Hey guys! Starting to feel the pressure of Junior Year and thinking about college apps. When did you all start brainstorming/writing your Common App essay? I want to make sure I give myself enough time without overdoing it too early.
Hi there! It's great that you're planning ahead—that's always a wise approach when it comes to college applications. A good time to start brainstorming for your Common App essay would be at the end of your junior year or the beginning of the summer before your senior year. This gives you a comfortable timeframe to settle on a topic that really resonates with you, draft multiple versions, and seek feedback.
Starting in the summer allows you to draft without the stress of schoolwork hovering over you, so you can really focus on crafting a thoughtful and polished essay. For example, some students find it helpful to create a rough outline in June, write a first draft in July, and then revise through August and September. Remember that it's not just about writing the essay, but also about refining it to make sure it reflects your personal voice and story. Good luck!
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