The Common App essay is your moment to shine — to show admissions officers who you are beyond your grades and test scores.
But before you can start writing, you’ve got to pick the right prompt.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the 2025 Common App essay prompts, explain what each one really means, and share tips, examples, and strategies to help you craft an unforgettable personal statement.
Let’s unlock your story. 🚀
📘 What Is the Common App Essay?
The Common Application is used by over 1,000 colleges and universities across the U.S. and beyond. The personal essay portion — also called the Common App essay — is a 250–650 word essay that appears on every application you submit through the platform.
💡 This is your chance to speak directly to the admissions committee and show them your personality, values, and voice.
📝 2025 Common App Essay Prompts (Official List)
Here are the 7 official prompts for the 2025 admissions cycle:
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Background, Identity, or Talent:
“Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it.” -
Learning from Challenges:
“The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success.” -
A Moment of Belief or Doubt:
“Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea.” -
A Problem You’ve Solved or Would Like to Solve:
“Describe a problem you’ve solved or would like to solve.” -
A Personal Accomplishment or Realization:
“Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth.” -
A Topic of Your Choice:
“Share an essay on any topic of your choice.” -
Gratitude Prompt (NEW for 2025!):
“Describe a time when expressing gratitude transformed your outlook or relationship with someone else.”
🔍 Which Common App Essay Prompt Should You Choose?
✅ Pick the one that helps you tell your best story.
Ask yourself:
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What moment or experience changed me?
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What’s something only I could write about?
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Which prompt sparks emotion or excitement?
🎯 There’s no “best” prompt—just the one that helps you be real, honest, and memorable.
🌟 Real Examples of Common App Essay Topics (By Prompt)
1. Background, Identity, or Talent
Topic: Growing up bilingual in a multicultural household
What It Showed: Adaptability, empathy, and a love for languages
2. Learning from Challenges
Topic: Overcoming social anxiety through theater
What It Showed: Personal growth, risk-taking, and confidence
3. A Moment of Belief or Doubt
Topic: Challenging gender roles in STEM club
What It Showed: Courage, self-reflection, leadership
4. Problem You’ve Solved
Topic: Creating a recycling program at school
What It Showed: Initiative, environmental awareness, impact
5. Personal Accomplishment
Topic: Learning to play the piano during quarantine
What It Showed: Discipline, creativity, emotional growth
6. Free Topic
Topic: A letter to my future self
What It Showed: Imagination, hope, introspection
7. Gratitude Prompt (NEW!)
Topic: Thanking a teacher who believed in me when no one else did
What It Showed: Humility, appreciation, deep connection
🧠 Tips for Writing an Amazing Common App Essay
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Start early. Give yourself time to reflect and revise.
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Be specific. “Show, don’t tell” with vivid details and real moments.
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Focus on YOU. It’s okay to talk about other people, but the essay should center on your growth.
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Use your voice. Write like you talk—authenticity stands out.
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Get feedback. Ask a teacher, mentor, or trusted friend to read your draft.
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Edit smart. Don’t just spell-check—look for flow, tone, and clarity.
📌 Remember: This essay is about who you are now, and who you’re becoming.
⏳ Common App Essay Word Limit
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Minimum: 250 words
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Maximum: 650 words
🎯 Aim for 600–650 words to give your story enough room to develop.
🛠️ Tools to Help You Write
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Grammarly – For grammar and tone checks
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Hemingway App – For clarity and readability
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Google Docs – Great for drafting and sharing with editors
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Prompt.com – For brainstorming and feedback
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Study Doll – For expert writing help and revisions 😄
✅ Final Thoughts: Your Story Is Worth Telling
The Common App essay isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being real.
Whether you’re writing about your biggest challenge, a quiet moment of gratitude, or your love for coding, what matters most is your voice and your truth.
So take a deep breath, trust your journey, and let your story unfold. 🎓💬
🚀 Need Help Writing Your Common App Essay?
We’ve helped hundreds of students craft powerful personal statements that get noticed.
👉 Click here to get personalized essay support from Study Doll
✍️ Your story is powerful. Let’s write it together—with Study Doll by your side.
