The Common App has released its personal statement prompts for the 2023-2024 application cycle, and they will remain the same as this past year’s. Scott Anderson, a senior director at Common App, explains on the NACAC College Admissions Decoded podcast how the Common App team reviews and creates essay prompts with an eye to equity and inclusion. He guides his review team to ask themselves: “Can students find a home in these prompts?”
Anderson underscores that the purpose behind the prompts and the essay itself is to give students a chance to add their unique voices and stories to the application process, and Common App wants those “voices” to be as relaxed and joyful as possible.
In the midst of the chores of gathering transcripts and letters of recommendation, studying for school and for standardized tests, researching universities, and applying for financial aid, the milestone of graduating high school and heading off into adulthood can deteriorate into a bundle of stress and anxiety, worry and fear.
Students should think about approaching these personal statements with the excitement and joy they have for their futures, for thinking about their stories and journeys, and imagining their educational possibilities. This is where the idea of “finding a home” comes in.
By striving to find a place of comfort and belonging within the prompts, you should feel safe to share your authentic story with readers wanting to find reasons to welcome you into your future educational home.
It can take time to find and express your story, so start early during the summer before the pressures of grade 12 set in, and allow plenty of time and space for your ideas and voice to grow and develop. Share your responses with your parents, teachers, friends, mentors, and even our writing coaches to be sure what you hope to express shines through.
If you need help brainstorming for your Common App essay, let our writing coaches be your guide. Call or email us today to book an appointment.
