2015-2016 Common Application Essay Prompts

Juniors, if you are ready to start thinking about your Common Application (CAPP) essays, here are the new prompts for 2015-2016.

1. 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.
2. The lessons we take from failure can be fundamental to later success. Recount an incident or time when you experienced failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?
3. Reflect on a time when you challenged a belief or idea. What prompted you to act? Would you make the same decision again?
4. 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.
5. Discuss an accomplishment or event, formal or informal, that marked your transition from childhood to adulthood within your culture, community, or family.

Once you contemplate and respond to question four, you'll have a better idea of what type of career you would enjoy and which major to pursue in college.

Since application season won’t start until September, you should focus on improving your GPA, taking the standardized tests (if your desired colleges require them), and taking campus visits. These are a few more steps towards success.