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As you begin your college application process, you may decide to apply through the Common Application. The Common Application (also known as the “Common App”) is an advanced college application platform that allows you to apply to multiple colleges at once. The Common App has seven essay prompts for you to choose from. Here are some tips to tackling Essay Prompt #7!

Common App Essay 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.”

Things to Consider

This prompt gives you free license to write about what you want! This is a perfect prompt for a student who already has a story or idea in mind that doesn’t quite fit the other prompts. Here are some things to keep in mind as you write for Common App Essay Prompt #7.

Let your writing skills shine

Don’t hesitate to write with sensory details. Not only will it hold your reader’s attention, but it will show off your writing skills. Be creative and take your reader on a journey!

Emphasize the significance of this story

Share a moment that held a lot of meaning for you. When you reveal stories that are important to you, you are giving the admissions officials a glimpse into your life. It’s easy to stand out when you write from a place that is authentic and genuine. 

Look towards the future

Think about how this story will impact you moving forward. What sort of lessons will you take with you? Focusing on the future will also show colleges who you might be as a potential student on their campus.

What to Avoid

Avoid submitting an essay you have already written for class, especially if the essay was analytical or research-based. Rather than trying to find an essay you’ve already written, you are better off writing an essay with college admissions in mind. 

We hope these tips give you a good starting point when answering the Common App Prompt #7. Click the link below for more advice like this!