Understanding College Application Essay Prompts

Nick the Tutor discusses the 2025 Common Application essay prompts, offering advice on how to choose the right prompt based on personal stories and experiences. He emphasizes the importance of focusing on content first and fitting it into a prompt later. Each prompt is analyzed for its potential to showcase personal growth, identity, challenges, and creativity. Nick shares his preference for creative and positive essays, highlighting the open-ended prompt as his favorite. The video concludes with recommendations and encouragement for students to express their true selves in their essays.

What is the primary advice given by the speaker before choosing an essay prompt?

• Choose the prompt that is most popular.

• Consider what you want to convey about yourself first.

• Select the prompt that seems easiest.

• Pick the prompt that matches your major.

Which type of student is prompt one best suited for?

• A student who loves science.

• A student interested in social issues.

• A student who has faced many challenges.

• A student with a unique personal identity or talent.

What is a potential downside of writing about a challenge in prompt two?

• It might focus too much on the negative aspects.

• It could be too short.

• It might not be relevant to the application.

• It could be too technical.

What should be minimized when writing about prompt four?

• The use of personal anecdotes.

• The length of the essay.

• The positive aspects of the experience.

• The description of the person who helped you.

Why does the speaker favor prompt five?

• It is the easiest to write about.

• It allows for a focus on personal growth.

• It requires less research.

• It is the most popular among students.

What is a key element of prompt six?

• Discussing a favorite book.

• Writing about a historical event.

• Exploring an engaging topic or concept.

• Describing a family tradition.

What does prompt seven allow students to do?

• Write about a specific historical event.

• Discuss only extracurricular activities.

• Create an essay on any topic of their choice.

• Focus solely on academic achievements.

Which prompt does the speaker personally favor?

• Prompt five

• Prompt three

• Prompt seven

• Prompt one

What is the speaker's final advice on writing the essay?

• Keep the essay very formal.

• Write about a popular topic.

• Focus on GPA and test scores.

• Ensure the essay reflects your personality.

What is the speaker's view on the importance of the essay prompt choice?

• It should match the student's major.

• It should be chosen based on popularity.

• It is less important than the essay content.

• It is the most crucial part of the application.