Skip to content
  • Solutions
    Our Services
    Middle School College Prep
    Transfer Admissions
    SAT Test Prep
    ACT Test Prep
    College Prep for Neurodiverse Students
  • About Us
    Our Story
    Why Us
    Success Stories
    Partnering with Us
    Empowerly for Employers
    Contact Us
  • Programs
    AI Scholar Program
    Research Scholar Program
    Startup Internship Program
    Passion Project Program
  • Resources
    Blog
    Webinars
    Empowerly Score®

Sign In

Free Consultation
Book a Free Consultation

Login

  • Blog > Applications, Essays

Common App’s New Prompt for 2021 Looks for Heart

Picture of Madeleine Karydes

Madeleine Karydes

  • July 22, 2021

Common App

The Common App has released a new essay prompt in its 2021-22 application. Find out what the new prompt is and how to answer it.

This year the Common App decided to inject a new prompt into its list, retiring an old prompt not often utilized by applicants. The new prompt is as follows:

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?

In the current context, it seems entirely appropriate. In the midst of a pandemic, we have all been confronted by drastic change, and many aspects of our lives have been negatively affected. But during this challenging time, many of us have also witnessed the kindness and generosity of others, in the most unexpected ways. 

The Common App obviously had this in mind. The President and CEO, Jenny Rickard stated, “Particularly at this challenging time, we can help students think about something positive and heartfelt in their lives. And we can do it explicitly.”

This is a prompt focussed on kindness that has surprised us. And it seeks self-reflection, prompting us to contemplate how the kindness of others has impacted us. Unlike the other prompts that focus on your own efforts to self-development, this prompt recognises the contributions of others to your development, and how it has changed you. 

The question asks you to think about an act of kindness towards you, focusing on the element of surprise. Was it the act itself or the person that surprised you? Or were you surprised that you felt grateful or happy? The options are endless,  it could be a person who ordinarily wouldn’t have done something to make you happy. Or an action that you didn’t expect would make you happy. 

Further to this, it asks you to reflect on how the act has impacted you. How did it change you? Did it motivate you? Did it push you to do something that you normally wouldn’t have done? Reflect on what you learnt about yourself and your community!

If you think this question resonates with you and you can tell something unique about you or your story, then this might be the prompt to respond to.  And if not, don’t force it, remember you have six others to choose from!

In case you have forgotten…

The Common App’s six other prompts are: 

  1. Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.
  2. 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?
  3. Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?
  4. Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.
  5. Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?
  6. Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you’ve already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design.

Concluding thoughts

Need help weaving your unique story into your admission essays? Our expert editors can help you perfect your essays. Reach out today!

Book A Free Consultation
Share this post
College Internships
Picture of Madeleine Karydes

Madeleine Karydes

Related articles

Find the latest college admissions news, tips, resources and more.

Empowerly’s Guide to Summer Programs

Explore top competitive high school summer programs and download Empowerly’s new guide to help your student build a standout summer strategy.

How to Stand Out in National Science & History Competitions

Here’s how to win national science and history competitions — and what real students did to get into top colleges like Princeton.

Do Extracurriculars During Admissions Season Still Count?

It’s senior year. Do your extracurriculars during admissions season even count? Turns out, yes, and now is not the time to get caught slipping.

Empowerly is a member of:

Menu

  • Services
  • Success Stories
  • Careers
  • Become a Counselor
  • Refer a Friend
  • Book a Consult

Contact Us

  • enrollment@empowerly.com
  • 800 491 6920
  • empowerly.com

Follow Us

  • LinkedIn
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
Subscribe to our Newsletter
© 2025 Empowerly Inc | All Rights Reserved
Cookie Preferences
Terms & Conditions
Privacy Policy
Solutions
Our Services
Middle School College Prep
Transfer Admissions
SAT Test Prep
ACT Test Prep
College Prep for Neurodiverse Students
About Us
Our Story
Why Us
Success Stories
Partnering with Us
Empowerly for Employers
Programs
AI Scholar Program
Research Scholar Program
Startup Internship Program
Resources
Blog
Referral
Webinars
Empowerly Score®
Book a Free Consultation
Login