Unveiling the Top Common App Prompts for 2017-2018: Your Ultimate Guide to Crafting a Winning College Essay

It's that time of the year again when high school seniors start scrambling to write their college admissions essays. And for those using the Common Application, there are seven prompts to choose from. But which one should you pick? How do you make sure your essay stands out from the thousands of others? This article will guide you through the 2017-2018 Common App prompts to help you craft a memorable and impactful essay.

The Prompt Breakdown

Let's take a quick look at the seven prompts:

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.

Choosing the Right Prompt

The first step in writing a great essay is choosing the right prompt.

If you have a compelling personal story that hasn't been told elsewhere in your application, then Prompt #1 might be the best fit for you. Alternatively, if you want to showcase your critical thinking skills, Prompt #3 could be a good option.

It's important to remember that all the prompts are open-ended, so you have a lot of flexibility in how you approach them. Don't try to fit your story into a prompt just because you think it's the safer option.

Making Your Essay Stand Out

Now that you've chosen your prompt, how do you make your essay stand out from the thousands of others that admissions officers read?

One way is by using specific, vivid details. Instead of telling the reader that you're passionate about a certain topic, show them through a concrete anecdote or experience. Another way is by being reflective and insightful. Don't simply recount what happened - reflect on what it means and what you learned from it.

Transitions are also important in your essay. They help connect ideas and guide the reader through your thought process. Use words like however, conversely, and on the other hand to signal a change or opposition in your argument.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

While there's no one-size-fits-all formula for a great essay, there are some common mistakes to avoid.

One is trying to cover too much. Remember, the essay is only 650 words, so trying to cram in every accomplishment and experience will likely result in a convoluted mess. Instead, focus on one specific moment or event and explore it in depth.

Another pitfall is using cliches and platitudes. Avoid using phrases like I wanted to make a difference or it was a life-changing experience. These won't impress admissions officers who read hundreds of essays that use the same tired language.

Wrapping Up

The college essay is a daunting task, but by choosing the right prompt, using specific details and transitions, and avoiding common pitfalls, you can craft a memorable and impactful essay that showcases your personality and strengths.

Remember that admissions officers are looking for authenticity and self-awareness, so be honest and reflective in your writing. Good luck!

The Common Application is a widely known application platform used by numerous universities and colleges in the United States. It streamlines the process of applying to more than 800 higher-education institutions, saving time and resources for both applicants and schools. One of the most critical parts of the application, however, is answering the prompts provided by the platform. These prompts can make or break an applicant’s chances of getting accepted. In this article, we’ll go through each prompt for the 2017-2018 application cycle, giving tips and advice on how to tackle them successfully.

Prompt #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.

In this prompt, applicants are invited to showcase something unique about themselves. This can be anything from overcoming adversity, embracing a cultural identity, pursuing a passion, or showcasing skills in a particular area. Admissions officers read thousands of applications every year, so it’s essential for applicants to stand out in a meaningful way. To answer this prompt successfully, applicants must plan carefully and choose their words wisely. They should show how their story has shaped who they are today, and how that story aligns with their academic goals and desired career path. It’s also important to keep in mind that essays that are too personal can be risky – applicants must learn to balance authenticity with professionalism.

Prompt #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?

No one is perfect, and everyone faces obstacles in life. This prompt is designed to showcase how applicants deal with adversity, learn from mistakes, and grow as individuals. Successful responses should demonstrate resilience, perseverance, and problem-solving capabilities. However, it’s essential to keep a positive perspective on what often is interpreted as a negative experience. Admissions officers don’t look for applicants who have never faced challenges, but those who have learned vital lessons and grown from them.

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

This prompt asks applicants to question their beliefs. It’s an excellent opportunity for applicants to showcase their critical-thinking capabilities, independence, and values. They should demonstrate how they challenged a long-held belief or societal norm, articulate their reasoning and thought process, and explain the outcome of their actions. The key here is to show applicants’ openness to new ideas and perspectives while staying true to their core beliefs.

Prompt #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.

This prompt is designed to showcase applicants’ problem-solving skills and creativity. It allows applicants to demonstrate their analytical thinking, passion, and motivation. They should describe the problem clearly, including why it matters to them and how they’ve tackled it so far. It’s also essential to include details of what steps they plan to take to solve the issue. Applicants may be tempted to focus too much on their solution or methodology, rather than on the problem itself, which is central to this prompt.

Prompt #5: Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.

This prompt is designed to showcase how applicants have matured and developed as individuals. Those who answer this prompt successfully will demonstrate their self-reflection and understanding of their growth over time. They may recall events like internships, volunteer work, leadership positions, or travel experiences that have dramatically affected their worldview. Applicants shouldn’t shy away from discussing the challenges they faced or their lessons learned. The key is in telling a compelling story that highlights both their vulnerability and their strengths.

Prompt #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?

This prompt focuses on applicants’ intellectual curiosity and passion for learning. It invites them to reveal what they’re passionate about, why their passion matters to them, and what steps they’ve taken to pursue it further. It’s essential to show admissions officers that applicants are not only students but individuals with unique interests and talents. Examples of responses could range from scientific research, artistic pursuits, or humanitarian causes.

Prompt #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 design.

This prompt provides applicants with the most freedom of choice. They may choose to answer previous prompts again, write about something entirely new, or even submit a previously written essay outside of the Common Application. It’s essential to remember that no matter what topic they choose, the essay must showcase qualities relevant to being a successful college student, such as critical-thinking skills, passion, creativity, and academic knowledge.

Final Thoughts

Answering the Common Application prompts is not easy, even for the most experienced writers. The key to success is careful planning, research, and introspection. Applicants must also keep in mind that there is no one-size-fits-all answer, and what works for one person may not for others. It’s essential to stay true to oneself while also showcasing one’s unique strengths and potential contributions to the academic community. By following these guidelines, applicants can craft compelling and successful responses to the Common Application prompts.

Comparison of Common App Prompts 2017-2018

Introduction

The Common Application is an online college application platform that helps students to apply for undergraduate programs in the United States and other countries. One of the most significant parts of the Common Application is the essay section. The essay prompts offered by the Common App this year are thought-provoking and diverse, ensuring that the applicant has enough choices to decide on a writing topic. This article will provide a comparison of the Common App Prompts 2017-2018, highlighting the critical differences that students must know while choosing the right prompt.

Background

The Common Application was first launched in 1975 by a group of American colleges that desired to provide a standard application form to their prospective students. Over the years, the number of member institutions has been growing steadily, and the organization now represents more than 800 colleges and universities around the world. Many colleges prefer the Common App because it makes it easier for them to compare applicants and streamline their admission processes.

Prompt 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.

This prompt encourages students to think about their unique characteristics and how it has influenced their growth as a person. It offers students with an opportunity to showcase their strengths, values, or personal experiences. Students who have overcome adversity or have an interesting story to tell can take advantage of this prompt to shine a light on themselves.

Prompt 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?

This prompt highlights the importance of resilience, determination, and self-growth. It allows students to recount an instance where they faced a hurdle and show how they overcame it. This prompt showcases to admission officers that the student has a strong character and is capable of handling difficult situations. It also shows that the student learned from their experiences and is ready to face challenges in the future.

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

This prompt offers students with an opportunity to reflect on their moral compass and critically analyze their understanding of complex issues. It allows them to showcase their critical thinking skills, intellectual curiosity, and open-mindedness. Students who take this prompt can show their potential to be great leaders and thinkers.

Prompt 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.

This prompt allows students to showcase their creativity and analytic abilities. It encourages them to identify a problem and present a solution to it. Universities want students who are capable of coming up with innovative ideas and applying critical thinking skills to solve real-world problems. This prompt allows students to showcase their potential to be valuable contributors to society.

Prompt 5: Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.

This prompt encourages students to reflect on their personal growth and the moments that have helped shape their identity. It allows them to discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that helped them change and become better. This prompt allows students to showcase their self-reflection and self-awareness abilities. Students who are capable of understanding themselves and others are valuable assets to any community.

Table comparison of Common App Prompts 2017-2018

Conclusion

The Common App Prompts for 2017-2018 provides applicants with ample opportunities to showcase their skills and abilities. The prompts encourage self-reflection, critical thinking, and creative problem-solving. When choosing a prompt, it is essential to choose one that showcases your strengths and abilities while providing you enough space to convey a compelling story. In conclusion, the Common App Prompts for 2017-2018 present students with an excellent opportunity to tell their unique stories and highlight their potential contributions to the academic community.

10 Tips for Navigating the Common App Prompts 2017-2018

Introduction

The Prompts

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.

Tips for Approaching the Prompts

Conclusion

Exploring Common App Prompts for 2017-2018

Applying to college is an exciting yet complicated part of a student’s academic journey, and one of the primary requirements in the process is composing a personal essay. For the 2017-2018 school year, the Common Application has provided seven prompts that students may choose from to guide their writing.

The prompts are intentionally broad to allow students to share their unique experiences, perspectives, and personalities. This article will explore each Common App prompt, providing examples and tips to help you craft your essay.

Prompt #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.

If you choose this prompt, select a story that reveals something significant about who you are. This might include discussing your family’s history, cultural background, or life-altering incidents that have shaped you into the person your peers, teachers, and admission officers know today. Avoid taking on too much history, and instead, focus on a specific event that best captures your personality.

Prompt #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?

This prompt requests that you talk about an obstacle you have experienced in life and how it influenced your outlook. Use this opportunity to convey how you overcame the challenge and highlight the most important lesson learned. Also, demonstrate how you are applying these lessons in your current academic or personal activities.

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

For this prompt, you have to show how you navigated conflicts and grew in your understanding of a specific issue. This topic may involve questioning your values, beliefs, or morals. Ensure that you explain clearly what motivated your questioning or challenging of an idea and be specific on how it changed you.

Prompt #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.

This prompt allows students to highlight their analytical skills and creativity. Choose an issue or concern that you genuinely care about and explain how it affects you. It could be concerning a community, interest group, or even a family member. You could provide suggestions for addressing the issue or lay out a practical plan of action to resolve it.

Prompt #5: Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.

In writing this essay, demonstrate how your experience has helped you to better understand yourself, others, or the world around you. Identify the accomplishments or events that triggered your growth and how you have applied your newfound knowledge or skills into other areas of your life.

Prompt #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?

If you select this topic, ensure you choose a theme related to your academic or personal interests. Give details on why you are passionate about learning the topic or idea and how your curiosity has led to practical experiences. Don’t forget to include how this interest has influenced your academic, personal growth, and how you use this knowledge to improve your community or surroundings.

Prompt #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 design.

This prompt allows you to write an essay on any topic of your choosing. You may want to consider reusing a previous paper you wrote, which aligns with the topic, or writing a new essay that expresses your unique perspectives and values.

By considering these Common Application prompts, you can craft a compelling personal statement that reflects who you truly are and helps you stand out from other applicants. Keep in mind some critical ingredients like honesty, creativity, and engaging visuals- it’s your opportunity to show what makes you special! Sample essays written around these topics are available for guidance and inspiration on various websites and platforms.

It is always advisable to have a trusted mentor review your essay for grammar, clarity, flow, syntax, and style. Remember, your essay will communicate much more than your qualifications; it will show who you are. So, take your time and give it your best shot.

Good luck!

People Also Ask About Common App Prompts 2017-2018

What are the Common App Prompts for the 2017-2018 academic year?

For the 2017-2018 academic year, the Common Application essay prompts are as follows:

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.

How do I know which Common App Prompt to choose?

Choosing a prompt ultimately comes down to what you think showcases your best qualities and abilities. Consider the different prompts and reflect on what story or experience you have that aligns with one or more of them.

• Do you have a personal story that would fit well with the first prompt?
• Have you faced a significant challenge or setback that you were able to overcome for the second prompt?
• Is there an idea or belief that you are passionate about, and you have had experience challenging it for the third prompt?
• Is there a problem you are interested in solving, and you have taken steps towards solving it for the fourth prompt?
• Have you experienced a new understanding of yourself through an accomplishment, event, or realization for the fifth prompt?
• Is there a topic, idea, or concept that you find yourself passionately engaged in that can speak to the sixth prompt?

Do I need to answer all of the Common App Prompts?

No, you only need to choose and answer one of the Common App Prompts for your essay.

Can I change my Common App Prompt after submitting my application?

Usually, no, you cannot change your essay prompt after submitting your application. You should carefully review and choose your prompt before submitting your application. However, some colleges may allow you to switch prompts if contacted before a specified deadline.