Procrastination is the enemy of every college applicant. You know your essay is important, yet you find yourself scrolling through social media, binge-watching your favorite show, or convincing yourself that you’ll start tomorrow. Sound familiar? Don’t worry—you’re not alone! Here are some practical tips to help you stop procrastinating and finally write that college application essay.
1. Break It Down into Smaller Tasks
One of the biggest reasons for procrastination is feeling overwhelmed. Instead of thinking of your essay as one giant task, break it into smaller, manageable steps. For example:
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- Brainstorm topic ideas
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- Create an outline
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- Write the introduction
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- Take it paragraph by paragraph
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- Revise and edit
By focusing on one step at a time, the essay becomes less intimidating.
2. Set a Deadline (Even If You Already Have One)
The official deadline might be months away, but setting personal mini-deadlines can help you stay on track. For example, give yourself a week to brainstorm, another week to write a draft, and additional time for revisions. Mark these deadlines in your calendar to create a sense of urgency. Reward yourself with your favorite treat if it helps!
3. Find Your Ideal Writing Environment
Some students work best in complete silence, while others need a little background noise. Experiment with different environments—your room, a library, or a coffee shop—to see where you feel most focused and productive. Keep distractions to a minimum by turning off notifications or using apps that block social media.
4. Use the Pomodoro Technique
The Pomodoro Technique involves setting a timer for 25-30 minutes of focused work, followed by a 5-minute break. This method helps you stay productive without feeling overwhelmed. After four work sessions, take a longer break. Knowing you have a break coming up makes it easier to get started.
5. Start with a Freewrite
If the blank page is intimidating, try freewriting. Set a timer for 10 minutes and write anything that comes to mind about your essay topic—without worrying about grammar, structure, or perfection. This will help get your ideas flowing, making it easier to refine them later. It doesn’t need to make sense, and won’t be seen by anyone but you! Let your thoughts flow, and don’t let your pen leave the page (even if it means writing ‘I don’t know’ over and over again).
6. Find an Accountability Partner
Tell a friend, parent, or teacher about your writing goals. Having someone check in on your progress can keep you accountable and motivated. You can even work alongside a friend who’s also applying to college for mutual encouragement.
7. Reward Yourself
Give yourself small rewards for completing different stages of your essay. Finished your outline? Treat yourself to your favorite snack. Completed a full draft? Watch an episode of your favorite show. Associating progress with positive reinforcement can make writing less of a chore.
8. Remember Why It Matters
Your essay is your chance to showcase who you are beyond grades and test scores. It’s an opportunity to tell your unique story and make a lasting impression on admissions officers. Keep this in mind whenever you feel like putting it off.
9. Take the Complete Your College Essay Writing Course with Write the World
This course includes various different exercises to help jumpstart the college essay writing experience. With a series of writing prompts, videos, resources, and live support sessions and feedback from expert advisors, you will be sure to beat the procrastination beast!
Ready to get started?
Procrastination is a common struggle, but it doesn’t have to stand in your way. By breaking the essay into smaller tasks, setting deadlines, creating the right environment, and using techniques like freewriting and the Pomodoro Technique, you can finally get started—and finish—with confidence.
So, take a deep breath, pick a strategy, and start writing. Your future self will thank you!
