Common App Essay Prompts for the 2025–26 Application Cycle

In our last blog, we walked through what the Common App is and how to get started early with a clear plan and purpose. Now it’s time to talk about one of the most personal parts of your application: the Common App essay.

The Prompts: Familiar, Flexible, and Still Powerful

The prompts for the 2025–2026 application cycle have just been released, and here’s the good news: they’re staying the same. That means you can begin reflecting, brainstorming, and even writing now without worrying about any last-minute changes. The essay invites you to share something that matters—whether that’s your background, a challenge you’ve faced, a moment of growth or gratitude, or a topic that captivates you. There’s also an option to write on a subject entirely of your own choosing.

One Prompt, Plus School-Specific Questions

You’ll choose just one prompt to respond to, and that personal statement will be sent to all the colleges you apply to through the Common App. But don’t forget that many colleges also ask for additional short essays or school-specific questions. These supplementals are just as important. They’re your chance to show why you're a strong fit for that particular college—and to speak directly to what you value about their community.

What’s New for 2025–2026: “Challenges and Circumstances”

There is one update to note. The Common App’s former “Community Disruption” question is being replaced by a broader, more inclusive section called “Challenges and Circumstances.” This optional space allows you to share how factors like limited access to resources, family responsibilities, discrimination, health issues, or instability at home have shaped your experience.

The word limit for this section is also changing. Starting August 1, the max will shift from 650 to 300 words, so your response will need to be more focused. If your draft exceeds the limit, the system will prompt you to revise.

When to Start—and Why Early Is Best

At Ivy Link, we recommend students begin reflecting in the spring of junior year and use the summer before senior year to draft and revise. That gives you the time to write with clarity and purpose, not pressure. The personal essay may be just one part of the application, but it’s the piece that brings your story into focus. Done well, it can anchor everything else.

Need help shaping your story or building a smart essay timeline? Reach out to Ivy Link. We’re here to walk with you from first draft to final polish.