<p>I am a rising senior in high school, and I've looked into several colleges that I'd like to apply to. I get the impression that most people start writing college essays in the summer before senior year, but it doesn't look like the colleges I want to apply to have the topics out yet. Am I missing something, or am I just early? When do most people start writing?</p>
<p>I am in the same situation. For now, I am going through my college list and noting down the essay prompts they had last year, and then planning out the topic that I will write about. Aside from the common app essay I won’t be starting to write until early August, which is when most colleges either confirm that the supplements will stay the same, or release new questions. This way, I will be prepared, but I won’t be wasting my time writing essays that are off topic.</p>
<p>Hey!
Just wondering, essay prompts arent the same each year right?
so what’s the point of planning out a topic?</p>
<p>The Common App prompts are the same this year, which is not always true. Usually, you have to wait until Aug 1 to see them. Individual colleges usually change things up a bit, but if they always have a “Why X-school” prompt, it will show up again. Start thinking about the college app prompts, and what you’d like to say about yourself, and identify specific points about each school to highlight in your essays.</p>
<p>It depends on the college. Some like to keep the same prompts (or only make very small changes), but others (like Chicago) change them drastically each year. Thinking about topics allows you to do the leg work of noting down possible insightful essay responses and organizing your thoughts, without committing too much time. These topics should remain flexible, as you may have an experience over the summer that is more significant than anything you have thought of so far.</p>
<p>For colleges that use the Common Application, the essays are the same as last year – so you can get started on those NOW!</p>
<p>For colleges that have supplemental essays, DO NOT assume they are not out yet. For example, UChicago’s is already up:<a href=“UChicago Supplemental Essay Questions | College Admissions”>https://collegeadmissions.uchicago.edu/apply/essay-questions</a>. Google “2014-2015 supplement essay topics” for the colleges on your list.</p>
<p>I also recommend creating an account on collegeessayorganizer.com, which draws data from all the schools on the list that you plug in, and notifies you when the supplements for each college are released. It’s not perfect in recognizing the schools that [almost] never change their topics, but it’s a good resource nonetheless.</p>
<p>@gibby is right. Start working on your common app essay now. Some family members of mine started in September of their senior year and did so many drafts and revisions because they were freaking out and didn’t give themself enough time to make a solid piece they were proud of. Get the common app essay out the way so all you can work on in the fall is your supplements </p>
<p>You could start the essay writing process now, but you will probably not use the essay you write now. </p>
<p>My sons’ school included college essays as part of the senior English curriculum. They had the advantage of attending a private school, though, where advisers and teachers can provide a lot of individualized attention. I recommend perusing the standard essay topics, as well as those specific to colleges. They will change from year to year, but you can begin putting the things you wish to say about yourself into words. Whom do you admire? What would an ideal day be for you? What attracts you to some colleges and not others? What are your fondest memories? Most affluent, white, suburban kids haven’t had to overcome many obstacles in their lives, but even the most privileged have faced some challenges and disappointments. It’s up to you to mold an imaginative, engaging essay about conquering stage fright in order to audition for the school musical, or finding new interests or perspectives after being cut from a team. My son’s English teacher and college adviser told me that they struggled to get him to talk about who he is in multiple essay drafts. He kept describing his credentials, which already appeared on his transcript, test reports, and application, instead of providing insight into the young man behind the facts and figures.They said this is not unusual, especially with boys. The ideal essay is the one that will cause the admissions officer who reads thousands of them to smile, nod, laugh, gasp, or take notice of yours somehow. The most elite colleges can pick and choose among thousands of qualified applicants. The essays, or “personal statements,” provide insights into what an applicant can contribute to the campus community. </p>
<p>For selective colleges, after your transcript, the most important part of your application are your teacher recommendations and essays. Most students spend more time on test prep than they do writing their essays and, IMHO, it should be the other way around. My kids spent about 3 to 4 months writing, editing, rewriting and polishing their Common App essay. And they didn’t just write on one topic, but wrote complete essays on 5 or 6 different topics. It was only after writing on many topics that they were able to choose which essay best represented what they wanted an Admissions Director to know about them. And their hard work paid off – with each acceptance letter came a handwritten note from the regional admissions director complementing them on their essays, noting specific parts of the essay that resonated with them. So, essays matter – both in content and tone. And, good writing takes reflection and time. So, work on your essays over the summer and show them to the teachers that will be writing your recommendations in September, as it’s a good way for your teachers to know what is important to you. It can also help your teachers in writing their recommendation letter.</p>
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<p>My youngest knew immediately upon seeing the Common App prompts what to write about (whew – what a relief to not have her casting about for ideas). She was exposed to the prompts in English class 2nd semester of junior year, and pounced on the one that she said was obvious to her. That essay, with additional polishing in the fall, was her (very successful) Common App essay. So some people do know early and right away what to write about. I do agree that writing a draft, polishing it, have it reviewed by a trusted adult who knows something about college admissions and can give editing tips, etc. is important.</p>
<p>Although it’s a great idea to start writing the essays now, you’re mistaken if you think most kids are writing them right now. Many an essay will have the electrons drying at 11:59 PM on the day it’s due.</p>
<p>But starting now is a good idea, especially on the Common App essay. There can be so many additional supplemental essays, best to get a jump if you can. I just counted, and including scholarship essays, my kid had to write 16 essays for applications to 8 colleges. Her favorite one to complete was Lawrence… limited to 300 characters. :)</p>
<p>First drafts for my students are due August 7. Many schools are similar in requiring at least one draft early. While that essay may not be a winner (they very seldom are), at least students start thinking early.</p>
<p>Applyng to multiple selective schools is no picnic from an essay-writing perspective, although it can often be a good way of determining fit. If you despise the supplement questions, the school may not be one you’d like to attend. Of course, there are exceptions . . .</p>
<p>Writing an essay last minute is seldom a good choice. It really is like shooting yourself in the foot after running a marathon. </p>
<p>I think even if the prompt changes you can always recycle essays you write now since many colleges have similar prompts (unless it’s a Why ___ essay)</p>