It’s that time of year! The 2021-2022 Common Application is live. This year, there is a new common app prompt among the ones you might already recognize. As more and more schools consider going test-blind or test-optional in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, these essays become increasingly important in your college application.

The Common App is used by more than 900 colleges and universities in the United States. Typically, these prompts don’t change from year to year, but this year, the Common App has introduced an entirely new prompt. Read on to find out about the new prompt and how to conquer the common app essay!

What are the 2021-2022 Common App Prompt?

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The Common App has released seven prompts, six of which ask specific questions. You can find the full text of the 2021-2022 Common app prompts below!

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. 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?
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.

What is the new Common App prompt?

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Prompts #1-3 and 5-7 remain the same as the 2019-2020 Common app essay prompts. However, Prompt #4 replaces an earlier prompt about a problem that the student had solved or wanted to solve.

The 2019-2020 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.

The 2020-2021 Prompt #4: 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?

Why did the Common App create a new prompt?

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In their press release announcing the new prompt, the Common App noted that relatively few students chose to write about solving a problem in previous application cycles. They also cite new research about gratitude as well as the beneficial impact of reflecting on the positive influences in our lives. As Common App President and CEO Jenny Rickard explained, “Particularly at this challenging time, we can help students think about something positive and heartfelt in their lives, and we can do it explicitly.”

Why is my personal statement so important?

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The Common app essay is one of the few places where the student gets to show their own, authentic voice. In many circumstances, students can look similar to others from their region with similar test scores. Additionally, test-optional or test-blind admissions gives admissions representatives one less piece of information to rely on. Ultimately, what this means is the essay has taken an even greater role in the application process. Admissions counselors want to know what kind of student, classmate, dorm mate and friend you will be on campus. What will you add to the campus community?

Common App Essay Prompts

How do I write a good personal statement?

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We’ve got a whole blog post about that! However, the short version is to choose a topic that you feel says something important about you- something that the college counselors have to know about in order to understand who you are. Spend some time writing and revising (and revising). Use vivid details and tell a story. You can also reach out to FLS Tutors. Our expert college counselors can walk you through every step of the process.