What You Need to Know About the Common App Essay

In this overview of the Common App Essay, CollegeVine co-founder Vinay Bhaskara discusses the hallmarks of a strong essay, how to use your essay to create a personal connection, general content guidelines, and the basic essay structures.

0:00 What is the Common App Essay?
1:16 The Common App Essay prompts
2:42 Why Does the Common App Essay Matter?
4:03 A Great Common App Essay Is Deeply Personal
6:40 How Do You Create the Personal Connection?
8:40 Other Hallmarks of a Great Common App Essay
12:23 Common App Essay as Part of a Portfolio
13:25 General Content Guidelines
17:54 Three Basic Essay Structures