Last week, the Common App revealed that the essay prompts will, once more, remain the same as last year. However, we will see two big changes within the application itself.

Since the summer of 2020, the Common App has included a space for students to explain how the Covid-19 pandemic impacted them. This was an opportunity for students to explain that they were unable to find a seat at a testing center, their courses went remote, their sports programs were canceled, etc. However, we are now more than four years out of the pandemic and current seniors should have had a relatively “normal” high school experience. However, the Common App and the schools that use it have decided that additional context is still useful, even if it may not be centered on the student’s pandemic experience. Therefore, they are replacing the “Covid Question” with the following:

Sometimes a student’s application and achievements may be impacted by challenges or other circumstances. This could involve:

• Access to a safe and quiet study space
• Access to reliable technology and internet
• Community disruption (violence, protests, teacher strikes, etc.)
• Discrimination
• Family disruptions (divorce, incarceration, job loss, health, loss of a family member, addiction, etc.)
• Family or other obligations (care-taking, financial support, etc.)
• Housing instability, displacement, or homelessness
• Military deployment or activation
• Natural disasters
• Physical health and mental well-being
• War, genocide, or other hardships

If you’re comfortable sharing, this information can help colleges better understand the context of your application. Colleges may use this information to provide you and your fellow students with support and resources.

As US universities take on more international students than ever before, these questions give space for students to express the ways that political unrest, natural disaster, and cultural expectations can and have affected their high school experience without making it the topic of their main essay. Keep in mind that the word limit here is 250 words.

The second big change is coming to the “Additional Information” section. We typically recommend that our students use this space to further explain their involvement in extracurricular activities if the school does not accept a CV and the Activities Section character limit does not allow them to accurately describe their experience. Some students use this space to explain other special circumstances, like why they reduced their credit load, an extended absence due to medical reasons, etc. This section originally had a 650 word limit; this is now reduced to 300 words. As schools receive more applications than ever, it is essential for students to be concise and get their point across as efficiently as possible.

Overwhelmed?

Aristotle Circle has the college admissions process down to a science. We’re professionals at keeping busy kids on track. Our Comprehensive College Admissions Package includes unlimited one-to-one meetings with NACAC-certified college admissions counselors with a long track record of success. Our students have matriculated to the top schools in the US and abroad, including Harvard, MIT, Stanford, Princeton, Yale, St. Andrews, and many more. Call (212-360-2301) or email (info@aristotlecircle.com) today for a free consultation.