Applicants from the 2013/2014 school year will face the first major revision in the College Common Application in a decade. The essay section has been changed, expanded, and sharpened in order to give students a better opportunity to express themselves while responding to the prepared prompts.

The 2013/2014 Common Application essay section will require a response to one of these five topics. The response must be less than 650 words and the application will not accept a response of less than 250 words.
  • Some students have a background or story that is so central to their identity that they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.
  • Recount an incident or time when you experienced failure. How did it affect you, and what lessons did you learn?
  • Reflect on a time when you challenged a belief or idea. What prompted you to act? Would you make the same decision again?
  • Describe a place or environment where you are perfectly content. What do you do or experience there, and why is it meaningful to you?
  • Discuss an accomplishment or event, formal or informal, that marked your transition from childhood to adulthood within your culture, community, or family.