Choose one prompt. 250–650 words.

2026–27 Common App Essay Prompts

Choose one of these seven prompts for your Common App personal statement. The prompts are unchanged from recent years, and your essay can be 250–650 words.

1. Prompt 1 · Background, identity or talent

   650 words max

   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.

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2. Prompt 2 · Facing a challenge

   650 words max

   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?

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3. Prompt 3 · Questioning a belief

   650 words max

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

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4. Prompt 4 · Gratitude

   650 words max

   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?

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5. Prompt 5 · Personal growth

   650 words max

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

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6. Prompt 6 · Losing track of time

   650 words max

   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?

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7. Prompt 7 · Topic of your choice

   650 words max

   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.

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Source: official prompt page. Always double-check prompts in your application portal.