Arguably one of the most important components of a US university application, this 650-word personal essay is taken into consideration by (almost, in some version or the other,) every single college you apply to through the Common App portal. Strategically, this essay becomes important in two ways:

• You can use this space to lay down the foundation of the hook of your profile—the “brand,” or unique narrative that you are presenting to the AO—by presenting a view of your personal experiences that have made you what you are today
• You can also use this space to talk about an activity that you are extremely passionate for and defines a major part of your personality, but otherwise does not fit the larger narrative you’re presenting (for instance, you’re a tech entrepreneur passionate about climate change, but have been pursuing Hindustani Classical Music since you were three years old)

The prompts, including an open share-an-essay-of-your-choice, allow students to include their diverse experiences while providing some direction to an otherwise open-ended set of questions.

1. 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.
2. 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?
3. Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?
4. 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?
5. Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.
6. 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?
7. 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.

“It’s a chance to add depth to something that is important to you and tell the admissions committee more about your background or goals,” quotes Johns Hopkins University’s admissions website. Essentially, you want to leave the Admissions Officers (AO) with fresh insights, and help them understand the values you’ve imbibed that make you an asset to their institution. Here is an example of an Emory University AO’s comment on a successful essay:

“This essay is all about honesty. Being honest about their background, honest about their relationship with friends, and honest about their own feelings toward their community. The essay shows growth and reflection….The writing style is straightforward and simple—in a good way—and it is an edited and polished piece. The author of the essay is reflective about their community and does not try to be anything they are not. They understand that if they expect change, they themselves have to be a part of that change.”

While this applies for all essays, it definitely applies to this one in particular—this is NOT an essay to leave until the last moment. You can even write this at the beginning of your application process, since its a personal narrative that is largely unaffected by your grades, or other academic events. Start early, and spend enough time perfecting it—don’t hesitate to be creative either! Students in the past have even attempted to submit poetry, as long as you answer the larger prompts.

Happy Writing, and you’re always welcome to get in touch with us for some guidance! As part of Yashi Shukla’s team, we provide comprehensive support through every step of your application process. Whether you need help with your personal essay or career counseling for studies abroad, our experienced study abroad consultants are here to assist you. From study abroad counseling to choosing the right university, our education counselors ensure you are well-prepared for your journey. Visit our study abroad agency for personalized advice and find the best consultancy for abroad studies near you. Contact us today for the best counseling for foreign education and make your application stand out!