<p>I'm going to be applying to 12 schools. All of the apps are due at nearly the exact same time, so I will be planning everything out on a calendar. Ultimately, the order of apps (and thus essays) is up to me, so I'd like to write the essays for my favorite school (Chicago) when I'm really warmed up, but not burnt out. </p>
<p>Those of you that have applied to a decent number of schools - when did you usually feel you wrote your best essay? If it was based on the fact that you had gotten used to writing the essays and yet you weren't burnt out on them, when did you write the essay(s) for your #1 choice? I'm thinking it'd be a bad idea to write it first (I'll practice with my state school :) ) but I don't want to write it near the end and be tired.</p>
<p>Is it best to save your favorite for the middle of the apps?</p>
<p>Hmmm, well I did 12 colleges myself though eleven of them were based on the common application so I can't say this is exactly a fair testimony, but anyway, let's see, I did the common application first based on how important it was to get that out of the way. Then I did all the supplemental essays in the order of which ones I felt I could write about best at that moment in time and then I worked my way through all the supplemental essays [though I never did an optional essay]. Finally I kept my twelth application, MIT, last because of the amount of time I could give it now that all of my other applications were out of the way, so... I guess take what you want from this, but I don't think there's any time to really write a good essay, the only time is when you're in the mood, at least that's what I think.</p>
<p>You cant just turn in the same one to every school? Instead of splitting your time into many essay, put all your time into one great one.</p>
<p>Since I'm a transfer applicant, one essay for each school will need to go into detail on what that school offers that I cannot live without. So, no, unfortunatley I can't do that. Most of the schools I'm applying to are private and have random essays that are obviously going to be unique to the school. </p>
<p>Tonyt88 - thanks. I'll consider that method. Might be the best.</p>
<p>My suggestion is to start working on applications that aren't too terribly important (like state), as you intend to... but, keep in mind the prompt for Chicago, and turn over some thoughts on it inbetween and during essay-writing. You'll probably get hit with a bout of inspiration, and that'll be the easiest time to write something reflective of the prompt and your ability. Plus, if that happens early on, you'll have a decent amount of time to reshape and change what you first write.</p>
<p>saint_paul - thanks...exactly my thoughts. I'm thinking I'll do UT-Austin first and then UVA. That'll get the public state schools outta the way, and I've had ideas flowing through my head for Chicago for a while now. </p>
<p>One other question - who did yall usually have look over your essays? English teacher? I'm not really sure who I'd want to critique my Chicago essays since they'll obviously be insane and ppl will think I'm not following the proper format.</p>
<p>is the texas common app already out??</p>
<p>Why dont you make yourself a "template" and then you can insert stuff bout each school. That could make your life more organized and easier and that way you wont go crazy</p>
<p>yes the texas common app is eternal...i haven't seen it change in many years and i could do the app now. i will soon....</p>
<p>flgirl - good idea...might try that too. tks</p>