Common App 2025: Gratitude and Motivation

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?

Common App 2025-26 essay 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?

5 scored dimensionsScore range: 0–5Word count: 250–650

Scoring Dimensions

1Moment Selection and Surprise Element

2Emotional Depth and Authenticity

3Impact and Motivation

4Writing Quality and Narrative Structure

5Future Impact and Personal Character

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