100+ Common App Essay Topics

The Common App essay is a critical component of your college application, offering you a unique opportunity to showcase your personality, experiences, and aspirations. To help you embark on this journey of self-expression and self-discovery, we present an extensive list of 100+ common app essay topics. These topics cover a wide range of themes and experiences, providing you with ample inspiration to create a memorable and impactful essay that captures the attention of college admissions officers. Whether you’re striving to tell a personal story, reflect on your growth, or express your passions, this diverse collection of topics will guide you toward finding the perfect narrative to share.

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Common app essay topics

English and Literature

1. Discuss a book, movie, or work of art that deeply influenced you.
2. Reflect on your favorite quote and how it relates to your life.
3. Share a piece of literature that challenged your beliefs and why.
4. Describe a character from a book or film who has inspired you.
5. Reflect on a poem that resonates with your personal experiences.
6. Discuss the impact of a particular literary genre on your worldview.
7. Share a story about a literary or artistic event that influenced you.
8. Reflect on a classic novel that shaped your perspective on life.
9. Describe a time when a piece of literature helped you through a tough period.
10. Discuss your own creative writing and its significance to your identity.

History and Social Sciences

1. Share a personal story about cultural identity and diversity.
2. Discuss your perspective on a current event or social issue.
3. Reflect on your relationship with nature and environmental conservation.
4. Share a moment when you confronted a stereotype or prejudice.
5. Describe an event from history that changed your outlook on the world.
6. Discuss a social movement that has impacted your community.
7. Reflect on a social or political debate that influenced your beliefs.
8. Share a story about cultural traditions and their significance.
9. Describe a time when you explored the history of your family or community.
10. Discuss a documentary or historical film that left a lasting impression.

Math 

1. Discuss your favorite subject or academic interest and why it captivates you.
2. Describe a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea.
3. Describe a significant change or transition in your life.
4. Reflect on a math or science experiment that fascinated you.
5. Discuss a concept from your favorite subject and its real-world applications.
6. Share an experience where math or science helped you solve a problem.
7. Reflect on the role of technology in your chosen field of study.
8. Describe a time when you applied the scientific method in your life.
9. Discuss a mathematical or scientific discovery that amazed you.
10. Share your vision for using math or science to make a positive impact.

Leadership and Communication

1. Describe a meaningful personal experience that changed your perspective.
2. Discuss a time when you faced a significant challenge and how you overcame it.
3. Reflect on an accomplishment that shaped your character and values.
4. Describe a place that holds special significance in your life.
5. Reflect on an ethical dilemma you’ve faced and how you resolved it.
6. Describe a time when you had to take a leadership role and the lessons you learned.
7. Discuss a time when you collaborated with others to achieve a common goal.
8. Share a moment when you felt out of your comfort zone and what you gained from it.
9. Reflect on an event that sparked your passion for a specific cause.
10. Describe a significant community service experience and its impact on you.

Personal Growth and Self-Discovery

1. Discuss a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea.
2. Share a moment when you felt out of your comfort zone and what you gained from it.
3. Reflect on an event that sparked your passion for a specific cause.
4. Describe a significant community service experience and its impact on you.
5. Share a time when you acted as a problem solver in your community.
6. Describe a significant change or transition in your life.
7. Describe a time when you had to take a leadership role and the lessons you learned.
8. Reflect on an accomplishment that shaped your character and values.
9. Share a time when you were inspired by someone younger than you.
10. Share a time when you acted as a problem solver in your community.

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Travel and Culture

1. Describe a place you dream of visiting and its significance to you.
2. Reflect on your relationship with nature and environmental conservation.
3. Share a moment when you experienced a cultural exchange or immersion.
4. Describe a time when you confronted a stereotype or prejudice.
5. Share an experience of traveling to a foreign country and its impact.
6. Discuss a cultural festival you attended and its significance.
7. Reflect on your experience with multicultural cuisine and its influence.
8. Share a story of learning a new language and its challenges.
9. Describe a memorable encounter with a different culture.
10. Reflect on the role of cultural diversity in your life.

Technology and Innovation

1. Reflect on the impact of artificial intelligence on society.
2. Describe a moment when a technological innovation fascinated you.
3. Discuss your experience with coding or programming and its significance.
4. Share a personal story about a breakthrough in technology.
5. Reflect on a time when you applied technology to solve a problem.
6. Describe an instance when a tech gadget influenced your daily life.
7. Discuss your vision for using technology to address global challenges.
8. Share a story about a mentor who introduced you to a new tech field.
9. Reflect on the influence of social media on your online identity.
10. Discuss the ethical dilemmas surrounding technology in the modern world.

Arts and Creativity

1. Describe a work of art that profoundly moved you and why.
2. Reflect on a creative project that allowed you to express your identity.
3. Discuss your experience in a performing arts group or club.
4. Share a personal story about how music or dance impacted your life.
5. Describe a piece of art, music, or literature you’ve created and its significance.
6. Reflect on the role of creativity in your problem-solving process.
7. Discuss your perspective on the role of arts in society.
8. Share an experience where you collaborated with others on a creative project.
9. Describe a moment when you took a creative risk and what you learned.
10. Discuss your artistic inspirations and influences.

Health and Wellness

1. Reflect on a personal health challenge and how it changed your lifestyle.
2. Share an experience that shaped your interest in healthcare or wellness.
3. Discuss the impact of physical fitness on your overall well-being.
4. Describe a health-related community service experience and its effects.
5. Reflect on the role of mental health awareness in your life.
6. Share a moment when you made a positive change in your health habits.
7. Discuss a time when you advocated for a health-related cause.
8. Describe the influence of diet and nutrition on your daily life.
9. Reflect on a medical or scientific discovery that fascinates you.
10. Discuss your vision for promoting health and wellness in your community.

STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics)

1. Reflect on a significant STEM project you’ve been a part of.
2. Share an experience where you worked with a diverse STEM team.
3. Discuss your perspective on women in STEM fields.
4. Describe a STEM-related challenge you’ve faced and how you overcame it.
5. Reflect on a scientific experiment or research that sparked your curiosity.
6. Discuss the impact of STEM education in shaping your future.
7. Share a personal story about the role of innovation in STEM.
8. Describe a STEM-related internship or job experience and its significance.
9. Reflect on the role of ethics in scientific research and discovery.
10. Discuss your vision for using STEM to address global issues.

Business and Entrepreneurship

1. Share an entrepreneurial idea or project that you’ve initiated.
2. Reflect on a time when you explored a startup or business venture.
3. Discuss your perspective on the role of ethics in business.
4. Describe a business leader or entrepreneur who inspires you.
5. Share an experience where you demonstrated leadership in a business setting.
6. Reflect on the impact of globalization on business opportunities.
7. Discuss your vision for using business to make a positive impact.
8. Describe the influence of financial literacy on your life.
9. Reflect on your experience with economics or financial planning.
10. Discuss your aspirations in the field of business or entrepreneurship.

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Conclusion

Selecting the right common app essay topics is the first step in creating a compelling and memorable college application essay. We’ve presented you with a rich tapestry of 100+ topics, each offering a unique perspective or story waiting to be told. As you embark on your essay-writing journey, remember that your personal narrative is what sets you apart.

Choose a common app essay topics that resonates with you, one that allows you to reflect on your experiences, values, and aspirations. With the right topic and a heartfelt approach, your common app essay  can become a powerful tool in shaping your college admission success, giving admissions officers a window into your world and what you can bring to their academic community. So, explore these topics, find your narrative, and craft an essay that tells your story with authenticity and impact.