What Is The Purpose Of The Common App Essay?

Are you thinking of applying to college using the Common App platform? You may have heard of the Common App Essay, which is required for applications submitted through the portal. But what exactly is the point of the Common App essay? This post is here to answer that question by outlining the purpose of the Common App essay. Read this post for some key things to keep in mind before you start writing your essay! 

What Is The Purpose Of The Common App Essay?

The purpose of the Common App essay is for admissions officers to get to know you outside of academics, grades, and test scores. Other parts of your application have opportunities for you to showcase your transcripts, test scores, and recommendation letters, but the Common App essay is a way for admissions officers to get to know you on a deeper level - what are your goals, aspirations, values, beliefs, responses to challenges, impact on your community, etc. This helps admissions officers have a more holistic view of you as a person and makes your application more well-rounded. 

Additionally, many students apply to college with competitive grades and the Common App essay helps set you apart from them by telling a story that is unique to you. The use of personal anecdotes and examples in a well-crafted essay can bring your application to life and make the admissions officer more interested in reading other aspects of your application. A strong Common App essay may also help you compensate for weaker academic scores in some cases as admissions are not solely focused on grades but rather on your holistic development as a person. Your essay can also help admissions officers see if you will be a good fit for their institution based on the values, beliefs and personal growth outlined in your essay. 

We hope this guide has provided you with some valuable information regarding the purpose of the Common App essay. Good luck with your college applications!