When Should My Child Start the Common App Essay?
Published on: 13/09/2026
Start thinking junior spring, writing by summer. A month-by-month Common App essay timeline for parents from Dr. Anael Alston.

Start thinking junior spring, writing by summer. A month-by-month Common App essay timeline for parents from Dr. Anael Alston.

Admissions officers already know your grades. Dr. Anael Alston explains what they really want to learn from the college personal statement.

The Common App essay allows 250–650 words. Dr. Anael Alston explains why depth, not length, makes a college essay memorable.