The Common App Has Just Announced That The Essay Prompts for the 2025-2026 Season Will Remain The Same: Start Brainstorming, Juniors!

Megan Weitzen
Mar 6
3 min read

As the school year moves forward and the excitement of college applications approaches, high school juniors are in a unique position. The Common Application has announced that it will keep the same essay prompts for the 2025-2026 application season. This gives students the chance to start brainstorming ideas right away!

This consistency in prompts is an excellent opportunity for juniors to reflect on their experiences and envision their unique stories. In this blog post, we will look at how these unchanged prompts can work in your favor, share tips for effective brainstorming, and emphasize the importance of being original and authentic in your essays.

Why Unchanged Prompts Are Significant

The choice to maintain the same essay prompts for another year is a refreshing change in the ever-shifting world of college admissions. This stability allows students to focus on crafting their narratives instead of worrying about what the questions might be this year.

With no new prompts to navigate, students can find relief from some of the anxiety often associated with the application process. Instead of spending time fretting over changes, juniors can spend more time reflecting and sharing their stories.

Beyond reducing anxiety, these unchanged prompts encourage students to explore their diverse experiences. For instance, a student reflecting on a challenging family situation might highlight resilience, while another might discuss a life-changing volunteer experience. The prompts help colleges gain a deeper insight into applicants beyond just their grades.

Breakdown of the Common App Essay Prompts

It's important to take a closer look at the prompts that will remain for the 2025-2026 season. Here’s a refresher on the prompts and a summarized version of each of the eight options:

Background Story: Reflect on a time when you questioned a belief or idea.
Personal Growth: Describe a time when you faced failure.
Passions and Interests: Share an important aspect of your identity.
Creative Insights: Discuss a problem you want to solve.
Immersive Experience: Describe a place that brings you peace or excitement.
Future Aspirations: Discuss your favorite activity or hobby and its impact on you.
Legacy: Share a significant achievement you’re proud of.
Open Choice: Write an essay that doesn’t fit typical categories.

Take the time to analyze each prompt deeply. Think about how they relate to your personal experiences and gather ideas that resonate with you.

Tips for Effective Brainstorming

Getting started on your brainstorming can be daunting, but here are some practical strategies to spark your creativity:

Free Writing: Dedicate 10-15 minutes daily to write without worrying about grammar. For instance, if you choose the “Personal Growth” prompt, note down a time you failed and all the emotions tied to it.
Mind Mapping: Create a visual map of your thoughts related to each prompt. Start with a central idea and branch out to relevant events or feelings.

Consider keeping a journal to document significant daily moments. Regular writing can reveal valuable insights that may enhance your essays.

Discussing your ideas with friends or family can also yield new perspectives. Sometimes, talking out loud helps clarify your thoughts and can spark inspiration for your narrative.

If you have previously written essays for other projects, revisit them. Identify themes and stories that may fit the current prompts and refine them further.

Authenticity Matters

As you brainstorm and draft your essay, aim for authenticity. College admissions officers appreciate genuine stories that reveal the real you.

Select experiences that truly define you, rather than what you think will impress the admissions team. Creating a compelling narrative involves expressing your values and what has shaped your journey.

Share your passions, voice your vulnerabilities, and address challenges you've faced. Real-life experiences resonate more profoundly with readers. For example, if you faced a personal setback, discuss how it motivated you to pursue a specific goal.

Embrace the Power of Storytelling

Storytelling is a core element of the Common App essay. It’s about constructing a narrative that draws readers into your journey.

As you brainstorm, consider how to structure your story with a beginning, middle, and end. Identify the standout moments that illustrate your thoughts and feelings. Use anecdotes to create vivid imagery. For example, if you recount a moment of discovery while volunteering, include sensory details like sounds, smells, and emotions.

Incorporating metaphors, dialogue, and descriptive language will help make your essay memorable. Aim to create connections with your audience by drawing them into your experiences.

Get Ready to Shine

The Common App’s unchanged essay prompts for the 2025-2026 season present a fantastic chance for high school juniors to showcase their stories.

As you embark on your brainstorming journey, remember the importance of authenticity, engaging storytelling, and deep self-exploration. Your college essay is an opportunity to emphasize what makes you unique.

Start dreaming, capture your thoughts, and prepare to craft a narrative that will resonate with admissions officers.