b'36Activity:Brainstorm and Write Your EssayUsing a prompt from the Common App, this activity demonstrates the process for brainstorming your response to your chosen essay prompt.PromptSome students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe theirapplication would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.Choose Your ThemeFor each topic (background, identity, interest, or talent) listed in the prompt, brainstorm how that theme makes you uniquely you. Then choose the theme that is most important to you.Background(e.g., I emigrated to the U.S. five years ago):__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Identity(e.g., I am deaf):__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Interest(e.g., I am passionate about oceanography):__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Talent(e.g., I am captain of the basketball team):__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Reflect on Your ThemeConnect your theme with the attributes that make you a strong candidate by reflecting on how they shaped you.1. How does your theme define you?_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________2. Are there specific ways your theme changed you?_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________3. How does your themeand the story you tell about itreflect the unique contributions you could maketo a college or university?_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Tell Your StoryNow, on a separate piece of paper or using a computer, compose an essay that gives insight into who you are and how your theme has shaped youyour strengths, abilities, passions, and dreams. Remember, this is a personal statement, not an academic essay.Find the complete list of Common App essay prompts at www.commonapp.org/apply/essay-prompts.'