Common App Releases New Essay Prompts

What the Common Application reports about prompt selection reflects what we’ve seen at Williams Educational. We have also noticed that many gravitate toward Prompt #7, the ‘topic of your choice’ option. The flexibility allows students to shape a story that doesn’t feel boxed in by a specific category. That said, the best prompt is always the one that fits the student, not the one that appears most popular.

Writing the Common App essay is a lot like preparing for a meaningful introduction. Imagine walking into a room where someone important is about to meet you for the first time. You wouldn’t hand them a résumé and walk away. You’d share a story, laugh a little, explain what matters to you, and give them a glimpse of who you are beyond the bullet points.

The essay works the same way. Grades and test scores show performance, but the essay introduces the person. And just like a real introduction, it only works when it’s authentic. If someone else writes your script, the connection disappears.

One thing I truly appreciate about the Common App is their consistency. Each February, they release their essay prompt decisions early, giving students the gift of time — time to think, reflect, and write thoughtfully. This year is no exception. The prompts remain unchanged, giving students the confidence to begin brainstorming early. I encourage you to review their official announcement to see the full list of prompts and learn more about applicant trends.

With the prompts remaining the same this year, many families have similar questions about how to approach the essay. Here are a few of the most frequently asked questions and our perspective at Williams Educational.

Q: The prompts didn’t change, does that mean my student can reuse last year’s ideas?

A: Yes, the prompts are the same, but the goal is not to recycle ideas; it’s to deepen them. If your student has been reflecting already, that’s wonderful. We simply want to make sure the topic truly represents growth, character, and voice. The strength of the essay is never the prompt; it’s the perspective behind it.

Q: Can students use AI to help write their essay?

A: AI can be a helpful tool for brainstorming or checking grammar, but it cannot replace a student’s lived experience. Admissions officers are incredibly skilled at identifying writing that feels overly polished or impersonal. The essay is one of the few places students can sound like themselves. Protecting YOUR voice matters.

Q: What makes a Common App essay stand out?

A: Clarity, reflection, and authenticity. A strong essay doesn’t need a dramatic story. It needs insight. We help students uncover themes across their activities, values, and experiences so the essay feels cohesive and memorable rather than random.

Q: When should students begin brainstorming?

A: Earlier than they think. Starting now allows space for reflection without pressure. The best essays are not rushed. They are developed over time.

Q: How does Williams Educational support the essay process?

A: We guide students through structured reflection tools, strength assessments, and intentional conversations that help them understand who they are before they ever draft. From brainstorming to final edits, our role is to mentor, challenge, and refine, while keeping the student’s authentic voice at the center.

The Common App may provide the prompts, but students provide the story. The personal statement is not about writing what colleges want to hear; it is about understanding who you are and communicating that clearly. When students learn to articulate their strengths, values, and growth in their own voice, they do more than complete an application; they introduce themselves.

If your student is ready to begin brainstorming and shaping their story, we would love to walk alongside you. We are honored to serve families nationwide and are committed to helping each student uncover their strengths and share their voice with clarity and confidence. We look forward to continuing our work together and helping every student become known and remembered.