1) Think about and outline a college essay As more and more schools sign onto the Common Application (over 400 colleges use it now), it's safe to say you'll apply to one that uses it for their admissions process. For this reason, you can get a jump start on an essay on any of the topics below: a. Evaluate a significant experience, achievement, risk you have taken, or ethical dilemma you have faced and its impact on you. b. Discuss some issue of personal, local, national, or international concern and its importance to you. c. Indicate a person who has had a significant influence on you, and describe that influence. d. Describe a character in fiction, a historical figure, or a creative work (as in art, music, science, etc.) that has had an influence on you, and explain that influence. e. A range of academic interests, personal perspectives, and life experiences adds much to the educational mix. Given your personal background, describe an experience that illustrates wha