When is the best time to start working on college essays?
I've been hearing a lot of different advice about when to begin college essays. Some people say to start right after junior year ends, while others say it's fine to wait until the fall.
I'm a rising senior, and I tend to procrastinate (oops), so I'm worried starting too late will make everything super stressful. On the other hand, my summer's already getting packed with a part-time job and a family trip. Has anyone found a timeline that works? When did you all start writing your essays, and did you feel rushed or did you have enough time?
Any tips for balancing everything would be much appreciated!
I'm a rising senior, and I tend to procrastinate (oops), so I'm worried starting too late will make everything super stressful. On the other hand, my summer's already getting packed with a part-time job and a family trip. Has anyone found a timeline that works? When did you all start writing your essays, and did you feel rushed or did you have enough time?
Any tips for balancing everything would be much appreciated!
4 months ago
•
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Camille Luong
• 4 months ago
Advisor
The sweet spot for starting your college essays is usually right after junior year ends, ideally in June or July, before senior year activities and deadlines really ramp up. This early start gives you breathing room to brainstorm, write a few rough drafts, and take breaks between editing, which leads to stronger essays.
Many students who wait until the fall find themselves juggling essays with the start of senior year classes, extracurriculars, and application deadlines. That can definitely make things more stressful, especially if you're someone who tends to procrastinate or has a busy schedule.
If your summer is filling up, you don't have to write full drafts right away. You could set aside a couple hours each week to brainstorm topics or jot down memorable moments and stories from your life. Even this light prep will put you way ahead when applications open. For example, a student I worked with last year spent half an hour each Sunday outlining possible topics and writing a few paragraphs. By August, she had a handful of story seeds to choose from and didn't feel pressured.
If you can, try to draft your main Common App essay before August. That way, when supplemental essays are released (usually starting August 1), you can focus on those. Remember, your first draft doesn't have to be perfect; just getting your thoughts down is a huge step forward.
Balancing essays with work and family commitments comes down to realistic planning. If your job and trip keep you busy during the day, maybe set aside a little time in the evening or on weekends for writing. Even giving it 30 minutes, a few times a week, adds up quickly.
If you ever feel overwhelmed, breaking the process into smaller goals—like brainstorming this week, outlining next week, and rough drafting the week after—can keep you motivated and on track. And don’t hesitate to ask friends or family to help keep you accountable!
Starting earlier gives you options: you can take breaks, revise with fresh eyes, and still enjoy your summer. Pacing yourself is the key to reducing stress and ending up with essays you’re proud of.
Many students who wait until the fall find themselves juggling essays with the start of senior year classes, extracurriculars, and application deadlines. That can definitely make things more stressful, especially if you're someone who tends to procrastinate or has a busy schedule.
If your summer is filling up, you don't have to write full drafts right away. You could set aside a couple hours each week to brainstorm topics or jot down memorable moments and stories from your life. Even this light prep will put you way ahead when applications open. For example, a student I worked with last year spent half an hour each Sunday outlining possible topics and writing a few paragraphs. By August, she had a handful of story seeds to choose from and didn't feel pressured.
If you can, try to draft your main Common App essay before August. That way, when supplemental essays are released (usually starting August 1), you can focus on those. Remember, your first draft doesn't have to be perfect; just getting your thoughts down is a huge step forward.
Balancing essays with work and family commitments comes down to realistic planning. If your job and trip keep you busy during the day, maybe set aside a little time in the evening or on weekends for writing. Even giving it 30 minutes, a few times a week, adds up quickly.
If you ever feel overwhelmed, breaking the process into smaller goals—like brainstorming this week, outlining next week, and rough drafting the week after—can keep you motivated and on track. And don’t hesitate to ask friends or family to help keep you accountable!
Starting earlier gives you options: you can take breaks, revise with fresh eyes, and still enjoy your summer. Pacing yourself is the key to reducing stress and ending up with essays you’re proud of.
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Camille Luong
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Stanford University, BAH in Urban Studies
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