Common App essay prompts remain the same for 2020-21

In 2019-20, USC wanted to know an applicant’s favorite snack.

Based on a survey of over 10,000 stakeholders—students, counselors, teachers, admissions officers, the Common Application has decided to make no changes to essay prompts for 2020-21, keeping them essentially the same for the fourth consecutive year. 

And a collective sigh of relief could be heard from the multi million-dollar cottage industry that’s grown up to support college essay preparation.

According to the Common App, “Over the last 8 years, based on your feedback and the indispensable counsel of our advisory committees, we’ve revised and refined the prompts so they guide students toward stories that will help Common App members make informed admissions decisions.”

In some quarters, this is good news. The Common App announcement means essay advisers won’t have to retool or come up with innovative approaches to new prompts. They can simply add another year of feedback to advice accumulated over the past several years.

In its survey, the Common App found that over 50% of respondents in all groups identified as “effective” the prompt inviting students to share a story about a meaningful background, identity, interest or talent. When asked what prompt they would like to see removed or replaced, respondents were less in agreement with no single prompt getting more than 35% “thumbs down.”

And as usual, students really like “Topic of Your Choice.” Admissions offices and counselors weren’t so sure. But while students weren’t too enthusiastic about discussing “a time when they challenged a belief or idea,” colleges “appreciate what those essays reveal about the students who write them.”

Then again, these are the very same institutions also asking [if you have favorites from the 2019-20 application cycle, include them in the comments below]:

“What is your favorite candy?” (Hendrix College)

“Imagine you had an extra hour in the day—how would you spend that time?” (Stanford University)

 “What song should we be listening to while reading your application?” (Chapman University)

“Cats have nine lives, Pac-Man has 3 lives, and radioactive isotopes have half-lives. How many lives does something else—conceptual or actual—have, and why? (University of Chicago)

 “If you could create a food truck, what type of food would you serve? Name the truck.” (Elon University)

“What piques your curiosity and why?” (Wake Forest University)

“Yes or No: Is a hot dog a sandwich? Be sure to defend your position on this important life question.” (Presbyterian College)

“You’ve invented a time machine in your living room—well done! When and where is your first destination and why?” (Scripps College)

“If asked to write a 150-word tweet to tell the world who you are, what would you say?” (Emory University)

“Defend an unpopular opinion you hold?” (University of Notre Dame)

“You are required to spend the next year in either the past or the future. To what year would you travel and why?” (University of Richmond)

“If you had a theme song—a piece of music that describes you, what would it be and why? Please include the name of the song and artist.” (Smith College)

“What is your favorite snack?” (University of Southern California)
“What fictional character would you choose as your college roommate and why?” (Linfield College)

In its announcement, the Common App was quick to suggest that releasing the prompts so early can “send a tacit message that the application process starts now.” That’s evidently not their intent, especially given potential changes down the road. But knowing what to expect for the coming year does provide counselors and others an opportunity to get a head start on application workshops and other activities designed to support students and reduce some of the stress inherent in a process, some aspects of which aren’t particularly transparent.

For the record, the 2020-21 Common Application prompts will inspire essays on the following topics:

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. Describe a problem you've solved or a problem you'd like to solve. It can be an intellectual challenge, a research query, an ethical dilemma - anything that is of personal importance, no matter the scale. Explain its significance to you and what steps you took or could be taken to identify a solution.

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.

Community service pays big dividends

Christopher Newport offers scholarships based on leadership

Although service to others should be its own reward, there’s no question that many colleges, organizations, foundations, and businesses are willing to acknowledge outstanding community service by awarding some very generous college scholarships. 

These scholarships are targeted to those who have a true passion for service. While many high schools and school districts require service as part of the regular curriculum, to qualify for a community service scholarship, you’ll need to go above and beyond basic hour requirements.

Scholarship committees will want to see proof of service, hear from references, and have an idea that you are committed to continuing service into the future. Typically winners of these awards began early in their high school careers and dedicate hours weekly throughout the year. We’re not talking about a one-time mission trip to the Caribbean. The kind of volunteerism that wins awards is sustained and heartfelt.

Here are some of the more notable national awards programs available to high school students who are deeply involved in community service:

Prudential Spirit of Community Awards.  The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program is the largest US recognition program based exclusively on volunteer community service. Since 1955, more than 130,000 middle and high school students have been recognized for their volunteer work. In the US, each program year begins in September and online applications must be completed in early November. Note that programs are also conducted in Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Ireland, India, China and Brazil.

Do Something Awards.  DoSomething.org has awarded $1.2 million in scholarships in the past 6 years to over 300 winners, who are selected by random drawing. Deadlines vary.

Barron Prize.  The Barron Prize honors outstanding young leaders who have “organized and led an extraordinary service activity which has clearly benefited other people or the planet we share.” Applicants must be between 8 and 18, to be eligible for a top prize of $10,000. Applications must be received by April 15. 

Coca-Cola Scholars Program.  The Coca-Cola Scholars Program scholarship is an achievement-based scholarship awarded to graduating students who are recognized for the capacity to lead and serve as well as their commitment to making a significant impact on their schools and communities. Each year, 150 Coca-Cola Scholars are selected to receive this $20,000 scholarship. Applications are typically accepted from August to October 31 of the senior year in high school.

AXA Achievement Scholarship.  This scholarship provides over $1.4 million to high school seniors residing in all 50 states, Washington DC, and Puerto Rico. Students have the opportunity to receive a $2,500, $10,000 or $25,000 scholarship by thoughtfully conveying how they identified and challenge and volunteered to strengthen their community through service.  Applications are currently being accepted through December 15, 2019.

Comcast Leaders and Achievers Program.  Comcast Leaders and Achievers are high school students who have been selected for their outstanding community service, academic performance and leadership skills. The award is a one-time, $2,500 scholarship to be used toward undergraduate education-related expenses.  Applications are due December 6, 2019.

Jesse Brown Memorial Youth Scholarship Program.  This scholarship is designed to encourage youth volunteers to become active in service to veterans. Scholarships will be awarded in the amounts of $20,000, $15,000, $10,000, $7,500, and $5,000. The scholarship is open to volunteers age 21 or younger who have contributed a minimum of 100 credited hours. Applications will be accepted from May 1, 2019 through February 28, 2020. 

GE-Reagan Foundation Scholarship Program. This program rewards college-bound student who demonstrate “exemplary leadership, drive, integrity and citizenship.” Numerous recipients receive a $10,000 scholarship renewable for up to an additional three years or $40,000 total per recipient. Applications are due by January 3, 2020.

President’s Volunteer Service Award.  The President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation recognizes significant contributions volunteers make nationwide. The award is offered at the bronze, silver and gold level depending on the number of hours of volunteer service completed.

Burger King Scholars Program. Under the “general track” program consideration will be given to each applicant’s academic record (50%) and participation in school and community activities (50%). Up to 3 scholarships of $50,000 will be granted to the most highly qualified students demonstrating leadership, substantial work experience and financial need. Applications are due on December 15, 2019.

Brower Youth Award.  These scholarships are awarded to “youth environmental change leaders” between the ages of 13 and 22. Each of 6 winners receives a $3,000 prize, along with a professionally-produced short film about their work.  The 2020 application cycle will open early next year with applications due in late spring.

Davis-Putter Scholarship.  These awards go to students who are actively working toward social justice. Winners are chosen for their social activism and demonstrated financial need. Scholarships vary in amount but the top award is $10,000. Applications must be submitted no later than April 1.

Stephen J. Brady Stop Hunger Scholarships. Offered by the Sodexo Foundations to students between the ages of 5 and 25, these awards go to individuals who have demonstrated an on-going commitment to their community by performing unpaid volunteer work eliminating hunger. Recipients receive a $5000 scholarship for their education and a matching grant in their name for the hunger-related charity of their choosing. Applications must be submitted by December 5, 2019.

Point Foundation Scholarships.  Applicants must have a proven record of leadership and community involvement, strong academic achievement and be working for the betterment of the LGBTQ community.  Applications are due by January 27, 2020.

National Honor Society Scholarship. Since 1946, more than $15 million has been awarded to outstanding NHS senior members. The pillars of the NHS—scholarship, service, leadership and character—are the selection criteria for reviewing applicants.  In 2019-20, 600 outstanding NHS high school seniors will be granted a total of $2 million. Applications are due by December 6, 2019.

National Caring Award. The Caring institute grants several National Caring Awards to individuals who are role models with extraordinary dedication to community service. To receive the $2,000, young adults must be nominated before graduation from high school or before their 18^th birthday.

Finally, be sure to check the websites of specific colleges to which you are applying as many offer scholarships for community service, volunteerism or leadership. Also check to see if your college participates in the Bonner Scholars Program, which provides opportunities for students with financial need to participate in community service as work-study.