We’re continuing our deep dive into each of the seven Common App essay prompts, giving you advice on how to brainstorm, write, and refine your Common App essay. If you’ve been here a while, you know we don’t always follow “conventional” college essay advice, and honestly, that’s why our students get results. Today, we’re tackling the newest Common App prompt: Prompt #4.
If you’re a regular around here, you know we’re big Prompt #7 people. We love how open-ended and unstructured it is. The endless possibilities! However, if you’re someone who prefers a bit more structure, Prompt #4 is actually a fantastic option. It’s one of the best prompts for telling a clear, personal story – and as we always say, a great Common App essay is always a story.
A quick reminder: your Common App essay is the one part of your application every school will read. It’s also the only piece that shows who you are beyond your grades, test scores, and activities list. In other words, it’s your best shot at being seen as a person, not just a set of numbers. This is why your essay needs to be well-written, intentional, and as close to perfect as you can make it. If there’s one part of your Common App to pour your energy into, it’s this.
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?
This prompt is all about warm fuzzies — and we’re here for it. We love happy, upbeat Common App essays, and guess what? Admissions counselors do too. Picture this: it’s 4:56 p.m. on a Thursday. A tired, overworked 25-year-old admissions counselor is counting down the minutes until they can go home, reheat leftover pasta, and zone out to Friends while doomscrolling TikTok. They’ve already read a ton of essays today, most of them about grandparents, winning goals, or, more often, students’ worst moments and traumas. They’re exhausted. They open up one last essay before logging off, bracing for another heavy read… but instead, it’s a sweet, thoughtful story about a moment of kindness that made a real impact. Suddenly, they get to end their day on a high note. That’s a win for them, and a win for you.
Prompt #4 was added to the Common App to balance out some of the heaviness of Covid, and we think it’s a great addition. But, like with a lot of the pre-determined Common App prompts, there are a few common traps to avoid with this essay.
First, the prompt asks about something someone else did for you, which makes it easy to accidentally turn your essay into their story. Your Common App essay should still be about you. Second, students often go too big with this prompt. Grand gestures are tough to capture effectively in 650 words, and you risk losing the personal, reflective element that makes for a great essay. Finally, many students forget to answer the last part of the prompt: How has this gratitude affected or motivated you? If you skip this, you’re missing the entire point.
Keep these potential pitfalls in mind, and Prompt #4 can be a fantastic choice for your essay. Now, let’s dive into brainstorming ideas that will help you avoid the clichés and stand out in a sea of “thank you” essays.
Common App Essay Prompt #4 Example Topics
Before you jump into brainstorming specific stories, remember: the most effective way to tackle this prompt (or any Common App prompt, really) is by telling a story with a clear beginning, middle, and end. It also helps to reframe the question a bit.
Yes, this prompt asks about something someone else did for you, but your essay should still be about you. Your traits, your growth, your perspective. You’ll need a secondary character in this story, but they’re the supporting role – you’re the lead. You want main character syndrome for this one. If you’re feeling stuck, try asking your friends or family for the five words they’d use to describe you. Look for overlaps. If everyone says you’re “thoughtful” or “resilient,” that’s a clue for what you might want to highlight.
Now, try reframing the prompt as: “When did someone do something small (!!!) for me that reminded me I am [insert trait here]?” We’re not just looking for a story about someone being nice to you. We want something deeper – a moment that was meaningful, personal, and reflective. Something “an inch wide and a mile deep,” as we like to say. It doesn’t need to be a grand, dramatic gesture; in fact, it’s often better if it isn’t.
Another way to think about this prompt is through the lens of love languages. If your love language is acts of service and you love cooking for your family, maybe your sister quietly cleaned the kitchen so you could do your thing, and it made you feel seen. If words of affirmation are your thing, maybe you were struggling with a new sport or hobby, and a thoughtful pep talk from a friend pushed you to keep going. Maybe you’re the person who’s always dropping everything to help others, and someone did the same for you, making you feel valued in a way you didn’t expect.
Let’s talk about how to actually write this essay.
Common App Essay Prompt #4 Example Guide
Got your idea? Fantastic. Now comes the hard part: getting it down on paper.
Writing your Common App essay can feel overwhelming, but don’t worry! We’re here to help. You’ve got 650 words to tell a story with a clear beginning, middle, and end, and luckily, this prompt is practically begging you to tell a story.
We’ll stick with our cooking example. You love cooking for your family, and one day, your sister quietly steps in to help. To start your essay, bring us into the moment. Maybe you’re driving home from practice, realizing you forgot a key ingredient. Maybe you’re standing in your bedroom, dreading the messy kitchen you’ll have to clean before and after cooking. You could open with something like: “Oh my gosh, we’re out of cheese.” This immediately sets the scene and gives us a sense of your voice. Use descriptive details here. Let us hear the hum of the fridge, smell the garlic in the air, and feel the pre-dinner rush.
The middle of your essay is where the act of kindness comes in. Maybe you’ve resigned yourself to making a different dish, but when you open the fridge, there’s a fresh block of Vermont cheddar waiting for you. You shout, “Oh my god! The cheese!” and your sister calls back from the couch, “Yeah, I saw we didn’t have any, and I knew you’d need some.” See? It doesn’t have to be a grand gesture. Small kindnesses often make for the best stories.
As you close out your essay, focus on what this moment allowed you to do. Your sister’s small act of thoughtfulness let you pursue your passion without interruption. The kindness should clear the way for you to keep doing what you love, motivate you to start something you’ve been putting off, or remind you that you’re supported in ways you hadn’t noticed before. And remember, end on a high note. This isn’t the place for a burned dinner or a gloomy ending. Let your reader leave your essay with a smile.
A few practical writing tips: If you’re stuck on your opening, write it last. It’s often easier to craft a strong intro once you know how your story ends. And if the perfect first line isn’t coming to you, skip it for now and circle back later.
When you finish your draft (and it will probably be over 650 words), it’s time to edit. Read your essay out loud to catch awkward phrasing or areas that don’t sound like you. Retyping the entire essay can help you see it with fresh eyes and tighten it further. Go through your edits three or four times before asking a friend, parent, or teacher for feedback, but keep your feedback circle small. One or two trusted readers is enough to avoid conflicting advice that muddies your voice.
Prompt #4 is a great choice if you’re looking for a structured way to share a kind, joyful story. Just remember to avoid the common pitfalls: don’t let the essay become a story about someone else, and don’t forget to reflect on how someone’s kindness truly impacted you. If you can keep the focus on your growth and perspective, Prompt #4 can help you craft a personal, memorable essay.
We are experts in writing creative and unique college essays. If you need help brainstorming or writing your Common App essay, reach out to us today.