College Essay Prompts ( for Juniors ONLY )
If you are planning to attend a four-year public or private college or university after high school, one part of many college applications is the essay. Some of the colleges that you apply to may be part of the Common Application, whereby you submit one application to numerous colleges.
The Common Application has announced that the 2020-2021 essay prompts will remain the same as the 2019-2020 essay prompts. These essay prompts will be similar to the vast majority of colleges.
Where you are at home for a prolonged period of time, it is suggested that you start working on your college application essay when time permits. Read the below essay prompts and choose the one prompt that you believe will make you stand out against all other students who will apply to the same colleges as you. If you have any questions or concerns, please email your guidance counselor.
2020-2021 Common Application Essay Prompts:
- 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.
- 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?
- Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?
- 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.
- Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.
- 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?
- 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.
For some tips on wiring a great college essay, visit these sites:
https://www.princetonreview.com/college-advice/college-essay
https://www.collegeessayguy.com/blog/college-essay-tips
https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/get-in/essays/8-tips-for-crafting-your-best-college-essay
