From the beginning of August 2013 applicants to college were no longer able to select “topic of your choice” (easily the most popular prompt from years past) for their personal essays.
Instead, students now choose their essay topic from the following options:
Common Application Essay Questions for 2013-2014
Additionally, the Common Application has increased the word limit for the personal essay from 500 to 650 words. To prevent students from exceeding this limit, the Common App will no longer allow students to upload their essay to the application. Instead, students will be required to cut & paste their personal essay into a box that keeps track of word count, and cuts off any text exceeding 650 words.
No less revolutionary, the Common App is deleting the short essay from the writing section of the application.
The Common App also clarified on its Facebook page that the short answer activity essay will not be part of the main application in 2013-2014. Schools will instead choose whether or not to ask a version of it on their supplements. Currently, students using the Common Application to apply to college must include a short (1000 character) paragraph on an extracurricular activity or work experience that has helped shape their character and contribute to their college readiness.
Lastly, the revised common application will not allow students to upload documents, such as resumes or statements, to the additional information section of the common application.
Word Limit
Typical Essay Topics
Instead, students now choose their essay topic from the following options:
Common Application Essay Questions for 2013-2014
- Some students have a background or story that is so central to their identity that they believe their application would be incomplete without it.
If this sounds like you, then please share your story. - Recount an incident or time when you experienced failure. How did it affect you, and what lessons did you learn?
- 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 place or environment where you are perfectly content. What do you do or experience there, and why is it meaningful to you?
- Discuss an accomplishment or event, formal or informal, that marked your transition from childhood to adulthood within your culture, community, or family.
Additionally, the Common Application has increased the word limit for the personal essay from 500 to 650 words. To prevent students from exceeding this limit, the Common App will no longer allow students to upload their essay to the application. Instead, students will be required to cut & paste their personal essay into a box that keeps track of word count, and cuts off any text exceeding 650 words.
No less revolutionary, the Common App is deleting the short essay from the writing section of the application.
The Common App also clarified on its Facebook page that the short answer activity essay will not be part of the main application in 2013-2014. Schools will instead choose whether or not to ask a version of it on their supplements. Currently, students using the Common Application to apply to college must include a short (1000 character) paragraph on an extracurricular activity or work experience that has helped shape their character and contribute to their college readiness.
Lastly, the revised common application will not allow students to upload documents, such as resumes or statements, to the additional information section of the common application.
Word Limit
- 250 to 650 Words
Typical Essay Topics
- Activity Paragraph
- Academic Essay
- Community Essay
- Significant Experience Essay
- Artist Statement