The Common App will retain its seven essay prompts for the 2026–2027 admissions cycle, continuing its emphasis on personal storytelling. The decision allows students to work with familiar questions ...

Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. As the CEO of Command Education, I write about emotionally intelligent leadership and education. This week, the Common Application ...

The Common App remains the go-to platform for over a million college applicants each year, and 2026 brings a mix of familiar essay prompts and refreshed usability. From the 650-word personal essay to ...

Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. As the CEO of Command Education, I write about emotionally intelligent leadership and education. WASHINGTON, DC - OCTOBER 31: ...

Details, stories, and other examples drawn from applicants’ academic and personal experiences have always mattered. But these elements will be more critical than ever. For many college admissions ...

Students have a perfect opportunity, through the Common App Essay, to share any “story” of their life. Other than the Activities section, which is tightly limited by word count, the essay is the only ...

"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through the links below." At certain moments of the year, high school students who are applying to college start to worry. It’s ...

Writing college essays that stand out is a critical step in the college admissions process. College admissions officers read thousands of essays each year, and a compelling essay can make a ...