What Are Most College Essays About? Exploring Common Essay Themes

When it comes to college essays, one may wonder what the most frequently chosen topic is. The Common App, a widely used college application platform, offers seven essay prompts for applicants to choose from. These prompts encourage students to delve into their experiences, values, and aspirations. The prompts are as follows:

1. Share your story: This prompt invites applicants to narrate a significant personal experience, allowing them to provide insight into their life journey.

2. Learning from obstacles: Prompt #2 encourages students to reflect on challenges they’ve faced and how these experiences have contributed to their personal growth and development.

3. Challenging a belief: Applicants selecting this prompt are prompted to discuss a time when they questioned or challenged a deeply held belief or idea, offering a glimpse into their critical thinking and convictions.

4. Solving a problem: Prompt #4 centers around problem-solving abilities, asking students to describe a problem they’ve encountered and the steps they’ve taken to address it.

5. Personal growth: This prompt revolves around self-improvement and transformation, urging applicants to share instances of personal growth and the lessons they’ve learned.

6. What captivates you? Prompt #6 invites students to discuss a topic, idea, or concept that truly captivates their interest, revealing their intellectual curiosity.

7. Topic of your choice: Lastly, prompt #7 provides complete freedom, allowing applicants to write about any topic of their choosing, giving them an opportunity to showcase their creativity, passion, or unique perspectives.

In addition to these prompts, there is also the option to describe a person you admire, which can provide a glimpse into an applicant’s values and the qualities they hold in high regard. These diverse essay prompts aim to help colleges gain a well-rounded understanding of each applicant’s character, experiences, and potential contributions to their academic community.

When considering potential college essay topics, it’s crucial to steer clear of overused themes that admission committees have encountered countless times. For instance, crafting an essay about your proficiency in a sport or your lifelong passion for learning may not stand out amidst the sea of similar narratives. Instead, reflect on an element of your character, family background, or upbringing that truly distinguishes you from other applicants. Another engaging approach is to write about a moment of personal failure, providing insight into how you’ve grown and learned from the experience. By exploring these less common topics, you’ll have a better chance of capturing the attention of admissions officers and showcasing your unique qualities and experiences.

Selecting Ideal College Essay Topics

When it comes to choosing the most suitable essay topics for your college assignments, it’s essential to consider a variety of engaging options. One intriguing theme to explore is the process of decision-making, which can encompass your academic and personal choices. Another compelling area to delve into is the development of both positive and negative habits, shedding light on personal growth. Additionally, you might want to investigate the major challenges you’ve faced during your college journey, highlighting your resilience and problem-solving skills.

In terms of practical skills, exploring effective time-management practices can offer valuable insights for both you and your readers. Reflecting on significant and memorable events that have shaped your college experience is another intriguing avenue to consider. It’s also worth examining the contrast between your initial expectations of university life and the reality you’ve encountered.

Furthermore, you can delve into your interactions with classmates, emphasizing the importance of networking and building relationships during your college years. Lastly, capturing the essence of the freshman experience, with its unique set of challenges and opportunities, can provide a well-rounded perspective on your college life.

By considering these diverse essay topics, you can create engaging and informative college essays that offer readers a comprehensive view of your academic journey. [Published on August 19, 2023]

• Prompt #1: Share your story.
• Prompt #2: Learning from obstacles.
• Prompt #3: Challenging a belief.
• Prompt #4: Solving a problem.
• Prompt #5: Personal growth.
• Prompt #6: What captivates you?
• Prompt #7: Topic of your choice.
• Describe a person you admire.