The 2021-2022 college application season is upon us, and we’re here with a series about how to approach and answer all seven of the common app essay prompts. At times, we will suggest things that seem difficult. We’ll write about things that don’t align with what you might have read on the internet. We’ll also let you know when we think it’s best you skip a prompt. We’ve gathered quite a few tips and tricks over the years, and we want to help our blog readers write essays that work. Let’s dive into the first prompt:
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.
While we understand that this prompt might speak to some people, no TKG client has ever answered this prompt for several reasons. There are far better prompts than this one, and our first gripe with this question is that it hints at the incorrect notion that only certain backgrounds or identities are worth writing about. You’re essentially being asked to other yourself, and those who “can’t,” or simply don’t want to, probably feel anxious reading this question. Also, if you have an interest or talent, it should be represented and included in the activities section of your application or in your specific college supplements. And you don’t want to double down anywhere. When you read a prompt, you should be ~excited~ to explore that space and brainstorming topics that are singularly about yourself. This prompt forces students to think about things like family lineage, race, and religion that might not resonate. Our rule of thumb: if you’re stretching through generations to tell a story, you’re telling the wrong story.
But let’s just say that you read this prompt and something comes to mind. Before you go any further, please do not write about an extracurricular activity or anything academic. You are not your grades. Your essay needs to be about your personality.
For brainstorming purposes, we think it might be helpful to play around with the word identity. Can you think of something non-traditional? Make a list of ten things that you make you who you are. Think about rituals, things you do with your family and friends, and the groups and communities that make you feel good. You don’t really have the space to tackle something huge, so you shouldn’t even try. Instead, focus on a small aspect of your identity (for example, being an animal lover) that feels genuine. This prompt gives off family tree assignment vibes, and yes, we’re telling you to ignore that. Think about what makes you unique, and the traits you feel confident about focusing on.
If you find something that feels exciting, the most important thing to keep in mind is that you shouldn’t ramble incoherently about your essay topic. All common app essays should be a story with a beginning, middle, and end. So rather than explaining what it’s like to be __________, tell a story that shows that you are ______. We don’t love those spaces either, but it’s only thing that made sense. Sorry! You’re not making an argument for yourself, you’re simply using a story to shed light on a side of yourself that’s not represented elsewhere in your application.
We’d like to urge the Common App to change the phrasing of this question. We think “tell us a story that helps us understand you better” would work just fine, and open up doors to much stronger and creative submissions.
Contact us here if you need help with the college process. We’re pros at easing the stress and streamlining your approach.