The Common App Personal Essay Prompts are Live!

We've received the news we were largely expecting - the Common Application Personal Essay Prompts will remain unchanged for 2026-2027. What does this mean for our current HS juniors? It means that they can get started on their personal essay whenever they are ready! We typically recommend juniors get started on this essay in April. And trust us - starting early is key reducing stress in this process!

Here are the essay prompts:

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 obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?

3. Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?

4. Reflect on something that someone has done for you that has made you happy or thankful in a surprising way. How has this gratitude affected or motivated you?

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?

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

We spend a lot of time working with students each year to craft incredible personal essays. If you would like to discuss our approach to the essay writing process, I would be happy to jump on a free consultation zoom chat. Just schedule here: https://calendly.com/foundryadmissionsstrategies/consultation-call