College Applications Are Up! Get The Essay Topics And Start Writing!

With just a few weeks of summer left, college-bound high school seniors should use this time to start writing personal statements and essays for college applications. Yes indeed, it’s that time of year!

Many colleges have just posted their new prompts for essays, and all colleges should have essay prompts available by Labor Day weekend (another good time to get a head start on essays). 

Here are a few essay prompts that are up right now:

Common Application (519 colleges accept this application):

1. Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.

2. The lessons we take from failure can be fundamental to later success. Recount an incident or time when you experienced failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?

3. Reflect on a time when you challenged a belief or idea.  What prompted you to act? Would you make the same decision again?

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 is of personal importance, no matter the scale. Explain its significance to you and what steps you took or could be taken to identify a solution.

5. Discuss an accomplishment or event, formal or informal, that marked your transition from childhood to adulthood within your culture, community, or family.

University of California (10 colleges accept this application):

1. Describe the world you come from — for example, your family, community or school — and tell us how your world has shaped your dreams and aspirations.

2. Tell us about a personal quality, talent, accomplishment, contribution or experience that is important to you. What about this quality or accomplishment makes you proud and how does it relate to the person you are?

Pro Tip: Make sure you have the current essay topics, and not last year’s!