It is important to plan before you start writing an essay. The essay question or title should provide a clear focus for your plan. Exploring this will help you make decisions about what points are ...

If it helps, leave a placeholder and start in the body of the essay, where the story truly takes off and you get to the things you most want to say. Try not to judge your writing itself – there ...

Many students start with the Common App ... has videos and other content to guide you through the essay writing process. Colleges may also have free resources, Barron notes.