2014-15 Common
Application Essay Prompts
The Common
Application will retain the current set of first-year essay prompts for
2014-15, without any edits or additions. The essay length will continue to
be capped at 650 words. The feedback received from member colleges and
school counselors has been positive. The essay prompts will be
reviewed on an annual basis to ensure that they continue to serve students and
member colleges well.
The essay prompts are as follows:
- 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.
- Recount an incident or
time when you experienced failure. How did it affect you, and what
lessons did you learn?
- Reflect on a time when
you challenged a belief or idea. What prompted you to act? Would you
make the same decision again?
- Describe a place or
environment where you are perfectly content. What do you do or
experience there, and why is it meaningful to you?
- Discuss an
accomplishment or event, formal or informal, that marked your transition
from childhood to adulthood within your culture, community, or family.
STUDENT MODELS OF COMMON APP ESSAYS!
