Feeling the pressure as junior year is ending... Does anyone have advice on when’s the best time to start drafting my college essay? How early is too early, or how late is too late?
Hi there! The pressure you’re feeling is completely normal, and you’re being proactive by thinking ahead—great job! The summer before senior year is generally an optimal time to start brainstorming and drafting your college essay. This time frame allows you to reflect on your experiences without the added stress of other school work. It’s never ‘too early’ to start collecting ideas and exploring what stories you might want to tell, but actual drafting usually starts to take shape over that summer.
Consider jotting down notes or keeping a journal of potential essay topics as they come to mind in the next few months. More importantly, give yourself plenty of time to revise and seek feedback. Creating a personal timeline can help keep you on track, with the broad goal of having a solid draft by the end of the summer or the start of the school year. This should ideally leave you with sufficient time to receive input from teachers or counselors, and make necessary revisions before application deadlines approach. And remember, while it’s important to work diligently on your essay, make sure you take breaks and come back to it with fresh eyes—often, this leads to the best insights and improvements. Good luck!
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