The Common App will retain its seven essay prompts for the 2026–2027 admissions cycle, continuing its emphasis on personal storytelling. The decision allows students to work with familiar questions ...

The Common App is the primary way that students apply to more than 1,000 colleges and universities in the US. In 2023, it processed close to 7 million applications from 1.25 million students around ...

Writing college essays that stand out is a critical step in the college admissions process. College admissions officers read thousands of essays each year, and a compelling essay can make a ...

Details, stories, and other examples drawn from applicants’ academic and personal experiences have always mattered. But these elements will be more critical than ever. For many college admissions ...

The Common Application offers prompts designed to draw out personal narratives, from overcoming challenges to exploring captivating interests. Understanding each prompt’s intent helps applicants ...