So, the big take-away ideas on the Common App Essay are these:
Pomona accepts , the and the application. We give no preference in the admissions process based on which of these applications you submit, so look into which one provides the best showcase for you and your talents.
Your cumulative GPA, as well as the grades you have earned in the 34 courses required for admission, will be an important part of the application review process. If your school computes a weighted GPA and includes this GPA on your transcript, we will consider it as part of our review for both the admission and scholarship processes. IU's allows you to choose whether to have your SAT and/or ACT test scores considered as part of your application review—letting you decide how best to tell your academic story. Research indicates that for most students, high school GPA paired with test scores provides the best prediction of academic success at Indiana University. However, for some students a standardized test score may not show all that they are capable of or tell the full story of their potential. Students applying to Rice University are recommended but not required to submit SAT or ACT for admission consideration. Students wanting to show their college readiness and academic strengths may choose to submit SAT, ACT, AP, or IB test scores. The college essay is one of the most critical parts of your application. It goes beyond your grades and test scores to give schools a sense of your personality and potential—qualities that numbers alone cannot show. A compelling piece that exudes intellectual vitality, vulnerability, and humor can tip the admissions odds in your favor. We'll review your college essay to ensure it's one that admissions officers won't forget. We superscore, which means that if you choose to have test scores considered as part of your application review, we'll consider your best test scores. For the SAT, we’ll consider the highest Math and Evidence-Based Reading and Writing. For the ACT, we’ll combine the highest scores for each subtest from different exams for a new ACT Composite. Admission to IU is selective, and we consider factors that emphasize academic performance and preparation, such as the level and rigor of your coursework, the individual grades and cumulative GPA you have earned through these courses, your SAT and/or ACT scores (), and the additional insights offered through your application essay.
The third of the Common App essay prompts reads:
Rice recommends first-year and transfer student applicants to undergraduate degree-seeking programs to submit SAT or ACT test scores, if available. Students who are unable to submit test scores or prefer not to submit test scores will be given full consideration in the admission selection process.
Why does the Common App Essay—and other college essays—matter?
The outstanding individuals who apply for admission to Duke each year continually astound us. We are always excited to welcome a new class into our collaborative community of intellectual explorers.
Common App Essay Prompts 2024–2025
Rice seeks students who demonstrate intellectual vitality through their course selection and their grade performance. Most applicants will challenge themselves by taking advantage of the rigorous coursework available to them. At a minimum, students must complete the following.
Brainstorming Common App Essay topics
Hi Ambrose! This is a thoughtful essay in which you discuss how your family’s legacy has impacted your sense of identity and how you overcame the burden of their expectations. For those reasons, this topic has promise to be a compelling personal statement. However, your essay requires some edits to achieve that promise. First, I recommend that at the end of your second paragraph, you add more detail as to why that conversation with your father was so pivotal, as it significance is currently ambiguous to the reader.
Here are some Common App essay tips to help you choose a topic:
Official high school transcripts must be submitted by your high school via the application platform (Common App), through an online ordering system or , or sent via directly to the Office of Admission. Transcripts will not be accepted by fax or email.
Unlike most colleges want the common app essay.
Official high school/secondary school transcripts must include grades from 9th through 11th grade as well as courses being taken in the 12th grade. Early Decision I and Early Decision II applicants are encouraged to submit first marking period grades, when they become available. Regular Decision applicants will be required to submit mid-year grades from 12th grade, when they become available.