Why You Need to Start Your US College Essays Earlier Than You Think

Part 4 of a 4-part series

If you have already created a Common Application account, then you are aware of the various sections that you will need to fill out. One vital component is the writing section. This includes the essay and will take up a lot of your time.

The essay is your chance to tell the admissions officer a story about yourself–the kind of person you are, the experiences that have really transformed you, the challenges that you might have faced and overcome or anything else that you feel is crucial and integral to understanding who you are. This should be something that your grades and extracurricular activities cannot narrate. It is also your chance to stand out from the thousands of applications that an admissions officer has to evaluate. This is your chance to let the admissions officer know about the values and experiences that you would bring to the college community, if given a chance.

To make the process easier, here are some things that you should consider while writing your essays:

As several colleges go live with their respective additional essays on August 1, it is best that you keep your Common Application essay ready as early as possible. For example, Stanford University has 11 supplemental essays you need to write after August.

Our blog offers a plethora of information on how to select a topic, how to nail the style and some other writing tips. If you enjoy writing and think that is the best way to express yourself, then this will be a smooth journey. But, if you find writing difficult, think about the essay writing process as a way to hone a new skill. If you want more guidance with the process, get in touch with us.