
How To Choose The Right Common App Personal Statement Prompt
From College Planning Simplified by Stephanie D'Souza
May 14, 2026 · 43 min
About this episode
Jamie Pack discusses how to effectively write a Common App personal statement that reveals a student's character.
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Jamie Pack, Director of Content at Advantage College Planning helps break down what the Common App personal statement is really for, then she walks prompt by prompt through how students can write an essay that reveals character instead of chasing the “most impressive” story. We focus on voice, tone, and reflection so admissions readers finish your essay feeling like they’ve met a real person they want to know. We also cover: • Why colleges use the essay to un...
People in this episode
Host: Stephanie D'Souza
Guest: Jamie Pack
Topics covered
- college admissions
- personal statement
- essay writing
- student voice
- college planning
Keywords
- Common App
- personal statement
- college essay
- admissions
- student character
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Advantage College Planning
Books & works: Common App personal statement
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