As you begin your college application process, you may decide to apply through the Common Application. The Common Application (also known as the “Common App”) is an advanced college application platform that allows you to apply to multiple colleges at once. The Common App has seven essay prompts for you to choose from. Here are some tips to tackling Essay Prompt #6!
Common App Essay Prompt #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?”
Things to Consider
This prompt gives you the freedom to write about anything that sparks your enthusiasm! It can be a hobby, an interest, a sport, or anything else that comes to mind. Here are some ideas to help you articulate your passions in a way that will make for a powerful essay.
Reflect on the ways you destress
If you are having trouble coming up with a topic, contemplate all the ways you relax. Do you have any creative hobbies that help you unwind? What do you look forward to after finishing your school work? How do you spend your free time? Even if it’s something small, like playing Sudoku, you can write about the ways it helps you re energize.
Examine causes you care about
This prompt is also great for writing about a cause you care about. Is there a topic that you could talk about for hours? Do you have questions that you wonder about often? Perhaps this is a topic that you intend to study in college.
Explain why it’s meaningful to you
Once you identify the passion you wish to write about, explain what it means to you and how it impacts your life. Don’t forget that this essay is about you, so be sure to relate it back to yourself and make it personal.
What to Avoid
When writing about something you are passionate about, it’s easy to get lost in describing the activity or idea itself. Ultimately, you want your reader to learn more about you, not just the topic you chose. You will want to describe why your subject is fascinating, but avoid making your entire essay about that. Write the majority of your essay about how losing yourself in your passion has shaped you into who you are today.