2025-26 Common App Essay Prompts
As we approach the August 1st official opening of the 2025-2026 Common App, here at POLARIS Student Athlete Consulting we’ve been in college essay mode by providing guidance on brainstorming, structure, and flow while guiding our student athletes through their college admissions journey. The essay can often feel like the Khumbu Icefall of the college admissions journey.
Just as climbers must carefully navigate the treacherous, ever-shifting terrain of the Khumbu Icefall on their way to the summit of Mount Everest, students face a similarly daunting and unpredictable challenge when writing their college essay.
It’s not the longest part of the journey, but it’s one of the most technical and mentally demanding. Every word choice matters, and there’s no single “safe route.” It requires reflection, courage, and clarity—because like the icefall, the essay is where many falter or lose their footing.
But for those who take their time, seek the right guidance, and stay true to their path, the essay becomes a powerful gateway—not just to a college, but to the summit of their own story.
Consider us your Sherpas as you prepare for the trek ahead… but enough of the Everest metaphors.
At POLARIS, we’re here to help you find your footing, craft your story, and reach your goals—one thoughtful step at a time.
The Common App essay prompts will remain the same for the upcoming admissions cycle. However, there are a few important updates to note.
What was previously known as the “Community Disruption” question has been renamed to “Challenges and Circumstances.” This change reflects a broader understanding of the diverse experiences students may encounter. While the name and framing have evolved, the word and character limits remain the same—a maximum of 250 words for first-year applicants and 1,250 characters for transfer students.
In addition, the “Additional Information” section has been shortened. First-year applicants now have a 300-word limit (down from 650), and transfer applicants are limited to 1,500 characters (previously 3,500).
These changes aim to streamline responses while still giving students space to share meaningful context.
The 2025-2026 Common App Essay Prompts:
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.
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?
Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?
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?
Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.
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?
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.
As the 2025–2026 application season kicks off, now is the time for student athletes to lean into their stories, reflect on their journeys, and approach the essay not as an obstacle but as an opportunity. At POLARIS, we believe your voice is your most powerful tool in this process. Whether you’re writing about a game-changing moment on the field or a quiet realization off of it, your story matters. We’re here to help you shape it, sharpen it, and share it with confidence.
Let’s get started!