Five Ways to Work on Your College Essays Off-Season

While the college admissions process kicks off for rising seniors in the summer, it's never too early to get started. Over the last few years, you've thought a lot about SAT and ACT scores, GPA, and extracurriculars. But if you're like most students and parents, you haven't paid much attention to college essay writing. Until now! College essays can seem like an afterthought, but they are actually a really important, and we think underrated, factor in getting into a great college. So if you want to get a leg up, here are some things you can do right now to have a head start when application season begins. 

Brainstorm

One of the single best things you can do to reduce college admissions stress and begin preparing for the college essay writing process is simple: brainstorm. Accessing your reflective mind and inspiration can be close to impossible when you’re in a panic trying to throw applications together quickly come November. Start brainstorming early to write the best essays possible. If you enlist family and friends to glance at potential prompts with you and think aloud together, this process can be fun. It will also help you notice any gaps early. 

Reflect on your interests and values 

Spending time reflecting on your values, priorities, and interests is a great exercise no matter what the season, approach, or potential application. Getting a sense for what is important to you and motivates you will serve you well when it comes to presenting your experiences for an admissions committee. Whether it’s through writing, talking to a friend, spending time outdoors, or something else entirely, spend some time doing the things that make you feel like you and pay attention to what fills you up.  

Research colleges that interest you and make notes

Almost every single college applicant will write essays that can be summarized as “Why Harvard?” or “Why Stanford?” These essays ask you to explain why you want to attend a specific college, and what you like about a particular major or program that interests you. Ultimately, they ask you to reflect on why you would be a good match for their school. When in doubt, start thinking about this question early and make notes. Any time you learn something that seems interesting about a particular college or program, add it to a running list. You’ll thank yourself later. 

Start writing and be open to change 

No matter what you’re writing, it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking it’s too soon to start. When it comes to writing something great, it’s rarely too early to begin putting pen to page. In fact, putting your half formed ideas on paper is one of the best ways to develop them into more fully fledged thoughts. Even if you think you’re not ready, open a document and let something land on the page. Nothing is set in stone - and reminding yourself of this fact can help to overcome any block and leave you more open to change when it comes time to refine your ideas later. 

Gather resources so you can access support when you need it 

If you’re looking ahead to the fall, you may be unsure of what will come easily, and what you will want help with. And that’s okay! Very few college applicants have ever learned how to write a college application essay or even a personal essay before. You can prepare by making a list of resources you can turn to if you get stuck. And remember you can always reach out for college essay tutoring with one of our expert college essay coaches.