101 Examples of Good Common App Essays: Stand Out in 2023

1. Introduction

The Common App essay is your chance to showcase your unique voice, experiences, and aspirations to college admissions officers. With over 1 million applications received annually, it's crucial to craft an essay that stands out from the crowd. This guide presents 101 exceptional essay examples to inspire your writing and help you create a compelling narrative.

2. Types of Common App Essay Prompts

Before diving into examples, let's review the six Common App essay prompts for 2023-2024:

1. Some students have a background or story that is so central to their identity that they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.
2. The lessons we learn from failure can be fundamental to who we are. Write about an academic, extracurricular, or life experience where you failed, how you learned from the experience, and how it affected you.
3. Reflect on a time when you questioned a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking, and what was the outcome?
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 has fired your curiosity or passion.
5. Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.
6. Describe a topic, idea, or concept that you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does this subject captivate you, and in what ways has it influenced your life?

3. Example Essays for Each Prompt

3.1 Prompt 1: Identity Essay

Example 1: "The Girl from the Wrong Side of the Tracks" (Personal Narrative)
Key Points:
- Explores the challenges and stereotypes faced growing up in a low-income neighborhood.
- Demonstrates resilience and determination in overcoming adversity.
- Highlights the power of education and mentors in shaping identity.

Example 2: "My Name is Not My Identity" (Identity and Culture)
Key Points:
- Discusses the complexities of cultural identity and the struggle to define oneself within multiple narratives.
- Explores the themes of acceptance, belonging, and the search for cultural connection.
- Uses vivid imagery and personal anecdotes to create an immersive experience.

3.2 Prompt 2: Failure Essay

Example 1: "The Art of Falling: A Failure on the Football Field" (Extracurricular Activity)
Key Points:
- Recounts a failed attempt to make the varsity football team, emphasizing the emotional impact of disappointment.
- Analyzes the lessons learned about perseverance, resilience, and the importance of working as a team.
- Demonstrates self-reflection and the ability to grow from adversity.

Example 2: "From Academic Probation to National Honors" (Academic Experience)
Key Points:
- Chronicles a journey of academic redemption, going from failing classes to achieving academic excellence.
- Examines the causes of academic struggles and the strategies used to overcome them.
- Shares valuable insights on motivation, study habits, and the importance of seeking help.

3.3 Prompt 3: Questioning Belief Essay

Example 1: "The Puzzle of Prejudice: Challenging Racial Stereotypes" (Personal Beliefs)
Key Points:
- Describes a personal experience that challenged preconceived notions about race and prejudice.
- Explores the process of unlearning biases and the importance of empathy in fostering understanding.
- Presents a compelling argument for the need for critical thinking and self-examination.

Example 2: "The God Question: A Journey of Faith and Doubt" (Religious Beliefs)
Key Points:
- Reflects on the complexities of religious belief and the struggles faced in questioning faith.
- Examines the tension between tradition and personal experience in shaping religious identity.
- Demonstrates intellectual curiosity and the ability to engage with difficult and nuanced topics.

3.4 Prompt 4: Problem-Solving Essay

Example 1: "Engineering a Sustainable Future: My Invention for Water Conservation" (Intellectual Challenge)
Key Points:
- Describes the invention of a water-saving device and the scientific principles behind it.
- Highlights the motivation to address a global issue and the impact of STEM education on personal growth.
- Demonstrates problem-solving skills and the ability to apply knowledge to real-world challenges.

Example 2: "Building Bridges: My Role in Promoting Social Justice" (Ethical Dilemma)
Key Points:
- Discusses a personal experience or initiative aimed at addressing social inequality or injustice.
- Explores the ethical implications of social issues and the importance of taking action.
- Demonstrates empathy, compassion, and a commitment to making a positive difference in society.

3.5 Prompt 5: Personal Growth Essay

Example 1: "The Power of Vulnerability: My Journey of Self-Discovery" (Personal Transformation)
Key Points:
- Shares a personal narrative that explores the process of overcoming inner barriers and embracing one's true self.
- Highlights the challenges and rewards of vulnerability and the importance of self-acceptance.
- Demonstrates emotional depth, self-awareness, and a desire for personal growth.

Example 2: "From Loneliness to Belonging: Finding My Place in the World" (Sense of Belonging)
Key Points:
- Recounts a journey of overcoming feelings of isolation and finding a sense of purpose and belonging.
- Explores the impact of relationships, community involvement, and authenticity on personal well-being.
- Demonstrates resilience, social awareness, and the ability to form meaningful connections.

3.6 Prompt 6: Captivation Essay

Example 1: "The Magic of Mathematics: My Passion for Solving Equations" (Intellectual Curiosity)
Key Points:
- Describes a deep fascination with mathematics and the joy of solving complex problems.