How To Answer The 2025/26 Common App Essay Prompts
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And how can you master it to boost your chances at Ivy League, Stanford, MIT, or other world-class universities? Let’s break it down, with key tips from Crimson’s admissions experts who’ve supported thousands of MENA students just like you.
The Common Application is a centralized college admissions platform used by over 1,000 universities in the United States. Instead of filling out separate applications for each school, you can submit one core application to multiple colleges — and customize parts of it for each university.
But here’s the catch: while the platform is “common,” your application needs to stand out.
MENA students face unique challenges:
That’s why understanding and optimizing the Common App is your secret weapon.
Bonus Tip: MENA students often write about identity, cross-cultural experience, or family expectations — these can be powerful, but make sure they're personal and reflective, not cliché.
Applying to US universities from the MENA region is a bold and exciting move — and the Common App is your ticket to unlocking global opportunities. But to stand out, you need to approach it like a strategy game, not just a form.
The good news? You don’t have to do it alone.
Crimson Education has helped MENA students gain admission to Harvard, Stanford, Yale, MIT, and more. Whether you need essay support, extracurricular planning, or full application strategy — we’re here to help.
Book a free consultation with an Academic Advisor. Get expert, personalized guidance to make your US university application truly unforgettable.