When Should You Start Writing Your Common App Essay?

Are you currently in your final year of high school and are considering using the Common App to submit your college applications? If so, you may have heard of the Common App essay, which is a 250 to 650-word essay that all applicants via the Common App are required to submit. But when should you start writing the Common App essay? This guide is here to provide you with a recommended timeline so that you can start planning your applications appropriately. 

When Should You Start Writing Your Common App Essay?

The Common App opens for applications on August 1st each year. This means that the essay prompts will also become available from this date. Below you can read our recommended timeline for writing the Common App essay:

• Reading the prompts: You can start doing this as early as August 1st which is when the new application cycle begins and new essay prompts are released. The latest you should read the prompts is by mid-August before your senior year begins. 

   

• Choosing a prompt: Before you begin the essay-writing process, you will first need to pick an essay prompt to answer. You should do this latest by the end of August. See this post here for some brainstorming tips on how to choose a prompt. See this post here for more tips on choosing a prompt and getting started on the Common App essay.

   

• Writing the first draft: You should aim to have a rough first draft completed by the end of September of your senior year. This will allow you to have enough time to get feedback and revise your essay before the final deadline. See this post for tips on how to draft your essay. 

   

• Getting feedback and editing: You should aim to ask for feedback and edit your essay between September to November. You should aim to have at least 2-3 drafts before the final draft that you intend to submit. This post outlines some tips on how to get feedback on the Common App essay. Click here for some advice on how to edit your essay. 

   

• Submitting the essay: Since your essay is part of the overall Common App platform, it will be submitted at the same time you submit the Common App. Depending on whether you are applying Early Action, Early Decision, or Regular Decision, follow the appropriate deadlines (as stated in this post here) to ensure you submit your essay and application on time.