Common App Prompt 4 invites students to reflect on an experience that sparked gratitude and how it has influenced their personal growth. The full prompt reads:
“Reflect on something that someone has done for you that has made you happy or thankful in a surprising way. How has this gratitude affected or motivated you?”
This prompt is a great opportunity for students to showcase humility, appreciation, and self-awareness—qualities that universities value highly. However, while gratitude is a universal emotion, writing about it in a compelling and meaningful way requires careful thought. The best responses don’t just describe a moment of appreciation; they explore how gratitude transformed the student’s mindset, priorities, or actions.
Breaking Down the Prompt
This essay has two key components:
- Describe a moment of gratitude – This should be a specific instance where someone’s kindness, support, or generosity made an impact. It could be a family member’s sacrifice, a teacher’s encouragement, a friend’s unexpected help, or even an act of kindness from a stranger.
- Explain the effect of this gratitude – Admissions officers want to see personal growth, motivation, or a shift in perspective. How did this experience change the way you view life, treat others, or approach challenges?
A strong essay will go beyond simply thanking someone and instead show how gratitude has influenced your actions and character development.
Four Strong Essay Ideas
1. A Mentor’s Encouragement That Changed Everything
Imagine a student who struggled with confidence in public speaking. A teacher took the time to encourage them, helping them refine their skills and ultimately motivating them to join the debate team. In this essay, the student might reflect on how that encouragement sparked self-confidence and a willingness to take risks, ultimately shaping their approach to new opportunities.
This essay works because it demonstrates personal growth, resilience, and how gratitude fuels ambition.
2. A Parent’s Sacrifice and Realization of Hard Work
Many students only fully appreciate their parents’ sacrifices as they grow older. A student could write about realizing the financial or personal sacrifices their parent made to support their education. This realization might have motivated them to work harder, take academics seriously, or give back to their family in some way.
This type of essay resonates because it highlights maturity, responsibility, and emotional depth—qualities that admissions officers value.
3. An Unexpected Act of Kindness from a Stranger
Sometimes, small moments leave a big impact. A student might write about an experience where a stranger’s unexpected kindness changed their outlook—perhaps someone paid for their groceries when they forgot their wallet, or a passerby helped them during a tough moment. This essay could explore how that moment reshaped their view of human kindness and inspired them to pay it forward.
This essay works well because it focuses on perspective shifts and personal values, which are important aspects of character development.
4. A Friend Who Showed Up When It Mattered Most
A student struggling with personal challenges might write about a friend who supported them during a difficult time. This essay could explore how gratitude for that friendship inspired them to become a better friend themselves, to prioritize relationships, or even to advocate for mental health awareness.
This kind of essay is powerful because it highlights emotional intelligence, personal connection, and leadership through empathy.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
-
Making the Essay About Someone Else
The focus of the essay should be on you, not just the person you’re grateful for. If the essay spends too much time describing what the other person did and not enough time exploring your reaction, it will miss the point. -
Writing a Thank-You Letter Instead of a Story
This essay is not just about expressing appreciation—it’s about how gratitude transformed your mindset and actions. The best essays tell a compelling story and connect it to growth and motivation. -
Choosing a Generic or Overused Topic
Many students write about gratitude for parents or teachers, which can be great if done well, but admissions officers read a lot of these. To stand out, focus on a specific moment of gratitude and how it changed you rather than just broadly appreciating someone. -
Lacking a Clear Takeaway
At the end of the essay, admissions officers should understand why this moment of gratitude mattered and how it continues to influence your life. Without this, the essay may feel incomplete.
Why This Essay Matters
Universities are looking for students who are self-aware, emotionally intelligent, and capable of growth. Reflecting on gratitude demonstrates these qualities in a way that’s deeply personal. Studies have shown that practicing gratitude improves mental health, motivation, and resilience—all traits that universities seek in applicants.
A well-written response to this prompt shows that a student has the ability to recognize the value of others, learn from their experiences, and apply those lessons to their own life. This makes them a more appealing candidate because universities want students who will contribute to their community in positive and meaningful ways.
Take Control of Your Application with MyEduPathways
Crafting an authentic and compelling personal statement requires thoughtful reflection and expert guidance. At MyEduPathways, we help students find their unique voice, refine their essays, and stand out in the competitive admissions process.
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