When would be an appropriate time to start writing my college essays?Answered
I am an incoming senior (class of 2026).
Earn karma by helping others:
4 answers
Now!!! I know it doesn't seem like the time yet but it's extremely important to start the college process as early as possible. I know summer is a time to chill and relax, however whenever you find yourself with free time just open up your laptop and start brainstorming. The sooner you can get a draft prepared, the easier it will be for you when you enter your senior year and the college process starts attacking you. Furthermore if you get a draft done by the end of this summer, a teacher will be able to provide you with feedback on that draft so you can improve your essay early on and not be in such a rush when college deadlines are approaching. Nonetheless still take your time, enjoy your summer, and rest up. You got this!!!
I would start it soon! we did ours end of junior year and it was a life saver, I would 100% recommned doing it now!
You can start as early as you want! Since you're a senior, you could definitely start working on essays now. Over the summer is a great time to start practicing how to write applications, and brainstorm topics and unique experiences you can write your essays on. You can write practice essays and applications and have ChatGPT or another AI review them, or read other people's essays and see if they inspire you (you can find some great essays online that got students into Ivies).
Good luck with applying!! :)
Now (like, ASAP) is the best time to start. College deadlines come and go, and the earlier you start, the better (and more confident) you'll feel! You can get a head start on all of the essay prompts and plan them out. Don't wait until the last minute (I follow my advice too, as a rising senior myself 😄). Hope this helps!
Your chance of acceptance
Your chancing factors
Community Guidelines
To keep this community safe and supportive:
- Be kind and respectful!
- Keep posts relevant to college admissions and high school.
- Don’t ask “chance-me” questions. Use CollegeVine’s chancing instead!
Start your essay as soon as possible. You will be so busy during the school year and you will feel so much more stress than is necessary if your essay isn't already done. Also make sure you ask teachers in advance to read your essay, having them there to give your opinions and feedback will be really good and beneficial to your chances of getting into the school you want. I agree with all the other comments too, just start they essays as soon as possible.