What, exactly, is the common app essay?

College Essays
1

<p>From what I've gathered so far, it's a general essay you send along with your application to colleges. I've looked at the website and I've seen the topics, but do the essay prompts usually follow the same general train of thought (Who you admire most, events that have impacted your life...) each year? And is there always an option to write whatever you want to write about?</p>

<p>Thank you very much in advance!</p>

2

<p>Yeah, your description is pretty much it. And, yes, you can always write on a topic of your choice. My essay, for example, is currently about writing, though I might change it. </p>

<p>Your essay is supposed to reveal the “real” you.</p>

3

<p>Correct.</p>

<p>And yes, the topics are the same each year.</p>