Crafting Your Story: Tips for Writing an Outstanding Common App Essay 2016-17
The Common App essay for 2016-17 prompts students to share a defining story that illustrates who they are. Get started on your personal statement!
The Common Application Essay has become a crucial part of the college application process. Since its inception in 1975, the Common App has been used by millions of students to apply to over 900 colleges and universities across the United States and Canada. Each year, the essay prompts change, requiring students to dig deeper into their experiences and express themselves in unique and compelling ways. The 2016-17 Common App essay is no exception.
The first prompt for the 2016-17 Common App essay asks students to reflect on their background or identity. This prompt encourages students to explore their cultural, familial, and personal experiences that have shaped who they are today. For many students, this prompt can be both challenging and rewarding. It requires them to examine their own biases and assumptions, as well as to celebrate their unique perspectives.
The second prompt for the 2016-17 Common App essay focuses on a time when students faced a failure or setback. This prompt asks students to consider how they responded to adversity and what they learned from the experience. It challenges students to demonstrate resilience, creativity, and perseverance in the face of difficulty.
The third prompt for the 2016-17 Common App essay asks students to discuss a time when they challenged a belief or idea. This prompt encourages students to think critically about their own values and the world around them. It asks them to explain why they chose to challenge a particular belief or idea, and how that experience affected their growth and development as a person.
Regardless of which prompt students choose, the Common App essay provides an opportunity for them to share their unique voice and perspective with college admissions officers. The essay is a chance for students to show their creativity, personality, and writing skills. However, writing an effective Common App essay can be a daunting task.
One of the keys to writing a successful Common App essay is to choose a topic that is both personal and meaningful. Students should think about their own experiences and what makes them unique. They should also consider how their experiences relate to the larger world and what insights they can offer.
Another important aspect of writing a strong Common App essay is to use concrete details and vivid language. Students should aim to paint a picture with their words, using sensory details and descriptive language to bring their experiences to life. By doing so, they can help admissions officers to connect with their story on a deeper level.
Organization and structure are also essential components of a successful Common App essay. Students should begin with a clear thesis statement and use transitions effectively to guide the reader through their story. They should also be mindful of the word count and avoid rambling or repeating themselves.
Finally, it is important for students to have their Common App essay reviewed by others. This can include teachers, parents, or friends who can offer constructive feedback and help to identify areas for improvement. By taking the time to revise and refine their essay, students can ensure that it showcases their best work and truly represents who they are as a person.
In conclusion, the 2016-17 Common App essay prompts offer students an opportunity to reflect on their experiences, values, and beliefs. By choosing a personal and meaningful topic, using concrete details and vivid language, and organizing their thoughts effectively, students can create a powerful and compelling essay that showcases their unique voice and perspective.
Introduction
As a high school student, you are probably familiar with the Common Application. The Common App is an online application system that allows students to apply to multiple colleges and universities at once. One of the most important parts of the Common App is the essay section. In this article, we will discuss the Common App essay for the 2016-17 admissions cycle.Essay Prompts
The Common App essay prompts are the same every year. They provide students with a range of topics to choose from. The prompts for the 2016-17 cycle were as follows: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 failure can be fundamental to later success. Recount an incident or time when you experienced failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?3. Reflect on a time when you challenged a belief or idea. What prompted you to act? Would you make the same decision again?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 or event, formal or informal, that marked your transition from childhood to adulthood within your culture, community, or family.Choosing a Prompt
When choosing a prompt, it's important to pick one that resonates with you. You want to choose a prompt that allows you to showcase your strengths and unique qualities. Take some time to reflect on each prompt and think about which one speaks to you the most. Once you've chosen a prompt, it's time to start brainstorming.Brainstorming
When brainstorming for your Common App essay, it's important to keep in mind that this essay is an opportunity for colleges and universities to get to know you on a deeper level. Think about what sets you apart from other applicants. What are your passions? What are your strengths? What experiences have shaped you into the person you are today?Make a List
One way to start brainstorming is to make a list of all the things that make you unique. This could include your hobbies, accomplishments, challenges you've overcome, or anything else that you think would be interesting for a college or university to know about you.Free Writing
Another way to get your creative juices flowing is to do some free writing. Set a timer for 10-15 minutes and write down anything that comes to mind. Don't worry about grammar or punctuation – just let your thoughts flow.Writing Your Essay
Once you've chosen a prompt and brainstormed some ideas, it's time to start writing your essay. The Common App essay has a word limit of 650 words, so it's important to be concise and to the point.Introduction
Your introduction should grab the reader's attention and give them a sense of what your essay is about. Consider starting with a hook, such as a quote or a personal anecdote. Make sure to clearly state the prompt you chose and why it resonated with you.Body Paragraphs
The body of your essay should expand on the ideas you brainstormed earlier. Each paragraph should focus on a specific idea or experience and provide details and examples to support it. It's important to use concrete examples and avoid vague statements.Conclusion
Your conclusion should bring your essay to a close and leave the reader with a sense of what you've learned or what you hope to accomplish in the future. Consider ending with a call to action, such as an invitation to visit your website or social media profiles.Editing and Revising
Once you've written your essay, it's important to take some time to edit and revise it. Make sure to check for spelling and grammar errors, as well as ensuring that your essay flows well and is easy to read.Peer Review
Consider having someone else read your essay and provide feedback. This could be a teacher, counselor, or friend. Make sure to take their feedback into consideration and make any necessary changes.Final Draft
Once you've made all the necessary revisions, it's time to submit your final draft. Make sure to proofread one more time before hitting submit.Conclusion
The Common App essay is an important part of the college application process. It's an opportunity for you to showcase your strengths and unique qualities. Take the time to choose a prompt that resonates with you, brainstorm some ideas, and write a compelling essay. Remember to edit and revise your essay, and don't be afraid to ask for feedback. Good luck!Understanding the Prompt: Analyzing the Common App Essay Question for 2016-17
The Common Application is an online college application that allows students to apply to multiple colleges and universities simultaneously. One of the most important components of the Common App is the personal essay. The essay is a chance for students to showcase their personalities, writing skills, and unique perspectives to admissions officers. In 2016-17, the Common App essay prompts were revised to encourage more introspection and self-reflection from applicants.The first step in writing a strong Common App essay is to carefully analyze the prompt. The 2016-17 prompts are as follows: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 failure can be fundamental to later success. Recount an incident or time when you experienced failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?3. Reflect on a time when you challenged a belief or idea. What prompted you to act? Would you make the same decision again?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 or event, formal or informal, that marked your transition from childhood to adulthood within your culture, community, or family.Each prompt requires a different approach and mindset, but all share a common goal: to help admissions officers understand who you are and what makes you unique.Brainstorming Techniques: Generating Ideas and Themes for Your Common App Essay
Once you've analyzed the prompts, it's time to brainstorm ideas and themes for your essay. Brainstorming is a crucial part of the writing process because it allows you to generate a wide range of possibilities before settling on a specific topic.One effective brainstorming technique is freewriting. Set a timer for 10-15 minutes and write down anything that comes to mind related to the prompt. Don't worry about grammar, spelling, or coherence - just write.Another technique is mind mapping. Write the prompt in the center of a piece of paper and circle it. Then, draw lines branching out from the center and write down related ideas or experiences. Connect the ideas with lines and see if any patterns or themes emerge.You can also try listing. Write down a list of experiences, accomplishments, challenges, or beliefs that could potentially fit the prompt. Circle the ones that resonate with you the most and see if you can connect them to a larger narrative or theme.Remember, the goal of brainstorming is to generate as many ideas as possible. Don't worry about whether they're good or bad at this stage - just focus on getting them down on paper.Choosing the Right Topic: Identifying the Most Compelling Narrative for Your Common App Essay
Once you've generated a list of potential topics, it's time to choose the one that will be the most compelling and meaningful to you. The best topic is one that allows you to showcase your personality, values, and unique perspective.When choosing a topic, consider the following questions:- What experience or belief has had the biggest impact on my life?- What sets me apart from other applicants?- What story do I want to tell about myself?Remember, your topic doesn't have to be grandiose or dramatic - it just needs to be authentic and true to who you are.Crafting a Strong Thesis Statement: Outlining the Main Argument of Your Common App Essay
Once you've chosen a topic, it's time to craft a strong thesis statement. The thesis statement is the main argument or point you're trying to make in your essay. It should be clear, concise, and specific.For example, if your topic is about an experience that taught you the importance of perseverance, your thesis statement could be: My experience with overcoming a difficult obstacle taught me the value of persistence and shaped my approach to life.The thesis statement should be included in the introduction of your essay and guide the rest of your writing.Structuring Your Essay: Organizing Your Ideas into a Coherent Narrative
Now that you have a topic and thesis statement, it's time to structure your essay. A well-structured essay has a clear beginning, middle, and end. It should also have a logical progression of ideas and evidence that supports your thesis statement.One effective way to structure your essay is to use the inverted pyramid technique. Start with a broad statement or anecdote that sets the stage for your topic. Then, gradually narrow your focus and provide more specific details and evidence. End with a conclusion that ties all of your ideas together.Another option is the chronological structure. Start with an event or experience that happened in the past and follow it through to the present. This structure can be effective if your topic involves a personal journey or growth.Regardless of which structure you choose, make sure your essay has a clear and coherent narrative that supports your thesis statement.Writing the Introduction: Capturing the Reader's Attention and Establishing Your Narrative
The introduction is the most important part of your essay because it sets the tone for the rest of your writing. It should capture the reader's attention and establish your narrative.One effective way to start your introduction is with a hook. A hook is a catchy or intriguing statement that draws the reader in and makes them want to keep reading. This could be a quote, anecdote, or statistic.After the hook, provide some context for your topic and thesis statement. Explain why the topic is important and what you hope to achieve with your writing.The introduction should be concise, clear, and engaging. It should also provide a roadmap for the rest of your essay.Developing Your Body Paragraphs: Providing Evidence and Supporting Your Argument
The body paragraphs of your essay should provide evidence and support for your thesis statement. Each paragraph should focus on a specific idea or piece of evidence that supports your argument.Start each paragraph with a topic sentence that introduces the main idea. Then, provide evidence or examples that support your argument. Use transition words to guide the reader from one idea to the next.It's also important to make sure each paragraph builds on the previous one and contributes to the overall narrative of your essay.Using Language Effectively: Writing with Clarity, Precision, and Style
Effective writing is not just about what you say, but how you say it. To write a strong Common App essay, you need to use language effectively.Here are some tips for using language effectively:- Be concise: Avoid using unnecessary words or phrases. Make every word count.- Be precise: Use specific and descriptive language to paint a clear picture for the reader.- Use active voice: Active voice makes your writing more direct and engaging.- Vary your sentence structure: Use a variety of sentence lengths and structures to keep the reader engaged.Remember, the goal is to write with clarity, precision, and style.Editing and Revising: Polishing Your Common App Essay and Ensuring Its Coherence
Once you've written a draft of your essay, it's time to edit and revise. Editing involves correcting grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors. Revising involves refining the content and structure of your essay.Here are some tips for editing and revising:- Take a break: Step away from your essay for a few hours or even a day before editing. This will help you approach it with fresh eyes.- Read it aloud: Reading your essay aloud can help you catch errors and awkward phrasing.- Get feedback: Ask a trusted friend, family member, or teacher to read your essay and provide feedback.- Cut unnecessary words: Look for words or phrases that don't add value to your essay and cut them.Remember, the goal of editing and revising is to polish your essay and ensure its coherence.Submitting Your Essay: Tips and Strategies for Presenting Your Best Work to Admissions Committees
Once you've edited and revised your essay, it's time to submit it. Here are some tips and strategies for presenting your best work to admissions committees:- Proofread: Before submitting, make sure to proofread your essay for any errors or typos.- Follow directions: Make sure to follow all instructions and formatting guidelines provided by the college or university.- Be authentic: Don't try to be someone you're not in your essay. Admissions officers want to get to know the real you.- Show, don't tell: Use concrete examples and anecdotes to illustrate your points instead of simply telling the reader.- Be mindful of tone: Your essay should strike a balance between being personal and professional.Remember, your Common App essay is an opportunity to showcase your personality, writing skills, and unique perspective. Use these tips and strategies to present your best work to admissions committees.My Point of View on Common App Essay 2016-17
Overview of Common App Essay 2016-17
The Common Application is an online application used by over 700 colleges and universities to simplify the admissions process. The Common App essay is a crucial component of the application as it allows students to showcase their personalities, experiences, and aspirations in a unique and compelling way. In 2016-17, the Common App essay prompts were revised to provide more flexibility and variety for applicants.Pros of Common App Essay 2016-17
1. Flexibility: With seven different prompts to choose from, students have more options to find a topic that resonates with them and allows them to showcase their strengths.2. Creativity: The new prompts allow for more creative responses, encouraging students to showcase their unique perspectives and experiences.3. Simplicity: The Common App essay allows students to apply to multiple colleges with just one essay, saving time and effort in the application process.Cons of Common App Essay 2016-17
1. Pressure: With the Common App essay being such a crucial component of the application, students may feel immense pressure to craft the perfect essay.2. Lack of specificity: Some students may struggle with the open-ended prompts and feel unsure of how to approach the essay.3. Limited word count: With a maximum word count of 650, students must be concise and strategic in their writing.Comparison of Common App Essay Prompts 2016-17
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.
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.
The 2016-17 Common App essay prompts provided students with a range of options to showcase their strengths and unique perspectives. The prompts allowed for flexibility and creativity in responses, while also challenging students to reflect on their experiences and values. Overall, the Common App essay remains a crucial component of the college application process, allowing students to share their stories and demonstrate their potential to admissions committees.
Final Thoughts on the Common App Essay 2016-17
As the deadline for submitting college applications approaches, many students may find themselves struggling to draft the perfect Common App essay. With so much riding on this one piece of writing, it's natural to feel overwhelmed or unsure of where to start.
However, with a little bit of guidance and some careful planning, crafting an effective Common App essay is definitely within reach. In this article, we've covered everything from choosing the right prompt to adding the finishing touches to your essay.
If you're feeling stuck, remember that the Common App essay is all about telling your unique story and showcasing your personality to admissions officers. Don't try to write what you think they want to hear - instead, focus on being authentic and true to yourself.
Before you start writing, take some time to brainstorm and reflect on your experiences, values, and goals. Think about what sets you apart from other applicants and how you can use your essay to demonstrate your strengths and potential contributions to a college community.
Once you've chosen a prompt and gathered your ideas, it's important to structure your essay effectively. Use transitions between paragraphs to ensure a smooth flow of ideas, and be sure to include a clear thesis statement and supporting evidence throughout your essay.
Don't forget to make use of vivid details and personal anecdotes to bring your essay to life and help readers connect with your story. And always remember to revise and edit your work carefully, seeking feedback from trusted mentors or peers if possible.
In short, while the Common App essay may seem daunting at first, it's ultimately an opportunity for you to showcase your unique voice and perspective to admissions officers. By following these tips and staying true to yourself, you'll be well on your way to crafting a memorable and effective essay that will help you stand out in the college admissions process.
So, take a deep breath and dive in - we believe in you! Good luck with your writing, and remember that the most important thing is to stay true to yourself and your story.
People Also Ask About Common App Essay 2016-17
What is the Common App Essay?
The Common App essay is a personal statement that is required by the Common Application for most colleges and universities in the United States. It is an opportunity for students to showcase their personality, skills, and experiences to admissions officers.
What are the Common App Essay prompts for 2016-17?
The Common App Essay prompts for 2016-17 were:
- 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 failure can be fundamental to later success. Recount an incident or time when you experienced failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?
- 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 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 or event, formal or informal, that marked your transition from childhood to adulthood within your culture, community, or family.
How long should the Common App Essay be?
The Common App Essay should be between 250 and 650 words. It is important to stay within the word count limit as admissions officers have many essays to read and may not have time to read longer submissions.
What are admissions officers looking for in a Common App Essay?
Admissions officers are looking for essays that are well-written, thoughtful, and reveal something about the student's personality, values, and experiences. They want to see that the student has put effort into the essay and has taken the time to reflect on their experiences.
Can I use the same Common App Essay for multiple colleges?
Yes, you can use the same Common App Essay for multiple colleges. However, it is important to tailor the essay to each college by mentioning specific programs, courses, or opportunities that the college offers. This shows that the student has done research on the college and is genuinely interested in attending.