usafa essay prompts 2022

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Successful Air Force Academy Essay Examples

Trisha Dach

10 minute read

The following are Air Force Academy essay examples from cadets who have won appointments to the USAFA in the past few years. We will provide commentary at the end of each essay as to why each of these answers to USAFA’s questions is effective. For information on all the USAFA’s application requirements, read our  Ultimate Guide to getting into the Air Force Academy 

Describe a setback or ethical dilemma that you have faced. How did you resolve it? How did the outcome affect you? Most importantly, what did you learn about yourself and how would you handle a similar situation in the future? (400 to 500 words, 3000 characters max)

It is difficult to have to confront a problem with an adult. I had an incident in my high school where I had to step forward and help my peers in the class while continuing to show deference to our teacher. Through this experience, I learned how to show respect to everyone involved and come to a successful resolution.

During my junior year of high school, all the assignments in my math class were being graded after our unit exams. This negatively impacted me and my peers throughout the first half of the year. I believed that the late grading of our assignments was unfair for two reasons:  students were unable to determine their errors and ask for help before the test and also were not given the opportunity to revise their work for a higher grade before the test.

I was faced with the issue of having to address this issue with our teacher.  My classmates turned to me because they knew that the teacher respected my opinion and that I was the best person to reach out to her and see if something could be done.  I first asked my parents and my advisor at school for their opinion. They both told me that a well-written email is the most effective and best way to address the situation. I wrote a draft of the email and brought it to them and they told me how I could improve it.  I then made the revisions and sent it to the teacher. Shortly after I received a response from her saying she never realized the negative effects of grading so late and that she would grade earlier in the future.  She thanked me for my candidness and honesty.

As a result of this challenge, I learned a lot about solving problems.  I learned how to respectfully address problems with my elders and how to take initiative when something is negatively affecting my peers. Overall, it is better to confront issues and take a leadership role in effecting change than to sit on the sidelines and do nothing.

• Commentary:

Essays 1 and 2 are personal and do not lend themselves to a “cookie-cutter” essay solution.  Military officers do the right thing for the right reasons, all the time. It means doing the right thing whether someone is watching or not. They are loyal first to the Constitution and nation, then to the institutional Air Force, then to their units, then to their wingmen, and finally to themselves. They do not tolerate deviations from what is right from subordinates, peers, superiors, or friends. In Essay 1 if you can show that you were an ethical leader this will be a bonus compared to making an ethical decision simply on your own.  Note in this case that the student was elected by her peers to confront her teacher, a difficult decision that required courage and candor.   While not a strictly ethical issue, not confronting the problem would have made the issue worse not just for her, but for everyone in her class.  She was a selfless servant leader who was respected by her peers to fix a difficult situation.

What attributes, life experiences, unique perspectives, and/or special talents do you possess that would contribute to the classroom, student body, and/or Air Force Academy? (400 to 500 words, 3000 characters max)

Two signature strengths I have is determination and commitment–both physically and academically. I believe that these attributes will be vital in excelling at the Air Force Academy as well as something I can draw from as an officer in the United States Air Force.

My physical determination and commitment to teamwork could benefit the Air Force in a multitude of ways. One of my greatest accomplishments is summiting all 25 of the recognized high peaks in the Smoky Mountains within a month.  Moreover, I helped to lead others in accomplishing this goal.  For example,  in the first leg of this trek, I felt sore and tired but I decided to not let this show to my group so it would not hurt team morale. I continued to push forward and encourage my group along the way.  When we finally finished, I felt the satisfaction of not just knowing that I accomplished this task but also that I helped others.  I found that you gain as much satisfaction in helping others accomplish their goals as you do your own.

Continuous commitment to a team is another kind of attribute I have that I believe is a strength. I have been on my indoor and outdoor track team since middle school. When I started track in the seventh grade I was put in discus because my coach noticed the varsity team would need discus throwers in the next few years. I was hesitant at first but agreed to put my full efforts into helping the team.  I ended up liking discus and wanting and becoming good at it. My determination led me to join a discus throwers club in my free time to become better at it for my team.  Five years and seven seasons later I am still in a discus throwers club and currently am one of the top throwers in the region.

Finally, I am determined to be a successful cadet academically at the Air Force Academy. At the end of my tenth-grade year, I redoubled my efforts in academics.  All of last year I studied hard for every test, did my best on every team project and revised every assignment I could. This resulted in me having a 96 overall average for the year. I also have been accruing as many college credits as I can.  Going into my senior year I currently have 22 college credits. This year I plan on continuing the high average and college credit trend. I received a scholarship and an award as recognition from my school for my academics.

In conclusion, I am looking forward to becoming an officer candidate at the Air Force Academy and drawing from my signature strengths in order to be the best cadet, teammate, and future officer I can be.

Military officers are comfortable working in teams and they value the inherent strengths that come from teams made up of people with different backgrounds and perspectives. They are respectful of others. They are selfless and work toward the goals of the team and realize that high performing teams are characterized by common goals, shared responsibility for success, and appropriate leadership-followership relationships.

Note again that the candidate mostly emphasizes teamwork and being a member of the team in accomplishing his goals and realizing his signature strengths.  He climbed the peaks of the Great Smoky Mountains but also helped his teammates accomplish this goal. In becoming a successful discus thrower, he but did it initially because his coach asked him to and he wanted to benefit the team.  Finally, he shows that he has shortcomings in the past and is working towards getting better.  This candidate is humble and a team player—characteristics prized by the military.  He is certainly not a selfish “lone wolf.”  He ends the essay by stating again his desire to be an Air Force officer and to serve.

Please provide any additional information or background you believe will be of assistance in evaluating your application. (400 to 500 words, 3000 characters max)

The United States has granted me freedoms, rights, and opportunities for which I feel a great debt. A tangible way to honor my debt is to serve in the military. My father, who served as an Air Force officer, introduced me to the armed forces and cultivated the high regard I have for veterans. This appreciation matured through my service at Memorial Day marches and Veteran’s Day breakfasts as a Scout. These life experiences drove me to actively consider my future at the Air Force Academy.

To further my knowledge, I visited my local Air National Guard unit. There I met LtCol David Tuttle, a C-17 pilot, who detailed his experiences as a pilot as well as a squadron commander. I recognize being an officer is more than a job; it is a commitment to leadership, excellence, and selflessness, which I am driven to fulfill seriously and wholly.

While speaking with Maj Thomas Doyle, an Air Force intelligence officer who works with LtCol Tuttle, he elaborated on the value of teamwork and camaraderie espoused by the Air force. As the captain of the speech team, it is my duty to place the team before myself. I always feel more gratified in a celebratory huddle after a team win than being alone on stage after winning an individual event, and the Air Force provides a purposeful way to develop and apply my proclivity for teamwork.

In short, my duty to the United States, interactions with members of the Air Force, and a cadet lifestyle that can best shape me into a career officer are the reasons I wish to become an Air Force Academy cadet. Being awarded an opportunity to develop my capabilities in leadership, fitness, scholarship, and ethics in preparation for a career as an Air Force officer would be an honor.

The author firmly believes that what this essay should not be is a laundry list or rundown of what the applicant achieved in high school or why the applicant believes he/she is an outstanding leader. The attitude that AFA may get out of essays such as these are: “Hey, I’m a talented wonderful person and you have to select me because of my past accomplishments.”

But—how can the applicant really say this if they have no idea of what life will be like as a cadet and future officer?

What should the applicant do instead?

Do research about the Air Force, talk to officers and cadets, visit a local Air National Guard or Reserve unit, and “shadow” an officer for a few hours. Learn all one can about what the challenges are in-store at AFA and what life will be like as a future officer.

Then, when the applicant writes Statement #3, talk about those experiences in the essay. Be humble. The candidate should tell AFA that he/she did his/her due diligence to understand the challenges ahead.  Additionally, the candidate should tell AFA that he/she has prepared as best he/she can (speak to past leadership experiences) and feel confident that, based on past leadership and these visits/talks, he/she is up to the task of being an officer candidate and a future military officer.

If one writes this type of essay for Statement #3, he/she will be in the 5% category of those who have gone out of their way to actually validate the statement that they are ready to be an Air Force officer candidate.

Final Thoughts for Your USAFA Application Essays

The candidate needs to make sure the essays are well-constructed and free of organization and grammar issues. Ironically, the optional #3 essay may be the most important to fill out because you can make this essay stand out from the pack by doing the extra things like visiting an Air National Guard unit or talking with currently serving Air Force officers.  Do your best on #1 and #2 but separate yourself on Statement #3. If you do the above things, you are that much closer to a USAFA appointment!

Ready to start your USAFA application?  Begin the application process with USAFA here .

Article Contents

Examples of essays that won service academy appointments, do you need help crafting a compelling essay for service academy admissions, related posts.

See What Worked

Former Air Force Captain Trisha Dach served as an Intelligence Officer from 2011-2018. A graduate of the Air Force Academy, Trisha has helped hundreds of candidates earn a service academy appointment or ROTC scholarships, with over a 90% success rate with clients. Click here to learn more about Captain Dach.

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Home » Academy Endeavors Blog » USAFA Essay Tips: Essay #3

USAFA Essay Tips: Essay #3

Academy Endeavors provides tips on every Service Academy essay question…

USAFA #2 essay question: What attributes, life experiences, unique perspectives, and/or special talents do you possess that would contribute to the classroom, student body, and/or Air Force Academy? (3000 characters max)

AE Guidance: Ohhh the dreaded open-ended essay question. What am I supposed to do with this?

This is a great opportunity to feature something (or multiple things) about yourself that hasn’t already been mentioned.

First, read USAFA essays 1 and 2. Don’t duplicate anything they’ve already seen. Next, read your Resume, Congressional essay, or other Academy essays to see impressive stories or qualities that haven’t been mentioned yet. You could approach this as 2-3 mini-essays if they were brief.

This question can also be an opportunity to potentially address a weakness in your application. (i.e.. C+ in Chemistry, gap in extracurriculars, etc.) If you do, take responsibility, but also explain the extenuating circumstances, so it doesn’t appear like you are hiding from it.

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United States Air Force Academy Requirements for Admission

Choose your test.

What are United States Air Force Academy's admission requirements? While there are a lot of pieces that go into a college application, you should focus on only a few critical things:

• GPA requirements
• Testing requirements, including SAT and ACT requirements
• Application requirements

In this guide we'll cover what you need to get into United States Air Force Academy and build a strong application.

School location: USAF Academy, CO

This school is also known as: AFA, USAFA

Admissions Rate: 16.2%

If you want to get in, the first thing to look at is the acceptance rate. This tells you how competitive the school is and how serious their requirements are.

The acceptance rate at United States Air Force Academy is 16.2% . For every 100 applicants, only 16 are admitted.

This means the school is extremely selective . Meeting their GPA requirements and SAT/ACT requirements is very important to getting past their first round of filters and proving your academic preparation. If you don't meet their expectations, your chance of getting in is nearly zero.

After crossing this hurdle, you'll need to impress United States Air Force Academy application readers through their other application requirements, including extracurriculars, essays, and letters of recommendation. We'll cover more below.

We can help. PrepScholar Admissions is the world's best admissions consulting service. We combine world-class admissions counselors with our data-driven, proprietary admissions strategies . We've overseen thousands of students get into their top choice schools , from state colleges to the Ivy League.

We know what kinds of students colleges want to admit. We want to get you admitted to your dream schools.

Learn more about PrepScholar Admissions to maximize your chance of getting in.

United States Air Force Academy GPA Requirements

Many schools specify a minimum GPA requirement, but this is often just the bare minimum to submit an application without immediately getting rejected.

The GPA requirement that really matters is the GPA you need for a real chance of getting in. For this, we look at the school's average GPA for its current students.

Average GPA: 3.8

The average GPA at United States Air Force Academy is 3.8 .

(Most schools use a weighted GPA out of 4.0, though some report an unweighted GPA.

With a GPA of 3.8, United States Air Force Academy requires you to be near the top of your class , and well above average. Your transcript should show mostly A's. Ideally, you will also have taken several AP or IB classes to show that you can handle academics at a college level.

If you're currently a junior or senior, your GPA is hard to change in time for college applications. If your GPA is at or below the school average of 3.8, you'll need a higher SAT or ACT score to compensate . This will help you compete effectively against other applicants who have higher GPAs than you.

SAT and ACT Requirements

Each school has different requirements for standardized testing. Only a few schools require the SAT or ACT, but many consider your scores if you choose to submit them.

United States Air Force Academy SAT Requirements

Many schools say they have no SAT score cutoff, but the truth is that there is a hidden SAT requirement. This is based on the school's average score.

Average SAT: 1331

The average SAT score composite at United States Air Force Academy is a 1331 on the 1600 SAT scale.

This score makes United States Air Force Academy Moderately Competitive for SAT test scores.

United States Air Force Academy SAT Score Analysis (New 1600 SAT)

The 25th percentile SAT score is 1320, and the 75th percentile SAT score is 1470. In other words, a 1320 on the SAT places you below average, while a 1470 will move you up to above average .

Here's the breakdown of SAT scores by section:

SAT Score Choice Policy

The Score Choice policy at your school is an important part of your testing strategy.

United States Air Force Academy has the Score Choice policy of "Highest Section."

This is also known as "superscoring." This means that you can choose which SAT tests you want to send to the school. Of all the scores they receive, your application readers will consider your highest section scores across all SAT test dates you submit .

Click below to learn more about how superscoring critically affects your test strategy.

For example, say you submit the following 3 test scores:

Even though the highest total you scored on any one test date was 1000, United States Air Force Academy will take your highest section score from all your test dates, then combine them to form your Superscore. You can raise your composite score from 1000 to 1400 in this example.

This is important for your testing strategy. Because you can choose which tests to send in, and United States Air Force Academy forms your Superscore, you can take the SAT as many times as you want, then submit only the tests that give you the highest Superscore. Your application readers will only see that one score.

Therefore, if your SAT superscore is currently below a 1470, we strongly recommend that you consider prepping for the SAT and retaking it . You have a very good chance of raising your score, which will significantly boost your chances of getting in.

Even better, because of the Superscore, you can focus all your energy on a single section at a time. If your Reading score is lower than your other sections, prep only for the Reading section, then take the SAT. Then focus on Math for the next test, and so on. This will give you the highest Superscore possible.

Download our free guide on the top 5 strategies you must be using to improve your score. This guide was written by Harvard graduates and SAT perfect scorers. If you apply the strategies in this guide, you'll study smarter and make huge score improvements.

United States Air Force Academy ACT Requirements

Just like for the SAT, United States Air Force Academy likely doesn't have a hard ACT cutoff, but if you score too low, your application will get tossed in the trash.

Average ACT: 32

The average ACT score at United States Air Force Academy is 32. This score makes United States Air Force Academy Strongly Competitive for ACT scores.

The 25th percentile ACT score is 28, and the 75th percentile ACT score is 33.

Even though United States Air Force Academy likely says they have no minimum ACT requirement, if you apply with a 28 or below, you'll have a very hard time getting in, unless you have something else very impressive in your application. There are so many applicants scoring 32 and above that a 28 will look academically weak.

ACT Score Sending Policy

If you're taking the ACT as opposed to the SAT, you have a huge advantage in how you send scores, and this dramatically affects your testing strategy.

Here it is: when you send ACT scores to colleges, you have absolute control over which tests you send. You could take 10 tests, and only send your highest one. This is unlike the SAT, where many schools require you to send all your tests ever taken.

This means that you have more chances than you think to improve your ACT score. To try to aim for the school's ACT requirement of 33 and above, you should try to take the ACT as many times as you can. When you have the final score that you're happy with, you can then send only that score to all your schools.

ACT Superscore Policy

By and large, most colleges do not superscore the ACT. (Superscore means that the school takes your best section scores from all the test dates you submit, and then combines them into the best possible composite score). Thus, most schools will just take your highest ACT score from a single sitting.

We weren't able to find the school's exact ACT policy, which most likely means that it does not Superscore. Regardless, you can choose your single best ACT score to send in to United States Air Force Academy, so you should prep until you reach our recommended target ACT score of 33.

Download our free guide on the top 5 strategies you must be using to improve your score. This guide was written by Harvard graduates and ACT perfect scorers. If you apply the strategies in this guide, you'll study smarter and make huge score improvements.

SAT/ACT Writing Section Requirements

Currently, only the ACT has an optional essay section that all students can take. The SAT used to also have an optional Essay section, but since June 2021, this has been discontinued unless you are taking the test as part of school-day testing in a few states. Because of this, no school requires the SAT Essay or ACT Writing section, but some schools do recommend certain students submit their results if they have them.

United States Air Force Academy considers the SAT Essay/ACT Writing section optional and may not include it as part of their admissions consideration. You don't need to worry too much about Writing for this school, but other schools you're applying to may require it.

Final Admissions Verdict

Because this school is extremely selective, getting a high SAT/ACT score and GPA is vital to having a chance at getting in . If you don't pass their SAT/ACT and GPA requirements, they'll likely reject you without much consideration.

To have the best shot of getting in, you should aim for the 75th percentile, with a 1470 SAT or a 33 ACT . You should also have a 3.8 GPA or higher. If your GPA is lower than this, you need to compensate with a higher SAT/ACT score.

For a school as selective as United States Air Force Academy, you'll also need to impress them with the rest of your application. We'll cover those details next.

But if you apply with a score below a 1470 SAT or a 33 ACT, you unfortunately start out with the odds against you and have a tiny chance of getting in. There are just too many students with high SAT/ACT scores and strong applications, and you need to compete against them.

Admissions Calculator

Here's our custom admissions calculator. Plug in your numbers to see what your chances of getting in are. Pick your test: SAT ACT

• 80-100%: Safety school: Strong chance of getting in
• 50-80%: More likely than not getting in
• 20-50%: Lower but still good chance of getting in
• 5-20%: Reach school: Unlikely to get in, but still have a shot
• 0-5%: Hard reach school: Very difficult to get in

How would your chances improve with a better score?

Take your current SAT score and add 160 points (or take your ACT score and add 4 points) to the calculator above. See how much your chances improve?

At PrepScholar, we've created the leading online SAT/ACT prep program . We guarantee an improvement of 160 SAT points or 4 ACT points on your score, or your money back.

Here's a summary of why we're so much more effective than other prep programs:

• PrepScholar customizes your prep to your strengths and weaknesses . You don't waste time working on areas you already know, so you get more results in less time.
• We guide you through your program step-by-step so that you're never confused about what you should be studying. Focus all your time learning, not worrying about what to learn.
• Our team is made of national SAT/ACT experts . PrepScholar's founders are Harvard graduates and SAT perfect scorers . You'll be studying using the strategies that actually worked for them.
• We've gotten tremendous results with thousands of students across the country. Read about our score results and reviews from our happy customers .

There's a lot more to PrepScholar that makes it the best SAT/ACT prep program. Click to learn more about our program , or sign up for our 5-day free trial to check out PrepScholar for yourself:

Application Requirements

Every school requires an application with the bare essentials - high school transcript and GPA, application form, and other core information. Many schools, as explained above, also require SAT and ACT scores, as well as letters of recommendation, application essays, and interviews. We'll cover the exact requirements of United States Air Force Academy here.

Application Requirements Overview

• Common Application Not accepted
• Electronic Application Available
• Essay or Personal Statement Required for all freshmen
• Letters of Recommendation 1
• Interview Required
• Application Fee No fee required
• Fee Waiver Available? None
• Other Notes Authorized nomination, Candidate Fitness Assessment, medical examination required for freshmen

Testing Requirements

• SAT or ACT Required
• SAT Essay or ACT Writing Optional
• SAT Subject Tests
• Scores Due in Office None

Coursework Requirements

• Subject Required Years
• Foreign Language
• Social Studies

Deadlines and Early Admissions

• Offered? Deadline Notification
• Yes December 31 Rolling, notification begins October 15

Admissions Office Information

• Address: HQ USAFA/A9A, 12304 Cadet Drive, Suite 3800 USAF Academy, CO 80840-5025
• Phone: (800) 443-9266 x9266
• Fax: (719) 333-3012
• Email: [email protected]

Other Schools For You

If you're interested in United States Air Force Academy, you'll probably be interested in these schools as well. We've divided them into 3 categories depending on how hard they are to get into, relative to United States Air Force Academy.

Reach Schools: Harder to Get Into

These schools are have higher average SAT scores than United States Air Force Academy. If you improve your SAT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.

Same Level: Equally Hard to Get Into

If you're competitive for United States Air Force Academy, these schools will offer you a similar chance of admission.

Safety Schools: Easier to Get Into

If you're currently competitive for United States Air Force Academy, you should have no problem getting into these schools. If United States Air Force Academy is currently out of your reach, you might already be competitive for these schools.

Data on this page is sourced from Peterson's Databases © 2023 (Peterson's LLC. All rights reserved.) as well as additional publicly available sources.

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Summer Seminar FAQ

Where is the link to apply to the u.s. air force academy’s summer seminar program.

You will go through the same application portal as regular cadets when applying to Summer Seminar. Apply to the Summer Seminar.

When will I find out whether or not I was selected?

Summer Seminar selection decisions will be viewable on the application portal by the first week in April. Additional information on how to register will be sent to the student’s email on file. If selected for a Summer Seminar spot, your selection is temporary and contingent upon completing all paperwork and payment requirements by your given due date in your registration portal (same place you applied online). All forms are in the portal and online if you are selected and an email will not be sent with a link. It is your responsibility to regularly check your portal to determine completeness and acceptance into the program. If your items are not complete by the given deadline, you will be removed from the program and replaced with an alternate until the program is full.

Will I get to select which session I want to attend?

If you are selected, there will be a follow-up email requesting your preference. Our registration team does its best to meet student preferences, but there is no guarantee.

How many people are selected for each session?

Approximately 320 students are selected to attend each session.

How many students apply for the U.S. Air Force Academy’s Summer Seminar?

Selection for Summer Seminar is very competitive. For example, there are more than 3,000 applicants each year. The selection team considers the “whole-person concept” in making its final decision.

If I do not get accepted to attend Summer Seminar, will it negatively impact my application to the U.S. Air Force Academy?

No, the Summer Seminar program is for exposure only. Selection to attend is NOT a prerequisite for admission to the U.S. Air Force Academy, nor is it indicative of a candidate’s likelihood of being appointed to the U.S. Air Force Academy.

If the deadline for the application period has passed, is there any way to apply?

No, the registration period is open from December 1 through January 15 unless otherwise stated. No extensions or late applications will be accepted under any circumstances. We encourage students to apply as early as possible to ensure they complete the entire application in a timely manner.

Can I update my application after I submit it?

No, you will not be able to edit your application after it has been submitted for review.

Can I swap Summer Seminar sessions once accepted?

It is not guaranteed, but if there is another student who is willing to do a one-for-one swap between sessions, it may be considered if resources can support the change.

If I am injured prior to the beginning of my Summer Seminar session, can I still participate?

If your acceptance into the program is complete and you become injured prior to attending, you must report your injury for determination on attending the session. Failure to do so may result in you being sent home at your own expense prior to check-in. ALL students must be able to support their body weight in exercises on each limb and be able to climb stairs quickly (examples include push-ups, pull-ups, squats, jumps, running, and sit-ups on your own without support, casts, braces, etc). There will be no excusals from any event for any student.

I have a food allergy or require a special diet. Can I still attend?

No food, dietary or allergy accommodations will be made for Summer Seminar attendees. The dining hall is NOT a nut- or allergy-free facility, and meals are served to the table and passed around family-style. If you have concerns regarding these issues, please call or email the Summer Seminar contacts before applying for inquiries.

Does the likelihood of acceptance depend on how early I submit the application?

Every application will be considered equally after the final deadline, regardless of the date it was submitted. We encourage you to take the time to submit a thorough application.

When can I begin buying plane tickets and transportation to the U.S. Air Force Academy?

Once you receive a notification of selection and confirmation for the session for which you are registered, you can begin to coordinate travel plans to the U.S. Air Force Academy. For further guidance, refer to the instructions manual provided after selection.

I cannot find flights to Colorado Springs. Can I fly into Denver?

If you fly into Denver, commercial shuttles are available from the Denver International Airport to the Colorado Springs Airport, but arrangements and expenses are the responsibility of the attendee(s). Transportation directly to Arnold Hall may be coordinated by an attendee, particularly for late arrivals.

What does it mean if I am placed on the wait list?

If you are placed on the Summer Seminar wait list, you are still being considered for attendance to the program. Should another attendee forfeit his or her acceptance, the next individual on the wait list will be invited to Summer Seminar as soon as possible. Wait-list invitations will end at least two weeks prior to the session start date.

United States Naval Academy (USNA) Essay Prompts and Tips    

September 27, 2023

With an acceptance rate of just 10%, getting into the United States Naval Academy and officially becoming a midshipman in Annapolis is no easy task. After all, how many colleges require a nomination from a member of Congress? Those brave young men and women who choose to navigate a supremely challenging admissions process do so in order to later dedicate a portion of their adult lives to serving their country. This blog will offer admissions-related advice on how to approach the lone, two-part USNA essay.

(Want to learn more about How to Get Into the United States Naval Academy? Visit our blog entitled:  How to Get Into the US Naval Academy: Admissions Data and Strategies  for all of the most recent admissions data as well as tips for gaining acceptance.)

When applying to an institution like the Naval Academy that rejects more than 9 of every 10 applicants, you need to put maximum effort into every area of the application, including the supplemental essays. Below are the USNA’s required supplemental prompts for the 2023-24 admissions cycle along with our advice for composing a winning essay.

US Naval Academy Essay Prompt – Part 1

The USNA only requires one essay, but you need to cover two very distinct topics in one place. We will explore these two distinct questions in two separate sections of this blog. However, we want to stress that both need to be covered in the same limited number of words, as the official directions indicate:

In a well-organized essay, please discuss both of the following:

(1) Describe what led to your initial interest in the naval service and how the Naval Academy will help you achieve your long-range goals, and (CONTINUED LATER IN THE BLOG)… …

It may be helpful to view this portion of the prompt as a higher-stakes version of the typical “Why Us?” college essay. In that category of essay, an applicant is tasked with telling their story of how they decided that ______ University was the perfect school for them. They may write about particular academic programs, courses, professors, research opportunities, internships/co-ops, study abroad programs, and student-run organizations that they will take advantage of once on campus.

Similarly, the USNA wants to see that you have done your homework and are 100% committed to life as a Naval officer. This should be a highly-personal story that demonstrates your maturity, commitment, and readiness to commit to a life in the Navy. Ultimately, joining the Navy is not a decision that anyone should make lightly and the folks in Annapolis will want to see evidence of specific experiences that led you to this conclusion.

For example, perhaps you have:

• Had multiple conversations with a recruiting officer. Share what you learned.
• Participated in NJROTC as an adolescent/young adult.
• Had in-depth discussions with family members or non-family family members who served in the Navy or Armed Forces.

Items you could share related to the long-term goals can include:

• Talk about your intended major at the USNA. Whether you are interested in political science, aerospace engineering, chemistry, or cyber/electronic operations and warfare, explain how your area of study fits into your long-range goals.
• Discuss where you see your career in the Navy taking you. You may also want to touch upon post-Navy aims.

US Naval Academy Essay Prompt – Part 2

(2) Describe a personal experience you have had which you feel has contributed to your own character development and integrity.

To begin, it’s important to think about what type of specific words we can use to identify your particular character development. The following list may help your brainstorming efforts:

• Perspective
• Open-mindedness
• Self-regulation
• Emotional/social intelligence
• Persistence
• Enthusiasm and vigor
• Adaptability

Next, you want to chronicle a singular personal experience that led you to grow in one or more of these character-related areas. Use your life experience to show rather than tell the Naval Academy how you have grown into a person of high integrity. Examples can come from a job, school projects, athletics, NJROTC, or a family experience. In short, the thing to keep in mind here is the Latin quote “Facta, non verba” which translates to “Deeds, not words.”

How important are the essays at the United States Naval Academy?

Overall, the USNA lists nine factors as being “very important” to the admissions committee: GPA, class rank, the interview, extracurricular activities, character/personal qualities, the rigor of your secondary school record, the level of demonstrated interest, recommendations, and—most relevant to this blog—the application essays.

Want personalized assistance?

Lastly, if you are interested in working with one of College Transitions’ experienced and knowledgeable essay coaches as you craft your Naval Academy essays, we encourage you to get a quote  today.

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The 2021-2022 Common App Essay Prompts Are Here

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What’s Covered:

2021-2022 common app prompts, what has changed, tips for writing your common app essay.

• How to Get Your Essay Reviewed for Free

The Common App recently released their essay prompts for the 2021-2022 admissions cycle, and unlike the past several years, the prompts are not the same as before.

In this post, we’ll go over the prompts, the changes, and tips for writing a strong Common App essay.

Here is a list of the prompts for this cycle. While they are largely unchanged, Prompt #4 is different this year (which is kind of a big deal, considering that the prompts have been the same since 2017).

Prompt #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.

Prompt #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?

Prompt #3: Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?

Prompt #4 (NEW): 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?

Prompt #5: Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.

Prompt #6: 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?

Prompt #7: 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.

As usual, there are six prompts, with the seventh allowing you to write on a topic of your choice. The prompts are all the same except for Prompt #4. 

Here’s a side-by-side of the old and new versions of the prompt.

Before: Describe a problem you’ve solved or a problem you’d like to solve. It can be an intellectual challenge, a research query, an ethical dilemma – anything that is of personal importance, no matter the scale. Explain its significance to you and what steps you took or could be taken to identify a solution.

After: 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?

While all Common App essays should be personal, the old prompt was more “scientific” and analytical than the new one. The focus of the essay was a problem, its relevance to your life, and how you found a solution (or how you would find a solution).

The theme of the new prompt is gratitude, and it is inherently more reflective than the old prompt, as the focus is a personal story. The new prompt is likely to apply to more students, but there are some potential tripwires to keep in mind.

A common mistake is to spend too much time elaborating on the “thing” that was done, or on the person who did it. While you should absolutely provide some context, the essay should mainly be about you and how this event impacted your life.

It’s also important to note that the prompt asks for an act that “made you happy or thankful in a surprising way. ” Admissions officers don’t want just a classic feel good story about an act of kindness. This act of kindness can be small or significant, but it should have a relatively big impact on your life that you may not have expected. The act itself may have also been surprising, or maybe your response to it was the unexpected part. 

While this prompt may seem straightforward, it’s actually encouraging a reflection on a nuanced situation. Some examples of good topics would be: 

• Your friend signs you up for robotics even though you didn’t want to join at first, but then you discover a love for programming and want to use it to help build medical devices and prosthetics.
• Your parents don’t approve of your artistic pursuits due to their immigrant background and desire for stability in “practical” careers, but after years of showing no interest in your art, they attend your gallery opening. This leads to a mutual understanding and inspires you to create art based on your parents’ struggles.

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Our free chancing engine takes into account your history, background, test scores, and extracurricular activities to show you your real chances of admission—and how to improve them.

1. Get a head start

The topics are out, so you should consider drafting your Common App essay before the rush of the fall semester. Once senior year begins, you’ll be dealing with schoolwork, supplemental essays, extracurriculars, and other responsibilities. Your Common App essay will go to most, if not all, of the schools on your list, so it’s important that you take the time to write, edit, and get feedback on your essay. 

Read our ultimate guide to the Common App essay (which will soon be updated with the new prompt) and take a look at some strong essay examples to get a better idea of what admissions officers are looking for.

2. Know what topics are good, and which ones to avoid

There are two ways to brainstorm your essay. You can either pick a prompt that resonates with you and look for a matching story from your life, or come up with a story essential to who you are and find a prompt to match.

Keep in mind that there are some essay topics to avoid, however. Some cliche college essay topics include:

• Sports injury story
• Working hard in a challenging class
• Immigrant story
• Tragedy (death, divorce, illness)
• Volunteer trip
• Your religion
• Romantic relationships
• Family pressure to pursue a particular field

In general, these topics are bad because they’re extremely common and too often focus on the event itself rather than you and your personality. This doesn’t mean you can’t cover these topics, but it’s very difficult to do so in an effective way (see the post linked above for tips on how to revamp these cliche topics).

On the flip side, some good topic ideas are:

• A unique extracurricular activity or passion
• An activity or interest that contrasts heavily with your profile
• A seemingly insignificant moment that speaks to larger themes within your life
• Using an everyday experience or object as a metaphor to explore your life and personality
• An in the moment narrative that tells the story of a important moment in your life

These topics are much broader and allow for greater creativity. 

3. Answer the 4 core questions

The point of the Common App essay is to humanize your application and put a face to your transcript. That’s a tall order for only 650 words max! 

To make sure you’re sharing the fullest range possible of who you are, try to answer these four core questions in your essay:

• Why Am I Here?
• What is Unique About Me?
• What Matters to Me?

4. Consider the different college essay structures

The Common App essay is a piece of creative storytelling, and not your typical analytical paper for school. You don’t necessarily want to write an essay with the standard introduction, thesis, and supporting body paragraphs. 

How should you structure your essay, then? Here are a few ideas:

• In-the-moment narrative: Take us to a specific moment in time and share your story as it’s unfolding, using this moment as a segue into broader themes of your life.
• Narrative told over an extended period of time: This structure allows you to cover several experiences, and is well-suited for those looking to highlight their long-term development.
• Series of anecdotes, or montage: Use several scenes (that aren’t necessarily related or chronological) to highlight an element of your life or personality.

There are also unconventional essay structures that you may consider, such as writing a movie script or a poem. These are high risk, but also high reward if executed correctly.

Learn more about essay structures and see examples in our blog post.

5. Show, don’t tell

One common mistake students make is to simply state what happened in their essay, rather than to use storytelling techniques like imagery and dialogue. To keep your essay as engaging as possible, you need to bring us to these experiences and allow us to be there with you, rather than telling us what happened. 

Here’s an example of telling: “Running a half marathon was a challenge.”

And here’s an example of showing: “My shoe became untied at mile 11, so I paused and bent over to lace it back up. Pain shot through my lower back. I grimaced and let out an audible groan.”

Where to Get Your Essay Edited for Free

Once you clear the academic threshold for selective schools, your essays and extracurriculars are the deciding factors for admissions officers. In fact, your essays and extracurriculars matter almost as much as grades and test scores at top schools. Why is this? Most students applying to top schools will have stellar academics. Your essays and extracurriculars are your chance to stand out and share your personality.

This is especially true for the Common App essay, as the prompts invite reflection and personal storytelling. It’s vital that your essay is engaging and presents you as someone who would enrich the campus community.

Before submitting your application, you should have someone else review your Common App essay. It’s even better if that person doesn’t know you personally, as they can best tell whether your personality shines through your essay. 

That’s why we created our Peer Essay Review tool , where you can get a free review of your essay from another student. You can also improve your own writing skills by reviewing other students’ essays. We highly recommend giving this tool a try!

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Atlas Shrugged  is a mystery novel like no other. You enter a world where scientists, entrepreneurs, artists, and inventors are inexplicably vanishing—where the world is crumbling.

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Jacob Fisher

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Stanford, California

United States

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Regis University

Denver, Colorado

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University of Illinois

Chicago, Illinois

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St. John’s College

Annapolis, Maryland

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Notre Dame, Indiana

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2022-2023 Common App Essay Prompts

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The Common App essay prompts will remain the same for 2022-2023. Because as we enter the third year of a global pandemic, consistency is not a bad thing.

That’s not the only reason, of course. We know from our most recent survey on the topic that over 95% of every group who responded--students, counselors, teachers, and admission officers--agree that the prompts spark effective essays. That’s why we kept them the same last year as well, with the exception of adding a new one about gratitude .

As we’ve said in the past, this announcement is not an invitation to juniors to start writing. And it’s definitely not a signal that they start thinking about applying. Those things will come in time. We share this news in January because it’s when some schools begin conversations about college options. It’s a time for learning, reflecting, and planning. That’s where the prompts can be useful: in helping students understand the aspects of their lives that colleges are curious about. 

"We share this news in January because it’s when some schools begin conversations about college options. It’s a time for learning, reflecting, and planning. That’s where the prompts can be useful: in helping students understand the aspects of their lives that colleges are curious about." Scott Anderson, Senior Director, Common App

Something else we’ve said in the past: prompts are not topics. They are simply questions designed to spark thinking. Our Telling Your Story resource shows students just how much flexibility they have in what they write when the time comes.

Below is the full set of essay prompts for 2022-2023. We will also retain the optional COVID-19 question within the Additional Information section.

• 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.
• 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?
• Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?
• 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?
• Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.
• 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?
• 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.

News and updates

Washington State University applications surge with help from Common App

Common App announces 2024–2025 Common App essay prompts

New research: First-generation definitions and their implications

Trying to figure out if the common app essay prompts are any different this year? Well, we’re here to answer all of the questions you may have. We’re going to give you, a college student to be, as much guidance on how to approach the common app essay as possible. Learn what the prompts are, what the most popular one is, and how to use them effectively.

Are the essay prompts 2022-23 different from the Common App essay prompts 2021-22?

The common app essay prompts are here and there are no surprises this year! All of the prompts are exactly the same as last year. There are seven essay topics to choose from. These essay prompts are here to help you navigate a 650-word essay that complies with different topics, tones, styles, and subjects.

What’s new in Common App essay prompts for 2022-23?

The common app college essay plays a vital role in your application process to get into elite and ivy league colleges. As stated before, there are no new prompts this year. The common app essay prompts are as follows:

• 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.
• 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?
• Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?
• 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?
• Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.
• 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?
• 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.

College Admissions 101: Common App vs. Coalition App

Click here to read more

Which Common App prompts are the most popular?

The common application essay prompts that were most popular according to common app analytics are prompt 7: the choose your own topic, prompt 5: Explain an accomplishment, and coming in third prompt 2: a setback or failure.

The admission officers are finding that these prompts are usually the most common because they can be very relatable topics. Though this is your chance to stand out among the other applicants, so be original with your personal statement.

Should you choose the most popular prompts?

When you are choosing the new prompt for your personal essay you should consider what will make you stand out. Choosing the most popular prompt is less likely for you to impress the admissions committee. Go through the common app prompts and choose the best one for you based on your life experiences.

All 2022-2033 class college essay prompts in Common App

Now we’re going to go through the college application essay prompts and answer common app essay questions you may have. Our goal is to give you the additional information that you are looking for.

Prompt 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.

This prompt offers an opportunity to engage with your favorite extracurricular or academic subject, and it allows you to weave a narrative that displays personal growth in that area. An essay that displays your personality and a unique interest can be attention-grabbing.

Prompt 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?

This prompt lends itself to consideration of what facets of your personality allow you to overcome adversity. While it’s okay to choose a relatively mundane “failure” such as not winning an award, another (perhaps more powerful) tactic is to write about a foundational failure and assess its impact on your development thereafter.

Prompt 3: Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?

This prompt is the hardest one to answer because most high schoolers haven’t participated in the types of iconoclastic protests against societal ills that turn themselves to an awe-inspiring response.

An alternative here could be to discuss a time that you went against social norms, whether it was by becoming friends with someone who seemed like an outcast or by proudly showing off a geeky passion.

Prompt 4: 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?

While this prompt may seem to be asking a simple question, your answer has the potential to provide deep insights into who you are to the admissions committee. Explaining what you are grateful for can show them your culture, your community, your philosophical outlook on the world, and what makes you agitated.

Prompt 5: Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.

This prompt is expansive in that you can choose any accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked personal growth or new understanding. A fairly simple prompt that you have the chance to make your own and impress the college admissions officers.

Prompt 6: 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?

This prompt is great if you want to expand and deepen a seemingly small or simple idea, topic, or concept. For example, you could talk about trees. Maybe you grew up in the country or would always go to the park. This can translate to a deeper meaning, your love for nature grows and you end up wanting to be an environmental biologist.

Prompt 7: 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.

This prompt allows you to express what you want to express if it doesn’t align directly with the other prompts. While this prompt is very open-ended, it doesn’t mean you can adapt any essay you’ve written and think it will suffice. Make sure to do some brainstorming and incorporate an out-of-the-box essay that will help you stand out.

How many Common App essays are required?

When you use the common app, you only have to write one essay based on the prompts above and it will qualify for all the colleges that are associated with the app. This will be most of the colleges that you apply to, but double-check before applying!

What makes a great Common App essay?

The best way to make your essay great is to ensure that you are making a deep personal connection. Think about the people who will be reading your essay; These college admission officers are reading hundreds of essays so make sure yours is the one that stands out. If they feel connected to your essay, you are most likely going to get accepted.

Key takeaways about answering the Common App questions

Now that you know the common app essay prompts are the same as last year, you can conduct proper research to make yours the best one yet. Remember to stay personal and original within your writing and follow our other essay tips to help you out.

Need professional college application essay help? Contact Prepory

Our college admissions experts are here to guide you from where you are to where you should be. Through our comprehensive curriculum, individualized coaching, and online workshops, you are set for success as soon as you connect with us.

Are Common App essay prompts the same every year?

For the most part, the common app essay prompts stay the same. However, every few years they change out a couple of the prompts.

What happens if you go over the Common App essay prompts word limit?

There is no strict word limit when you write a common app essay although they do recommend that you stay around 650 words. If you are to go over the word count, the admissions officers will continue to read, but they may not finish your essay if it is too long.

What should you avoid in your Common App essay?

The main thing that you should avoid when writing your personal statement essay is to not rehash your academic and extracurricular accomplishments. Avoid starting with a preamble and ending with a “happily ever after” conclusion.

Can you lie in your college essay?

While writing your essay, there's no need to stretch the truth. The essay is your chance to let your voice come through your application: don't waste it on lies. Your first thought when brainstorming ideas should not be about how legendary or heartbreaking your essay can be.

Are college essays kept private? Who can see my Common App college essay?

Yes, they are kept private. The only person that can see your essay is the person reviewing your application, and they are bound legally to keep your information private.

• April 5, 2021
• College Admissions , Common App

How To Answer Common App Essay Prompts: 2022-23

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USAFA Summer Seminar Essay Help

• Thread starter mcallister
• Start date Jan 8, 2022
• Jan 8, 2022

I am applying to Summer Seminar at USAFA. However, I am stuck at the essay prompt: Do you have any personal life experiences where you have overcome adversity or challenges that have shaped you into the person you are today? . I faced adversity in my childhood pertaining to my parents both being in and out of jail/prison and how it was extremely hard on me but I managed to work hard in school and plan on going to a top school like USAFA. I'm not sure if I should write about that because I don't want the tone to be "poor me". I do have another topic I could write about which is about me getting cyberbullied horrendously on a college essay platform a couple of months ago and how I managed to put that behind me and continue to focus on college applications. It would mean the world to me for some feedback on this. Thank you!!  

Cyberbullied on a college essay platform a couple of months ago likely has not shaped you into the person you are today nearly as much as growing up with parents in and out of jail.  

Personally, I think you could write about how your parents being in and out of jail has shaped you without it sounding like you want them to feel sorry for you. I would just make the main focus be about how you took a negative situation and used it as motivation to work hard in school and set big goals for yourself.  

Sparky233 said: Personally, I think you could write about how your parents being in and out of jail has shaped you without it sounding like you want them to feel sorry for you. I would just make the main focus be about how you took a negative situation and used it as motivation to work hard in school and set big goals for yourself. Click to expand...

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Howard University’s 2023-24 Essay Prompts

Common app personal essay.

The essay demonstrates your ability to write clearly and concisely on a selected topic and helps you distinguish yourself in your own voice. What do you want the readers of your application to know about you apart from courses, grades, and test scores? Choose the option that best helps you answer that question and write an essay of no more than 650 words, using the prompt to inspire and structure your response. Remember: 650 words is your limit, not your goal. Use the full range if you need it, but don‘t feel obligated to do so.

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.

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?

Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?

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?

Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.

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?

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.

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