<p>I just think that this variability shows the quirkiness of the applications process. Some kids spend a ton of time and effort and some kids just get the job done. I thought S1's main essay was really good -- and that's a good thing, since he wasn't about to recreate the wheel on every app. Some of his short answers could have been better. But, without meaning to boast about my son, the two WL were Harvard and MIT. He was accepted to two other Ivy's plus Duke. So, while I don't want to discourage any student from putting forth his or her best effort, I think the essay is just one of several variables. </p>
<p>Sometimes, I find that kids do a better job when they don't feel that their whole lives depend on one essay or one test. It seems to be the total package that matters, not one item all by itself.</p>
<p>By quirky, JHS, I mean it had three very specific questions, at least the year my S did it, including one where he needed to talk about the relationship between science and art, and another about a favorite book. Maybe it's changed since.</p>
<p>I just heard a really funny story from my brother - a world class procrastinator. He procrastinated and procrastinated and the deadline for Stanford's application rolled around and he wasn't done. So he wrote his essay on procrastination and sent it in a day late. He got in and felt very guilty as it wasn't his first choice and one of his friends who was dying to go there didn't get in.</p>
<p>D is doing only RD and rolling. She does, however, have a December 1 deadline at the University of Rochester (their scholarship deadline). I am prodding her to write her Common App essay and her supplement for U of R. My husband thinks I'm pressuring her too much. What do you think? My feeling is that the Dec. 1 deadline will be here before we know it, and there's nothing to be gained by waiting.</p>
<p>LurkNess:
My son's guidance office requires that all apps be in 30 days ahead of the deadline. You might want to check that out for your daughter. Some do not want to be rushed getting the transcripts and GC recs out the door. </p>
<p>I tell my kids that if they miss the scholarship deadline then they aren't going!</p>
<p>Well, as to timing. Our GC requires that the requests for reports and transcripts be in at least 3 weeks in advance of any deadline, but the students submit the apps themselves and can do so up to any given school's deadline.
As for my house tonight...D just completely changed her short answer EC Common App essay. And that was one I thought was finished. She's totally right, the new one more reflects who she is and an activity she is passionate about. Since it is not an EC easily described on her activity list, it's a wonderful place to expound on how she spends some of her time. But (and insert parental whine here..) I THOUGHT SHE WAS ALMOST DONE!!!!
And just a humorous note...if any of your kids are applying to U of Chicago, have them show you the e-mail they received from the admissions office regarding submitting the application. It's a hoot. There is just something about that school (full disclosure, my eldest S is a fourth year at Chicago).</p>