When Should I Start My College Application Essays, and What Makes a Good Summer Writing Plan?

I'm going to give you some advice that might surprise you: if you're a rising senior reading this in June, you're actually right on time to start thinking about college essays. Not late, not behind - right on time.

Also important to note, you might not need an essay! If you are looking at more open admissions schools (community colleges, many state universities, and some private universities), an essay may not even be needed for the application process. It also might be required for some scholarships you are considering, but not for general admissions. If not required, you can just move on, but if you think there is a good chance you will need to do some writing then keep reading...

Here's why summer is the sweet spot for essay writing. You're not juggling five classes, extracurriculars, and test prep all at once. Your brain has space to think creatively and reflect on your experiences. Plus, you'll have drafts ready when applications open in August, giving you time to revise instead of scrambling to write from scratch.

But - and this is important - starting doesn't mean finishing. The goal isn't to have perfect essays by July 4th. It's to have solid drafts that you can polish once you know exactly which schools you're applying to.

Most students make the mistake of trying to write their essays in one marathon session. That's like trying to run a 5K without training - technically possible, but probably not your best performance. Great essays come from reflection, multiple drafts, and time to let ideas percolate.

Creating Your Summer Writing Timeline

Here's a realistic approach that won't ruin your summer fun:

Start with the Common Application essay since it's used by 900+ colleges (especially if planning to apply to several universities, or you know that the school(s) you are considering accepts the Common Application). Spend a week just brainstorming - no writing yet! Think about moments that shaped you, challenges you've overcome, or insights you've gained. Don't worry about whether they're "impressive" enough. Admissions officers want authentic stories, not superhero narratives.

Not looking at a Common App school? If you are a consulting client with UniversityReady, check in your Custom College Plan dashboard’s “Colleges” tab to see if there are essay prompts from last year that you can go off of, or do a google search for the “admissions essay” and the school name you are considering. If you can’t find something, just a generic personal statement (why you want to pursue that major/career) is a good starting point.

Week one: brainstorm and choose your topic. Week two: create a rough outline. Week three: write your terrible first draft (seriously, give yourself permission for it to be awful). Week four: let it sit untouched. Week five: revise with fresh eyes.

That's five weeks, working maybe 3-4 hours per week. Totally manageable alongside summer jobs, family trips, and hanging out with friends.

For supplemental essays, wait until you've finalized your college list. No point writing "Why I want to attend X University" essays for schools you're not actually applying to.

Key Summer Writing Strategies:

• Write in the morning when your brain is fresh (unless you are a night owl, in which case writing in early afternoon might be your best time)
• Find a consistent writing spot away from distractions
• Keep a notes app for random ideas that pop up
• Read sample essays (but don't copy their style)
• Focus on showing, not telling

One crucial tip: don't write about what you think admissions officers want to hear. Write about what's genuinely important to you. The essay that got me into my top choice school was about learning to parallel park - not exactly world-changing stuff, but it was authentically me.

Resources for Summer Essay Success

The Common Application opens August 1st, so familiarize yourself with the prompts now. Our College Application Challenge (available to our consulting clients) walks you through the entire process step-by-step, including essay strategy.

For writing help, check out "On Writing the College Application Essay" by Harry Bauld - it's old but gold. 

Don't forget about our FREE 30-minute consultation if you want personalized guidance on your essay strategy and college application timeline and a discussion of our how our consulting services can help you succeed!

Remember, you have all summer to create something great. Don't rush the process, but don't procrastinate either. Start brainstorming this week, and by August you'll have drafts ready to polish.

What essay topics are you considering? Drop your ideas in the comments - I love helping students think through their stories!