When applying to most colleges in the United States, you will have to write essays for each college based on a specific prompt that they give you.

Common college essays prompts are:

• Why us - colleges ask you why you want to attend their college

• Why do you want to attend this university - colleges ask you what you would contribute to their school, sometimes included in “Why us” essay

• Personal essay - all students write this: you usually talk about a challenge you faced, or some important event or characteristic

• Why this major - talk about why you want to get a degree in whatever subject you choose