Guide to the 2024-25 Common App Essays: Writing about Setbacks and Failure (Prompt 2)

The second essay prompt of the 2024-25 Common Application (full text below) asks you to talk about how you approach challenges, obstacles, and even (GASP!) failures. CEA's Founder and Chief Advisor, Stacey Brook, is here to give you the lowdown on Common App's Prompt #2. What is admissions looking for with this prompt? And what are some common mistakes that students make when responding to this prompt? Watch to find out!
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Full prompt text:
The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?

[@anadalayrodriguez6662]

Okay so I know you talked about avoiding to talk about failing a test but what if that was like a very important tests? 1:52

[@Collegeessayadvisors]

Hi! Thank you for watching and commenting. We encourage you to ask yourself: What do I want admissions to know about me? What is my story? Remember that this is your one opportunity to speak to admissions in your own voice. In most circumstances, we encourage applicants to continue brainstorming other ideas before settling on a topic like failing a test. That topic is unlikely to set you apart from other applicants, as many other students will have a similar story. Feel free to check out our 2024-25 Common App Guide for more prompts and examples: www.collegeessayadvisors.com/portfolio-items/2024-25-common-application-essay-prompts-guide/ Good luck!! - Team CEA

[@MUSIC-js3hb]

Can I write how I am bullied and that leads to engaging me in bad habits and how I deal with that problems and overcome them? Please reply to this comment. This will be very helpful for me!

[@Collegeessayadvisors]

Hi there! We encourage you to ask yourself: What do I want admissions to know about me? What is my story? Remember that this is your one opportunity to speak to admissions in your own voice. Since bullying is a relatively common topic, we usually encourage students to brainstorm other ideas. If you feel strongly about writing your essay on your experience with bullies, however, we recommend spending most of the words at your disposal discussing how you overcame this. Instead of focusing on the negative experience, talk about your resilience, strength, and what you took away from the experience. We wish you good luck! - Team CEA

[@kellendoggett3592]

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