The Procrastinator’s Guide to the College Essay: Last Minute Tips

We’ve all been there – the deadline for your college essay is looming, and you find yourself scrambling to put together a compelling piece that will make you stand out in the admissions process. While it’s not ideal to wait until the last minute, sometimes life gets in the way. Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered with some last-minute tips to help you craft a winning college essay.

COLLEGE ESSAY TIPS: HOW TO START

Try Mind Mapping

Mind mapping tools like MindMeister or XMind can help you visually organize your preliminary thoughts and ideas. They can create a central topic or question and branch out with related ideas, supporting details, and examples. Note-taking apps like Evernote or OneNote can also be used to jot down ideas or snippets of inspiration. These tools help keep all brainstorming materials in one place.

Manage Your Time Wisely

While not a traditional brainstorming tool, The Pomodoro Technique is an effective time management method that might help you overcome procrastination. It involves working in focused, 25-minute intervals (Pomodoros) with short breaks in between. Apps like Pomodone and Focus Booster can help you implement this method. You might also consider installing apps like Freedom or Cold Turkey to block distracting websites and apps during your essay writing time.

Freewriting is Your Friend

We always encourage our students to simply start writing without worrying about structure or grammar. Stream-of-consciousness writing can help uncover ideas and insights you might not have considered otherwise.

Adjust Your (First Draft) Expectations

Before you touch your keyboard, adjust your “first draft” expectations. Many students get bogged down thinking they’re terrible writers based on a first draft’s lack of perfection. We can attest that most first drafts are subpar; this doesn’t mean the final essay won’t be extraordinary. Write and then refine, deepen and continue to write, refine further, until finally you reach your final essay draft.

TTA Top Tip: We always have our students save every iteration of every essay. Why? We love having our students look back and compare essay draft 1 to their final essay. The transformation is remarkable and it showcases the depth and growth of their writing!

COLLEGE ESSAY TIPS: MAKE EVERY WORD COUNT

Choose a Unique Angle

One advantage of procrastinating is that you’ve had more time to reflect on your experiences and insights. Use this to your advantage by selecting a unique angle or perspective for your main essay. What sets you apart from other applicants? What academic and personal experiences have shaped your journey? Admissions officers love a good story. Share an anecdote or experience that illustrates your character, values, interests, and growth. It’s the storytelling element that can captivate the reader’s attention and leave a lasting impression.

Revise and Edit Ruthlessly

With limited time, it’s crucial to make every word count. After you’ve written your essay, revise and edit it rigorously. Don’t let typos or grammatical errors undermine your hard work. Eliminate unnecessary words, fix punctuation errors, and ensure your sentences flow smoothly. Consider reading it aloud to catch any awkward phrasing or mistakes you might have missed.

Showcase Your Fit

Admissions officers want to see that you’ve researched their institution and understand how you’ll contribute to their community. In the essays that ask specifically about why you’re interested in that college, be sure to mention unique programs, professors, or opportunities that align with your goals and interests.

COLLEGE ESSAY TIPS: ASK FOR EXPERT GUIDANCE

Seek Professional Help

If you’re short on time and need expert guidance, consider our Essay Guidance Program. We specialize in helping students maximize their chances of admission, even when time is running out. Our experienced counselors can provide valuable insights and feedback to enhance your essay, and we promise a 24-turnaround on all edits.

While procrastinating on your college essay isn’t ideal, it’s not the end of the world. With these last-minute tips, you can still create a compelling essay that showcases your strengths and fits the college of your dreams. Good luck, and remember, it’s never too late to put your best foot forward in the college admissions process.