College essay prompts for 2026-27.

    Find official supplemental essay prompts, exact word limits, and links back to each college's published source. Use the list to plan what you need to write before drafting.

    Common App personal statement prompts

    Choose one official prompt and respond in 650 words or fewer.

    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. Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?
    3. 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?
    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 have already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design.

    Supplemental prompts by school

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