Hey all, I'm a junior in high school, and I'm starting to think about the college application process. How early should I start working on my college essay? I want to give myself enough time to write a great essay, but I also don't want to stress about it too early. Any advice on when to start and how to manage my time effectively? Thanks!
Hey there! It's great that you're starting to think about the college application process early. In my experience with my own child, it's never too early to at least start brainstorming ideas for your college essay. The summer before your senior year is a good time to begin drafting the essay, as you'll likely have more free time to dedicate to it.
To manage your time effectively, consider setting aside a specific amount of time each week to work on your essay. This can be as little as 30 minutes or as much as a couple of hours, depending on your schedule and availability. The key is to be consistent and make it a habit. Breaking the task into smaller pieces can also make it feel less overwhelming.
For example, you could spend one week just brainstorming ideas, another week outlining your essay, and then a few weeks writing and revising it. Remember to leave some time for feedback from your teachers, counselors, or even friends and family. The more time you give yourself, the more polished your essay will be. Good luck!
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