I was just starting to plan out my college application timeline and I'm slightly freaking out over how long I should expect to spend on my essays. Like, how fast is reasonably fast to write a solid college essay without compromising quality? Could use some timelines or personal experiences for reference!
It's great to see you're planning ahead for your college essays, which is a critical part of the application. Generally, I advise students to begin brainstorming topics and drafting their essays at the end of junior year or during the summer before senior year. This time frame allows for plenty of room to revise and reflect on your writing.
A reasonable time allocation might be one to two weeks for brainstorming and outlining your ideas. Following that, you could spend three to four weeks writing the first draft. It's important to leave time for multiple rounds of revision, which could take an additional few weeks. Remember, quality essays often go through several drafts. In total, you might aim for two to three months from start to finish for your main essay.
Keep in mind, this timeline can vary based on the individual; some students work faster, others need more time. Also, consider that supplemental essays for each college will require additional time. Start early, and don't hesitate to reach out for feedback from teachers, counselors, or trusted mentors throughout the process.
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