This year, the Common App offers a new prompt: “Reflect on something that someone has done for you that has made you happy or thankful in a surprising way. How has this gratitude affected or motivated you?”

During the initial pandemic quarantine, and the uncertainty that followed as society started to open up, actor John Krasinki noted that to counter all the negative broadcasts, he would instead put out “Some Good News” episodes on YouTube to counter that. The same sentiment is true for this new prompt. According to the Common App, “An essay prompt can’t erase the loss and anxiety of the last 12 months, but it can validate the importance of gratitude and kindness. We hope students see the new prompt for what it is intended to be: an invitation to bring some joy into their application experience.”

What are you thankful for? Perhaps it’s the extra help that a teacher provided while your school was holding classes virtually or the puppy that joined your family and gave you emotional support or the medical staff that made sure your grandma stayed safe in her nursing home. Regardless of how big or small that thing is, you can bet that the college admissions staff want to know about it. Why? Because your essay tells them about you and what your values are. 

Don’t worry if you don’t know how to begin…that’s where I come in. I can help you take your thoughts and ideas and transform them into an essay that shows your style and your voice in a coherent 650 words.