Unveiling the Top Tips for Crafting Winning Common App Essays 2016-17

Get ready for the Common App essays 2016-17! Craft a compelling story and showcase your uniqueness with these helpful tips and examples.

The Common App essay is one of the most important pieces of writing that a high school student will ever produce. It's the gateway to getting into college, and it's a chance for students to showcase their personalities, beliefs, and experiences. Every year, the Common App releases new essay prompts, and this year is no exception. As we head into the 2016-17 application season, students are scrambling to come up with the perfect topic for their essay. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the Common App essays for 2016-17, and provide some tips and tricks for making your essay stand out.

It's no secret that colleges and universities receive thousands of applications each year, and they simply don't have the time or resources to read through every single one of them in detail. That's where the Common App essay comes in. It's an opportunity for students to make themselves stand out from the crowd and show admissions officers why they deserve to be admitted. But with so much competition, it can be difficult to know where to start.

The first step to writing a successful Common App essay is to choose the right prompt. This year, there are seven prompts to choose from, each one designed to elicit a different kind of response. From Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it to Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?, there's something for everyone.

Once you've chosen your prompt, it's time to start brainstorming. The best way to do this is to write down everything that comes to mind, without worrying about organization or structure. You might be surprised at the ideas that come out of this exercise, and you can always refine them later. Some students find it helpful to make a list of their hobbies, interests, achievements, and personal characteristics, and then see which ones fit with the prompt.

Once you have a rough idea of what you want to write about, it's time to start crafting your essay. The key to a successful Common App essay is to be authentic and genuine. Don't try to impress admissions officers with fancy words or elaborate metaphors – just be yourself. Tell your story in your own words, and let your personality shine through. You want to give the reader a sense of who you are as a person, not just as a student.

One of the biggest mistakes that students make when writing their Common App essay is trying to cover too much ground. Remember, you only have 650 words to work with, so you need to use them wisely. Focus on one specific event or experience, and use it as a lens through which to explore your personality, values, and goals. Don't try to cram your entire life story into one essay – it's impossible, and it won't do you any favors.

Another common mistake is failing to revise and edit your essay. Remember, this is a piece of writing that could potentially make or break your college application. You want to make sure that it's polished, professional, and error-free. Take the time to read through your essay multiple times, and ask someone else to read it as well. Don't be afraid to make changes – sometimes the best ideas come from cutting out unnecessary words or sentences.

In conclusion, the Common App essay is an important part of the college application process, and it's something that every high school student should take seriously. By choosing the right prompt, brainstorming effectively, being authentic and genuine, and focusing on a specific event or experience, you can create a powerful and compelling essay that will help you stand out from the crowd. Remember to revise and edit your essay carefully, and don't be afraid to ask for feedback. With these tips and tricks, you'll be well on your way to writing a successful Common App essay for 2016-17.

Introduction

The Common Application serves as a platform for college applicants to apply to multiple colleges and universities with a single application. One of the requirements of the Common Application is the essay section. In this article, we will discuss the Common App Essays 2016-17 and what they entail.

Essay Prompts

The Common Application essay prompts for 2016-17 were as follows:

Prompt 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.

Prompt 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?

Prompt 3: Reflect on a time when you challenged a belief or idea. What prompted you to act? Would you make the same decision again?

Prompt 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.

Prompt 5: Discuss an accomplishment or event, formal or informal, that marked your transition from childhood to adulthood within your culture, community, or family.

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?

These prompts were designed to elicit personal and unique responses from applicants.

Word Count

The Common Application essay has a word count of 650 words. It is important to stay within this limit as exceeding it may result in the essay not being read in its entirety.

Structure

The Common Application essay should have a clear structure with an introduction, body, and conclusion. The introduction should provide an overview of what the essay will be about. The body should provide specific examples to support the main idea of the essay. The conclusion should summarize the main points and leave a lasting impression on the reader.

Personal Voice

The Common Application essay is an opportunity for applicants to showcase their personal voice and writing style. It is important to write in a way that is authentic and true to oneself.

Proofreading

It is crucial to proofread the Common Application essay multiple times before submitting it. This includes checking for grammatical errors, spelling mistakes, and ensuring that the essay flows well. It is also helpful to have someone else read the essay to provide feedback.

Avoid Clichés

Applicants should avoid using clichés in their Common Application essays. Examples of clichés include hard work pays off and think outside the box. These phrases are overused and do not add anything new to the essay.

Be Honest

It is important to be honest in the Common Application essay. Applicants should not fabricate stories or exaggerate their experiences. Admissions officers can usually tell when an essay is not genuine.

Show, Don't Tell

Applicants should aim to show, not tell in their Common Application essays. This means using specific examples and vivid descriptions to convey their message. For example, instead of saying I am a hard worker, an applicant could provide an example of a time when they worked diligently on a project.

Conclusion

The Common Application essay is an important part of the college application process. Applicants should take the time to carefully craft their essay and ensure that it accurately represents who they are as a person. By following these tips, applicants can increase their chances of standing out to admissions officers.

Understanding the Common App Essay Prompts for the 2016-17 Application Cycle

The Common Application, also known as the Common App, is a popular online application used by over 800 colleges and universities in the United States and around the world. As part of the application process, students are required to write an essay that helps admissions officers get to know them better. The Common App essay prompts for the 2016-17 application cycle have been released, and students are encouraged to start thinking about their essays early on. The Common App essay 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.These prompts are designed to give students a chance to showcase their unique experiences, personalities, and perspectives. It's important to choose a prompt that allows you to tell your story in the most authentic and compelling way possible.

Tips for Choosing the Best Common App Essay Prompt for You

Choosing the right Common App essay prompt can be challenging, but there are a few tips that can help you make the best decision for your personal story. 1. Consider your unique experiences: Look at each prompt and think about which one allows you to share a story that is truly unique to you. What sets you apart from other applicants? What experiences have shaped you into the person you are today? 2. Focus on your strengths: Each prompt offers an opportunity to showcase different strengths, such as your creativity, problem-solving skills, or ability to overcome adversity. Choose a prompt that aligns with your strengths and allows you to highlight them in a meaningful way. 3. Think about your goals: What do you hope to achieve by attending college? Which prompt allows you to share a story that relates to your goals and aspirations? 4. Be honest and authentic: Don't choose a prompt just because you think it will impress admissions officers. Choose a prompt that allows you to be true to yourself and share a story that is honest and authentic. 5. Consider the message you want to convey: What do you want admissions officers to know about you? Choose a prompt that allows you to convey this message in a clear and compelling way.

How to Brainstorm Your Common App Essay Topic

Once you've chosen a prompt, it's time to start brainstorming your essay topic. The following tips can help you generate ideas and get your creative juices flowing. 1. Free write: Set a timer for 10-15 minutes and write down everything that comes to mind when you think about the prompt. Don't worry about grammar or structure - just let your thoughts flow freely. 2. Make a list: Write down a list of your experiences, accomplishments, challenges, and goals. See if any of these align with the prompt and could be used as the basis for your essay. 3. Ask others for input: Talk to friends, family members, or teachers and ask them what they think sets you apart from others. Ask them if they have any stories or experiences that could be used as the basis for your essay. 4. Use prompts within the prompt: Each prompt contains several phrases that can be used as a starting point for your essay. For example, prompt 1 asks you to share a story about a background, identity, interest, or talent that is meaningful to you. Use these keywords to guide your brainstorming process. 5. Focus on a single moment: Instead of trying to cover your entire life story, focus on a single moment or experience that illustrates who you are and what you stand for.

Crafting a Memorable Common App Essay Introduction

The introduction of your Common App essay is your chance to grab the reader's attention and set the tone for the rest of the essay. The following tips can help you craft a memorable introduction that engages the reader and draws them in. 1. Start with a hook: Use a surprising fact, quote, or anecdote to capture the reader's attention and make them want to keep reading. 2. Set the scene: Describe a specific moment or experience that illustrates the theme or message of your essay. Paint a vivid picture in the reader's mind. 3. Use dialogue: Incorporate dialogue into your introduction to make it more dynamic and engaging. 4. Keep it concise: Your introduction should be no more than a few sentences long. Get to the point quickly and don't waste the reader's time. 5. Make it personal: Your introduction should give the reader a sense of who you are and why your story is worth telling. Don't be afraid to be vulnerable and show your personality.

What to Avoid in Your Common App Essay Writing

When writing your Common App essay, there are certain things you should avoid in order to create a compelling and polished final product. The following are some common mistakes to avoid. 1. Clichés: Avoid using overused phrases or clichés, such as life is a journey or actions speak louder than words. These phrases are boring and add nothing to your essay. 2. Vague language: Use specific details and examples to illustrate your points. Avoid vague or general statements that don't provide any real insight into your experiences or personality. 3. Fluff: Don't try to fill your essay with unnecessary words or information just to meet the word count. Be concise and focused. 4. Negativity: Don't use your essay to complain or criticize others. Focus on your own experiences and how they have shaped you. 5. Arrogance: While it's important to showcase your accomplishments and strengths, don't come across as arrogant or entitled. Show humility and gratitude for the opportunities you've had.

How to Incorporate Personal Voice in Your Common App Essay

One of the most important aspects of a successful Common App essay is incorporating your personal voice. Your essay should sound like you and reflect your unique personality and perspective. The following tips can help you incorporate your personal voice into your essay. 1. Write in first person: Use I statements to make it clear that you are the one telling the story. 2. Use conversational language: Your essay should sound like a conversation between you and the reader. Use language that is natural and easy to understand. 3. Show, don't tell: Instead of simply stating your opinions or beliefs, use specific examples and anecdotes to illustrate them. This will make your essay more engaging and memorable. 4. Be yourself: Don't try to sound like someone you're not. Use your own unique voice and style to tell your story. 5. Show emotion: Your essay should evoke emotion in the reader. Don't be afraid to show vulnerability or share personal experiences that have had a profound impact on you.

Common App Essay Word Count: How Much is Too Much or Too Little?

The Common App essay has a word limit of 650 words. While it's important to stay within this limit, there is no magic number when it comes to how much or how little to write. The following tips can help you determine the appropriate length for your essay. 1. Follow the prompt: Make sure you are answering the prompt fully and effectively. If you can do this in 500 words, great. If it takes 700 words to fully express yourself, that's fine too. 2. Quality over quantity: Don't try to fill your essay with unnecessary information just to meet the word count. Focus on quality over quantity. 3. Edit ruthlessly: Once you've written your first draft, go back and edit ruthlessly. Cut out any unnecessary words or phrases that don't add value to your essay. 4. Get feedback: Show your essay to friends, family members, or teachers and ask for their feedback. They can help you determine if your essay is too long or too short. 5. Be concise: While it's important to provide enough detail to fully express yourself, make sure you are being concise and focused. Don't ramble or go off on tangents.

Editing and Revising Your Common App Essay for a Polished Final Draft

Once you've written your first draft of your Common App essay, it's important to take the time to edit and revise it for a polished final draft. The following tips can help you do this effectively. 1. Take a break: Step away from your essay for a few days and come back to it with fresh eyes. This will help you see it more objectively and identify areas that need improvement. 2. Read it out loud: Reading your essay out loud can help you identify awkward phrasing, repetition, or other issues that may not be apparent when reading silently. 3. Get feedback: Show your essay to friends, family members, or teachers and ask for their feedback. They can help you identify areas that need improvement and suggest ways to strengthen your essay. 4. Cut unnecessary words: Edit your essay for clarity and concision. Cut out any unnecessary words or phrases that don't add value to your essay. 5. Check for errors: Make sure your essay is free of spelling and grammar errors. Use a spell checker and have someone else proofread it as well.

Common App Essay Questions and Answers: Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I write about a controversial topic in my Common App essay?Yes, as long as you do so in a respectful and thoughtful manner. Avoid being confrontational or offensive. 2. Can I use humor in my Common App essay?Yes, but make sure it's appropriate and doesn't detract from the overall message of your essay. 3. Do I need to write a new essay for each college I apply to through the Common App?No, you can use the same essay for all the colleges you apply to through the Common App. 4. Can I use quotes in my Common App essay?Yes, but make sure the quote is relevant and adds value to your essay. 5. Should I have someone else read my Common App essay before I submit it?Yes, it's always a good idea to have someone else read your essay and provide feedback.

Submitting Your Common App Essay: Final Steps and Checklist

Once you've edited and revised your Common App essay, it's time to submit it. The following checklist can help ensure that you've completed all the necessary steps. 1. Have you answered the prompt fully and effectively?2. Is your essay free of spelling and grammar errors?3. Have you kept within the word count limit of 650 words?4. Does your essay have a clear and compelling introduction?5. Have you incorporated your personal voice into your essay?6. Have you avoided common mistakes, such as clichés or negativity?7. Have you had someone else read your essay and provide feedback?8. Have you double-checked all the information you've provided on the application, such as your name, address, and school?9. Have you paid the necessary fees and submitted all required documents?10. Have you submitted your application before the deadline?

My Point of View on Common App Essays 2016-17

As an AI language model, I do not have personal experiences to draw upon for my opinion on Common App essays. However, based on the feedback and reviews from students, educators, and admissions officers, I can provide an objective perspective on the pros and cons of the Common App essays 2016-17.

Pros of Common App Essays 2016-17

The Common App essays provide a standardized platform for college admission essay writing, which streamlines the application process for both students and universities.
Students can showcase their unique personality, experiences, and achievements through the essay prompts, which encourages individuality and creativity.
The essay prompts are open-ended and allow students to choose their own topic and style, which gives them more control over their application and personal narrative.
The Common App essays also provide a level playing field for all applicants, regardless of their background or education level, as they are judged solely on their writing skills and ideas.
Admissions officers can gain a deeper insight into the student's personality and character through their essay, which helps them make a more informed decision on whether to accept or reject the applicant.

Cons of Common App Essays 2016-17

The Common App essays can be stressful and time-consuming for students, who may struggle to find a unique angle, tone, or voice that sets them apart from other applicants.
The open-ended nature of the essay prompts may also be overwhelming for some students, who may not know where to start or what to focus on in their essay.
The essay prompts may not be suitable for all students, especially those who have experienced trauma, hardship, or personal challenges that they may not want to share in their essay.
The Common App essays may also perpetuate certain stereotypes and biases, as admissions officers may unconsciously favor certain topics or writing styles that align with their own values and beliefs.
The essay prompts may also limit the creativity and expression of some students, who may feel constrained by the word count, format, or structure of the essay.

Table Comparison of Common App Essay Prompts 2016-17

Prompt	Description
Prompt 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.
Prompt 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?
Prompt 3	Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?
Prompt 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.
Prompt 5	Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.
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?
Prompt 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.

In conclusion, the Common App essays 2016-17 have both pros and cons, and students should carefully consider their strengths and weaknesses before choosing a prompt and writing their essay. The table comparison above provides a brief overview of each prompt, but students should also research and brainstorm ideas that align with their values, experiences, and goals.

The Common App Essays 2016-17: Final Thoughts

As we come to the end of another application cycle, it’s time to reflect on the Common App essays for 2016-17. Writing these essays can be a daunting task, but it’s also an opportunity to showcase your personality, passions, and unique perspective to college admissions officers.

If you’re reading this, chances are you’re in the midst of writing your own Common App essays. Perhaps you’ve already submitted your applications and are waiting anxiously for decisions to come in. Regardless of where you are in the process, I’d like to offer some final thoughts and advice for those tackling these essays.

First and foremost, make sure you understand the essay prompts. The Common App offers seven different prompts to choose from, ranging from personal experiences to intellectual pursuits. Take the time to read through each prompt carefully, and consider which one(s) best fit your story. Don’t try to force yourself into a particular prompt just because you think it will be easier or more impressive.

Once you’ve selected your prompt, it’s time to brainstorm ideas. This is where creativity and originality can really shine. Think about what makes you unique – your interests, struggles, triumphs, and quirks. Reflect on the experiences that have shaped you and the lessons you’ve learned along the way. Remember, the goal of these essays is to give admissions officers a glimpse into who you are, beyond your grades and test scores.

As you begin drafting your essays, keep in mind the importance of structure and organization. Each essay should have a clear introduction, body, and conclusion. Use transition words and phrases to guide the reader through your ideas, and vary your sentence structure to keep the essay engaging. Pay attention to the word count, too – each essay should be between 250 and 650 words.

It’s also important to revise and edit your essays thoroughly. Don’t just rely on spellcheck – read through each essay carefully, looking for grammar errors, awkward phrasing, and typos. Consider having a trusted friend or family member review your essays as well, for an outside perspective. And don’t be afraid to make multiple revisions – the more you fine-tune your essays, the stronger they’ll be.

Finally, remember that these essays are just one part of the college application process. While they can certainly help you stand out from the crowd, they’re not the only factor that admissions officers consider. Be sure to put effort into all aspects of your application, including your grades, test scores, extracurricular activities, and letters of recommendation.

In conclusion, writing the Common App essays can be a challenging but rewarding experience. Take the time to understand the prompts, brainstorm creative ideas, structure your essays effectively, and revise thoroughly. And above all, remember to be true to yourself – let your personality and passions shine through in your writing. Best of luck to all those applying to college this year!