Every year, I talk with dozens of high school students who feel paralyzed by the same question: “What should I write about in my Common App essay?” And I get it. You’re being asked to tell your story in 650 words or less—enough to move an admissions committee, but not enough to explain everything you’ve done or dreamed about. That’s why understanding the Common Application essay prompts for 2025–2026 is so important. They aren’t just questions. They’re invitations. Open doors. And choosing the right one can make all the difference.
Understanding the Common Application Essay Prompts 2025-2026
The Common App has released its 2025–2026 personal essay prompts, and once again, students can choose from seven options. Six of them are returning from previous years, and one is always open-ended—the “topic of your choice.” You only need to respond to one, but picking the prompt that best aligns with your voice and experience is key.
I’ve worked with students from every background imaginable—first-generation, international, homeschooled, high-achieving athletes—and each of them has found a different prompt that helped them tell their story with authenticity. Let’s walk through each one and unpack what it’s really asking for.
Prompt 1: A Background, Identity, Interest, or Talent
This is one of the most popular prompts for a reason. It gives you the chance to reflect on your identity and how it has shaped who you are. If you’re someone who’s grown up translating for your family, or you’ve developed a passion for coding because you built your first website at age 12, this might be your moment to show the admissions team something unforgettable.
One of my students, Aisha, wrote about growing up in a refugee household and how learning English became her superpower. She didn’t focus on hardship. She focused on growth. That’s what made her essay stand out.
Prompt 2: The Lessons We Learn from Obstacles
This prompt invites you to reflect on a challenge or failure—and more importantly, how you responded to it. The key here is not the obstacle itself but the insight you gained from facing it.
Take Marcus, for example. He wrote about tearing his ACL his junior year, just as he was being recruited for soccer. What made his essay powerful wasn’t the injury—it was how he became a mentor to younger teammates while recovering and found a new passion for coaching. That pivot showed maturity and resilience.
Prompt 3: A Time You Questioned a Belief or Idea
This prompt asks for intellectual bravery. It’s about challenging assumptions—yours or someone else’s—and what that taught you. It doesn’t have to be a grand debate on politics or religion. It could be as personal as rethinking your approach to mental health, or challenging gender roles in your family.
Not every student feels ready to tackle this one, and that’s okay. But if you’ve had a moment where your thinking radically shifted, this could be a compelling choice.
Prompt 4: A Gratefulness or Appreciation Prompt
This prompt focuses on showing gratitude for someone who helped you grow. I often caution students against turning this into a tribute essay about someone else. The goal is to spotlight your growth—not just your admiration for a mentor or family member.
For example, one student I worked with, Mateo, wrote about his grandmother teaching him to cook traditional Peruvian dishes. But the essay wasn’t about her—it was about how those moments helped him reconnect with his cultural identity and sparked his interest in sustainability and food science.
Prompt 5: An Accomplishment or Milestone
This is a good prompt if you’ve had a defining moment—whether big or small—that changed your understanding of yourself. Think beyond the obvious achievements. Writing about making varsity isn’t enough. What did that experience teach you about leadership, perseverance, or failure?
One homeschooled student I advised used this prompt to describe organizing a virtual science fair for local students during the pandemic. It wasn’t just about the event. It was about building community and overcoming isolation.
Prompt 6: A Topic That Captivates You
This is a great option for students with a strong intellectual curiosity. If you’re someone who reads scientific journals for fun or builds robots in your basement, this might be your prompt. Just remember, it’s not about showing off. It’s about showing passion.
Make sure you connect the topic to who you are. What does your love of astrophysics say about your approach to big questions? How does your obsession with graphic novels reflect your creativity or empathy?
Prompt 7: Topic of Your Choice
This is the most flexible option. If none of the prompts feel quite right—or if you’ve already written something meaningful that doesn’t fit the others—this is your open door. Just make sure it still reflects growth, self-awareness, and purpose.
Students often use this prompt to write about unconventional experiences. I had an international student from Malaysia write about starting a YouTube channel to teach physics in her native language. That essay was authentic, original, and deeply reflective—which is exactly what admissions officers want.
How to Choose the Right Common App Prompt
Choosing your prompt isn’t about picking what sounds the most impressive. It’s about finding the one that lets you be most honest, most human. Here’s what I tell my students to consider:
- Which story feels most natural to tell? If one prompt makes you sit up and start mentally drafting, that’s a good sign.
- What do you want admissions officers to remember about you? Choose the prompt that leaves them with that impression.
- Can you show growth? Whether it’s emotional, academic, or personal, your essay should reflect some kind of change.
And if you’re still unsure, try freewriting for 15 minutes on two or three prompts. See where your voice feels strongest and most alive. That’s where your story lives.
Also, remember that your essay is part of a bigger picture. You want it to complement your college application resume, your activities, and your recommendation letters. Together, they should tell a cohesive and compelling story.
Common App Essay FAQ
How long should my Common App essay be?
You’re allowed 250 to 650 words. I recommend aiming for 600–650 unless your story is incredibly tight. Use the space you’re given.
Can I reuse my essay for multiple colleges?
Yes, the Common App essay is sent to every college that accepts the Common Application. However, many schools also have supplemental essays, so be ready to write more.
Do I need to answer the prompt exactly?
You should clearly respond to the prompt, but don’t get bogged down in literal interpretation. Think of the prompt as a doorway into your story—not a strict question you must dissect.
What if I’m not a strong writer?
You don’t need to be a poet. You need to be authentic. Focus on clarity, honesty, and reflection. Admissions officers care more about insight than fancy vocabulary.
Final Thoughts: Your Story Matters
The Common App essay is more than just another box to check. It’s your one true chance to speak directly to admissions officers in your own voice. And I’ve seen again and again how a well-crafted personal essay changes everything.
If you’re the first in your family to apply to college, or if your path has been anything but traditional, this essay is your moment to claim your space. Your story matters—and how you tell it can shape your future.
Need more guidance? Our first-generation applicant guide is a great place to start. Or, if you’re a student-athlete trying to juggle admissions and recruitment, check out our advice on athletic scholarships.
And if you’re not sure how this essay fits into the full picture, take a look at our guide on how many colleges to apply to or explore what to do if you’re deferred.
Wherever you are in your journey, keep writing, keep reflecting, and keep believing in your story. It’s more powerful than you think.