A common application essay prompt is:

Describe a time when you overcame a challenge.

How did you approach the situation?

What did you learn from the experience?

This prompt can be approached in a variety of ways. You could discuss a time when you faced a difficult academic challenge and how you worked to overcome it. You could talk about a personal challenge and how you developed resilience in the face of adversity. You could also discuss a time when you had to make a difficult decision and how you navigated the situation. No matter what you choose to write about, make sure to focus on the lessons you learned and how you grew as a result of the experience.