Latest news with #CommonApp
Forbes
6 hours ago
- General
- Forbes
The Common App Is Open—Here's How To Craft An Ivy League-Worthy Essay
Student writing an essay getty The Common Application opened on August 1st, marking the official start of the 2025–26 admissions season. The Common App is the hub for students' applications—including their activities lists, letters of recommendation, and supplemental essays. One of the most consequential—and daunting—elements of the Common App is the personal statement. While a student's grades and test scores lay the foundation for their candidacy, what truly differentiates them is the story they tell about who they are on their application. This application narrative should be cohesively developed and presented throughout all of a student's application materials, and the personal statement offers a particularly crucial opportunity to convey that narrative in their own words. It therefore shapes and guides how admissions officers view other elements of their application. What are the Common App prompts? The Common App provides students with seven prompts to choose from as they write their essay. For the 2025–26 application cycle, students may select one of the following: 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 Students who are intimidated by the challenge of selecting a topic or narrowing their ideas might find inspiration in the first six prompts, while the seventh prompt provides students with the open-ended opportunity to write about whatever they would like. This option ensures that students won't be pigeonholed in trying to answer any particular question and can allow their creativity to flourish. How can students make their personal essay stand out to Ivy League admissions officers? Daunted by the challenge of telling a compelling story in only 650 words, many students resort to cliches, write a half-baked essay, or outsource their writing to uninspired AI-generated prose. An Ivy-League worthy essay, on the other hand, requires forethought, strategy, and a clear understanding of the unique type of writing characteristic of a compelling personal statement. Here are three steps students should take to write an essay admissions officers won't forget: It is impossible to share your entire autobiography in 650 words—and you should not try. Admissions officers are not looking to read your entire life story. Instead, they want a snapshot of who you are—your values, core qualities, goals, personality, and unique voice—through an emblematic story or anecdote. Rather than telling a sweeping story or narrating years of your life, focusing on a particular moment, object, facet of your identity, or impactful experience will allow you to provide greater detail, a critical component of a standout essay. Narrowing in on a specific story that might seem mundane or unnoticeable to others can allow you to showcase your creativity and individual outlook. Keep in mind that admissions officers read thousands of essays every admissions cycle; differentiating your essay from others' will require you to articulate what specifically distinguishes you. Don't write that you're 'passionate about helping others.' Instead, illustrate for admissions officers the exact moment your passion began. Don't just claim you're 'curious about the world.' Draw your readers into a moment in which your curiosity led you to challenge yourself or change your mind. Don't write that you've 'overcome challenges.' Choose one defining hurdle you have overcome and articulate how it uniquely shaped you. While you don't have to respond directly to a Common App prompt in your response, answering a particular question may help you choose your essay topic if you find yourself struggling. With the ubiquity of AI language, students have to be all the more intentional about getting creative and avoiding cliche, ChatGPT terms and phrases. Even where students have not used AI, cliché language and other common AI constructions can lead admissions officers to doubt the authenticity of students' writing. While AI can be helpful in brainstorming, students should keep in mind that even the ideas an AI bot generates may be generic, overused, or shallow, and brainstorming should never end with AI. Instead of relying on artificial intelligence, students should embrace their creativity and strive to share their unique voice and perspective in their essays. If you're the class clown, don't be afraid to weave in your sense of humor. If you write poetry in your spare time, embrace rich, descriptive language (but don't whip out the thesaurus and select words you wouldn't normally use!). One of the best ways to determine whether your distinct voice is reflected in your essay is to enlist the editorial support of a friend or family member who knows you well. You might read the essay aloud to them or allow them to read it independently and then ask whether they would be able to identify you as the writer if they had read the essay blind. One of the most important qualities that admissions officers look for in the personal essay is self-awareness. Your essay should not cast you as the unproblematic hero of every story. Admissions officers know that you aren't perfect, nor do you know everything—instead, they want to see that you are aware of your own shortcomings, teachable and open-minded, and mature enough to identify your own blind spots and take action to learn and grow. As you choose a story and begin drafting, consider not only the skills you possess, but also the experiences that have caused you to rethink your perspectives, learn something new about yourself, identify a weakness, or overcome a struggle (whether internal or circumstantial). At the same time, keep in mind that your essay is a professional piece of writing. While some students fall into the trap of writing a hero narrative, others assume that they can garner sympathy from admissions officers by sharing tragic or highly personal stories. You should be honest and introspective, but avoid trauma dumping or overly intimate disclosures. In addition to the above, one of the most important steps students can take toward crafting an Ivy League-worthy personal statement is starting early . A great essay is not written on the first try. Developing a story, conveying your voice, and connecting your experiences to a deeper insight about who you will be on campus all require significant effort and will occur through the process of trial and error. The sooner a student starts refining their ideas, the more polished and compelling their essay will be.
Forbes
6 days ago
- General
- Forbes
5 Tips For Writing A College Essay That Gets You Noticed And Accepted
The college admissions process has become increasingly competitive and rigorous. Common App research showed applications increased by 6% in the 2024-25 cycle, while acceptance rates continued to decline. With 80-85% of applicants at most schools academically "qualified" based on grades and test scores alone, the essay often becomes the deciding factor among otherwise similar candidates. A strong college essay can increase admission chances by up to 10 times at highly selective institutions when applicants are otherwise academically comparable. Whether you're staring at a blank page or facing down the Common App deadline, here are five proven tips to write a college essay that gets you accepted. College Essay Tip 1: Write Your Truth, Not What You Think They Want Admissions officers read thousands of essays. They don't want another story about how your mission trip changed your life, or how your grandfather taught you resilience, unless you can tell it in a way no one else could. Start by asking: What story would I tell if no one else were reading this? The best essays don't try to impress—they reveal. They share honest insights, surprising details, and moments that shaped who you are. If five other people in your class could write your essay, it's time to dig deeper. Dare to be yourself. If you're the quiet observer, embrace it. If your journey has jagged edges, don't sand them down. Skip the AI shortcut: About 33% of applicants used AI tools to write their essays in the 2023-24 cycle, with 6% using AI to write entire drafts. However, admissions officers are becoming increasingly adept at identifying formulaic or inauthentic writing. Tools like ChatGPT can assist with editing and brainstorming, but the core voice needs to be your own. College Essay Tip 2: Start With A Scene, Not A Statement Forget the five-paragraph essay format. A college essay is more memoir than research paper. That means storytelling matters. Start with a moment—a real, vivid scene that pulls the reader in. Bad example: 'Volunteering at the shelter taught me the importance of service.'Better example: "I didn't expect to be cleaning vomit off the floor my first day." The second one works because it piques our curiosity. What happened next? Why were you there? It opens with tension—and tension invites attention. Don't explain everything up front. Let the story unfold. Trust the reader to follow along. College Essay Tip 3: Show Your Story, Then Reveal What It Means The best college essays strike a balance between narrative and reflection. That means sharing a story or series of moments—and then showing how you've grown from them. This matters because admissions officers report that most essays fail by overemphasizing writing style or wordplay, rather than sharing substantive, experience-driven stories that demonstrate personal growth. Think of it as a two-part formula: Story → Insight Paint your story in color. Don't just state, "I'm persistent." Narrate the winter mornings at 5 AM, lacing up sneakers to train before school. Use scene, dialogue, and detail. Instead of "I'm a natural leader," try "The day my app crashed with 500 users online, I learned that leadership isn't about having all the answers—it's about finding them fast." Let readers experience your world directly. Then make the reflection yours. Avoid cliché conclusions like "This taught me to never give up" or "I learned the value of hard work." Go specific: "It taught me that progress is frustrating—but frustration doesn't mean failure." College Essay Tip 4: Turn Your Quirks Into Your Competitive Edge Your quirks are your edge. If you write fantasy novels on Wattpad, repair vintage typewriters, or have a six-year Duolingo streak—talk about it. Started a business in high school? Launched a nonprofit? Built an app that solved a problem in your community? Teen entrepreneurship showcases initiative, problem-solving skills, and real-world impact—qualities that admissions officers highly value. Passion is magnetic. So is originality. Admissions officers aren't looking for perfection. They're looking for individuals who will bring dimension to the campus—people with interests, convictions, and curiosity. Everyone overcame adversity, scored the winning goal, or "grew" from travel. If you tread well-worn ground, turn left where others go right: Don't be afraid to be funny, sarcastic, or unconventional—as long as you're still sincere. Vulnerability often hits harder than polished perfection. Pick one story, one theme. Resist the urge to prove you can juggle six passions at once. The most mesmerizing essays go microscopic, then universal. An excellent essay doesn't list achievements—it traces evolution. Show how you responded to feedback, grappled with beliefs, or changed course. Remember: essays become the deciding factor when academics are comparable among applicants. At Harvard, for example, 84% of applicants meet the academic standard—making your essay the potential tie-breaker. College Essay Tip 5: Test Your Voice And Polish Ruthlessly Once you've got a draft, read it out loud. If you find yourself zoning out or stumbling, your reader will likely do the same. Then share it—but not with someone who will just say "It's good!" Ask someone who will be honest. Someone who knows you well and will tell you if it sounds like you. Solicit advice from a trusted teacher or friend. Ask the right question: "What stuck with you?" Then revise judiciously. Guard against edits that dilute your personality—admissions officers want to "meet" you. Consider programs like WIT (Whatever It Takes) that help students identify and articulate their unique experiences, including entrepreneurial ventures that showcase leadership and innovation. What to avoid: Your Story Is The One That Matters A stellar essay isn't a guarantee of admission to every campus, but it is an opportunity for clarity and self-discovery. Take creative risks, write from your gut, and remember: the story only you can tell is the one that matters. Your essay doesn't need to be dramatic. It doesn't need to be about trauma or triumph. It just needs to be true. If it sounds like you—and only you—you're on the right track. Because when thousands of college essays are skimmed and scanned, the ones that get remembered aren't the ones that play it safe. They're the ones that tell the truth.
Yahoo
20-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Demonstrated interest bolsters acceptance rate
As of March 2025, more than 8.5 million college applications had been filed with the Common Application, according to Forbes, for students seeking admission for the fall of 2026, a 6% increase from the prior admission cycle, with students applying to more institutions. The Common App, which is currently accepted by more than a thousand colleges and universities nationwide, makes it easy for students to seek admission to as many as 20 schools using just one application. This presents a dilemma to universities with multi-billion-dollar budgets to meet, as they need to identify and accept those applicants who will likely enroll. That's the reason students are wise to show 'demonstrated interest,' showing that they've taken the time to get to know each school. There are several ways students can accomplish this goal. More: College essays present unique opportunity to shine | College Connection First, students should visit, in person, the colleges to which they're applying. Admission officers assume that if students are seriously considering spending the next four years of their life at the institution, they would want to get a look at the campus in advance. Most applications directly ask if a student has visited the campus and, if so, what month and year. Students should always sign in at the Admissions Office when arriving for a college tour to be sure their visit is documented. Students should also seek to connect with the college representatives who visit their high school or local college fair. Students should introduce themselves, express interest in the college, and ask a relevant question or two. Also, they should take the representative's business card and send a follow-up email expressing interest. These college representatives are often the very same admission officers who will ultimately decide if the student is admitted. More: The ideal college application timeline | College Connection Another amazingly simple, but often overlooked, way to show demonstrated interest is to open the emails received from colleges. A software surveillance company, Technolutions, is utilized by more than 2,000 colleges in the U.S. to provide feedback on whether students open college emails and click through the links, and how much time they spend on the site. In short, tracks demonstrated interest. Students can also show demonstrated interest by personalizing their Common App and supplemental essays, sharing with each college the specific reasons it would be the best-fit institution for their college years. By informing colleges that they've taken the time to learn about the academic, extracurricular, and social offerings on campus, students can greatly increase the likelihood of being invited to attend their institution. Susan Alaimo is the founder & director of Collegebound Review, offering PSAT/SAT® preparation & private college advising by Ivy League educated instructors. Visit or call 908-369-5362. This article originally appeared on Demonstrated interest bolsters college acceptance rate | Opinion Solve the daily Crossword
Hans India
22-05-2025
- Business
- Hans India
US Undergraduate Admissions in 2025-26: Challenges & Opportunities
The landscape of US undergraduate admissions in 2025 is more competitive, complex, and stressful than ever before. Students, parents, and educators are navigating a system marked by record application volumes, evolving admissions criteria, and mounting financial pressures-all of which are shaping the outlook for 2026 and beyond. Rising Application Volumes and Intensified Competition This year, the number of college applications has surged yet again. The Class of 2025 submitted over 8 million applications through the Common App, a 6% increase from last year, with schools like NYU experiencing a staggering 53% rise in applications over five years. Public universities, especially in the South and Southwest, are seeing the sharpest growth, making even these options increasingly competitive. For example, Columbia University received nearly 60,000 applications for fewer than 2,500 spots. This phenomenon, known as "application inflation," is creating unpredictable outcomes, even for high-achieving students. The Early Decision Advantage Applying early has become a strategic necessity. Many top universities now fill over half their incoming class through Early Decision or Early Action rounds. The advantage is clear: Emory admitted 28% of Early Decision applicants in 2025, compared to just 8% in Regular Decision. This trend pressures students to make binding choices earlier and can disadvantage those needing to compare financial aid offers. Holistic Admissions and the Decline of Standardized Testing US universities are increasingly adopting holistic admissions, placing greater emphasis on essays, extracurriculars, and personal stories rather than just grades and test scores. The test-optional movement, accelerated by the pandemic, remains strong in 2025, with many schools no longer requiring SAT or ACT scores. As Caroline Linger, Lead Counselor at , explains, 'A holistic approach that considers an applicant's character, personal experiences, and unique perspectives is gaining prominence. Technology, especially Artificial Intelligence, is playing a significant role, making the admissions process more accessible and efficient. Aspiring students must adapt to these changes, emphasizing authenticity, personal growth, and community contribution for a successful application'. Financial Pressures and Parental Concerns The cost of college remains a top concern. According to a 2025 Princeton Review survey, 98% of those surveyed report needing financial aid, and the leading worry for applicants is the 'level of debt to pay for the degree'. This financial anxiety is compounded by the unpredictability of admissions outcomes and the fear of not gaining entry to a Top Tier University or College. Stress and Uncertainty for All Stakeholders The emotional toll is significant: 73% of students and parents report high stress about applications. The unpredictability of results, the pressure to stand out in a crowded field, and the need for strategic planning are pushing families to seek expert guidance and comprehensive support. Looking Ahead to 2026 As the number of high school graduates is projected to decline after 2025, competition for spots at selective institutions is expected to remain fierce, but some less-selective schools may struggle with enrollment. The continued evolution of holistic admissions and the use of technology will further change how applicants are evaluated. For students and families, the key will be adaptability, authenticity, and a well-researched, balanced college list.
Forbes
21-05-2025
- Business
- Forbes
How To Build A Winning College Admissions Strategy In 2025
Increased competition, enrollment management tactics and AI have changed the college admissions ... More landscape College admissions used to be about predictable milestones: a strong grade point average, competitive standardized test scores and a heartfelt personal statement. But today's applicants face a radically different landscape – one shaped by increased competition, testing policy changes, enrollment management tactics and AI experimentation. The result is a new age of where college admissions strategy is just as important as academic performance. The college admissions landscape has become increasingly complex and competitive as the number of college applicants has grown, and they are applying to a greater number of colleges. U.S. federal National Center for Education Statistics data show that over 3.4 million high school graduates are expected in 2025, an increase of almost 900,000 from 2000. More high school graduates are going to college: there were 16 million enrolled college students in 2024 compared with 13.2 million in 2000 (although down from a peak of 18.1 million in 2010). Many students utilize the Common App, which has simplified the process of applying to multiple schools. Colleges' positions on standardized testing are evolving. Many colleges are returning to their pre-pandemic practice of requiring standardized test scores as a national benchmark amid grading systems that are inconsistent from one high school to the next. Lee Norwood, founder of Annapolis College Consulting and College Sharks Another pressure point is the early decision option, which becomes a binding commitment if the student is accepted. Colleges are leveraging early decision admissions to secure yield and maximize revenue. Lee Norwood is the founder of Annapolis College Consulting and College Sharks, a 'do it yourself' college advising platform. 'Tulane University accepts 64% of its class through early decision, and applicants have a 26.8 times greater chance of admission through that route,' Norwood said. The strategy is clear: capture commitment early and offer less merit aid. Colleges are increasingly using new admissions models to fill their classes. Some institutions offer direct admission, where an offer of admission is made to qualified students before they apply based on standardized test scores or GPA. Others are extending offers of admission and placing students on waitlists for the spring semester or freshman study abroad programs. These tactics help colleges maximize institutional capacity when fall entrants fail to return in the spring. The role of AI in admissions is also evolving. While admissions offices initially admitted to using AI solely for plagiarism detection and grammar triage, some are now open about using AI to measure applications. The University of North Carolina, for instance, states on its admissions website: 'UNC uses an AI program to measure the writing style and grammar of an applicant's essay from the common application, providing an additional data point for the admissions evaluators.' Yet it also makes clear that 'every evaluated comprehensively by extensively trained human application evaluators. Each applicant's final admissions decision is made by a member of the admissions committee.' Yet the influence of AI on student applications is real. 'What I'm seeing most is students using tools like ChatGPT to help them brainstorm or structure essays, but not always understanding how to use them ethically or effectively,' Norwood said. 'The result can be essays that lack depth, personal voice, or worse – essays that sound exactly like everyone else's.' That's where counselors play an increasingly critical role: auditing for authenticity. 'The innovation isn't that students are using AI – it's that we now need to teach them how to co-author with AI responsibly while still making sure their application reflects their real voice, values, and vision,' Norwood said. So, how should students respond to this new era of admissions? First, they must embrace strategic focus over superficial polish. With colleges increasingly favoring depth over breadth, students should pursue meaningful engagement in a few key areas – academic. extracurricular and personal – that align with their values and long-term goals and demonstrate passion and commitment. Second, students need to build an application narrative that is coherent and authentic. Admissions officers are evaluating for fit as much as they are for credentials. Every element, including essays, recommendation letters and extracurriculars, should reinforce the student's identity and direction and be presented in an authentic, personal voice. Third, families must start earlier. Norwood advises that waiting until senior year is a strategic mistake. She encourages students to begin mapping goals and priorities by sophomore year, including testing timelines, potential majors and college list criteria. Ultimately, it is essential to recognize that the process is becoming increasingly data-driven. Students who align their applications with institutional priorities and avoid one-size-fits-all advice will be better positioned for success in the evolving landscape of college admissions strategy. Full disclosure: the author is a client of Annapolis College Consulting. Did you enjoy this story? Don't miss my next one: use the blue follow button at the top of the article, near my byline, to follow more of my work and check out my other columns here.
