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When should you start writing your college essays?
I'm going to be a junior after this summer and I'm wondering if I should start drafting my college essays right now.
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Valerie’s Answer
It is terrific that you are thinking about this already! Well done.
The summer of Senior year is when I'd write actual essay HOWEVER, it doesn't hurt now to start brainstorming possible topics. You will want a topic that is distinctly you, truly expressing an area of interest or personal experience. Remember, college admissions counselors are trying to get a feel for what makes you - YOU.
So try doing a "brain dump" - on a sheet of paper, write down any experience or area of interest you have. Then try writing a few details about each - 2-3 bullets. See which of the topics give you the most content to work with ahead of topic selection and drafting. Which topics come most easily and have the most "story" to tell.
Good luck!
The summer of Senior year is when I'd write actual essay HOWEVER, it doesn't hurt now to start brainstorming possible topics. You will want a topic that is distinctly you, truly expressing an area of interest or personal experience. Remember, college admissions counselors are trying to get a feel for what makes you - YOU.
So try doing a "brain dump" - on a sheet of paper, write down any experience or area of interest you have. Then try writing a few details about each - 2-3 bullets. See which of the topics give you the most content to work with ahead of topic selection and drafting. Which topics come most easily and have the most "story" to tell.
Good luck!
Thank you!
Vadum
Updated
Paul’s Answer
Hello Sarah,
The ideal moment to dive into your college essays is right when your professor unveils the assignment. Aiming to begin your writing process about 3 weeks or a month ahead of the essay's deadline would be a fantastic strategy. The initial 2 weeks of this period can be dedicated to crafting your essay, while the remaining time can be used for editing and perfecting it. Starting your essay just a week and a half before the deadline might not yield the best results, as quality work requires time. Another thing worth noting that the most suitable time to hand in your essay is exactly on the due date - these assignments aren't meant to be turned in early. The day before your essay is due, take some time to proofread it. Then, just a few minutes before you submit it, give it one last check. This way, you'll ensure that your work is the best it can be!
The ideal moment to dive into your college essays is right when your professor unveils the assignment. Aiming to begin your writing process about 3 weeks or a month ahead of the essay's deadline would be a fantastic strategy. The initial 2 weeks of this period can be dedicated to crafting your essay, while the remaining time can be used for editing and perfecting it. Starting your essay just a week and a half before the deadline might not yield the best results, as quality work requires time. Another thing worth noting that the most suitable time to hand in your essay is exactly on the due date - these assignments aren't meant to be turned in early. The day before your essay is due, take some time to proofread it. Then, just a few minutes before you submit it, give it one last check. This way, you'll ensure that your work is the best it can be!
Thank you, Paul!
Vadum
Updated
Sony’s Answer
In recent years most of the colleges are not considering test scores as one of the criteria for admitting into colleges, which means essay requirement for college application has become even more important. Well written essay reflects who you are and what you believe in.
Its not necessary to start beginning of the junior year but it won't hurt if you start putting your thoughts together from now. Summer before senior year is good time to start writing your college admission essay's. it takes good 6-7 weeks of time to come up with your final version. ( brainstorming, write, edit, draft versions..etc). Aim to finish before your Senior year starts, This will help you not to conflict with your homework and other school activities.
Best of Luck !
Its not necessary to start beginning of the junior year but it won't hurt if you start putting your thoughts together from now. Summer before senior year is good time to start writing your college admission essay's. it takes good 6-7 weeks of time to come up with your final version. ( brainstorming, write, edit, draft versions..etc). Aim to finish before your Senior year starts, This will help you not to conflict with your homework and other school activities.
Best of Luck !
Thank you so much!
Vadum
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
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James Constantine’s Answer
Dear Sarah,
A Step-by-Step Guide to Timing Your College Essays
For proactive students such as Sarah, who are ready to dive into the college application journey, it's crucial to grasp the timeline for crafting college essays. The following sections will shed light on Sarah's query, "When is the best time to start writing my college essays?"
## The Ideal Timeline
The college application journey usually kicks off in the latter half of a student's final year in high school. Nevertheless, it's advantageous to start brainstorming and drafting college essays as early as feasible. For students like Sarah, initiating the process in the summer before their junior year can be an excellent strategy to stay ahead of the curve.
## Advantages of Early Drafting
Less Stress: Starting the essay-writing journey earlier can help mitigate stress and avoid last-minute scrambles.
Sufficient Time for Revision: Early drafting paves the way for numerous rounds of revision, leading to a refined final essay.
Chance for Feedback: An early start allows ample time to seek advice from teachers, counselors, and mentors.
## Discovering Your Story
College essays present students with an opportunity to highlight their unique voices and personalities. Brainstorming potential topics during the summer before junior year can aid students in discovering their story and shaping their narrative. This process might involve:
Reflecting on personal experiences and achievements.
Identifying what makes them distinctive or remarkable.
Contemplating how their story aligns with each college’s values and mission.
## Grasping Prompts and Requirements
Each college has its unique set of essay prompts and requirements. Getting acquainted with these prompts early can help ensure that the essay covers all required elements and aligns with the college's expectations. Keeping abreast of any changes in prompts or requirements is vital throughout the application journey.
## Juggling Essay Writing with Academics and Extracurriculars
While it's crucial to kickstart the essay-writing journey early, it's equally vital to sustain academic performance and extracurricular participation. Striking a balance between these responsibilities can help ensure a comprehensive application that showcases both academic prowess and personal development. Students should reserve time for essay writing in their schedules without overlooking other facets of their high school journey.
In summary, while specific deadlines fluctuate based on the college and application cycle, initiating the college essay writing journey early—potentially as early as the summer before junior year—can yield numerous advantages for students like Sarah. By discovering their story, grasping prompts and requirements, and juggling essay writing with academics and extracurriculars, students can craft a polished and persuasive college essay that stands out in the application process.
Stay Blessed!
James Constantine Frangos.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Timing Your College Essays
For proactive students such as Sarah, who are ready to dive into the college application journey, it's crucial to grasp the timeline for crafting college essays. The following sections will shed light on Sarah's query, "When is the best time to start writing my college essays?"
## The Ideal Timeline
The college application journey usually kicks off in the latter half of a student's final year in high school. Nevertheless, it's advantageous to start brainstorming and drafting college essays as early as feasible. For students like Sarah, initiating the process in the summer before their junior year can be an excellent strategy to stay ahead of the curve.
## Advantages of Early Drafting
Less Stress: Starting the essay-writing journey earlier can help mitigate stress and avoid last-minute scrambles.
Sufficient Time for Revision: Early drafting paves the way for numerous rounds of revision, leading to a refined final essay.
Chance for Feedback: An early start allows ample time to seek advice from teachers, counselors, and mentors.
## Discovering Your Story
College essays present students with an opportunity to highlight their unique voices and personalities. Brainstorming potential topics during the summer before junior year can aid students in discovering their story and shaping their narrative. This process might involve:
Reflecting on personal experiences and achievements.
Identifying what makes them distinctive or remarkable.
Contemplating how their story aligns with each college’s values and mission.
## Grasping Prompts and Requirements
Each college has its unique set of essay prompts and requirements. Getting acquainted with these prompts early can help ensure that the essay covers all required elements and aligns with the college's expectations. Keeping abreast of any changes in prompts or requirements is vital throughout the application journey.
## Juggling Essay Writing with Academics and Extracurriculars
While it's crucial to kickstart the essay-writing journey early, it's equally vital to sustain academic performance and extracurricular participation. Striking a balance between these responsibilities can help ensure a comprehensive application that showcases both academic prowess and personal development. Students should reserve time for essay writing in their schedules without overlooking other facets of their high school journey.
In summary, while specific deadlines fluctuate based on the college and application cycle, initiating the college essay writing journey early—potentially as early as the summer before junior year—can yield numerous advantages for students like Sarah. By discovering their story, grasping prompts and requirements, and juggling essay writing with academics and extracurriculars, students can craft a polished and persuasive college essay that stands out in the application process.
Stay Blessed!
James Constantine Frangos.