Mastering Common App essay questions for 2025-2026

The essay questions for the Common App can change from year to year, but they have remained the same for several years in a row now. If you are reading this after the 2025-26 application cycle, you can see the updated essay questions on the Common App website. It’s always a good idea to double-check before you start writing!

For 2025-26 applications, the Common App Essay prompts are:

Here is a complete list of the upcoming year's Common App essay prompts.

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 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?
3. Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?
4. 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?
5. Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.
6. 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?
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.

When are Common App essay questions released?

The Common App essay questions are released months in advance. In 2025, they were announced in February. The Common App opens on August 1st, but that doesn’t mean you have to wait to get started. You can create an account on the website at any time. While you’ll need to wait until August 1st to submit your application, you can start writing your essay or brainstorming ahead of time.

Which Common App essay question should you write about?

Which Common App essay question you choose to write about is completely up to you! With seven different options, it can be tough to decide which one will be the best. If you’re feeling stuck, we’re here to discuss a few tips to help you decide.

Begin brainstorming

Before you even begin writing, take some time to brainstorm. Review the Common App essay questions for this year and reflect on each one. Do any stand out to you? Write down your thoughts, memories, and experiences as they come to mind. Once you’ve brainstormed a bit, you’ll have a better sense of which prompt feels most natural or inspiring to write about.

Need some ideas? These Common App essay examples can get you started. Some counselors recommend that you stay away from prompt #7 because it’s too open-ended. However, if you think you have a unique story that doesn’t fit into the other questions, go for it!

Ask others for advice

Still unsure which topic to choose? Ask for advice. Parents, teachers, or friends can offer great ideas. Share your brainstorming list with them and see what they say. They may even remember a story about you that you may have overlooked. An outside voice might be just what you need to narrow it down.

Think about what makes you unique

College admissions officers read thousands of essays every year, so your goal is to stand out. What makes you different?

• Have you faced a challenge that not many people have experienced?
• Do you have a perspective shaped by a unique experience?
• Is there something you’re passionate about that’s helped shape your identity?

These types of stories are powerful. The key to writing your college essay is to share something genuine—something only you can write.

Should you write about sports?

Athletics are an important part of many students’ lives, but be cautious here. Essays about sports often cover similar ground—winning the big game, overcoming an injury, and learning about teamwork. But admissions officers have seen these stories many times.

If sports have truly sharpened who you are, find a fresh angle. Focus on something deeper than the sport itself, such as your mindset, growth, or how an experience off the field changed you. Otherwise, consider another topic that might offer a more unique perspective.

Explore the Common App essay questions and win over admissions!

The Common App allows you to submit one essay to all the schools you’re applying to, making it a great time-saver. With seven unique essay questions to choose from, it’s important to pick the one that best highlights your strengths and experiences. Each question offers a different opportunity to tell your story. So, take your time to consider how you can make your response stand out and grab the attention of the admissions team. Ready to explore those essay questions and ace your application? Don’t wait to get started!

Curious about which schools use the Common App, and which are the best fit for you? Before you start your essay, be sure to check out College Raptor’s free College Match tool. It will help you discover colleges that align with your goals and future plans.