2 answers
jayde
Student
Palmdale, California
1
Question
Asked
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When and how do you start writing a college essay?
Currently in 10th grade .
I don't know if I should start my essay now. I have no idea what to write about so far and I need some tips.
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2 answers
Krishna Kumar R
Training Manager
1
Answer
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
Krishna’s Answer
I wouldn't start writing your college essay in 10th grade. Most people who write strong essays usually start in junior year or the summer before senior year. You grow a lot between these years, and having more experiences helps.
However, 10th grade is perfect for getting ready, just not by writing the essay yet. Instead, try this:
Notice moments that stand out to you, whether they're good, bad, or just plain awkward. Write them down somewhere, like in a Notes app. Pay attention to what you keep thinking about, whether it's interests, frustrations, or things you care about, even if they seem small.
You don't need a perfect topic right now. Many people feel like they have nothing interesting to write about, and that's okay. Great essays often come from small things, not big achievements. What matters is what your story shows about your thoughts and values.
If you want to do something helpful now, try getting comfortable with reflecting by journaling or writing casually. Read and write things you enjoy, and explore your interests without worrying about how they’ll look on an application.
By the time junior year comes, you'll have more material than you think, and picking a topic will be much easier.
However, 10th grade is perfect for getting ready, just not by writing the essay yet. Instead, try this:
Notice moments that stand out to you, whether they're good, bad, or just plain awkward. Write them down somewhere, like in a Notes app. Pay attention to what you keep thinking about, whether it's interests, frustrations, or things you care about, even if they seem small.
You don't need a perfect topic right now. Many people feel like they have nothing interesting to write about, and that's okay. Great essays often come from small things, not big achievements. What matters is what your story shows about your thoughts and values.
If you want to do something helpful now, try getting comfortable with reflecting by journaling or writing casually. Read and write things you enjoy, and explore your interests without worrying about how they’ll look on an application.
By the time junior year comes, you'll have more material than you think, and picking a topic will be much easier.
Milla Pañella
Artistic Director
25
Answers
São Paulo, Brazil
Updated
Milla’s Answer
Dear Jayde,
Since you are still in 10th grade, you don’t need to rush to write your college essay now. This is a great time to start thinking about ideas and reflecting on your experiences.
Your essay does not need to be something extremely dramatic or life-changing. Sometimes the best essays come from simple and personal stories, like something you enjoy doing with friends, a meaningful experience during your vacation, a challenge you faced, or a moment that helped you grow and understand yourself better.
The most important thing is authenticity. Colleges want to understand who you are, what you care about, and how you see the world, not just what you want to become in the future.
Start by writing small reflections or short stories about your life. Over time, one idea will naturally stand out.
Greetings from Brazil! 🇧🇷
Since you are still in 10th grade, you don’t need to rush to write your college essay now. This is a great time to start thinking about ideas and reflecting on your experiences.
Your essay does not need to be something extremely dramatic or life-changing. Sometimes the best essays come from simple and personal stories, like something you enjoy doing with friends, a meaningful experience during your vacation, a challenge you faced, or a moment that helped you grow and understand yourself better.
The most important thing is authenticity. Colleges want to understand who you are, what you care about, and how you see the world, not just what you want to become in the future.
Start by writing small reflections or short stories about your life. Over time, one idea will naturally stand out.
Greetings from Brazil! 🇧🇷