In our previous post, we provided some tips on how to tackle the Common App essay prompts. As a reminder, reflect on moments of your life and jot down as many ideas in an initial outline. A few stories may relate to one of the specific Common App essay prompts – if so, great! But, if you’re having a difficult time fitting your favorite idea into one of these prompts, do not fear. The seventh prompt may be exactly what you are looking for – the open-ended ‘topic of your choice’. Here is the actual essay prompt:
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 own design.
Your choice! Anything you want! This prompt offers you the freedom to write about anything you want for your personal essay. But be careful, as not every possible topic you could dream up will make for a solid college essay.
How do you choose the best Common App essay topic?
At Great College Advice, we tell students that virtually any theme will work. However, a good essay has two critical elements. First, it must tell an interesting story in which you are the main character. Second, you must provide some reflection and analysis of what the story means to you. So no matter whether you address one of the six other Common Application prompts or whether you choose this catch-all prompt, just make sure your essay contains both elements.
Your Choice
The nice thing about this Common App prompt is that the admissions officers leave the choice of topic entirely to you. And therein lies some of the danger of deviating from the other prompts. You are free – and encouraged – to go beyond the limitations of these other prompts. But at the same time, you want to consider the fundamental commonalities found in the previous six Common App essay prompts.
Ideas and Concepts
Your college essay should represent you as a student and as a learner. Not every topic has to be entirely serious. However, you should consider whether your chosen topic has any intellectual or academic depth.
Transitions
The heart of many of these prompts is some sort of change in your mindset, perspective, or understanding. Essay readers are looking for young people who have made some sort of transition that demonstrates their maturity, depth of thought, or newfound ability to see the world in a new light.
A Story
To be successful, you must have some sort of anecdote animating your essay that helps your reader to see your point. This is where you will “show” your reader your fundamental point. You are the main character of this essay. Through this character, you can demonstrate aspects of your personality, your values, and your point of view.
Analysis and Reflection
The other Common App prompts require you to dig underneath the surface. They ask you to go beyond superficialities and to uncover the important truths at the center of your story. It is not enough to tell your reader the story. You must also demonstrate the fundamental importance of the story to you. The story is the vehicle to convey a deeper understanding of you as a person. In a sense, then, your Common App essay topic rests on this analysis and reflection – and less on the “story” you tell.
Feel Free to Use an ‘Already Written’ Essay
Note that the ‘your choice’ essay prompt provides the opportunity to submit a previously written piece. You may have written some sort of personal essay or narrative that you are especially proud of as part of a creative writing assignment. If this personal memoir has most of the elements described above, it could be an excellent launch pad for your college essay.
Your Essay Can Be of Your Own Design
Also note that the prompt offers the option to experiment with the form of the essay. Admissions officers want to encourage your creativity, and they are looking for unique approaches. For example, some students write very successful poems in response to the prompts. Others have written mini-plays or screenplays. You are welcome to experiment with the form. However, you will want to keep in mind the elements described above. While the form can be highly creative, it is important to keep the purpose of the college essay in mind. You must communicate to your reader something important, something fundamental about who you are as a person, as a citizen, and as a learner.
Need Help with the Common App Essay?
Need some help writing a great college essay for the Common App? Having difficulty finding a good Common App essay topic? Please contact us for a free consultation. Whether you’re aiming for the Ivy League or just want to look your best when you apply to the college of your dreams, our team of experts can help you brainstorm, structure, and edit an excellent piece of writing that will help you stand out in the admissions process. At Great College Advice, we provide personalized college consulting focused on helping make the process of preparing, selecting, and applying to college more successful, less stressful, and more fun.
