News – Admissions Blog

Ranking the 2026–2027 Common App Essay Prompts (From Strongest to Riskiest)

Posted on March 1, 2026 by Craig Meister

The 2026-2027 Common App essay prompts have been confirmed, so if you are in the high school Class of 2027, what are you waiting for? Now is the time to start drafting your Common App essay.

With that in mind, did you know that some of the 2026-2027 Common App essay prompts will bring you down like quicksand while others give you the exact structure and framing that you need to show and tell a story that colleges will love?

Before watching my in depth video revealing the best and worst Common App essay prompts, it’s important that you know the seven prompts first-year college applicants have to choose from during the 2026-2027 admissions cycle in order to write one strong Common App essay of up to 650-words. The seven prompt options are:

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 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?
Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?
Reflect on something that someone has done for you that has made you happy or thankful in a surprising way. How has this gratitude affected or motivated you?
Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.
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?
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.

Overall, to craft a Common App essay that maximizes your chances of impressing admissions officers, I always recommend starting by choosing a topic that reveals something new, authentic, and unique about you. The essay prompts are ultimately designed to let you show and tell a story only you can show and tell. Reflect deeply on moments that shaped your values, perspective, or growth, whether it’s a small, personal experience (like a conversation that changed your outlook) or a larger challenge (like overcoming a setback). Avoid generic themes like sports victories or mission trips unless you can frame them in a way that’s deeply personal and unexpected. Admissions officers read thousands of essays, so specificity (vivid details, emotions, and insights) sets you apart. For example, instead of writing about “leadership,” describe the moment you hesitated before speaking up in a group and what pushing past that fear taught you.

Once you’ve picked a story, focus on showing rather than telling for at least half the essay. Use sensory details and dialogue to pull readers into the scene, letting your personality shine through your voice. If you’re writing about, say, a family tradition, don’t just say it was meaningful; describe the smell of the food, the sound of laughter, or the awkward silence when someone brought up a tough topic. This paints a picture that feels alive and lets your character emerge naturally. Avoid overloading the essay with objective achievements (especially if you shared details about them elsewhere in your app); your activities list already covers those. Instead, use the essay to reveal what drives you, what you wrestle with, or how you’ve evolved. Admissions officers want to see self-awareness, not perfection, so don’t shy away from vulnerability if it’s honest – like admitting you didn’t have all the answers in a tough moment.

Structure matters too, but it doesn’t need to be rigid. A strong essay often follows a clear arc: set the scene, explore the experience, and reflect on its impact. Spend the first forty percent drawing readers in with a compelling hook and context, the next twenty to forty percent diving into the heart of the story, and the final twenty to forty percent connecting it to your broader perspective or lessons learned. Reflection is key; admissions officers look for evidence you’ve grown or learned something meaningful. For instance, if you write about failing at a project, don’t end with “I worked harder next time;” instead, dig into how that failure reshaped your approach to collaboration or risk. Keep it concise! Every sentence should earn its place. Aim for 625 words minimum.

Resist the urge to write what you think colleges want to read. Admissions officers can spot inauthenticity a mile away, so don’t force a “perfect” narrative or mimic sample essays. Write in your own voice, whether it’s witty, introspective, or straightforward. Let your essay sound like you. Get feedback, but not too much; one or two trusted readers (a teacher, counselor, or mentor) can help refine clarity and impact without diluting your style. Revise multiple drafts to polish phrasing and flow, reading aloud to catch awkward spots. If you’re stuck, free write or engage in a fire writing exercise without judgment to uncover what matters most to you. The goal isn’t to dazzle with big words or drama but to leave officers feeling like they know you—and want you in their community.

I also recommend aligning your essay with the rest of your application without repeating it. If your activities list screams “robotics nerd,” your essay could explore a quieter side, like your love for teaching younger kids to code. This adds depth, showing you’re multidimensional. Check each college’s supplemental essays too; some schools ask for similar prompts, so ensure your Common App essay doesn’t overlap too much. Proofread obsessively for typos. A great essay won’t overcome weak grades or test scores, but it can tip the scales by making you memorable. Write something you’re proud of, something that captures who you are right now, and remember this is your chance to speak directly to the people deciding your future.

In the below thirty-minute in-depth video I grade and rank each of the seven Common App essay prompts in order to help you determine which will give you the best chance of positively differentiating your Common App and thus giving you the best chance to get into the colleges on your list.

Sit back, relax (though be ready to take notes), and enjoy this insider’s guide tackling the most important essay assignment of your life so far!

I’m also happy that Common App shared updated statistics regarding the relative popularity of different Common App essay prompts among first-year applicants:

Topic of your choice: 28%
Facing adversity: 23%
Personal growth: 20%
Background, identify, interest, or talent: 18%
Intellectual curiosity: 5%
Gratitude: 3%
Challenging an idea: 3%

This means that a whopping 28% of first-year applicants wrote an essay on a topic of their choice(!). Watch the video above to learn why I believe that is nothing short of a travesty!

For more expert guidance as you complete your Common App essay, make sure to read or watch the articles/videos linked below.

The Stats You Need: Most Popular & Least Popular Common App Essay Prompts

Common App Essay: Size Does Matter

Why Your College Application Essay is So Bad

Why Your College Application Essay is Awful

Ultimate College Application Essay Brainstorm

Secret to a Successful College Application Essay First Draft

Mind the gaps on your Common App essay!

Meanwhile, though the essay causes students the most consternation, many strong college applicants make far too many silly mistakes on other parts of the Common App. That’s why I’ve recently released my newest course, 17 Silly Mistakes That Even Ivy League Applicants Make on the Common App. I strongly encourage you to purchase it if you want to do all you can to get into the colleges on your list.

Finally, when you’ve finished your Common App and want to know if it’s as strong as possible and whether or not, in its current condition, your chances of admission are impressive, inconclusive, or inadequate, you’d be wise to get My Pre-Read to be sure what you are about to submit will give you the best chance to get in.

Good luck!

Bowdoin College Reveals Early Decision I Release Date and Reinforces Commitment to Accessibility

Posted on December 10, 2025 by Craig Meister

Bowdoin College is preparing to release Early Decision I (ED I) admissions decisions this Friday, December 12, at 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time, according to an update from Senior Vice President and Dean of Admissions and Student Aid Claudia Marroquin.

Applicants will access their decisions, either admitted, deferred, or denied, through the online application portal.

This year’s ED I pool exceeded 1,100 applications, reflecting a volume and strength comparable to last year.

Key Details for Admitted, Deferred, and Denied Applicants

Admitted Students: Must submit enrollment reply forms and deposits (or waivers) by January 5, 2026. Financial aid applicants with complete documentation will receive award letters alongside admission notifications. Deposit waivers are automatically available for those in need—no separate request required. Bowdoin meets 100% of demonstrated financial need without loans for all admitted students.
Deferred Students: Fewer than one in six ED I applicants were deferred this cycle. They will be reconsidered in the Regular Decision pool. Deferred students may submit updates via their portal (preferably in the new year), and counselors are asked to send mid-year grades. No additional materials are required.
Denied Applicants: Most decisions will be denials, with no appeals process or option to reapply in another round this cycle.

Upcoming Deadlines and Support for Applicants

Bowdoin reminds prospective students and counselors of flexible policies as the application season continues:

Virtual Drop-In Sessions: December 14 (12–1 p.m. EST) and December 18 (8–9 p.m. EST) for application questions.
Early Decision II and Regular Decision Deadline: January 5, 2026. School-based materials (transcripts, recommendations, etc.) may arrive after the deadline with no penalty. Offices will be closed late December to early January, encouraging rest for all involved.

Additional accessibility features include automatic application fee waivers for first-generation students or those applying for aid, and a fully need-blind admissions process for all applicants.

For more information, including FAQs, visit the Bowdoin College Admissions website or contact your regional Bowdoin admissions officer. The college extends thanks to counselors for their guidance and wishes everyone a happy new year.

Tufts University Enhances Affordability with New Tuition Pact

Posted on December 10, 2025 by Craig Meister

In a continued push to make higher education more accessible, Tufts University has announced its groundbreaking Tufts Tuition Pact, set to launch for incoming students in Fall 2026. The initiative promises tuition-free attendance for U.S. undergraduate students from families earning less than $150,000 annually with typical assets.

Dean of Admissions and Enrollment Management JT Duck emphasized the university’s commitment in a recent update to counselors and educators. “As a first-generation-to-college student from a low-income family, I know firsthand the transformative power of higher education,” Duck shared, noting Tufts’ efforts to expand access for middle- and low-income families.

Tufts already meets 100% of demonstrated financial need for all admitted students, regardless of citizenship, covering the full cost of attendance. The new pact builds on this by eliminating tuition for qualifying domestic students, complemented by tools like the Instant Net Price Estimator for greater cost transparency. Over the past two years, Pell Grant recipient enrollment has risen from 11% to 16%.

Strong Outcomes and Athletic Success

Tufts graduates continue to excel, with the university ranked in LinkedIn’s top 20 for long-term career success and named one of Forbes’ “New Ivies” for employer favorites. An impressive 96% of recent alumni are employed or pursuing graduate studies/fellowships within six months of graduation.

On the field, the Jumbos dominated NCAA Division III, securing national championships in Men’s Soccer and Women’s Field Hockey this fall, following spring titles in Men’s Lacrosse and Women’s Rowing.

Notable alumni include Gregory Maguire (author of Wicked), Sonia Raman (WNBA Seattle Storm head coach), and Sabih Khan (Apple Chief Operating Officer).

Class of 2029: A Diverse and Accomplished Cohort

Tufts also recently released details on its current first-year class, the Class of 2029, selected from a highly competitive pool.

Applications: 33,415
Offers of Admission: 3,613
Admission Rate: Approximately 10.8% (reflecting Tufts’ selectivity)

Enrolled first-year students total 1,762, with strong representation across demographics:

Category	Percentage/Details
Pell Grant Recipients	16%
First-Generation College Students	12%
International Students	12%
Female / Male	55% / 45%
Asian	19%
Hispanic	12%
Black or African American	6%
White	45%
Two or more races	9%
Public High School	54%
U.S. States Represented	44 (plus DC and territories)

Test-optional policies remain in place, with about half of applicants submitting scores. Middle 50% ranges for submitters: SAT 1470–1560 (combined Reading/Writing and Math), ACT 33–35.

Application Deadlines Approaching

Prospective members of Tufts’ Class of 2030 have until January 5, 2026, for Early Decision II and Regular Decision applications. Supporting materials may arrive later.

With over 150 majors/minors, R1 research status, and a residential campus minutes from Boston, Tufts offers a blend of big-university opportunities and close-knit community.

For more, visit the Tufts Admissions website or explore student blogs for insights into campus life.

USC receives 42,000 Early Action applications, will introduce Early Decision

Posted on January 17, 2025 by Craig Meister

The University of Southern California will release its Early Action decisions via students’ USC applicant portals on Friday, January 17. USC received nearly 42,000 applications for Early Action, which is about 2% more than received last year. Of those 42,000, only approximately 3,500 will be offered admission Early Action. All other applicants will be invited to defer to Regular Decision.

USC anticipates accepting another 5,200 first-year applicants for fall, or roughly 60% of the total, via Regular Decision in late March. Interestingly, Regular Decision volume is also up roughly 2% compared to last year.

Deferred students who want to be considered for Regular Decision must submit an Early Action Deferral form in their USC portals and submit mid-year grades if they have not already done so. USC does not want to review any additional new materials such as resumes, recommendations, essays, or general updates. No letters of continued interest at USC!

USC only introduced its Early Action (EA) program for first-year applicants during the 2022-2023 admissions cycle; yet, it will soon formally announce that it is introducing Early Decision for certain applicants during the 2025-2026 admissions cycle. To get an update on scholarship allocation and learn more about USC’s first foray into Early Decision, watch the full video below.

The University of Southern California (USC) stands out as an undergraduate institution for several unique reasons, including:

1. Location in Los Angeles: USC is situated in the heart of Los Angeles, providing students with unparalleled access to the entertainment industry, tech startups, and a diverse cultural landscape. This urban setting offers numerous internship opportunities, networking events, and real-world experiences that are directly integrated into the curriculum.

2. Interdisciplinary Education: USC is known for its emphasis on interdisciplinary learning, where students are encouraged to explore across fields. Programs like the Viterbi School of Engineering and the Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences offer joint majors, minors, and combined degree programs, fostering a comprehensive educational experience.

3. World-Class Faculty and Research Opportunities: The university boasts faculty who are leaders in their fields, many of whom are engaged in groundbreaking research. Undergraduates have opportunities to participate in research from their freshman year, gaining hands-on experience in cutting-edge projects.

4. Diverse and Inclusive Campus: USC prides itself on its diversity, with students from all 50 U.S. states and over 135 countries. This diversity enriches the academic and social environment, promoting a global perspective among students.

5. Strong Alumni Network and Career Services: USC has an extensive and influential alumni network, which can be beneficial for job placements and career development. The Career Center at USC is one of the best, offering tailored career advice, job fairs, and connections to industry through initiatives like the Marshall School of Business’s Career Treks.

6. Innovative Programs and Facilities: USC offers unique programs like the USC School of Cinematic Arts, which is considered one of the top film schools globally, providing state-of-the-art facilities and technology. Additionally, the university has invested in innovation hubs like the USC Village, enhancing student life with modern amenities and community spaces.

7. Sports and School Spirit: Known for its spirited athletic programs, particularly football, USC fosters a strong sense of community and school pride. The Trojan spirit is a unifying force on campus, with traditions like the Walk of Fame and the Victory Bell.

8 Entrepreneurial Ecosystem: With initiatives like the Lloyd Greif Center for Entrepreneurial Studies and the Marshall Venture Fund, USC encourages entrepreneurship. Students have access to resources for starting their own businesses, from funding to mentorship.

9. Global Exposure: Through programs like the Global Leadership Program, students can study abroad or participate in international service learning, gaining a global perspective that’s integrated into their academic journey.

10. Focus on the Arts: Beyond its famous film school, USC supports a vibrant arts scene with the Thornton School of Music, the Roski School of Art and Design, and numerous performance venues, providing a rich cultural education.

Good luck to all students who applied Early Action to University of Southern California.

UT Austin pulls a bait and switch on Early Action applicants

Posted on January 16, 2025 by Craig Meister

The University of Texas at Austin had promised its first cohort of Early Action applicants – students who were required to apply by the very early date of October 15, 2024 – an admissions decision by January 15, 2025. Well, January 15, 2025 came and went, and guest what? The vast majority of Early Action applicants have no admissions decision.

It may actually take another whole month for UT Austin to produce admissions decisions for Early Action applicants according to communications received by some EA applicants yesterday. The official line coming from inside UT Austin’s admissions office is that the number of applications received prevented it from delivering the admissions decisions by the date it had previously guaranteed. Whatever the case may be, this shows pretty bad form by UT Austin and should make students and parents question how well functioning the university is overall.

Update: In the hours after this article was initially published, UT Austin revealed that it has so far admitted approximately 5,000 students and that MOST of these students met the Early Action deadline (that means that some of them did not and therefore applied Regular Decision). This group of approximately 5,000 students represents 25% to 30% of UT Austin’s total expected freshmen admissions offers for the 2024-2025 admissions cycle. So far there have been no rejections. While there may be limited admissions decision releases for smaller majors or for automatic admit-eligible students applying to specific majors between now and February 15, most of those who met the Early Action deadline and have not received a decision are now expected to receive a decision on February 15, 2025. Nearly 91,000 students total applied for first-year admission to UT Austin during the 2024-2025 admissions cycle.

For more information about this unprecedented systems breakdown within UT Austin’s admissions office, watch the video below:

This news comes just a few weeks after UT Austin touted its record-breaking application numbers:

I had previously discussed major changes UT Austin was introducing for the 2024-2025 admissions cycle:

On a related note, I have also recently cut a video about America’s most overrated universities.

Purdue received more than 63,000 Early Action applications

Posted on January 13, 2025 by Craig Meister

This admissions cycle, Purdue University received more than 63,000 applications by its November 1 Early Action deadline, which is an increase of nearly 8,000 applicants from just last year. This increase occurred despite the fact that Purdue is test expected. Yet, only 53,000 Early Action applicants submitted a test score with their applications (!). Purdue is clearly an increasingly popular choice for first-year applicants. For context, In 2021, Purdue received 59,173 undergraduate applications total.

Purdue Early Action decisions will begin to populate in each applicant’s Purdue Application Portal at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on January 15, 2025. As part of an effort to avoid over-enrolling students, Purdue will rely more heavily on deferred decisions for this application cycle. Defer is not a deny decision but a method of allowing Purdue to assess space and availability before making a final decision later.

Deferred applicants are encouraged to complete the Letter of Continued Interest (LOCI) form in their Purdue Application Portal if they are still interested in Purdue. For my advice on how to draft a stellar LOCI, be sure to watch my video on that very topic. Students who do receive the defer decision from Purdue can expect to have their final decision no later than the end of March 2025 when Purdue releases is Regular Decision notifications.

To learn more about Purdue’s most recent first-year admissions stats and student profile, its Early Action decisions that come out on Wednesday, and the university’s unique Summer Start and Spring Start options, watch the full video below – and good luck to all those who applied Early Action to Purdue for its Class of 2029.