20 Exemplar Essays to Ignite Your Common App Success

Introduction

The Common Application essay is a pivotal piece in your college applications, offering a window into your individuality, aspirations, and experiences. Crafting a compelling essay is crucial for making a lasting impression and standing out from the crowd.

Common App Essay Statistics

• Over 90% of colleges require a Common App essay.
• 95% of admissions officers read all the essays they receive.
• 55% of admissions officers rate the essay as a "very important" factor in their decision-making.

Types of Common App Essay Prompts

The Common App essay prompts offer a wide range of options to showcase your unique perspective. Some of the most popular prompts include:

1. The Experience that Most Shaped Who You Are Today
2. A Time You Overcame a Challenge or Obstacle
3. Your Values and How They Shape Your Life
4. An Issue or Topic You Care Deeply About
5. A Season of Personal Growth and Change

20 Exemplary Common App Essays

To inspire your own writing, we present 20 exemplar essays that have captivated admissions officers with their originality, eloquence, and insight:

1. "The Unfinished Tapestry of My Ancestry"

• Prompt: The Experience that Most Shaped Who You Are Today
• Topic: Exploring the complexities of family heritage and the search for identity.

2. "The Invisible Thread"

• Prompt: A Time You Overcame a Challenge or Obstacle
• Topic: Overcoming social anxiety and building genuine connections.

3. "The Redemption of Redemption"

• Prompt: Your Values and How They Shape Your Life
• Topic: Embracing the value of forgiveness and learning from past mistakes.

4. "The Fragrant Sanctuary of Jasmine"

• Prompt: An Issue or Topic You Care Deeply About
• Topic: Advocating for the preservation of endangered plant species.

5. "The Color of Memory"

• Prompt: A Season of Personal Growth and Change
• Topic: Reconciling with a painful past and finding healing through art.

Tips and Tricks for Crafting a Winning Essay

• Start early: Give yourself ample time to brainstorm, draft, and revise your essay.
• Be authentic: Write from the heart and share your unique experiences and perspectives.
• Show, don't tell: Use vivid descriptions and specific examples to bring your story to life.
• Proofread carefully: Check for errors in grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
• Get feedback: Ask trusted individuals to review your essay and provide constructive criticism.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Writing about a generic topic: Choose a topic that is meaningful to you and that you can write about in a unique and insightful way.
• Being vague or superficial: Provide specific details and anecdotes to support your claims.
• Using clichés or overused phrases: Be original and authentic in your writing.
• Neglecting proofreading: Errors in your essay can undermine your credibility.
• Writing too long: Stay within the word limit and focus on quality over quantity.

Why the Common App Essay Matters

• It demonstrates your writing skills: Your essay showcases your ability to communicate clearly and effectively.
• It reflects your character: Admissions officers use your essay to gain insight into your values, passions, and motivations.
• It differentiates you from other applicants: A well-written essay can set you apart from other candidates and make your application more memorable.

How the Common App Essay Benefits You

• It helps you reflect on your experiences: Writing your essay forces you to introspect and identify the moments that have shaped you.
• It gives you a platform to advocate for your passions: Your essay can be a powerful tool for raising awareness about issues that matter to you.
• It prepares you for college-level writing: The Common App essay provides an opportunity to hone your writing skills in preparation for college.

Brainstorming Ideas for Your Essay

Stuck for ideas? Try using the "Question Prompter" technique:

• Task: List 5-10 activities or events that have been significant in your life.
• Question: For each item, ask yourself: "What is the essence of this experience?"
• Result: You will generate a list of potential essay topics that are meaningful and specific to you.

Useful Tables

| Table 1: Common App Essay Prompt Categories |
|---|---|
| Personal Experiences | Values & Beliefs | Social Issues |
| Challenges & Obstacles | Growth & Change | Advocacy |

| Table 2: Key Elements of a Strong Essay |
|---|---|
| Vivid Descriptions | Specific Examples | Clear Thesis Statement |
| Logical Organization | Proofread for Errors | Engaging Conclusion |

| Table 3: Tips for Choosing an Essay Topic |
|---|---|
| Consider your unique experiences | Identify your passions and beliefs | Explore topics that inspire you |
| Avoid generic or overused ideas | Focus on something that you can write about in depth |

| Table 4: Common App Essay Word Limits |
|---|---|
| Prompt 1-4 | 650 words | Prompt 5 | 250 words |
| Prompt 6 | 500 words | Prompt 7-8 | 300 words |

Conclusion

Crafting a compelling Common App essay is a pivotal step in your college applications. By following the tips and tricks outlined above, avoiding common mistakes, and drawing inspiration from the exemplar essays provided, you can write an essay that showcases your individuality, aspirations, and experiences in a way that will leave a lasting impression on admissions officers.