How to Write Common App Essay Prompt #7
This article was written based on the information and opinions presented by Hale Jaeger in a CollegeVine livestream. You can watch the full livestream for more info.
What’s Covered:
- What is Prompt #7
- Creating Ideas For Prompt #7
- Why Does This Essay Matter?
- How To Perfect Your Prompt #7 Essay
What is Prompt #7
Prompt seven is broader than any of the other prompt options for the essay. If you don’t feel like your essay addresses any of the other six prompts, this may be a good choice. The prompt reads as follows:
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.
Despite the prompt being very open ended, it doesn’t mean that you can just write about anything.Always refer back to who you are and core values that you hold. Will this essay let somebody get to know you? Make sure the topic and essay address these questions. For this prompt more so than the others, you’re more likely to be rewarded by writing your own questions, allowing you to demonstrate individuality and confidence in your essay.
Creating Ideas For Prompt #7
Examples and Ideas
You can innovate and tackle a difficult topic, and you can present something with a unique format. Whether you write it as a script, or a conversation with a historical figure, or even a rhyming poem, just go and try something unconventional.
For example, if you’re writing for this prompt, try comparing your personality to a Picasso painting or using extended philosophical metaphors to describe your four years of high school. You could even try writing in a poetic style to display your love of poetry.
If you are extremely passionate about something or an expert in a certain area, you can use this prompt to show your authority by discussing it at a high level, but be careful to frame the essay in a way that is accessible to the average reader, while still incorporating quality evidence and content that would qualify you as an expert.
Check Your Sources
Additionally, always exercise caution in writing about controversial social or political topics, and always make sure to consider your audience and what they’re looking for in a student. Sometimes unconventional essays capture admission’s attention and move them in a profound way, other times it flies completely over their heads. Therefore, be sure that even with this open-ended prompt, to execute the essay clearly and justify your decision by seeking high quality feedback from reliable sources, teachers, guidance, counselors, or your parents.
Why Does This Essay Matter?
The admissions process is very human and subjective. While they’re looking at your test scores, your extracurriculars, your grades, and other metrics, there are still other students in the lineup for that school too.
As an applicant, you need somebody to choose you over those other students and to advocate specifically for you; this is where the essays come in. They’re an opportunity for you to turn an admissions counselor into an advocate for your application, and the common app essay is the most important since it’s seen by the most colleges. It’s also typically your longest essay, which gives you the most space to craft a narrative and share your personality, feelings, and perspective effectively. So it’s not hyperbolic to say that getting the common app essay right is probably the most important thing you can do as part of the application process to become a successful and interesting applicant!
How To Perfect Your Prompt #7 Essay
A great way to check how your essay stacks up to the requirements of admissions for your dream school, is to try out our Peer Essay Review Tool, where you’ll get a free and anonymous review of your essay from another student! You can also earn CollegeVine Karma by reviewing other essays!
