2017-18 Common App Topics Released

[socialring]The Common Application, the one-size-fits-all application designed to make applying colleges easier, is used by more than 600 U.S. colleges and universities. The main essay topics were released several weeks ago, with some significant changes. While the word count remains unchanged at 650, several of the core five questions have new, though slight, deviations in wording, providing additional flexibility. As well, two new options were added. One, topic #6, is quite intriguing (see below), while #7 basically says “Write about whatever you want.” So it’s now official, anything goes. However, as we know, with freedom comes great responsibility—so even crafters of the “any topic of your choice” will have to think carefully about how to use their space to convey a compelling story. Without further adieu, here are the topics for 2017-18:

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. [No change]

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? [Revised]

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

4. Describe a problem you’ve solved or a problem you’d like to solve. It can be an intellectual challenge, a research query, an ethical dilemma – anything that is of personal importance, no matter the scale. Explain its significance to you and what steps you took or could be taken to identify a solution. [No change]

5. Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others. [Revised]

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? [New]

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. [New]