Writing Essays 

It’s a good idea to start working on your essays the summer before your senior year. Some essays can be reused or revised for different schools, depending on the prompt—though you might have to adjust its length if different colleges have different word count limits. The process of brainstorming and writing the first draft typically takes one to three weeks.

Start writing any supplemental essays (such as “Why this college?” essays and diversity essays) in August or September of your senior year.

TIP: Be careful when responding to these prompts, which are usually more specific than main college essay prompts. 

Example Prompts: 

• The “Why?” Essay: The most common of the supplemental essays is what many call the “Why?” Essay. Though each school asks this question in its own way, the “Why?” Essay essentially asks the student to explain why he or she is interested in applying and attending the specific school.

• The Major Essay: Schools want to know what drives your interests and what kind of success you’ve already had in those fields. Some schools combine this essay with the “Why?” Essay, often asking students to specifically speak about their major in their “Why?” Essay.

• The Activity Elaboration Essay: Schools are interested in knowing how students may contribute to campus outside of the classroom. Because the activities list is so condensed, many schools ask for an additional explanation of a student’s involvement in one of these activities.

• The Community Essay: Many schools are interested in creating an inclusive and diverse campus. These essays are an opportunity for students to explain their cultural identities and show their prospective schools that they are open to working alongside people of all different backgrounds.

• The Intellectual Essay: Certain schools want to see evidence of a student’s academic mind at work. Therefore, the school may ask the student to respond to a prompt that requires analysis and thoughtful consideration of their own interests and passions.

• The Quirky or Imaginative Essay: Certain schools are interested in seeing a student’s creative side. Therefore, the school may ask the student to respond to a prompt that allows students to be more creative. Typically these are not your standard argumentative essays; instead these essays ask you to think outside of the box.

Start revising your essay after you’ve written your first draft. Most students go through multiple drafts and take about two to four weeks to revise and get feedback. Remember to take breaks between editing stages.

In August or September of your senior year, get feedback from two to three people—ideally people who know you well, have good writing skills, and are familiar with college application essays.