A Complete Guide to the Common App Essay Prompts [2026-27]
Meg Hall
September 8, 2026
The Common App essay prompts are six thematic prompts (and one completely open-ended one) designed to be a
The Common App essay prompts are six thematic prompts (and one completely open-ended one) designed to be a
Like the Common App personal statement, the Common App transfer essay is your chance, in 250 to 650
For the 2026-27 application season, Texas A&M requires six supplemental essays: one 750-word personal statement, one 250-word life-event
California’s best engineering colleges extend well beyond the most recognizable names. Schools like UC San Diego, UC Santa
Emory University requires two supplemental essays for the 2026-27 application cycle: one 200-word response about your academic interests,
A low SAT score doesn’t have to hurt your chances at UIUC. Since it’s a test-optional school, you
Columbia University is an Ivy League university known for its rigorous Core Curriculum, its location in New York
Dartmouth College requires three supplemental essays: 1) a 100-word “Why This College?” response, 2) one 250-word essay chosen
Does applying Early Decision increase your chances? The short answer: yes. We analyzed ED versus Regular Decision acceptance
If you’ve been researching top colleges in Texas, you’ve probably encountered Rice University. Located in Houston, Texas, Rice
When considering a college for environmental science, students should look beyond simply finding a campus with a sustainability
Like the Common App personal statement, the Common App transfer essay is your chance, in 250 to 650 words, to show colleges the person behind
Dartmouth College requires three supplemental essays: 1) a 100-word “Why This College?” response, 2) one 250-word essay chosen from two identity or background prompts, and
Amherst College requires one supplemental essay. Applicants have the option to write a new response to one of three quote-based prompts, submit a graded paper
Receiving your financial award letter can come with an uncomfortable realization: the financial aid package is not quite
For many families, the cost of college is one of the biggest sources of stress in the entire
Choosing a college is no longer just about rankings or campus culture; it’s also about finding the right
If you’re a high school junior, taking the PSAT/NMSQT seriously can open the door to one of the
On July 4, Congress passed H.R.1—The One Big Beautiful Bill Act—which will significantly impact college financial aid. If
Based on a 2024 article from Virginia Tech, only 35% of the STEM (science, technology, engineering and math)
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