<p>I know many people will say that I'm crazy, but I'm probably going to apply to 10-12 colleges (only want to apply to 8-10, but parents require that they let them pick a college each). I want each essay to be sincere, thoughtful, and well written... so is it reasonable to start essays the summer before senior year? Are the prompts out by then?</p>
<p>I started in the summer before senior year. You can always writre a “topic of your choice” essay.</p>
<p>Def start early. It helps.</p>
<p>The summer before senior year is a good time to start. If you’ve been watching the anarchy that is CC around Dec 31-Jan 2 you’ll know that you want to avoid having to scramble to write essays at the last minute to meet the deadlines.</p>
<p>Yeah it’s fine to start with a “topic of your choice essay.” The common app also has a “write about a significant experience” or “write about a person who has influenced you” essay that can often be tailored to the applications of individual schools. Also, most schools don’t change their topics from year to year so you can visit their admissions websites and see what their essay topics are.</p>