Writing a standout Common App personal statement can be daunting, and it’s no wonder students everywhere feel overwhelmed when they have to start. The prompts may seem vague, leaving you unsure what to write about. And once you choose a topic, you might wonder how much of your true personality should shine through. Then comes the challenge of refining and perfecting your essay to make it the best.
Now, the Common App personal statement is no ordinary piece of writing. It’s your golden opportunity to show colleges who you are and unveil your personality’s layers. So, get ready to dive deep because we’ve got some fantastic tips to help you write a standout personal statement.
What is the Common Application system?
The Common Application, also known as the Common App, is a convenient application system accepted by over 900 colleges, including big shots like the Ivy League schools, Stanford, Caltech, and the University of Chicago. It’s a one-stop shop where you can enter all your essential info, like your name, background, and extracurricular activities you’re involved in.
The best part? You only have to fill out the general information once. It will automatically send to every school you apply to through the Common App.
In this post, we’re focusing on the Common App personal statement. It’s your chance to shine and show colleges who you are.
Now, if you are wondering what the prompts are for the Common App, here they are for the 2023-2024:
- Share a story about something deeply meaningful to you—a background, identity, interest, or talent—without which your application would feel incomplete.
- Describe a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure, and explain how it impacted you and what you learned from it.
- Recount an experience when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted this reflection, and what was the outcome?
- Reflect on an act of kindness or support that brought you unexpected happiness or gratitude. How did this expression of gratitude impact and motivate you?
- Discuss a personal accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked your growth and led to a new understanding of yourself or others.
- Describe a topic, idea, or concept that captivates you to the point where you lose track of time. Explain why it fascinates you and who or what you turn to for further exploration.
Try to pick a few that resonate the most with you, then brainstorm ideas of what you could potentially write about. You don’t have to have the perfect idea right off the bat. This is a process and your ideas will develop. If you need some inspiration, go through some of these brainstorming exercises.
What makes a Common App personal statement stand out?

Image by Freepik
Here are some writing tips that make your essay stand out:
Your essay structure
First, start with a captivating opening that hooks the reader and introduces your essay’s central theme or story. Then, provide some background information to set the stage and help the reader understand the context of your story.
In the core narrative, you delve into the heart of your story. Share a personal experience or a significant event that profoundly impacted you. Also, connect your personal statements story to your future aspirations and goals. Wrap up your college admission essay by reinforcing the central message or theme. Leave the reader with a lasting impression and a sense of closure.
Storytelling devices
The next tip is to paint a vivid picture with your words to help the reader visualize the scene and experience the emotions. For example, instead of simply saying, “I was nervous,” you could describe it as: “My heart was racing as if I was a marathon runner sprinting towards the finish line.” Or, “Butterflies were performing acrobatics in the pit of my stomach.”
Also, you can incorporate dialogue to bring your story to life and add authenticity. This allows the reader to hear the characters’ voices and engage in the conversation. For instance, you could include a dialogue between yourself and someone else that reveals important insights or adds depth to your narrative.
Imagery devices
Furthermore, use similes to make comparisons that evoke strong imagery. For example, “Her laughter rang out like a chorus of birds, filling the room with joy.” Or you can employ metaphors to create imaginative associations and deepen the reader’s understanding. For instance, “Time was a treacherous river, pulling me forward with its relentless current.”
Tips for writing an effective Common App personal statement
Pick the best essay prompt for you
Not all Common App essay prompts are created equal. Among the seven prompts, there are bound to be some that resonate with you more than others.
According to Lisa Mortini, assistant director of admissions at New York University Abu Dhabi, students must consider the version of themselves they want to present to colleges and trust their instincts.
“Don’t just jump at the first prompt you come across and start writing,” she advises in a blog post for NYU. “Ask yourself: Are you eager to discuss a specific achievement? Do you wish to offer us a glimpse into a hardship you’ve faced and overcome?”
Grab the reader’s attention from the start
You’ve probably heard this advice countless times from your high school English teacher, but it holds even more weight now as a college applicant. Admissions counselors sift through a sea of Common App personal statements every day, so it’s crucial to make them genuinely excited to read yours.
We understand this can be easier said than done, so we have a valuable tip: kick off your essay right in the middle of the action. Opening paragraphs often tend to be lackluster and fail to contribute to the captivating story you’re about to tell. Make sure to do some heavy editing.
The power of details: Bringing your essay to life
It may seem counterintuitive, but the details will set you apart from other applicants. Even if your chosen topic isn’t exceptionally unique, the little things will make your essay shine. Some of the most remarkable essays revolve around seemingly insignificant moments rather than grand, life-changing events. It’s the meticulous attention to detail that elevates these essays to greatness.
For instance, instead of merely stating that you volunteered at a local animal shelter, vividly describe the playful wag of a dog’s tail as you took them for a walk or the soft purr of a contented kitten you held in your arms. These small, evocative details breathe life into your essay, enabling the reader to envision themselves in your shoes and creating a lasting impression.
Embrace your authentic voice: Be YOU!
Regarding the Common App personal statement, it’s time to break free from the confines of formal academic writing and embrace your unique voice in the application process. This essay is an opportunity to showcase your true identity. So, it’s important to let your words reflect who you are rather than attempting to impress with many big, fancy words or adopting a stiff, academic tone.
According to Benedict, a seasoned admissions expert, one of the most common mistakes students make is trying too hard to sound impressive using complex vocabulary and formal sentence structures. Instead, the most compelling essays possess a conversational tone that feels natural and genuine.
Examples of three successful Common App personal statements for different prompts
How to get feedback on your Common App personal statment
Getting feedback on your Common App personal statement is crucial to refining and improving your writing. Here are some effective ways to seek feedback and make your essay shine:
Reach out to teachers or mentors
Approach your English teacher, guidance counselor, or a trusted mentor who can provide valuable insights and feedback on your essay. Their expertise can help you identify areas for improvement and strengthen your overall message.
Seek input from peers
Share your essay with friends or classmates who can offer a fresh perspective. They can provide feedback on clarity, coherence, and the overall impact of your writing. Consider forming a small writing group where you can exchange essays and provide constructive criticism to one another.
Utilize online platforms
Take advantage of online platforms like Lessonpal, where you can connect with experienced tutors specializing in college essay guidance.
Lessonpal tutors are well-versed in the Common App personal statement requirements. They can assist you at any stage of the writing process. They can provide feedback on structure, content, and grammar and help you fine-tune your essay to make it stand out.
The Common App big picture
Crafting a standout Common App personal statement requires careful thought, creativity, and feedback. Follow the tips we’ve outlined, and go through the examples. This will give you an idea of what a great essay sounds like. Brainstorm like crazy, narrow down your options, and start writing! Get feedback and iterate until you’re satisfied.
And again, if you’re looking for supportive guidance throughout the writing process, consider utilizing Lessonpal’s awesome College Essay Writing tutors!
Writing a standout Common App personal statement can be daunting, and it’s no wonder students everywhere feel overwhelmed when they have to start. The prompts may seem vague, leaving you unsure what to write about. And once you choose a topic, you might wonder how much of your true personality should shine through. Then comes the challenge of refining and perfecting your essay to make it the best.
Now, the Common App personal statement is no ordinary piece of writing. It’s your golden opportunity to show colleges who you are and unveil your personality’s layers. So, get ready to dive deep because we’ve got some fantastic tips to help you write a standout personal statement.
What is the Common Application system?
The Common Application, also known as the Common App, is a convenient application system accepted by over 900 colleges, including big shots like the Ivy League schools, Stanford, Caltech, and the University of Chicago. It’s a one-stop shop where you can enter all your essential info, like your name, background, and extracurricular activities you’re involved in.
The best part? You only have to fill out the general information once. It will automatically send to every school you apply to through the Common App.
In this post, we’re focusing on the Common App personal statement. It’s your chance to shine and show colleges who you are.
Now, if you are wondering what the prompts are for the Common App, here they are for the 2023-2024:
- Share a story about something deeply meaningful to you—a background, identity, interest, or talent—without which your application would feel incomplete.
- Describe a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure, and explain how it impacted you and what you learned from it.
- Recount an experience when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted this reflection, and what was the outcome?
- Reflect on an act of kindness or support that brought you unexpected happiness or gratitude. How did this expression of gratitude impact and motivate you?
- Discuss a personal accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked your growth and led to a new understanding of yourself or others.
- Describe a topic, idea, or concept that captivates you to the point where you lose track of time. Explain why it fascinates you and who or what you turn to for further exploration.
Try to pick a few that resonate the most with you, then brainstorm ideas of what you could potentially write about. You don’t have to have the perfect idea right off the bat. This is a process and your ideas will develop. If you need some inspiration, go through some of these brainstorming exercises.
What makes a Common App personal statement stand out?

Image by Freepik
Here are some writing tips that make your essay stand out:
Your essay structure
First, start with a captivating opening that hooks the reader and introduces your essay’s central theme or story. Then, provide some background information to set the stage and help the reader understand the context of your story.
In the core narrative, you delve into the heart of your story. Share a personal experience or a significant event that profoundly impacted you. Also, connect your personal statements story to your future aspirations and goals. Wrap up your college admission essay by reinforcing the central message or theme. Leave the reader with a lasting impression and a sense of closure.
Storytelling devices
The next tip is to paint a vivid picture with your words to help the reader visualize the scene and experience the emotions. For example, instead of simply saying, “I was nervous,” you could describe it as: “My heart was racing as if I was a marathon runner sprinting towards the finish line.” Or, “Butterflies were performing acrobatics in the pit of my stomach.”
Also, you can incorporate dialogue to bring your story to life and add authenticity. This allows the reader to hear the characters’ voices and engage in the conversation. For instance, you could include a dialogue between yourself and someone else that reveals important insights or adds depth to your narrative.
Imagery devices
Furthermore, use similes to make comparisons that evoke strong imagery. For example, “Her laughter rang out like a chorus of birds, filling the room with joy.” Or you can employ metaphors to create imaginative associations and deepen the reader’s understanding. For instance, “Time was a treacherous river, pulling me forward with its relentless current.”
Tips for writing an effective Common App personal statement
Pick the best essay prompt for you
Not all Common App essay prompts are created equal. Among the seven prompts, there are bound to be some that resonate with you more than others.
According to Lisa Mortini, assistant director of admissions at New York University Abu Dhabi, students must consider the version of themselves they want to present to colleges and trust their instincts.
“Don’t just jump at the first prompt you come across and start writing,” she advises in a blog post for NYU. “Ask yourself: Are you eager to discuss a specific achievement? Do you wish to offer us a glimpse into a hardship you’ve faced and overcome?”
Grab the reader’s attention from the start
You’ve probably heard this advice countless times from your high school English teacher, but it holds even more weight now as a college applicant. Admissions counselors sift through a sea of Common App personal statements every day, so it’s crucial to make them genuinely excited to read yours.
We understand this can be easier said than done, so we have a valuable tip: kick off your essay right in the middle of the action. Opening paragraphs often tend to be lackluster and fail to contribute to the captivating story you’re about to tell. Make sure to do some heavy editing.
The power of details: Bringing your essay to life
It may seem counterintuitive, but the details will set you apart from other applicants. Even if your chosen topic isn’t exceptionally unique, the little things will make your essay shine. Some of the most remarkable essays revolve around seemingly insignificant moments rather than grand, life-changing events. It’s the meticulous attention to detail that elevates these essays to greatness.
For instance, instead of merely stating that you volunteered at a local animal shelter, vividly describe the playful wag of a dog’s tail as you took them for a walk or the soft purr of a contented kitten you held in your arms. These small, evocative details breathe life into your essay, enabling the reader to envision themselves in your shoes and creating a lasting impression.
Embrace your authentic voice: Be YOU!
Regarding the Common App personal statement, it’s time to break free from the confines of formal academic writing and embrace your unique voice in the application process. This essay is an opportunity to showcase your true identity. So, it’s important to let your words reflect who you are rather than attempting to impress with many big, fancy words or adopting a stiff, academic tone.
According to Benedict, a seasoned admissions expert, one of the most common mistakes students make is trying too hard to sound impressive using complex vocabulary and formal sentence structures. Instead, the most compelling essays possess a conversational tone that feels natural and genuine.
Examples of three successful Common App personal statements for different prompts
How to get feedback on your Common App personal statment
Getting feedback on your Common App personal statement is crucial to refining and improving your writing. Here are some effective ways to seek feedback and make your essay shine:
Reach out to teachers or mentors
Approach your English teacher, guidance counselor, or a trusted mentor who can provide valuable insights and feedback on your essay. Their expertise can help you identify areas for improvement and strengthen your overall message.
Seek input from peers
Share your essay with friends or classmates who can offer a fresh perspective. They can provide feedback on clarity, coherence, and the overall impact of your writing. Consider forming a small writing group where you can exchange essays and provide constructive criticism to one another.
Utilize online platforms
Take advantage of online platforms like Lessonpal, where you can connect with experienced tutors specializing in college essay guidance.
Lessonpal tutors are well-versed in the Common App personal statement requirements. They can assist you at any stage of the writing process. They can provide feedback on structure, content, and grammar and help you fine-tune your essay to make it stand out.
The Common App big picture
Crafting a standout Common App personal statement requires careful thought, creativity, and feedback. Follow the tips we’ve outlined, and go through the examples. This will give you an idea of what a great essay sounds like. Brainstorm like crazy, narrow down your options, and start writing! Get feedback and iterate until you’re satisfied.
And again, if you’re looking for supportive guidance throughout the writing process, consider utilizing Lessonpal’s awesome College Essay Writing tutors!