Craft the Perfect Admissions Essay: A Guide to Nailing the Common App Essay 2016-17

...

For college-bound students, one of the most daunting tasks is crafting a standout Common App essay. With many colleges using this application system, it's crucial for applicants to make their essays memorable and unique. But what does the Common App essay require? Here's everything you need to know about the Common App essay 2016-17.

First of all, what is the Common App essay? It's a 650-word essay that allows you to introduce yourself to colleges and showcase your personality, passions, and accomplishments. Essentially, it's a chance for you to make a lasting impression on admissions officers who will be reading countless applications every day.

Now, you might be wondering: what makes a great Common App essay? It's important to keep in mind that there's no one-size-fits-all approach to this essay. However, some tips that experts suggest include:

  • Focus on a specific moment or experience that shaped who you are
  • Show, don't tell - use concrete examples to illustrate your points
  • Avoid cliches and generic language
  • Edit, edit, edit!

But what if you're struggling to come up with an idea for your essay? Don't worry - you're not alone. Many students feel overwhelmed by the pressure to write something amazing. One way to get started is to brainstorm a list of memories or experiences that stand out to you. From there, consider why these moments were significant and what they reveal about your character or values.

Another helpful tip is to read examples of successful Common App essays. While you shouldn't copy someone else's work, seeing how other students approached the essay can give you ideas and inspiration. You can find sample essays online or through college admissions books.

When it comes to actually writing your essay, it's important to take your time and be strategic. Start by outlining your ideas and deciding on a structure for your essay. Consider using anecdotes, dialogue, or descriptive language to make your essay come alive.

It's also crucial to keep the admissions officers in mind as you write. Remember that they will be reading hundreds of essays, so you want to make sure yours stands out. Think about what makes you unique and how you can showcase that through your essay.

Once you've written a draft, don't be afraid to ask for feedback from others. This could be a teacher, counselor, or friend who knows you well. They can provide valuable insight and help you catch any errors or weak spots in your essay.

Finally, remember to proofread and edit your essay carefully. Spelling and grammar mistakes can detract from an otherwise strong essay, so take the time to review your work.

Overall, crafting a great Common App essay requires time, creativity, and careful planning. But with the tips and strategies outlined above, you can create an essay that truly reflects who you are as a person and impresses college admissions officers. Good luck!


Common App Essay 2016-17

If you're applying to college this year, one of the most important things you'll need to do is complete your Common Application essay. This essay is your chance to show admissions officers who you are, what you care about, and why you'd be a great fit for their school. In this article, we'll discuss the 2016-17 Common App essay prompts and offer tips for how to write an essay that will help you stand out from the competition.

The Prompts

The Common App essay prompts for the 2016-17 application season are:

  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.
  2. The lessons we take from failure can be fundamental to later success. Recount an incident or time when you experienced failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?
  3. Reflect on a time when you challenged a belief or idea. What prompted you to act? Would you make the same decision again?
  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.
  5. Discuss an accomplishment or event, formal or informal, that marked your transition from childhood to adulthood within your culture, community, or family.

Which prompt you choose is up to you - there's no right or wrong answer. However, some prompts might work better for certain types of students or essays. For example, if you have a unique background or identity, Prompt 1 might be a good choice. If you have a tendency to learn from your failures, Prompt 2 might be the way to go. Take the time to think about which prompt will allow you to showcase your personality and strengths.

Tips for Success

Once you've chosen a prompt, it's time to start writing. Here are some tips for making your Common App essay stand out:

  1. Be specific. Don't just tell admissions officers that you're passionate about something - show them how that passion has influenced your life in a concrete way.
  2. Show, don't tell. Avoid generalities and clichés. Instead, use anecdotes, examples, and vivid details to help bring your essay to life.
  3. Be honest. Admissions officers can spot contrived or insincere essays from a mile away. Write about something that truly matters to you and that you're excited to share with others.
  4. Edit, edit, edit. Before you submit your essay, make sure you've proofread it several times and had someone else read it as well. Typos and grammatical errors scream careless to admissions officers.
  5. Use your own voice. Don't try to sound like someone you're not. Admissions officers want to get to know the person behind the essay, not a cookie-cutter version of what they think they're supposed to sound like.

In Conclusion

The Common App essay can be daunting, but it's also an incredible opportunity to showcase your personality, values, and interests. By choosing an appropriate prompt, writing with specificity and honesty, and editing carefully, you can create an essay that sets you apart from the competition and helps you get into the college of your dreams.


Comparison Blog Article: Common App Essay 2016-17

Comparison blog article: Common App Essay 2016-17

Introduction

The Common Application is an online application system used by over 800 colleges and universities in the US and other countries. The Common App essay is a crucial part of the application process, where applicants are asked to write an essay on one of the various prompts provided by the colleges. In this comparison blog article, we will discuss the Common App Essay prompts for 2016-17.

Prompt 1

The first prompt for the Common App Essay requires applicants to describe a background or story that is so central to their identity that they believe their application would be incomplete without it. Applicants can use this prompt to showcase their cultural or personal background, and how it has shaped their personality and values. This prompt allows applicants to share their unique experiences, opinions and perspectives with colleges.

Keywords: background, story, identity, incomplete

Applicants who choose this prompt should focus on sharing their experiences rather than just narrating a story. They should also ensure that their essay doesn't sound like a resume or a list of achievements. Instead, they should use this prompt as an opportunity to provide insight into their personality and character.

Prompt 2

The second prompt asks applicants to recount a time when they faced a challenge, setback, or failure. This prompt allows applicants to show how they have grown and learned from their mistakes. Applicants can explain how they overcame their setbacks, and what they learned from those experiences.

Keywords: challenge, setback, failure, grow, learn

Applicants should avoid writing purely about the setback itself, as this prompt is more focused on how applicants learned and grew from the challenge. It’s important to emphasize growth and introspection rather than just the failure itself.

Prompt 3

The third prompt asks applicants to reflect on a time when they questioned or challenged a belief or idea. This prompt allows applicants to showcase their critical thinking skills, and how they have explored new ideas and values. Applicants can explain why the belief or idea was important, and how it affected them personally.

Keywords: reflect, question, challenge, belief, idea

Applicants should focus on explaining their thought process and reasoning behind questioning or challenging a specific belief or idea. They should also provide insight into what they learned from the experience and how it has influenced their perspective and identity.

Prompt 4

The fourth prompt encourages applicants to share a problem they’ve solved or would like to solve. This prompt allows applicants to show their creativity, curiosity, and analytical skills. Applicants should explain why this issue is important to them, and how they could help address the problem.

Keywords: problem, solve, creativity, curiosity, analytical

Applicants should avoid writing about common problems that are well-known, as this may make their essay less unique. Instead, they should focus on a problem that is particularly relevant to their experiences or academic interests.

Prompt 5

The last Common App Essay prompt for 2016-17 offers applicants the opportunity to write about anything they wish to share with colleges. This prompt is open-ended and allows applicants to write about topics that haven’t been covered by the previous prompts.

Keywords: open-ended, anything, wish, share

With this prompt, applicants have the freedom to write about any topic that showcases their personality, interests, or experiences that weren't covered in the previous prompts. Applicants need to ensure that their essay is well-organized and focused, making sure they effectively communicate their central point.

Conclusion

The Common App essay prompts for 2016-17 offer a wide range of topics for applicants to showcase their experience, personality, and potential. Applicants should choose a prompt that reflects who they are and that they can express themselves most comfortably within the given word count. An outstanding essay is one that reflects individuality, substance, and writing skills.


Tips for Writing Common App Essay 2016-17

Introduction

The Common Application essay prompts for the 2016-17 academic year are out, and students everywhere are gearing up to write their essays. The Common App provides students with a platform to showcase their writing skills. With so many students applying to colleges every year, it is important to make your essay stand out. In this article, we will provide some tips on how to write a great Common App essay.

Choose the Right Prompt

There are seven Common App essay prompts to choose from. Read through all the prompts and choose one that best reflects who you are as a person. Pick a prompt that will allow you to showcase your personality, aspirations, and values.

Create an Outline

Before you start writing your essay, create an outline. This will help you organize your thoughts and ideas. Start with a thesis statement that summarizes your main point. Then, create several paragraphs with supporting evidence that illustrates why your thesis statement is true.

Start Small

Don't try to write your essay in one sitting. Instead, start small by writing a few paragraphs each day. This will help you avoid writer's block and ensure that you are making progress every day.

Be Authentic

When writing your essay, be authentic. Don't try to be someone you're not. Colleges want to see the real you and what makes you unique. Write in your own voice and be honest about your experiences.

Show, Don't Tell

Instead of simply stating your achievements or accomplishments, show how they have influenced you. Use specific examples to illustrate your points and make them more tangible.

Edit Your Work

Once you have completed your essay, take some time to edit and revise it. Check for spelling and grammar errors, and make sure that your sentences are clear and concise. Have someone else read your essay and provide feedback.

Avoid Clichés

Colleges read thousands of essays every year, and they can easily spot clichés. Avoid using overused phrases such as think outside the box or life-changing experience. Instead, use original language that reflects your unique perspective.

Be Positive

When writing your essay, try to focus on the positive. Showcase your accomplishments and aspirations, and avoid dwelling on negative experiences or hardships.

Stay Within the Word Count

The Common App essay has a maximum word count of 650 words. It is important to stay within this limit, as colleges will not accept essays that are too long. Use concise language and avoid unnecessary words or phrases.

Conclusion

Writing a Common App essay can be daunting, but with the right tips and strategies, you can create a great essay that showcases your personality and strengths. Choose the right prompt, create an outline, start small, be authentic, show, don't tell, edit your work, avoid clichés, stay positive, and stay within the word count. Good luck!

5 Tips for a Standout Common App Essay 2016-17

The college application process can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to writing the Common App essay. This essay is an opportunity for students to showcase their personality, leadership abilities, and unique experiences. The essay can also be the difference between acceptance and rejection from their desired college or university.

Here are five tips to help students craft a standout Common App essay for the 2016-17 application year:

1. Focus on Your Story

The essay should be a personal reflection of the student’s life experiences. The essay prompt asks students to recount a time when they faced a challenge, setback, or failure. Students should focus on telling their unique story and conveying how they overcame adversity.

Avoid writing about cliché topics such as winning a sports game or performing in a school play. Colleges want to get to know the student beyond their extracurricular activities.

2. Be Specific and Concise

The essay should be specific and concise. Avoid vague language such as “I learned a lot from this experience.” Instead, provide specific details and examples to illustrate the impact of the experience.

Students should also avoid being too wordy. The essay has a 650-word limit so it’s important to be concise and avoid rambling.

3. Show, Don’t Tell

The essay should show the reader the student’s personality and character. Instead of simply telling the reader that the student is hardworking, use examples from their life to showcase their work ethic.

For example, instead of saying “I am passionate about helping others,” a student could write about their volunteer work at a local food bank and how this experience has impacted their life.

4. Edit and Proofread

After completing the first draft of the essay, students should take time to edit and proofread. The essay should be free from spelling and grammatical errors. It’s also important to ensure that the essay flows well and is easy to read.

Students should also consider having a teacher, parent or guidance counselor review the essay before submitting it. A second set of eyes can provide valuable feedback and help ensure that the essay is the best it can be.

5. Be Yourself

Ultimately, the Common App essay is an opportunity for students to showcase their personality and unique experiences. Students should not try to write what they think colleges want to hear.

Colleges want to get to know the real student, not an idealized version of themselves. Students should write in their own voice and avoid trying to sound like someone they’re not.

In conclusion, the Common App essay is an important piece of the college application process. Students should take time to craft a stand-out essay that reflects their personality, leadership abilities, and unique experiences.

Remember to focus on your story, be specific and concise, show don’t tell, edit and proofread, and most importantly, be yourself. Best of luck with your college applications!


People Also Ask About Common App Essay 2016-17

What is the Common App Essay 2016-17?

The Common App essay is a component of the Common Application, which is an online application portal used by more than 800 colleges and universities in the United States. The essay is a personal statement that allows students to showcase their unique personalities, experiences, and perspectives to admissions committees.

What are the essay prompts for the Common App Essay 2016-17?

The Common App Essay prompts for 2016-17 were as follows:

  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.
  2. The lessons we take from failure can be fundamental to later success. Recount an incident or time when you experienced failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?
  3. Reflect on a time when you challenged a belief or idea. What prompted you to act? Would you make the same decision again?
  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.
  5. Discuss an accomplishment or event, formal or informal, that marked your transition from childhood to adulthood within your culture, community, or family.

Is the Common App Essay 2016-17 still relevant today?

The Common App Essay prompts change every year, but the purpose of the essay remains the same: to allow students to showcase their unique personalities and experiences to colleges and universities. While the specific essay prompts may not be relevant anymore, the skills that students develop while writing the essay—such as storytelling, self-reflection, and critical thinking—are skills that will serve them well in college and beyond.

How important is the Common App Essay 2016-17 in the admissions process?

The importance of the Common App Essay varies from institution to institution. Some schools weight it heavily in their admissions decisions, while others deemphasize it. Regardless, the essay provides admissions committees with insights into a student's personality, character, and writing abilities that they may not glean from other application materials. Hence, it is essential for students to take the essay seriously and put in the effort to write a compelling personal statement.