Discover the Latest Common App Essay Prompts 2016-17 and Ace Your College Application!

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Attention all high school seniors! It's time to start thinking about your Common App essay. The essay is your chance to showcase who you are and what sets you apart from other applicants. The 2016-17 Common App essay prompts are out and it's time to get cracking on brainstorming and writing.

So, what are the prompts for this year? Let's take a look:

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 failure can be fundamental to later success. Recount an incident or time when you experienced failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?

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

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 or event, formal or informal, that marked your transition from childhood to adulthood within your culture, community, or family.

Each prompt offers a unique opportunity to showcase your personality and achievements. But with so many options, how do you choose?

First, think about what makes you stand out. Is there something that sets you apart from other applicants? A particular hobby, passion or experience? Choose a prompt that allows you to showcase your uniqueness.

Second, choose a prompt that you have a personal connection to. This will make it easier for you to write and to convey your message effectively.

Third, make sure your essay is well-written and structured. Consider having a teacher, counselor, or parent read your essay before submission to ensure it is error-free and impactful.

But remember, the essay is only one part of your application. Admissions officers also consider your grades, test scores, extracurricular activities, and other factors. So while your essay is important, don't neglect the other elements of your application.

Lastly, be true to yourself in your essay. Don't try to impress admissions officers by pretending to be someone you're not. They want to know who you are and what you stand for.

In conclusion, the Common App essay prompts for the 2016-17 year require you to think carefully about your story and what sets you apart. Choose a prompt that allows you to showcase your uniqueness and personal connection. Write well and be true to yourself. Happy writing!


As the summer season comes to an end and students prepare to head back to school, it's time to start thinking about the Common Application Essay prompts for the upcoming 2016-17 academic year. These prompts are meant to help students showcase their unique perspectives and experiences to college admission officials as they apply for undergraduate programs. Below, we'll look at each of the five prompts and offer some tips for tackling them effectively.

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.

When considering this prompt, think about what makes you stand out from other applicants. Maybe you come from a unique cultural background or have a special talent in the arts or sports. Whatever it is, use vivid details and anecdotes to describe how this aspect of your life has shaped you and your goals for the future.

Prompt 2: The lessons we take from failure can be fundamental to later success. Recount an incident or time when you experienced failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?

This prompt can be challenging, as many students may feel ashamed or embarrassed to talk about their failures. However, keep in mind that college admission officials are interested in seeing resilience and the ability to learn from mistakes. Describe the situation clearly and candidly, and focus on lessons learned and personal growth rather than dwelling on the negative aspects of the experience.

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 is an opportunity to showcase critical thinking skills and convictions. It could relate to a time when a teacher or peer made a statement that you disagreed with, or a time when you felt compelled to speak out about an issue that was important to you. As you write this essay, provide clear evidence of your thought process and explain why you feel so strongly about the topic at hand.

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 a great opportunity to showcase creative and analytical thinking skills. Consider current issues in society that you are passionate about, or difficulties you have faced in your own life. When addressing the prompt, explain how you used logic and reasoning to arrive at a solution, and reflect on the impact that solving the problem has had or could have in the future.

Prompt 5: Discuss an accomplishment or event, formal or informal, that marked your transition from childhood to adulthood within your culture, community, or family.

With this prompt, you are encouraged to demonstrate self-awareness and share moments or experiences that have played a major role in shaping who you are today. These could include things like moving to a new city, taking on a leadership role in an organization, or overcoming a difficult obstacle. In your essay, be sure to explain why this moment was particularly significant and why it marks an important turning point for you personally.

In conclusion...

The five Common App Essay prompts for the upcoming academic year give students plenty of opportunities to showcase their unique backgrounds, talents, and personal growth. As you begin writing your essay, remember to focus on details and anecdotes that will help create a clear picture of who you are and what you have to offer as a student. Be honest, reflective, and thoughtful in your writing, and don't be afraid to take some risks and explore topics that are close to your heart.

With these tips in mind, you're ready to get started on crafting an essay that will help set you apart from other applicants and showcase all that you have to offer as a prospective college student. Good luck!


A Comprehensive Comparison of the Common App Essay Prompts for 2016-17

Introduction

The Common Application or Common App is an undergraduate admission application that enables students to apply to several colleges and universities at once. Started in 1975, it has grown over time and now includes more than 800 colleges and universities worldwide. The essay prompts are the most critical part of the application process since it provides admission officers with an insight into who the applicant is beyond their grades and test scores. In this article, we shall compare the seven essay prompts provided by the Common App.

The Seven Essay Prompts

The Common App provides seven different essay prompts that students can choose from, ensuring that there is a topic that everyone can relate to. Every prompt focuses on a unique experience or theme that students can write about.

Prompt 1: Some students have a background, story, 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.

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?

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

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.

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

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?

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.

Comparing the Essay Prompts

Clarity

The prompts are clear and straightforward, ensuring that students can understand them without stumbling across any confusing language. The instructions provided with each prompt provide further direction, giving students clarity on what they should write about.

Diversity

The prompts cater to a broad range of experiences and interests, ensuring that students from different backgrounds and cultures will have a story to tell. From sharing stories of overcoming adversity to discussing topics that fascinate them, the prompts draw out diverse experiences and perspectives from the applicants.

Creativity

The prompts allow for unlimited creativity, enabling students to present themselves in a unique and compelling way. Applicants can use their imagination and storytelling skills to weave their narratives and show their personalities, making their application stand-out.

Reflection

The prompts encourage self-reflection, enabling applicants to think critically about their experiences and how they shaped their lives. Applicants can reflect on their values, beliefs, goals, and aspirations, allowing admission officers to understand what motivates them and how they perceive the world around them.

Authenticity

The prompts help applicants showcase their authentic selves, ensuring that they can write about what matters most to them. The prompts are flexible and open-ended, allowing students to take ownership of their stories and tell it in their unique voice, without fear of being judged or rejected.

Length

The prompts encourage applicants to write thoughtful and well-crafted essays that demonstrate their writing abilities. Although there is no word limit, the essays must be concise and engaging, ensuring that admission officers can read through and understand them.

Effectiveness

The prompts have been successful over time, with admission officers commending them for providing a robust and comprehensive view of the applicant. The prompts have enabled colleges and universities to identify motivated and exceptional students, who will contribute positively to their community.

Conclusion

The Common Application essay prompts for 2016-17 provide a diverse range of options for student applicants to express themselves effectively. They allow admissions officers to learn more about students beyond academic scores and grades, delving into their personalities, passions, and unique experiences. These prompts encourage students to display creativity, reflect on their lives, and reveal their true selves. With the flexibility and diversity offered by these prompts, every applicant has an opportunity to tell their story and stand-out in the college application process.


Tips for Responding to the Common App Essay Prompts 2016-17

If you are a high school student or an incoming freshman, then you have probably heard about the Common Application (Common App), a website that lets you apply to multiple colleges and universities in one go. One of the requirements of the Common App is writing an essay, which is your chance to showcase your writing skills and personality to admissions officers.The Common App essay prompts for 2016-17 were released on August 1. They are mostly the same as the previous year's prompts, but with slight modifications. In this article, we will discuss the prompts and offer some tips on responding to them.

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 is asking you to write about something that has shaped your identity and personal growth. You can choose any topic as long as you can show how it has impacted your values, beliefs, or perspectives. For example, you could write about growing up in a foreign country or overcoming a difficult challenge. Just make sure to avoid cliches and focus on your unique experiences.

Prompt 2: The lessons we take from failure can be fundamental to later success. Recount an incident or time when you experienced failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?

This prompt is asking you to reflect on a time when you faced adversity and what you learned from it. You should not focus solely on the failure itself but also on how you handled it and what you gained from the experience. Admissions officers want to see that you can persevere and grow from challenges.

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 is asking you to showcase your critical thinking skills and willingness to challenge the status quo. You could write about questioning a political or social issue, standing up for your beliefs, or changing your mind after learning new information. Admissions officers want to see that you are open-minded and intellectually curious.

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 asking you to demonstrate your problem-solving skills and creativity. You could write about a personal or academic challenge, a societal issue, or a scientific question. Make sure to show how the problem relates to your interests and values and how you tackled it.

Prompt 5: Discuss an accomplishment or event, formal or informal, that marked your transition from childhood to adulthood within your culture, community, or family.

This prompt is asking you to reflect on your growth and maturation as a person. You could write about a milestone in your life, such as getting a driver's license or graduating high school, or a cultural tradition that marks adulthood in your community. Show how the experience has impacted your sense of self and your relationship with others.

Tips for Responding to the Common App Essay Prompts

Here are some tips for writing successful essays for any of the Common App prompts:1. Start early: Give yourself plenty of time to brainstorm, draft, revise, and edit your essay. Avoid procrastination, as it can lead to a rushed and incomplete essay.2. Be personal: Use concrete examples and anecdotes from your own life to illustrate your points. Avoid vague or general statements that could apply to anyone.3. Use clear language: Write in a style that is natural and easy to read. Avoid cliches, jargon, and unnecessarily complex words.4. Stay focused: Stick to the prompt and avoid going off on tangents. Make sure each paragraph relates to the main idea of the essay.5. Revise and edit: Get feedback from others, such as teachers, parents, or friends, and revise your essay based on their suggestions. Proofread carefully for spelling and grammar errors.

Conclusion

The Common App essay prompts for 2016-17 are an opportunity for you to showcase your talents, interests, and personality to admissions officers. Use these tips to craft a successful essay that reflects your unique experiences and goals. Good luck!

The Ultimate Guide to Common App Essay Prompts 2016-17

Dear beloved readers, we hope this article has helped you gain invaluable insights into the Common App essay prompts for the upcoming academic year. Writing an essay can be a daunting task, but with the right knowledge and preparation, you can turn it into a journey of self-discovery and personal growth.

As you begin brainstorming ideas and crafting your essay, remember the fundamental purpose of this exercise - to provide admission officers with a glimpse into your character, identity, and aspirations. Use this opportunity to showcase your unique voice and personality while highlighting your strengths and accomplishments.

When choosing a prompt, don't just go for the one that sounds the easiest or most convenient - pick the one that speaks to you the most and allows you to express yourself most authentically. Keep in mind that you have a word limit of 650 words, so make every sentence count and avoid any filler or fluff.

To enhance the clarity and flow of your essay, use transition words and phrases to guide the reader from one idea to the next. Examples of such words include however, moreover, in addition, nevertheless, consequently, and similarly. These help to create connection and coherence between different parts of your essay, making it easier for the reader to follow your line of argument.

Another crucial factor in writing a compelling Common App essay is to have a clear structure. Break down your essay into clear sections, with each paragraph focusing on a single point or theme. Introduce the topic of each section in your opening sentence and then expand on it in the following sentences. Make sure there is a logical progression from one section to the next.

Don't forget to edit and revise your essay multiple times to catch any errors or inconsistencies in your writing. Ask a friend, teacher, or mentor to review it and provide constructive feedback. Remember that your essay is a reflection of your personality and potential, so take the time to refine it and make it shine.

As you wrap up your essay, remind the admission officers of why you are an excellent fit for their school. Highlight your unique qualities, experiences, and skills that make you stand out from other applicants. End with a strong closing statement that leaves a lasting impression on the reader.

Finally, we would like to thank you for choosing this blog as your source of information about Common App essay prompts. We hope that our tips and advice have been helpful and inspiring, and we wish you all the best in your college application journey. Remember, the college admissions process is just one of many steps towards your future success, so keep pursuing your dreams and never give up.


People Also Ask About Common App Essay Prompts 2016-17

What is the Common Application?

The Common Application is an online college application platform that allows students to apply to over 800 schools with one application. The Common Application includes essay prompts that are used by many colleges and universities.

What were the Common App Essay Prompts for 2016-17?

  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 failure can be fundamental to later success. Recount an incident or time when you experienced failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?
  3. Reflect on a time when you challenged a belief or idea. What prompted you to act? Would you make the same decision again?
  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 or event, formal or informal, that marked your transition from childhood to adulthood within your culture, community, or family.

Can I choose any of the Common App Essay Prompts?

Yes, you can choose any of the Common App Essay Prompts. However, it's important to consider which prompt will allow you to showcase your strengths and personality in the best way possible. Choose a prompt that you feel comfortable writing about and that will allow you to convey your unique experiences and insights.

How long should my Common App Essay be?

Your Common App Essay should be between 250 and 650 words. It's important to stay within this word count range to ensure that your essay is concise and focused. Avoid rambling or including information that isn't directly relevant to your essay.

When are the Common App Essay Prompts for 2017-18 going to be released?

The Common App Essay Prompts for 2017-18 were released in February 2017. Typically, the prompts are released around the same time each year, so you can expect them to be released in February or March of each year.