Many of the articles on this website are for parents of students ages 12–26. This article—on how to create a top college application essay—is aimed specifically at high school students. Parents are encouraged to listen in to this advice as well.

Writing a top college application essay can be easy and fast when you follow these steps.

These steps are designed to help you get a top college application essay done confidently, and fast—with as little hassle as possible.

1. Try to complete your college application essay in April or early May of 11th grade if possible.

Or as soon as possible after that.

I’ll explain why below.

2. Start by creating one fantastic scholarship application essay using the instructions here.

Do this, and you’ll end up with one application essay that can be used over and over again—for many years—for many different purposes.

You’ll be able to use this essay to apply for over 80 scholarships—with very little time investment.

Reusing this essay as your college application essay is a genius strategy.

(You’ll find my 3-hour video class on how to create this multipurpose essay here.)

3. End your college application essay by saying that you want to develop your greatest talents further while you’re in college.

You do, don’t you? That’s why you’re going.

This sentence helps you to complete the argument that you’re highly focused and capable in key areas right now—but want college to help you grow even further.

4. When you’re asked to choose a college application essay topic on the common app, make your multipurpose essay fit by doing this: