<p>When is the right time for the class of 2014 to start applying for colleges? I have never had a child applying for college and am clueless about the process. Thanks.</p>
<p>If your child will be looking at colleges found on The Common Application, The Common Application for the class of 2014 comes out in August. That’s when your child should create an account to begin the application process. He/she can still view the components of the Common App before then to learn what he/she will need, like the personal statement, short response, etc. Hope this helps.</p>
<p>Your child can start writing some essays this summer to get ready. Look at the questions from last years and it will give you a good idea. It is just hard to do essays in the midst of the senior year. IMHO the essays are the hardest part to do. Just getting yourself to sit down and write on demand is hard.</p>
<p>While the common app does not go ‘live’ until August 1st, your child can start writing the essay now and looking at supplemental essay topics from colleges she is considering.
Here are the new essay prompts:</p>
<p>Some students have a background or story that is so central to their identity that they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.</p>
<p>Recount an incident or time when you experienced failure. How did it affect you, and what lessons did you learn?</p>
<p>Reflect on a time when you challenged a belief or idea. What prompted you to act? Would you make the same decision again?</p>
<p>Describe a place or environment where you are perfectly content. What do you do or experience there, and why is it meaningful to you?</p>
<p>Discuss an accomplishment or event, formal or informal, that marked your transition from childhood to adulthood within your culture, community, or family.</p>
<p>Now is a good time to be researching and developing “the list” of potentially interesting colleges.</p>