Any helpful tips on how to start writing the essay or brainstorm? Should I start with the common app first?
Start the Common App essay first, build from there.
Try going back and forth: draft a common app essay idea / outline, then put it aside and try a supplemental essay, starting with the school that is farthest from being your current favorite. Go back to the common app essay & flesh it out, then do another supplement. Repeat as needed, working up to the supplement for your favorite school. Your writing will improve with each iteration, and your focus will sharpen.
- Be prepared to junk your 1st/2nd/3rd attempts at the common app essay if it isn't working.
- Consider how the common app & supplement work together: do they add, showing different parts of you?
Start the common app essay first. It’s the bigger fish to fry. Supplement prompts tend to blend a little, so it’ll be a little quicker.