Exploring the Top Common App Essay Prompts for 2016-17: Craft a Compelling Story for College Admissions
The common app essay prompts for 2016-17 are out! Choose from 7 options to tell your story and showcase your unique qualities.
The Common Application is the go-to platform for students looking to apply to multiple colleges and universities in the United States. The platform streamlines the application process by allowing students to fill out one application and send it to several institutions. However, the most daunting part of the Common App is undoubtedly the essay prompts. For the 2016-17 application cycle, the Common App released five prompts for students to choose from. These prompts are designed to elicit personal stories and insights from applicants that will help admissions officers get to know them better. Let's take a closer look at each prompt and explore some strategies for approaching them.
One of the most popular Common App essay prompts this year was 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 is open-ended and allows students to write about anything that has had a significant impact on their lives. It's an excellent opportunity to showcase your unique qualities and experiences. However, with so much freedom, it can be challenging to know where to start.
Prompt #2 is another popular option: 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? This prompt requires students to reflect on a time when they faced adversity and how they overcame it. It's important to note that the focus should be on what you learned from the experience rather than just the failure itself.
Prompt #3 is a bit more abstract: Reflect on a time when you challenged a belief or idea. What prompted you to act? Would you make the same decision again? This prompt requires students to think deeply about their values and beliefs and how they have evolved over time. It's an excellent opportunity to showcase your critical thinking skills and intellectual curiosity.
Prompt #4 is also a popular choice: 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. This prompt is perfect for students who are interested in problem-solving, whether it be in a scientific or social context. It's essential to focus on why this problem is significant to you and how you approached solving it.
Finally, Prompt #5 is a bit more creative: Discuss an accomplishment or event, formal or informal, that marked your transition from childhood to adulthood within your culture, community, or family. This prompt allows students to reflect on their personal growth and development and how they have matured over the years. It's an excellent opportunity to showcase your cultural background and how it has shaped you as a person.
In conclusion, the Common App essay prompts for the 2016-17 application cycle provided students with a wide variety of options to choose from. Each prompt requires students to dig deep and reflect on their personal experiences and values. It's essential to choose a prompt that speaks to you personally and to approach it with authenticity and honesty. With a little careful planning and some creative writing, you can use your Common App essay to stand out from the crowd and impress admissions officers at your dream schools.
Introduction
The Common Application is an online platform that allows students to apply to over 900 colleges and universities around the world. As part of the application process, students are required to write an essay in response to one of seven prompts provided by the Common App. These prompts change each year, and for the 2016-17 application cycle, the prompts underwent some significant changes. In this article, we will take a closer look at each of the seven prompts and provide some tips on how to approach them.
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 students to reflect on their personal history and experiences and share how these have shaped who they are today. This could include discussing a cultural or familial background, a unique talent or skill, or a significant life event. To approach this prompt effectively, it is important to focus not just on the experience itself but also on how it has influenced your values, beliefs, and goals. Be sure to convey your passion and enthusiasm for your chosen topic, and avoid simply listing achievements or accomplishments.
Prompt 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?
This prompt asks students to reflect on a moment of failure or setback and consider how they grew or learned from it. It is important to remember that failure is not a negative thing – everyone experiences it at some point in their lives. The key is to show how you responded to the failure and what you gained from the experience. Be honest and reflective in your response, and avoid blaming others or making excuses.
Prompt 3: Reflect on a time when you challenged a belief or idea. What prompted you to act? Would you make the same decision again?
This prompt encourages students to think critically about their own beliefs and values and to consider how they have been shaped by their experiences. To approach this prompt effectively, it is important to choose a topic that you are genuinely passionate about and to provide specific examples of how you challenged the status quo. Be sure to also reflect on the lessons you learned from the experience and how it has influenced your beliefs and actions moving forward.
Prompt 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.
This prompt invites students to showcase their problem-solving skills and to demonstrate their ability to think creatively and critically. When choosing a problem to discuss, it is important to choose something that is meaningful to you and that you are genuinely interested in. Be sure to explain why this problem is important to you and to provide specific examples of how you have approached solving it or how you plan to in the future.
Prompt 5: Discuss an accomplishment or event, formal or informal, that marked your transition from childhood to adulthood within your culture, community, or family.
This prompt asks students to reflect on a significant moment or achievement that marked a transition from childhood to adulthood. This could include a significant achievement, a cultural or religious rite of passage, or a personal milestone. It is important to focus not just on the event itself but also on how it changed you as a person and how it influenced your future goals and aspirations.
Prompt 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?
This prompt invites students to explore their passions and interests and to share what makes them tick. To approach this prompt effectively, it is important to choose a topic that you are truly passionate about and to provide specific examples of why it fascinates you. Be sure to also explain how you have pursued this interest in the past and how you plan to continue to do so in the future.
Prompt 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.
This prompt gives students complete freedom to choose their own topic and to showcase their writing skills and creativity. While this prompt can be liberating, it is important to approach it with care and to choose a topic that is meaningful and relevant to you. Be sure to also consider the audience for your essay and to focus on conveying your message effectively.
Conclusion
The Common App essay prompts for the 2016-17 application cycle offer a wide range of opportunities for students to showcase their personalities, experiences, and passions. When choosing a prompt, it is important to choose one that resonates with you and to approach it with honesty, reflection, and creativity. By following these tips, you can craft an essay that stands out from the crowd and helps you stand out as a unique and accomplished individual.
What are the Common App Essay Prompts for 2016-17?
The Common Application is an online platform used by over 800 colleges and universities in the United States and abroad. Each year, the Common App releases a set of essay prompts that students can choose from to write their personal statement. The essay prompts for the 2016-17 application cycle are 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, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.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?An Overview of the Common App Essay Prompts for College Applicants
The Common App essay prompts are designed to give students the opportunity to showcase their personality, interests, and experiences outside of their academic achievements. Admissions officers want to get a sense of who the applicant is beyond their grades and test scores. Each of the essay prompts is open-ended, allowing students to choose the topic that resonates with them the most.Prompt 1: This prompt is ideal for students who have a unique background or experience that has shaped their perspective on the world. It could be a cultural identity, a hobby, or a personal struggle that has had a significant impact on their life. The key is to demonstrate how this experience has influenced their values and aspirations.Prompt 2: Failure is a natural part of life, and this prompt encourages students to reflect on their own experiences with failure and how they bounced back from it. The important thing is not the failure itself but what the student learned from it and how they grew as a result.Prompt 3: This prompt challenges students to think critically about their beliefs and whether they have the courage to stand up for what they believe in. It's important to be honest and authentic in your response, even if it goes against the norm.Prompt 4: Problem-solving is a valuable skill that colleges look for in applicants. This prompt allows students to showcase their creativity and analytical thinking by describing a problem they have solved or a problem they would like to solve in the future.Prompt 5: Personal growth is an essential part of the college experience, and this prompt encourages students to reflect on a transformative experience that changed their perspective on themselves or others.Prompt 6: This prompt allows students to share their passions and interests outside of academics. It's an opportunity to showcase their curiosity and intellectual curiosity.How to Choose the Right Common App Essay Prompt for Your Application
Choosing the right essay prompt can be a daunting task, but it's important to remember that there is no right or wrong answer. The key is to choose a prompt that resonates with you and allows you to showcase your personality and strengths.Consider your experiences and values: Think about the experiences that have had the greatest impact on your life and how they have shaped your values and aspirations. This will help you identify which prompt aligns best with your personal story.Think about your strengths: Each prompt requires a different set of skills and strengths. For example, prompt 4 requires strong analytical and problem-solving skills, while prompt 6 requires creativity and intellectual curiosity. Consider which prompt allows you to showcase your unique strengths and talents.Consider the message you want to convey: What do you want the admissions committee to know about you? Do you want to showcase your resilience, your creativity, or your passion for a particular subject? Choose the prompt that best allows you to convey the message you want to share.Tips for Writing a Successful Common App Essay Based on the Prompts
Once you've chosen the right essay prompt, it's time to start writing. Here are some tips to help you write a successful Common App essay:1. Start early: Don't wait until the last minute to start writing your essay. Give yourself plenty of time to brainstorm, draft, and revise your essay.2. Be authentic: Admissions officers can tell when an essay is not genuine. Be honest and authentic in your response, and don't be afraid to share your vulnerabilities.3. Show, don't tell: Use specific examples and anecdotes to illustrate your points. This will make your essay more engaging and memorable.4. Be concise: Stick to the word limit and avoid rambling or repeating yourself. Every sentence should contribute to the overall message of your essay.5. Edit and revise: Once you've finished your first draft, take a break and then come back to it with fresh eyes. Look for ways to tighten up your writing and eliminate any unnecessary words or phrases.Exploring the First Common App Essay Prompt:
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 is ideal for students who have a unique background or experience that has shaped their perspective on the world. Here are some tips for responding to this prompt:1. Be specific: Don't just provide a general overview of your background or identity. Use specific examples and anecdotes to illustrate how your experiences have shaped your values and aspirations.2. Show growth: Admissions officers want to see how you have grown and developed as a result of your experiences. Be sure to highlight any challenges you have overcome and how you have learned from them.3. Be creative: This prompt allows for a wide range of responses, so don't be afraid to get creative. Consider using multimedia elements such as photos or videos to enhance your essay.The Second Common App Essay Prompt:
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?This prompt encourages students to reflect on their own experiences with failure and how they bounced back from it. Here are some tips for responding to this prompt:1. Be honest: Admissions officers want to see that you can be introspective and reflective. Be honest about your failures and how they affected you.2. Show resilience: The most important part of this prompt is not the failure itself but how you bounced back and what you learned from it. Be sure to highlight your resilience and perseverance.3. Show growth: Similar to the first prompt, admissions officers want to see how you have grown and developed as a result of your experiences. Be sure to highlight any lessons you have learned and how you have applied them to other areas of your life.Understanding the Third Common App Essay Prompt:
Reflect on a Time When You Challenged a Belief or Idea. What Prompted You to Act? Would You Make the Same Decision Again?This prompt challenges students to think critically about their beliefs and whether they have the courage to stand up for what they believe in. Here are some tips for responding to this prompt:1. Be honest: Admissions officers want to see that you can think critically and reflect on your beliefs. Be honest about what prompted you to act and why you made the decisions you did.2. Show courage: This prompt is all about standing up for what you believe in, even if it goes against the norm. Be sure to highlight your courage and conviction.3. Show growth: As with the other prompts, admissions officers want to see how you have grown and developed as a result of your experiences. Be sure to highlight any lessons you have learned and how you have applied them to other areas of your life.The Fourth Common App Essay Prompt:
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.This prompt allows students to showcase their creativity and analytical thinking by describing a problem they have solved or a problem they would like to solve in the future. Here are some tips for responding to this prompt:1. Be specific: Choose a specific problem that is of personal importance to you. Use specific examples and data to illustrate the scope and significance of the problem.2. Be creative: Admissions officers are looking for creative solutions to complex problems. Consider thinking outside the box and proposing innovative solutions.3. Show impact: Be sure to highlight the significance of the problem and the impact it has on individuals or society as a whole. Also, be sure to explain the steps you took or could take to identify a solution.Tips for Responding to the Fifth Common App Essay Prompt:
Discuss an Accomplishment, Event, or Realization That Sparked a Period of Personal Growth and a New Understanding of Yourself or Others.This prompt encourages students to reflect on a transformative experience that changed their perspective on themselves or others. Here are some tips for responding to this prompt:1. Be specific: Choose a specific accomplishment, event, or realization that had a significant impact on your life. Use specific examples and anecdotes to illustrate how it changed your perspective.2. Show growth: Admissions officers want to see how you have grown and developed as a result of your experiences. Be sure to highlight any challenges you have overcome and how you have learned from them.3. Be introspective: This prompt is all about self-reflection, so don't be afraid to get introspective. Consider how the experience shaped your values and aspirations.The Sixth Common App Essay Prompt:
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?This prompt allows students to share their passions and interests outside of academics. Here are some tips for responding to this prompt:1. Be specific: Choose a specific topic, idea, or concept that you find captivating. Use specific examples and anecdotes to illustrate why it captivates you.2. Show curiosity: Admissions officers want to see that you are curious and passionate about learning. Be sure to highlight your curiosity and desire to learn more.3. Be creative: This prompt allows for a wide range of responses, so don't be afraid to get creative. Consider using multimedia elements such as photos or videos to enhance your essay.Conclusion
The Common App essay prompts are an opportunity for students to showcase their personality, interests, and experiences outside of their academic achievements. Each prompt is open-ended, allowing students to choose the topic that resonates with them the most. By choosing the right prompt and following these tips, students can write a successful Common App essay that highlights their strengths and showcases their unique perspective.My Point of View on Common App Essay Prompts 2016-17
Introduction
The Common Application is a standardized college application used by over 800 colleges and universities in the United States and internationally. Each year, the Common Application releases essay prompts that students can choose from to write their personal statement. In this article, I will provide my point of view about the Common App Essay Prompts 2016-17, along with the pros and cons of using these prompts.Pros of Using Common App Essay Prompts 2016-17
1. Allows for creativity: The prompts are open-ended, which allows students to showcase their creativity and writing skills.
2. Wide range of topics: The prompts cover a wide range of topics, allowing students to choose one that best represents their personality and experiences.
3. Provides structure: The prompts provide a structure for students to follow, which can be helpful for those who struggle with organizing their thoughts.
Cons of Using Common App Essay Prompts 2016-17
1. Limits originality: The prompts are used by thousands of students each year, which can limit the originality of the essay.
2. Can be too broad: Some of the prompts are so broad that students may find it difficult to focus their essay on a specific topic.
3. May not fit all applicants: The prompts may not fit all applicants, especially those who have unique experiences that are not covered in the prompts.
Table Comparison of Common App Essay Prompts 2016-17
| Prompt | Description |
|---|---|
| 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 allows students to showcase a unique aspect of their identity or background that has shaped their life. |
| 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? | This prompt asks students to reflect on a failure they experienced and how it impacted them. |
| 3. Reflect on a time when you challenged a belief or idea. What prompted you to act? Would you make the same decision again? | This prompt encourages students to think critically about a belief or idea they challenged and how it affected them. |
| 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. | This prompt allows students to showcase their problem-solving skills and how they approach challenges. |
| 5. Discuss an accomplishment or event, formal or informal, that marked your transition from childhood to adulthood within your culture, community, or family. | This prompt encourages students to reflect on a significant event or accomplishment that marked their transition to adulthood. |
| 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? | This prompt allows students to showcase their intellectual curiosity and passion for a specific topic. |
| 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. | This prompt gives students the freedom to write about any topic they choose. |
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Common App Essay Prompts 2016-17 provide students with a range of options to write their personal statement. While there are some drawbacks to using these prompts, they can be helpful for students who need structure and guidance in their writing. Ultimately, the most important thing is for students to showcase their unique personality and experiences in their essay.Wrapping Up Common App Essay Prompts for 2016-17
Dear blog visitors,
We hope that our article on Common App Essay Prompts for 2016-17 has helped you understand the essay writing process better and given you the confidence to craft a compelling application essay. As you gear up to complete your college applications, we would like to leave you with some final thoughts and tips to keep in mind:
1. Choose the Prompt That Resonates with You
When it comes to picking a prompt for your essay, choose the one that speaks to you the most. Consider which prompt will give you the most space to showcase your personality, values, and achievements. Remember, admissions officers are looking for a glimpse into who you are beyond your academic record and test scores.
2. Be Authentic and Honest
Your essay should reflect your unique voice and perspective. Don't try to write what you think admissions officers want to hear or try to fit into a certain mold. Instead, be honest and authentic in your writing, sharing your passions, struggles, and experiences that have shaped you.
3. Show, Don't Tell
One of the most common mistakes students make in their essays is telling the admissions committee about their accomplishments, rather than showing them through vivid anecdotes and examples. Use concrete details and sensory language to paint a picture for your reader and bring your story to life.
4. Edit and Proofread Carefully
After you've written your essay, make sure to give yourself enough time to edit and proofread before submitting your application. Check for grammar and spelling errors, and make sure your essay flows logically and coherently. Consider asking a trusted friend, teacher, or counselor to read over your essay as well for feedback.
5. Don't Be Afraid to Ask for Help
Writing a college essay can be a daunting task, but you don't have to do it alone. Reach out to your teachers, counselors, and mentors for support and guidance throughout the process. They can offer valuable feedback and help you refine your ideas and writing.
6. Stay Positive and Confident
Remember, the college application process is just one step in your academic journey. Don't let the stress of the process overshadow all of your hard work and accomplishments. Stay positive and confident in yourself, and trust that your unique qualities and experiences will shine through in your application.
We wish you all the best of luck as you navigate the college application process, and we hope our article has been helpful to you. Remember, your essay is an opportunity to showcase your personality, passions, and achievements to the admissions committee, so take the time to craft a compelling and authentic piece of writing.
Thank you for reading!
People Also Ask About Common App Essay Prompts 2016-17
What Are the Common App Essay Prompts for 2016-17?
The Common App essay prompts for 2016-17 were:
- 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.
- 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?
- Reflect on a time when you challenged a belief or idea. What prompted you to act? Would you make the same decision again?
- 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.
- Discuss an accomplishment or event, formal or informal, that marked your transition from childhood to adulthood within your culture, community, or family.
How Long Should the Common App Essay Be for 2016-17?
The Common App essay for 2016-17 had a word limit of 650 words.
Are the Common App Essay Prompts Different Every Year?
The Common App essay prompts do change every year. However, some prompts may be repeated or tweaked slightly in future years.
Can I Write About the Same Topic as Someone Else?
Yes, you can write about the same topic as someone else. However, your essay should be unique and showcase your own experiences and perspective.