Common App 2025: Lessons from Obstacles

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?

Common App 2025-26 essay prompt: 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?

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

Scoring Dimensions

1Challenge Selection and Presentation

2Response and Action

3Growth and Learning

4Writing Quality and Emotional Impact

5Future Application and Personal Character

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