The Newest Common App Prompt #7 is all joy! I have to say, as a fan of freedom, I love number the new Common App prompt #7. And I quote: "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." If none of the other Common App prompts are really pulling forth what you want to say, here’s where you, well, go crazy! Be sure the essay you pick and the topic you choose STILL fulfill the purpose of the personal essay. It should show something important and revelatory about you that the rest of the application does not, in story form. News Flash: What we write about sometimes picks us Some applicants love a highly structured prompt. But others need more space and choice. The new addition of prompt #7 is an example of the Common App being really generous. They understand sometimes our best and most exemplary writing just happens to us unbidden. It picks us! This may not happen in response to a prompt. We may be pining for a chance to share that other thing that they didn't exactly ask for in any of the other six prompts. Voila! It's a fact (albeit muffled in certain education environments, boo hiss) that creative choice of topic and form drives your engagement. This can generate a passionate, powerful and, um, personal written product. Why? You had the license to receive and value whatever came to you. All the admissions committee wants in response to Common App prompt #7 (or any other) is for you to show your best writing and unique self. This gives them a perfect window into you. So, no excuses, friends. Prompts are meant to get your best for the admissions committee! Also-- it's worth re-tooting here that the admissions team is not working against you. The Common App revises their prompts year after year to try to offer applicants the best opportunities to produce meaningful, insightful, and representative writing. They want the good Continue Reading …