If you're a junior, it's not too early to begin thinking about ideas for your application essay. For most students, figuring out what to write about is the most challenging part of the application process.

The Common Application has just released the essay prompts for the 2017-18 application season. The essay prompts have changed somewhat to provide students with more flexibility. Several of the existing prompts have been broadened in scope with 2 new prompts added. There are now 7 essay choices flexible enough to accommodate any idea.

Remember, the KEY to a powerful essay idea is sharing something of importance about yourself with the admission committee (e.g. your talents, passion, curiosity, inspiration, growth). As the Common Application Essay Instructions state: "What do you want the readers of your application to know about you apart from courses, grades, and test scores?"

So take a peek at the prompts below and let the thinking begin ...

2017-2018 Common Application Essay Prompts (650 word limit)

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. [No change]

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? [Revised]

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

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. [No change]

5. Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others. [Revised]

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? [New]

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. [New ]
https://www.commonapp.org/whats-appening/application-updates/common-application-announces-2017-2018-essay-prompts