<p>How much time should I allot to brainstorm, write, and proof my college essay? When should I start in relation to my junior year and early admissions?</p>
<p>Depends on you. I’m only able to write well once in awhile. I’ll churn out a great essay and then not be able to write a single decent sentence for the next six months. But I think you should allow at least a couple months, and I don’t see why you shouldn’t start now on your Common App essay. Summer is less stressful than the school year (for most people).</p>
<p>You definitely need a light-bulb moment before you can start your essay. For most people, brainstorming has been the most difficult part and it usually takes a lot of time. Reflect on your personality and write down the important traits that can help you on your essay. As a rule-of-thumb, a catchy first sentence will get your target audience hooked on your masterpiece. This will help admission officers determine your essays worth. Make it as captivating as you can.</p>
<p>roobsraad: As you are a rising junior, here’s what you should do: Buy a small notebook or journal that can easily be kept by your desk, bedside, or in your backpack. Over the next year, when an idea comes to you, write it down. It doesn’t have to be in complete sentences, just write it down so you don’t forget it. Hopefully by this time next year, you will have pages full of ideas for your college essay. Depending upon the 2015 Common Application essay prompts, which are supposed to be different from those in 2014, it may take you 2 to 3 months to craft and edit your essay. FWIW: both my kids spent about 6 weeks on test prep before their SAT/ACT and spent about 3 months writing, re-writing and editing their essays. It’s probably a safe bet to say that you need to spend as much time on writing your essay as you did on test prep. Good luck!</p>