Unleashing Your Creative Potential: Tips for Writing a Standout Common App Essay for 2017-18

The Common App Essay 2017-18: Your chance to tell your story and showcase your personality to college admissions officers. Stand out from the crowd.

The Common Application, also known as the Common App, is a widely used application platform among college-bound students in the United States and abroad. Each year, the Common App releases a new essay prompt for applicants to respond to. This year's prompt, for the 2017-18 application cycle, is no exception. The essay prompt reads: 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? With this prompt, the Common App aims to encourage students to reflect on their past experiences and showcase their growth and resilience. In this article, we will explore some tips and strategies for writing an effective essay that not only answers the prompt but also stands out from the thousands of other essays that admissions officers will read.

First and foremost, it's important to understand the purpose of the essay. The essay is not just another box to check off on your application; it's an opportunity to tell your story and demonstrate your fit with the school you are applying to. Admissions officers want to know who you are beyond your grades and test scores. They want to see your personality, your passions, and your potential to contribute to their campus community. Therefore, your essay should not only showcase your writing skills but also reveal something unique about yourself.

One way to make your essay stand out is to use vivid and specific details. Instead of simply stating the facts of what happened, show the reader how it felt, looked, sounded, and even smelled. Use sensory language to transport the reader into the moment and make them feel like they were there. For example, instead of saying I failed my driver's test, you could say As I sat behind the wheel of my mom's car, sweat dripping down my forehead, I could feel my heart pounding in my chest as the examiner scribbled notes on his clipboard.

In addition to using descriptive language, it's also important to structure your essay in a clear and logical way. Use transition words and phrases to guide the reader from one idea to the next. For instance, you could use however, on the other hand, or despite this to signal a shift in your argument or perspective. Make sure each paragraph has a clear topic sentence that relates back to the prompt and supports your overall thesis.

Another key aspect of writing a successful Common App essay is to avoid clichés and generic language. Admissions officers read thousands of essays each year, so it's important to avoid overused phrases and ideas. Instead, try to be specific and personal in your writing. Use anecdotes and examples from your own life to illustrate your points. Be authentic and honest about your experiences, even if they weren't all positive. Remember, the goal is not to impress the reader but to give them a sense of who you are and what you can bring to their school.

One potential pitfall to avoid is writing an essay that is too negative or self-pitying. While it's okay to acknowledge setbacks or failures, be sure to focus on how you overcame them and what you learned from the experience. Don't dwell on the negative or make excuses for your mistakes. Instead, show the reader how you grew and developed as a result of your challenges.

As you draft and revise your essay, be sure to seek feedback from others. Ask a teacher, counselor, or trusted friend to read your essay and provide constructive criticism. Take their suggestions seriously and use them to improve your writing. However, don't let others' opinions override your own voice and style. Ultimately, this essay should be a reflection of who you are and what you want to say.

When it comes to writing the conclusion of your essay, avoid simply restating your thesis or summarizing your points. Instead, try to end on a note that leaves a lasting impression on the reader. You could use a memorable quote, a call to action, or a hopeful message about the future. Whatever you choose, make sure it ties back to your overall theme and leaves the reader with a sense of closure and satisfaction.

In conclusion, the Common App essay is an important opportunity for college-bound students to showcase their writing skills and personal qualities. By following these tips and strategies, you can write an essay that not only answers the prompt but also stands out from the crowd. Remember, the goal is not to impress the reader but to reveal something unique and meaningful about yourself. Good luck!

The Common App Essay 2017-18

Applying for college can be a daunting task, and one of the most important components of the application is the essay. The Common Application, or Common App, is used by more than 800 colleges and universities across the United States, and it requires an essay as part of the application process. In this article, we will explore the Common App essay for the 2017-18 application cycle.

What is the Common App essay?

The Common App essay is a personal statement that serves as a tool for college admissions officers to get to know you beyond your grades and test scores. It allows you to showcase your personality, interests, and experiences in an essay format. The essay prompts for the 2017-18 application cycle are the same as the previous year, with seven options to choose from.

The essay prompts

The seven essay prompts for the 2017-18 application cycle are:

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 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?
Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?
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, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.
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?
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.

Choosing a prompt

When choosing which prompt to respond to, it's important to choose one that will allow you to showcase your strengths and personality. You should also consider which prompt will allow you to tell a unique story that will stand out to admissions officers.

Writing the essay

Once you've chosen a prompt, it's time to start writing. The essay should be no longer than 650 words, and it should be well-written and free of errors. It's important to use specific examples and anecdotes to illustrate your points, and to avoid vague language and clichés.

Tips for success

Here are some tips to help you write a successful Common App essay:

Start early: Don't wait until the last minute to start writing. Give yourself plenty of time to brainstorm, draft, and revise.
Show, don't tell: Use specific examples and anecdotes to illustrate your points, rather than relying on vague language.
Be authentic: Write in your own voice and be honest about who you are and what you believe.
Get feedback: Have someone else read your essay and provide feedback. This can help you catch errors and improve the quality of your writing.

Conclusion

The Common App essay is an important component of the college application process, and it allows you to showcase your personality, interests, and experiences. By choosing a prompt that will allow you to tell a unique story and following these tips for success, you can write a successful essay that will help you stand out to admissions officers.

Introduction to Common App Essay 2017-18

The Common Application essay for the 2017-18 academic year is an opportunity for students to showcase their unique personalities and experiences. This essay is a crucial part of the college application process, as it allows admissions officers to get to know the applicant beyond their academic achievements and extracurricular activities. The essay prompts for this year are designed to encourage self-reflection and creativity in students, giving them the chance to demonstrate their writing skills and communication abilities.

Understanding the Essay Prompt: What Admission Officers are Looking For

The essay prompts for the 2017-18 Common Application are: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. 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.Each prompt provides students with the opportunity to share their unique perspectives on life, learning, and personal growth. Admissions officers are looking for essays that demonstrate critical thinking, intellectual curiosity, and self-awareness. They want to see that applicants can communicate effectively, both in terms of clarity and creativity, and that they are capable of reflecting on their experiences and learning from them.

Choosing the Right Essay Topic: Tips and Strategies

When choosing an essay topic, it's important to consider your personal interests, experiences, and goals. You want to choose a topic that is meaningful to you and that will allow you to showcase your strengths as a student and individual. Here are some tips and strategies for choosing the right essay topic:1. Brainstorm: Take some time to reflect on your life experiences, hobbies, passions, and achievements. Write down any ideas that come to mind, even if they seem insignificant or unrelated. This will help you identify themes and topics that are most important to you.2. Be specific: Avoid broad, general topics that could apply to anyone. Instead, focus on specific experiences, events, or ideas that are unique to you. This will make your essay more personal and engaging.3. Show, don't tell: When writing about an experience, use vivid details and sensory language to bring it to life. This will help the reader understand your perspective and feel connected to your story.4. Be authentic: Don't try to write what you think admissions officers want to hear. Be true to yourself and your experiences, and let your personality shine through in your writing.5. Be strategic: Choose a topic that allows you to demonstrate your strengths and qualities as a student and individual. For example, if you're a strong problem solver, you might choose to write about a time when you successfully solved a difficult problem.

Crafting a Compelling Opening Sentence: How to Grab the Reader's Attention

The opening sentence of your essay is critical to capturing the reader's attention and setting the tone for the rest of your essay. Here are some strategies for crafting a compelling opening sentence:1. Use a quote: Start your essay with a quote that is relevant to your topic and reflects your personal perspective.2. Ask a question: Pose a thought-provoking question that engages the reader and encourages them to continue reading.3. Use descriptive language: Use vivid language and sensory details to create a picture in the reader's mind and draw them into your story.4. Share a personal anecdote: Start with a personal story that illustrates your topic and draws the reader into your experience.5. Start with a bold statement: Make a bold statement that challenges conventional wisdom or highlights your unique perspective on a topic.

Developing a Clear and Concise Thesis Statement: The Foundation of Your Essay

Your thesis statement is the foundation of your essay, providing a roadmap for your argument and guiding the reader through your ideas. Here are some tips for developing a clear and concise thesis statement:1. Be specific: Your thesis statement should clearly articulate your main argument and the specific points you will be making in your essay.2. Be concise: Keep your thesis statement brief and to the point. Avoid using vague or general language.3. Make it arguable: Your thesis statement should be debatable, presenting a clear position that can be supported by evidence.4. Use strong language: Use strong, assertive language in your thesis statement to make your argument clear and persuasive.5. Revise as needed: Your thesis statement may evolve as you write your essay, so don't be afraid to revise it as needed to reflect your changing ideas and arguments.

Using Personal Anecdotes and Examples to Illustrate Your Points

Personal anecdotes and examples are an effective way to illustrate your points and bring your essay to life. Here are some strategies for using personal stories and examples in your essay:1. Be specific: Use specific details and examples to illustrate your points, making your essay more engaging and memorable.2. Use sensory language: Use sensory language to create a vivid picture in the reader's mind and draw them into your story.3. Use dialogue: Use dialogue to bring your characters to life and add depth to your story.4. Use metaphor: Use metaphor and other literary devices to make your writing more engaging and memorable.5. Be authentic: Use personal anecdotes that are true to your experience and reflect your unique perspective.

Avoiding Common Essay Mistakes: Clichés, Grammatical Errors, and More

When writing your essay, it's important to avoid common mistakes that can detract from the quality of your writing. Here are some common essay mistakes to avoid:1. Using clichés: Avoid using clichés and overused phrases that can make your writing seem unoriginal and uninspired.2. Grammatical errors: Make sure to proofread your essay carefully for grammatical errors, typos, and other mistakes.3. Repetition: Avoid repeating ideas or words unnecessarily in your essay, which can make your writing seem repetitive and dull.4. Lack of specificity: Make sure to use specific details and examples to illustrate your points, making your essay more engaging and memorable.5. Inconsistency: Make sure your essay is consistent in tone, style, and voice throughout, creating a cohesive and polished final product.

Using Descriptive Language and Sensory Details to Add Depth to Your Essay

Descriptive language and sensory details are important tools for adding depth and richness to your essay. Here are some strategies for using descriptive language and sensory details in your writing:1. Use vivid language: Use vivid language to create a picture in the reader's mind and draw them into your story.2. Use sensory details: Use sensory details to engage the reader's senses and create a more immersive reading experience.3. Use metaphor: Use metaphor and other literary devices to make your writing more engaging and memorable.4. Be specific: Use specific details and examples to illustrate your points, making your essay more engaging and memorable.5. Use dialogue: Use dialogue to bring your characters to life and add depth to your story.

The Importance of Revision and Proofreading: Tips for Editing Your Essay

Revision and proofreading are critical to producing a polished and effective essay. Here are some tips for editing your essay:1. Take a break: Take a break from your essay before revising it, giving yourself time to approach it with fresh eyes.2. Read it aloud: Read your essay aloud to catch errors and awkward phrasing, making sure it flows smoothly and sounds natural.3. Get feedback: Ask friends, family members, or teachers to read your essay and provide feedback, giving you a fresh perspective on your writing.4. Check for consistency: Make sure your essay is consistent in tone, style, and voice throughout, creating a cohesive and polished final product.5. Proofread carefully: Proofread your essay carefully for grammatical errors, typos, and other mistakes, ensuring that your writing is clear and concise.

Conclusion: Wrapping Up Your Essay with a Strong Final Statement

In conclusion, the Common Application essay for the 2017-18 academic year is an opportunity for students to showcase their unique personalities and experiences. When writing your essay, it's important to choose a topic that is meaningful to you and that allows you to showcase your strengths as a student and individual. Use personal anecdotes, descriptive language, and sensory details to bring your essay to life, avoiding common mistakes such as clichés and grammatical errors. Finally, make sure to revise and proofread your essay carefully, ending with a strong final statement that leaves a lasting impression on the reader.

The Common App Essay 2017-18: A Point of View

Overview

The Common Application Essay is a crucial component of the college application process. It is an opportunity for students to showcase their personality, interests, and writing skills to colleges and universities across the country.

Pros of Common App Essay 2017-18

1. Standardization: The Common Application Essay allows students to create one essay that can be submitted to multiple colleges. This saves time and effort, as students do not have to create multiple essays for each school they are applying to.

2. Flexibility: The essay prompts for the Common Application Essay are broad enough to allow students to write about almost any topic they choose. This gives students the freedom to write about their passions and interests, and to showcase their unique experiences and perspectives.

3. Accessibility: The Common Application Essay is available to all students, regardless of their financial situation. This ensures that every student has an equal opportunity to showcase their strengths and talents to colleges and universities.

Cons of Common App Essay 2017-18

1. Lack of creativity: The standardized format of the Common Application Essay may limit the creativity and originality of students' essays. Students may feel pressured to conform to the standard format and may struggle to stand out from other applicants.

2. Limited space: The Common Application Essay has a word limit of 650 words, which can be challenging for students who have a lot to say or who struggle with concise writing.

3. Emphasis on writing skills: The Common Application Essay places a strong emphasis on writing skills, which may disadvantage students who are not strong writers or who do not have access to resources that can help them improve their writing.

Comparison of Common App Essay 2017-18 Keywords

Keyword	Description
Prompt	A question or statement that is provided to guide students in writing their essay
Word limit	The maximum number of words that a student can use in their essay
Standardization	The process of creating a standardized format or structure for the essay
Flexibility	The ability for students to choose their own topic and approach to the essay
Creativity	The degree to which students are encouraged to be creative and original in their writing
Writing skills	The level of emphasis placed on writing skills in the essay

In conclusion, the Common Application Essay is an important component of the college application process. While there are pros and cons to the standardized format, it provides students with an equal opportunity to showcase their strengths and talents to colleges and universities. Ultimately, the success of the Common Application Essay depends on the individual student's ability to write a compelling and unique essay that stands out from other applicants.

Closing Message: Common App Essay 2017-18

As we come to the end of this article on the Common App Essay for the 2017-18 academic year, it is important to remember that crafting an essay that showcases your unique voice and personality can be a daunting task. However, with the right mindset and approach, you can create a piece that truly stands out to college admissions officers.

Whether you choose to write about a personal experience, a challenge you've overcome, or a passion you have, the key is to make sure that your essay reflects who you are and what you can bring to a college community. This means being honest and authentic in your writing, while also showcasing your strengths and accomplishments.

One thing to keep in mind as you write your essay is that you don't need to have a perfect story or experience to share. In fact, some of the most powerful essays are those that highlight the imperfections and struggles that we all face in life. These essays show resilience, perseverance, and a willingness to learn from our mistakes.

Another important aspect of the Common App Essay is the structure and organization of your writing. Make sure that your essay has a clear introduction, body, and conclusion, with each section building upon the last. Use transition words and phrases to guide your reader through your ideas, and make sure that your writing flows smoothly and logically from one paragraph to the next.

When it comes to choosing a topic for your essay, there is no right or wrong answer. However, it is important to choose a topic that is meaningful to you and that you can write about in a compelling way. Remember, the goal of your essay is to showcase your personality, talents, and experiences to college admissions officers, so make sure that your topic aligns with this goal.

As you write your essay, don't be afraid to ask for feedback from your peers, teachers, or college counselors. Getting a fresh perspective on your writing can help you identify areas where you can improve and make your essay even stronger.

Finally, remember that the Common App Essay is just one part of the college admissions process. While it is important to put time and effort into your essay, don't forget about other aspects of your application, such as your grades, test scores, and extracurricular activities. These factors also play a role in the admissions decision.

Overall, the Common App Essay is an opportunity for you to showcase your unique voice and personality to college admissions officers. By being authentic, organized, and thoughtful in your writing, you can create a piece that truly stands out and helps you get noticed by your dream colleges. Good luck!