The Official 2023-2024
Common Application Essay Prompts
The Common Application
The word limit on the essay will remain at 650.
Below is the full set of essay prompts for 2023-2024. We will also retain the optional COVID-19 question within the Additional Information section.
- 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.
- The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?
- Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?
- Reflect on something that someone has done for you that has made you happy or thankful in a surprising way. How has this gratitude affected or motivated you?
- Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.
- Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?
- Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you've already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design.
Where can I explain how COVID-19 had an impact on me?
COVID-19 has affected students in dramatically different ways. If you need it, the COVID-19 and natural disaster question in the Additional Information section is a place for you to describe the impact of these events.
The question is not intended to be an extra essay. There’s also no need to describe how your school responded to these events. Your counselor will have an opportunity to discuss impacts like closures, online instruction, and grading policies. Instead, consider how these events may have impacted you, your family, and your learning environment. Examples might include:
- Illness or loss within your family or support network
- Employment or housing disruptions within your family
- Food insecurity
- Toll on mental and emotional health
- New obligations such as part-time work or care for siblings or family members
- Availability of computer or internet access required to continue your studies
- Access to a safe and quiet study space
- A new direction for your major or career interests
*College & Graduate School Application Essay Writing Program
by Kugler Counseling & Tutoring Services
-specific instruction to impress universities and teach them what you would like them to learn about who you are and why you belong at their schools.
DO NOT sound like everybody else who is applying to your dream school.
DO NOT rattle off your list of achievements and activities.
DO NOT bore your readers to tears.
BE DIFFERENT.
BE INTERESTING.
BE YOURSELF.
Helping students find their voices when writing application essays is our favorite part of tutoring. We love the masterpieces we help our students create. Let us work with you to get past the "awkward bragging about yourself" stage or the feeling "stuck with no idea where to start" stage.
Most students who apply to colleges and graduate schools have strong Grade Point Averages (GPAs), test scores, and leadership activity experience. What truly captures the Admission staff's attention is hearing the voice of the applicant through the essays they submit. Let us say that again. What truly captures the Admission staff's attention is hearing the voice of the applicant through the essays they submit! At America's most elite schools, the essays are what carry the most weight in deciding whether or not to offer admission. We, as counselors, dig deep to help our students SHOW their readers who they are and why they make such a great fit for each school to which they apply. Let Kugler Counseling & Tutoring Services help you find a way to avoid bragging or boring essays through your creativity, strengths, and passions. CLICK HERE for the FREE CONSULTATION to get started creating together.
by Kugler Counseling & Tutoring Services
-specific instruction to impress universities and teach them what you would like them to learn about who you are and why you belong at their schools.
DO NOT sound like everybody else who is applying to your dream school.
DO NOT rattle off your list of achievements and activities.
DO NOT bore your readers to tears.
BE DIFFERENT.
BE INTERESTING.
BE YOURSELF.
Helping students find their voices when writing application essays is our favorite part of tutoring. We love the masterpieces we help our students create. Let us work with you to get past the "awkward bragging about yourself" stage or the feeling "stuck with no idea where to start" stage.
Most students who apply to colleges and graduate schools have strong Grade Point Averages (GPAs), test scores, and leadership activity experience. What truly captures the Admission staff's attention is hearing the voice of the applicant through the essays they submit. Let us say that again. What truly captures the Admission staff's attention is hearing the voice of the applicant through the essays they submit! At America's most elite schools, the essays are what carry the most weight in deciding whether or not to offer admission. We, as counselors, dig deep to help our students SHOW their readers who they are and why they make such a great fit for each school to which they apply. Let Kugler Counseling & Tutoring Services help you find a way to avoid bragging or boring essays through your creativity, strengths, and passions. CLICK HERE for the FREE CONSULTATION to get started creating together.