<p>So it's two days to the ED 1 deadline and I haven't started any of my essays. The school I'm applying ED to also uses CommonApp (as well as most others I'm applying RD to), meaning I can't make changes to my essay after submitting.</p>
<p>I feel I can still write a good essay although I might not be able to show it to others to help read through. Do you think It's a good idea to start now and submit on November 1st or should I just wait for the Early Decision 2 or Regular Decision deadline which is on the 1st of January so I have more time? (but less chances, apparently)</p>
<p>Do whatever you think is best. You are simply one of the many thousands of early applicants who have waited to the last minute to complete what is necessary despite knowing that they should have started the essay before.</p>
<p>No.
How? According to CommonApp, “Your Common Application essay should be the same for all colleges. Do not customize it in any way for individual colleges. Colleges that want customized essay responses will ask for them on a supplement form.”</p>
<p>click instructions - and then alternate versions on the common app site. There are detailed instructions on how to send different essays to different colleges at different times. In summary, you submit one version to one college, then log off, then click on the special link at that site, log on again at that link, and then set up an alternate version with a different or improved essay. It allows you to move colleges from your initial version to the alternate version. Most things carry over to the alternate version except the “writing” sections.</p>