Community Essay

A Community Essay is a type of personal essay that applicants often encounter in college applications, where they’re asked to reflect on a community they belong to, how it has shaped them, and their role within it. The purpose of this essay is to reveal aspects of the applicant’s identity, values, and interpersonal skills, beyond their academic and professional achievements.

In a Community Essay, “community” can be interpreted broadly—it doesn’t have to be a traditional concept like a neighborhood or cultural group. Instead, it can encompass any group the applicant feels a meaningful connection with, such as a sports team, a club, a family dynamic, or even an online community. What’s important is not just identifying the community, but explaining why it’s significant to the applicant’s personal development and values.

Successful Community Essays often highlight specific experiences that illustrate the applicant’s role within the community and how their involvement has influenced them. This type of essay gives insight into how the applicant interacts with others, what they care about, and how they contribute to collective goals or support. Admissions committees use this essay to understand how applicants might contribute to the campus environment, bringing their unique perspectives and backgrounds.

Overall, the Community Essay is a powerful opportunity for applicants to demonstrate self-awareness, a commitment to others, and a sense of belonging, all of which are qualities that colleges value.