<p>So the preview for the Common App came out a while ago, and I was just wondering if it would be a good idea to start writing on one of the topics on page 5 (the general 250-500 word topics). I just don't want to write one and then find out that the topics are completely different and I have to change everything. Everybody says I should get started early but just to be safe I want your opinions! Thanks! :)</p>
<p>Good for you for being proactive! I think you can start. My son wrote his as part of an English assignment this month, the guidance dept. insisted the teacher assign it, so I think it’s a safe bet. If you get an early start you’ll enjoy your senior year much more.</p>
<p>The topics are the same every year so go ahead! It’s great that you’re starting early!</p>
<p>One thing thought. I also started early and I found that starting early also has its downfall. By the time it was December for RD apps and even November 1 for Early apps, I was “burned out” by my common app essay. What I mean by that is that I had looked at and thoguht about the same essay for so long it no longer seemed fresh, unique, nor well-written anymore. Kind of like how a new house seems amazing, but after living there for so long, it seems ordinary. I revised it too much because I thought it was “not good.”</p>
<p>So starting early is good cuz you won’t be rushed but just keep in mind that you’ll be staring at it for a long time. In hindsight, I don’t think I should have started writing until August or so. I would have just compiled possible topics and details about each topic during the summer so it still. This long brainstorming without any actual writing would also help with topics for the supplemental essays.</p>
<p>Thank you so much! thanks for the idea for brainstorming. I think it will be a while until I actually start writing because i have NO IDEA about where to start. I just think that some of my topics are totally inappropriate and not academic-ly related (favorite band, tv show).
Just one more question: @sa0209 did you think your essay was “fresh and unique” when you first wrote it?</p>
<p>The first draft no. But after peer critiques and revisions, I got a final draft that I loved…in like August. When it was time to apply, I was sick of my essay…and ended up making changes that I probably shouldn’t have now that I think about it.</p>
<p>You always want the safest time margin, so it’d be best if you started ASAP. That being said, make sure you take a break of a couple of days so that when you look at it again it seems fresh and you can look at your work with a new critical eye.</p>