THERE ARE SEVEN PROMPTS PROVIDED BY THE COMMON APPLICATION.

Prompt #7 examined

Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one
you’ve already written, one that responds to a different prompt,
or one of your own design. 

If you’ve already written an essay of which you are proud, dust
it off and take another look. Does it tell an admissions officer
something important about you? If not, start over. Don’t take a
shortcut just to avoid the investment of time. Your college
essay can be the deciding factor in being admitted to the
college of your choice.

Put the time into it so you know you’ve
tried your hardest to make your dream come true.