Common App Personal Essays

A student's story of determination in the midst of inner turmoil and external challenges

An early morning train ride leads to new personal discoveries

A student's experience with learning to drive proves illuminating.

Recalling a journey with dyslexia which led to a creative tool for supporting others

Facing steep odds in a fencing match yields revealing lessons.

After being grounded unexpectedly, a student takes flight.

A student's reflections on the enduring empowerment of glasses.

Battling a fear of public speaking leads to unforeseen adventures.

An unwelcome wisecrack about a cartoon character prompts introspection.

A competitive Monopoly game breeds wisdom about resilience.

A student's love of cooking reveals a series of other truths.

Conflict at a family dinner engenders pondering about a sisterly bond.

Thoughtful musings about the underappreciated aspects of salt.

Pondering an advertising campaign yields new realizations.

Daily mantras set the tone for a student's journey.

A student's reaction to a lovingly prepared meal revealed lessons and growth.

A student discusses their journey with unicorns and all that it revealed.

Lessons from a love of hitting in volleyball.

Whale watching excursion as metaphor for an illuminating story of perseverance.

Hunting for a bright red dress leads to improbable discoveries.

Tale as old as time leads to new realizations.

Reflections on an improbable dive into the world of cheerleading.

Reflections from a journey with building a computer.

Embracing the art of filmmaking results in revelations about growth.

Transitioning from tennis to football brings enriching surprises.

The unexpected discoveries derived from a love of hot Cheetos.

Sports tryouts turn into a realization about the power of humor.

A summer experience in Manhattan proves transformative.

Unanticipated realizations about the steadying influence of a pet.

Reluctant participation in a school gathering takes an unexpected twist.

Celebratory birthday trip to Puerto Rico takes an unexpected turn.

A celebratory burger inspires greater awareness.

Theatrical performance becomes a vessel for navigating grief and growth.

A summer visit to NASDAQ headquarters inspires a new vision.

Reflections from a twin's lifelong journey as the underdog.

An aspiring policymaker's reflection on the unusual prism filtering their outlook.

Moving to a new state triggers new coping mechanism to fit in.

A beachfront run-in with a seagull sparks reflection.

A reflection on the lessons from swimming.

Ordering at Chipotle leads to unexpected discoveries.

A student's fascination with cooking prompts wider realizations.

A student recounts a harrowing journey and the lessons it provided.

Buying money for gas sparks deeper understanding of cause and effect.

Experimentation in the kitchen leads to a deepened knowledge of self.

A touching letter from mom prompts deeper reflection.

A thoughtful reflection on the battle with the person staring back in the mirror.

Exploring Panama leads to illuminating introspection.

A unique way of eating pizza yield profound personal truths.

An appreciation of running shapes pursuit of other curiosities.

Family tragedy inspires growth and accelerated maturation.

A student's introspective reflection on a personal journey with the game of tennis.

A memorable moment on the golf course and the vision it inspired.

Searing revelations from a student's time at an elite Catholic school.

A student's improbable pivot to musicianship results in deeper observations.

Significant weight loss yields a gain in insights.