2018-19 Common Application Essay Prompts

The Common App Prompts for 2018-19 Will Remain the Same as Last Year The Common Application has announced the personal essay prompts for the 2018-19 admissions season, leaving the prompts from 2017-18 unchanged. This is significant, as it allows current juniors to get started even earlier on their college applications, especially with the availability of account rollover. At, we advise students to get started on their college applications the summer before their senior year. While current juniors can certainly start to think about what they may want to write about in their college application essays, the Common App essay should not overshadow juniors’ current college prep, including extracurriculars, test prep, studying for AP or other important exams, and other important college prep tasks like building their balanced college list and visiting schools. Here are the 2018- 19 Common Application essay prompts: 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. The lessons we take fromobstacles we encountercan be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced achallenge, setback, or failure.How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience? Reflect on a time when youquestionedor challenged a belief or idea. What prompted yourthinking? Whatwas the outcome? 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. Discuss an accomplishment, event, orrealizationthatsparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others. 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? 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. What do you think of the 2018-19 Common App essay prompts? Which do you think you will respond to on your application in the fall? Tell us in the comments below! Are you ready to get on track with your college prep? In addition to helping students with their Common App essays and supplements their senior year, works with students to help them craft a balanced college list, choose the right courses for the next school year, select the best teachers for letters of recommendation, and more to help them put together the best college application possible. For more information on’s college counseling services – no matter where you are in the process – contact us today.