2018-2019 Common Application Essay Prompts

Just as the 2017-2018 college admissions season winds down and regular applications receive their final decisions, juniors can look forward to beginning the next admissions cycle, especially since the Common Application has released its 2018-2019 essay prompts!

What are the changes?

Nothing!

That’s right. The same prompts that students saw during this year’s admissions season will be the ones that students use for next year’s. What was the most popular prompt from the 2017-2018 cycle? Question #5: “Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.” So if you want to stand out from the pack, maybe consider responding to a less popular prompt.

The Common Application has also made it possible for students to “rollover” their accounts year after year. While some information will not transfer from one year to another, most application information can now be added earlier than senior year. This is a great way for students to get a head start on their applications and also become better acquainted with the Common Application.

2018-2019 Common Application Essay Prompts:

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.

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 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?

3. Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?

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, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.

6. 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?

7. 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.

It’s never too early to start thinking about college admissions. Consider our college admissions services and programs that will make the process a whole lot less stressful--and even kind of fun! Juniors, you may be busy with school work right now, but when summer rolls around, you will want to have a game plan and stick to it. Don’t make your final year of college more overwhelming than it has to be! We are here to help in the way that best suits you.