for music and how it has impacted their life.
37. The Importance of Art: A student discusses the importance of art in our society and how it can inspire and connect people.
38. The Magic of Film: A student explores their love of film and how it has shaped their perspective.
39. The Theatre as a Catalyst for Change: A student examines the power of theatre to create social change and foster empathy.
40. The Importance of Creativity: A student writes about the importance of creativity and how it can enrich our lives.

Career and Leadership Essays

41. My Dream Job: A student shares their dream job and why they are passionate about it.
42. The Importance of Leadership: A student discusses the qualities of a good leader and how they have demonstrated leadership in their own life.
43. My Role Model: A student writes about a person who has inspired them to become a leader.
44. The Impact of Mentorship: A student shares how mentorship has impacted their life and career goals.
45. My Entrepreneurial Journey: A student shares their experience as a young entrepreneur and the lessons they have learned.

Inspirational and Motivational Essays

46. My Journey to Self-Acceptance: A student shares their journey to self-acceptance and how they overcame their insecurities.
47. The Importance of Following Your Dreams: A student writes about the importance of following your dreams and never giving up.
48. The Power of Positive Thinking: A student discusses the benefits of positive thinking and how it has helped them achieve their goals.
49. The Importance of Resilience: A student writes about the importance of resilience and how it has helped them overcome challenges.
50. My Vision for the Future: A student shares their vision for the future and how they plan to make a positive impact on the world.

Additional Tips for Writing Common App Essays

• Start early: Don't wait until the last minute to start working on your essay. The more time you give yourself, the more time you'll have to brainstorm ideas, write, and revise.
• Choose a topic that you're passionate about: Your essay will be more engaging and personal if you choose a topic that you're genuinely interested in.
• Be honest and authentic: Don't try to be someone you're not. Your essay should reflect your true self and your unique experiences.
• Proofread carefully: Before you submit your essay, make sure to proofread it carefully for any errors in grammar or punctuation.
• Get feedback from others: Ask a friend, family member, or teacher to read your essay and provide feedback. This can help you identify any areas that need improvement.