Staring down the Common App essay prompts for 2025-2026? Don't worry—you're not alone. This post will walk you through each prompt and show you how to use your personal story to stand out, no matter what path you choose.

Each prompt is designed to reveal something meaningful about you—but which one does that best? Here are your options—want help choosing the right prompt? Here's how we can work together

Common App Prompts (2025-2026)

Prompt 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.

This prompt invites you to delve into what makes you who you are. Consider discussing a formative experience, a passion that drives you, or a challenge you've overcome. Be sure to reflect on why this aspect of your identity is integral to your story.

Prompt 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?

This prompt is all about resilience and growth. Don’t shy away from showing vulnerability—admissions officers are more interested in how you responded to adversity than in the adversity itself. Choose a specific challenge that shaped your character, values, or mindset. Then reflect on what changed as a result.

Prompt 3: Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?

This is your invitation to flex your intellectual muscles. Choose a moment that demonstrates curiosity, courage, or a shift in perspective. The story doesn’t have to be dramatic—a conversation, a book, or a class project can all work, as long as it shows your ability to think critically and grow. Be honest about the outcome, especially if it was messy or unfinished.

Prompt 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?

*Note: This prompt is not the same as last year's problem-solving prompt, even though Common App advertises that it has made no changes this year.

This prompt is deceptively difficult. Sure, most of us can name things we're grateful for—but what you choose to highlight says a lot about your values. The challenge? Telling a story that's rooted in gratitude without handing the spotlight to someone else. You're still the main character. And keeping yourself in the hero position while expressing authentic thankfulness? That's the art of great storytelling.

By choosing the Common App prompt that resonates most and writing with clarity and purpose, you can create an essay that shows colleges exactly who you are. Be authentic, reflective, and unafraid to get specific. Your story doesn’t have to be big—it just has to be yours.

Ashley Sarah is the founder of Authentic Admissions, where writing a compelling essay is just the beginning. With a background in storytelling, systems thinking, and emotional intelligence, Ashley helps students navigate the entire college admissions process—from identifying core values and researching schools to managing timelines, applications, and executive functioning.

She works with just a handful of students each year to keep the process deeply personal and intentional.Would you like to be one of them?  Schedule a free consult or learn more at www.authenticadmissions.org  

Or reach out directly: ashley@authenticadmissions.org