<p>I would like some tips for organization's sake... :)</p>
<p>I am going to be applying ED to Columbia... but they do not have their application up. I have time to write my applications, but I am afraid of procrastination, which is likely to happen if I don't start soon.</p>
<p>What can I do even if some college's applications aren't up? Are there any general essays I can write? I am a bit lost.</p>
<p>You are wise not to procrastinate. If any of your schools accept the common app, you can get started on those essays. Many schools say "topic of your choice" so one of these can be used.</p>
<p>Think a little about what aspects of yourself you'd like the admission committee to know about that are not obvious or readily seen on the application. This is IMHO. I think essays about your ECs can be overkill and boring. (If you are a fantastic pianist and have multiple awards for piano, and apply as a music major, do they really need an essay about piano?) I know others may disagree-- they think you should keep pounding the "hook"-- but I think in the essay it is to be unique, personal, and YOU. </p>
<p>Get in touch with the teachers you want to write your recs. Get all the envelopes and all together for them.</p>
<p>Try to get extra applications now so you can have some to make errors on and get used to filling out so you know what information you need when you fill them out for real. As for the essay as SBmom said a lot of colleges have "topic of your choice", but also most colleges that don't offer that have one about someone who inspired you in life. When I did mine I wrote about my mother and ended up setting it up like a story almost so it was more interesting to read and so it would stand out from other admission essays. I was able to use this essay for almost every school I applied too.<br>
A lot of 12th grade english classes go over writing essays in class so you might also get practice from that. If not have your teacher check it over and give you advice.<br>
My rule of thumb was to try to have all my applications in the mail by thanksgiving, which worked out very well. A lot of the schools won't have there apps out until september so don't start worrying yet. If you still can't find it go down to your guidance office at your school and ask them to help you find it. A lot of times they have them on file at the school so you can just grab one from them. Don't feel like your the only one going through this, most people are lost when it comes to applying to college no matter how well the seem to have it together.</p>
<p>Get together the applications that are available (maybe you could even snoop around the boards for last year's essay questions for columbia... most schools don't change much year to year). See whether there's one topic that would satisfy all of your schools. Gather all of your extracurriculars into a "resume," even if you don't wind up sending it, and rank the extracurriculars in order of importance. It makes a useful resource when you're filling out applications.</p>