Some schools offer detailed rules while others offer limited guidance or none at all.Gorodenkoff / Getty Images fileAug. 12, 2026, 2:22 PM EDTBy Sophia KomanThe Common App personal statement essay has long been a standard requirement in most college applications. For Sage Gonzalez, it was an essay she chose to write, since Northwestern University no longer requires it. Just a moment.We are getting your experience ready.