how to write a college essay last minute

3 Easy Steps for Writing a Last-Minute College Essay

Right about now is when the panic starts to set in. Do you have enough time to craft a college essay that communicates your strengths and passions to admissions? Can you actually write a compelling personal statement? Yes you do and yes you can. But you’re probably going to need some help. And that’s why we made you a guide. Follow these three no-nonsense steps to craft a winning essay by making the most of the time you have left:

1. Cancel your plans.

You’re running low on time and there isn’t a single “hack” out there that will add more hours to your day. We know clearing your schedule doesn’t sound fun, but it’s one of the kindest decisions you can make for yourself. Create some space in your day that you can really devote to thinking about – and writing! – your essay(s) without distraction.

2. Start with a simple brainstorm

Give yourself 10-15 minutes and list the things you love. Paragraphs and complete sentences aren’t even necessary — just start to get your thoughts on the page and don’t stop writing. Feel free to list things that you hate, too. Once you have a robust compilation of things about which you feel passionately, take a step back. Which of your list items have the most writing potential? If you had to put pen to paper about one of those things right now, which would provide the most interesting and greatest number random pathways for you to explore?

3. Follow these simple video steps to pull together your first draft.

Spinning your best topic ideas into fully fleshed out essays is something we cover in detail in our video series, College Essay Academy . But what if you don’t have 20 minutes a day to devote to our in-depth lessons? Do you have three minutes? We made this YouTube crash course specifically for the time-challenged among you.

Now, it’s time to get to work. You’re not out of time just yet and we know you can do this!

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Category: Essay Tips

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Your Ultimate Guide to Last Minute Essays

Essay due tomorrow? Just started? Let us help. 

Step 1. Self-Control App. Download it now.

If you don’t know what this is, google it and download it as fast as you possibly can. Trust me. Because no matter how many times you promise yourself you won’t get on Facebook, let’s be honest: that website is irresistible when you are trying to write an essay. Heck, have a field day. Block StumbleUpon, Twitter, and whatever other sites you might be into these days, and block them until your essay is submitted. Just get off the internet. You’d be amazed how productive you can be.

Step 2. Take a deep breath.

You can’t do anything if you can’t breathe, and I bet you won’t be writing much if all you can think about is how stressed you are. Just take five minutes (I promise five minutes won’t destroy your chance at finishing) and refocus. Eat a snack, play your favorite song, sing into a hairbrush, dance around, it doesn’t really matter. Let your brain, and your body, relax. You are no good to yourself paralyzed by anxiety.

Step 3. Ready, begin!

Start by outlining your argument. And if you don’t outline, that’s okay, because it doesn’t need to be a full or detailed list of what you’re going to say and when you’re going to say it. If that’s not normally a part of your process, don’t do it. Instead, spend as much time as you need to explore the topic so that you won’t get to the third page and realize you were wrong or didn’t prove your thesis. That’s the other thing; state your thesis. Underline it, circle it, and highlight it. Make sure you understand exactly what you are arguing, because forgetting your thesis is the best way to waste time. It doesn’t matter what your essay is: yes, you do need a thesis statement. Figure out exactly what you want it to be, and then make sure you can support it. Find a couple quotes now, and make a note of where they came from.

Step 4. Write like the wind.

You don’t have a lot of time, so make it count. Keep your outlined notes in front of you, and type out your ideas as they come. Do not, I repeat, do not get stuck on word choice or spelling mistakes. Get your ideas out, and, no matter how ugly they might look, wait and copy-edit at the end. Working through grammatical errors will only distract you from what’s really important, which is proving your thesis. Keep checking in at the beginning of each paragraph: how does this relate to my thesis? Moreover, don’t let yourself get bogged down with organization. If you are having trouble with structure, go back to the basics:

• Topic sentence: How does this relate to my thesis?
• Lead into the quote
• Quote (and cite the source)
• Analyze the quote
• But don’t you dare just repeat your topic sentence!

Step 5. Edit.

Check your argument to make sure you stuck with the prompt and your thesis. Double-check your evidence to see that you supported your point. See if your organization makes sense, and that you included some transition sentences between paragraphs so it flows. Now, copy-edit. Check for repetitious word choice, tense shifts, grammar, and spell-check. If you can delete any words from a sentence, do it. Repeat, as many times as you can, until you submit your essay.

Step 6. Sleep.

Job well done, so take a well-deserved nap.

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The Procrastinator’s Guide to the College Essay: Last Minute Tips

• Post author By Top Tier Admissions
• Post date December 6, 2023
• No Comments on The Procrastinator’s Guide to the College Essay: Last Minute Tips

We’ve all been there – the deadline for your college essay is looming, and you find yourself scrambling to put together a compelling piece that will make you stand out in the admissions process. While it’s not ideal to wait until the last minute, sometimes life gets in the way. Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered with some last-minute tips to help you craft a winning college essay.

COLLEGE ESSAY TIPS: HOW TO START

Try mind mapping.

Mind mapping tools like MindMeister or XMind can help you visually organize your preliminary thoughts and ideas. They can create a central topic or question and branch out with related ideas, supporting details, and examples. Note-taking apps like Evernote or OneNote can also be used to jot down ideas or snippets of inspiration. These tools help keep all brainstorming materials in one place.

Manage Your Time Wisely

While not a traditional brainstorming tool, The Pomodoro Technique is an effective time management method that might help you overcome procrastination. It involves working in focused, 25-minute intervals (Pomodoros) with short breaks in between. Apps like Pomodone and Focus Booster can help you implement this method. You might also consider installing apps like Freedom or Cold Turkey to block distracting websites and apps during your essay writing time.

Freewriting is Your Friend

We always encourage our students to simply start writing without worrying about structure or grammar. Stream-of-consciousness writing can help uncover ideas and insights you might not have considered otherwise.

Adjust Your (First Draft) Expectations

Before you touch your keyboard, adjust your “first draft” expectations. Many students get bogged down thinking they’re terrible writers based on a first draft’s lack of perfection. We can attest that most first drafts are subpar; this doesn’t mean the final essay won’t be extraordinary. Write and then refine, deepen and continue to write, refine further, until finally you reach your final essay draft.

Essay Guidance

Get our expert guidance on your college essays.

COLLEGE ESSAY TIPS: MAKE EVERY WORD COUNT

Choose a unique angle.

One advantage of procrastinating is that you’ve had more time to reflect on your experiences and insights. Use this to your advantage by selecting a unique angle or perspective for your main essay. What sets you apart from other applicants? What academic and personal experiences have shaped your journey? Admissions officers love a good story. Share an anecdote or experience that illustrates your character, values, interests, and growth. It’s the storytelling element that can captivate the reader’s attention and leave a lasting impression.

Revise and Edit Ruthlessly

With limited time, it’s crucial to make every word count. After you’ve written your essay, revise and edit it rigorously. Don’t let typos or grammatical errors undermine your hard work. Eliminate unnecessary words, fix punctuation errors, and ensure your sentences flow smoothly. Consider reading it aloud to catch any awkward phrasing or mistakes you might have missed.

Showcase Your Fit

Admissions officers want to see that you’ve researched their institution and understand how you’ll contribute to their community. In the essays that ask specifically about why you’re interested in that college, be sure to mention unique programs, professors, or opportunities that align with your goals and interests.

COLLEGE ESSAY TIPS: ASK FOR EXPERT GUIDANCE

Seek professional help.

If you’re short on time and need expert guidance, consider our Essay Guidance Program . We specialize in helping students maximize their chances of admission, even when time is running out. Our experienced counselors can provide valuable insights and feedback to enhance your essay, and we promise a 24-turnaround on all edits.

While procrastinating on your college essay isn’t ideal, it’s not the end of the world. With these last-minute tips, you can still create a compelling essay that showcases your strengths and fits the college of your dreams. Good luck, and remember, it’s never too late to put your best foot forward in the college admissions process.

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How to Write Your College Essay: The Ultimate Step-by-Step Guide

Getting ready to start your college essay? Your essay is very important to your application — especially if you’re applying to selective colleges.

Become a stronger writer by reviewing your peers’ essays and get your essay reviewed as well for free.

We have regular livestreams during which we walk you through how to write your college essay and review essays live.

College Essay Basics

Just getting started on college essays? This section will guide you through how you should think about your college essays before you start.

• Why do essays matter in the college application process?
• What is a college application theme and how do you come up with one?
• How to format and structure your college essay

Before you move to the next section, make sure you understand:

How a college essay fits into your application

What a strong essay does for your chances

How to create an application theme

Learn the Types of College Essays

Next, let’s make sure you understand the different types of college essays. You’ll most likely be writing a Common App or Coalition App essay, and you can also be asked to write supplemental essays for each school. Each essay has a prompt asking a specific question. Each of these prompts falls into one of a few different types. Understanding the types will help you better answer the prompt and structure your essay.

• How to Write a Personal Statement That Wows Colleges
• Personal Statement Essay Examples
• How to Write a Stellar Extracurricular Activity Essay
• Extracurricular Essay Examples
• Tips for Writing a Diversity College Essay
• Diversity Essay Examples
• Tips for Writing a Standout Community Service Essay
• How to Write the “Why This Major” Essay
• How to Write a “Why This Major” Essay if You’re Undecided
• How to write the “Why This College” Essay
• How to Research a College to Write the “Why This College” Essay
• Why This College Essay Examples
• How to Write The Overcoming Challenges Essay
• Overcoming Challenges Essay Examples

Identify how each prompt fits into an essay type

What each type of essay is really asking of you

How to write each essay effectively

The Common App essay

Almost every student will write a Common App essay, which is why it’s important you get this right.

• How to Write the Common App Essay
• Successful Common App Essay Examples
• 5 Awesome College Essay Topics + Sample Essays
• 11 Cliché College Essay Topics + How to Fix Them

How to choose which Common App prompts to answer

How to write a successful Common App essay

What to avoid to stand out to admissions officers

Supplemental Essay Guides

Many schools, especially competitive ones, will ask you to write one or more supplemental essays. This allows a school to learn more about you and how you might fit into their culture.

These essays are extremely important in standing out. We’ve written guides for all the top schools. Follow the link below to find your school and read last year’s essay guides to give you a sense of the essay prompts. We’ll update these in August when schools release their prompts.

See last year’s supplemental essay guides to get a sense of the prompts for your schools.

Essay brainstorming and composition

Now that you’re starting to write your essay, let’s dive into the writing process. Below you’ll find our top articles on the craft of writing an amazing college essay.

• Where to Begin? 3 Personal Essay Brainstorming Exercises
• Creating the First Draft of Your College Application Essay
• How to Get the Perfect Hook for Your College Essay
• What If I Don’t Have Anything Interesting To Write About In My College Essay?
• 8 Do’s and Don’t for Crafting Your College Essay
• Stuck on Your College Essay? 8 Tips for Overcoming Writer’s Block

Understand how to write a great hook for your essay

Complete the first drafts of your essay

Editing and polishing your essay

Have a first draft ready? See our top editing tips below. Also, you may want to submit your essay to our free Essay Peer Review to get quick feedback and join a community of other students working on their essays.

• 11 Tips for Proofreading and Editing Your College Essay
• Getting Help with Your College Essay
• 5 DIY Tips for Editing Your College Essay
• How Long Should Your College Essay Be?
• Essential Grammar Rules for Your College Apps
• College Essay Checklist: Are You Ready to Submit?

Proofread and edited your essay.

Had someone else look through your essay — we recommend submitting it for a peer review.

Make sure your essay meets all requirements — consider signing up for a free account to view our per-prompt checklists to help you understand when you’re really ready to submit.

Advanced College Essay Techniques

Let’s take it one step further and see how we can make your college essay really stand out! We recommend reading through these posts when you have a draft to work with.

• 10 Guidelines for Highly Readable College Essays
• How to Use Literary Devices to Enhance Your Essay
• How to Develop a Personalized Metaphor for Your College Applications

• How to Get Started With a Free Consultation
• College Application Essays
• Grad School Essays, Scholarship Essays and Letters of Continued Interest
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Last Minute College Application Essay Tips

Writing a last minute college application essay?

There are still colleges accepting applications .

High School Senior:  “When should I start writing my college application essay?”

Debbie Merion, College Essay Coach:  “Now.”

High School Senior:  “How?”

Trying to write fast? Read these seven steps to write your last minute college application essay.

1.  Forget writing.  Take a few minutes just to get organized.

• Look at the college website to see if it takes the common application and /or requires supplementary questions.
• Copy and paste all of the information for that school into one computer file. Decide which major interests you,  and research the major. Research the college and the major through reading its website, other websites, talks with friends, family, students, faculty, alumni or college counselors.
• Add 30 minutes a day to your calendar to write a last minute college application essay. Assign a time for the 30 minutes each day. Perhaps right before or after dinner?

2. It helps to read about successful essays.

There are many excellent books with essay examples. I have examples in my book, Solving the College Admissions Puzzle and on my site here and here .

3.  Start to brainstorm lists.

Here is how to brainstorm a list .  [This process will take approximately 15 minutes.]

4.  Pick a topic that attracts you.

It’s best to involve an adult in this process.  [This process might take 15 minutes to an hour.]   Here are the characteristics of a great essay topic:

• You tell a true story about something that you have experienced.  The point of the story is something positive about you; the story reveals a quality that will help you be successful in college, such as being organized, taking initiative, etc.
• You feel good sharing your essay with a person who might be a checking you out, such as a future employer or date.
• The essay has some vivid and positive imagery.
• The essay includes details and self insight.
• Take this quiz to try out your options, “ Which is Your Best College Application Essay Topic? ”  Make sure you read the document that appears at the end, with your score.

5  Start writing your last minute college application essay like you are telling a true story about yourself to an adult who doesn’t know you.

[Read more about how to write fast here .]

[Writing about diversity? Read more about that here and here .]

6.  Get feedback, edit and repeat.

Here is some background on how to edit your college essay .

7.  Reward yourself.

Perhaps buy yourself a gift, or share this list for “ Ten Holiday Gift Ideas for Teens, College Students, and their Parents” with a loved one?

[Need more assistance with writing your story or your college application essay?  Would you like to work with an award-winning writer who helps businesses, authors and students tell their story in the most meaningful way?  Write Debbie Merion :  debbie@essaycoaching.com ]

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How to Write an Essay in Under 30 Minutes

Last Updated: June 28, 2024 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Arash Fayz . Arash Fayz is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of LA Tutors 123, an academic consulting and private tutoring company based in Los Angeles, California. Arash has over 10 years of educational consulting experience, managing the tutoring of students of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds to score higher on standardized tests and gain admission to their target schools. He has a BA in Applied Mathematics and Computer Science from the University of California, Los Angeles. There are 12 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 606,197 times.

If you’re taking your SATs this year, you may be preparing to write a solid essay within the 30 minute time limit. Or you might be trying to improve your writing speed to complete essay exams faster and more efficiently. Writing a five paragraph essay in under 30 minutes can seem daunting, but with the right planning and time management, it is certainly achievable.

Sample Essays

Planning the Essay

• For example, you may get a prompt in the form of quotation: “Time has a doomsday book, on whose pages he is continually recording illustrious names. But as often as a new name is written there, an old one disappears. Only a few stand in illuminated characters never to be effaced.” Henry Wadsworth Longfellow [3] X Research source
• You may then receive a question attached to the prompt: “Are there some heroes who will be remembered forever? Or are all heroes doomed to be forgotten one day?" Plan your response, and then write an essay to explain your views on this issue. Be sure to support your position with specific points and examples. You may use personal examples or examples from your reading, observations, or, knowledge of subjects such as history, literature, science. [4] X Research source

• For example, you may brainstorm the Longfellow quote/question by thinking of personal examples of heroes who are remembered or forgotten, such as family members, friends, teachers, or peers who have acted as heroes to you or to others. Or you may focus on a historical figure who seems to be a forgotten hero or a decorated hero.
• This essay question is asking for two sides of the discussion, the forgotten hero and the remembered hero. Your thesis should discuss both sides and choose one side to argue for or against.
• You may choose to spotlight a historical figure who encountered opposition and challenges in her life, such as the suffragette Susan B. Anthony. Anthony worked tirelessly for decades to get the government to recognize women’s right to vote, and was often derided by the government and by individuals within her own organization. She is a good example of a hero who was not recognized as a trailblazer until late in her life, though she is now remembered as a heroine in history. Try to refer back to the quotation in the essay prompt in your thesis, if possible, to show you have read the entire question.
• A possible thesis statement could be: “Though Longfellow argues that names, or heroes, may be forgotten over time, one historical figure, Susan B. Anthony, was derided in her lifetime for her beliefs but is now remembered as a heroine of her time.”

• Introduction: Your beginning paragraph should contain an engaging first sentence and your thesis statement. Some writers find it easier to write create a temporary introduction and revise it once they are finished with the essay. This will ensure the introduction is cohesive with the rest of the essay.
• Conclusion: This paragraph should summarize your main argument and restate your thesis. You may also want to include last thoughts around the essay question.

Writing the Essay

• An interesting or surprising example: This could be a personal experience or a key moment in the life of the historical figure you are discussing in your essay. For example, you may discuss Anthony’s childhood as a Quaker and her later adoption of more casual dress and growing interest in social reform at the age of 26. [9] X Trustworthy Source University of North Carolina Writing Center UNC's on-campus and online instructional service that provides assistance to students, faculty, and others during the writing process Go to source
• A provocative quotation: This could be from a source you used for your essay or one that feels relevant to your topic. For example, you may use a well known quote from Anthony, such as: “Cautious, careful people, always casting about to preserve their reputation and social standing, never can bring about a reform. Those who are really in earnest must be willing to be anything or nothing in the world's estimation, and publicly and privately, in season and out, avow their sympathy with despised and persecuted ideas and their advocates, and bear the consequences.” [10] X Research source
• A vivid anecdote: An anecdote is a very short story that carries moral or symbolic weight. Think of an anecdote that might be a poetic or powerful way to start your essay.
• A thought provoking question: create a question that will get your reader thinking and engaged in your topic. For example: “Did you ever wonder how women received the right to vote in the United States?”

• Body paragraph 1: You may start by discussing Anthony’s early successes. Look at the establishment of the Women’s Loyal National League in 1863 by Anthony and Stanton. As the first national women’s political organization in the United States, it had a membership of 5000 and provided a platform for women to speak out on issues like slavery and women’s right to vote. [11] X Research source
• Body paragraph 2: You may discuss Anthony’s mid career struggles. Look at the split in the women’s movement in May 1869, with the establishment of the National Woman’s Suffrage Association (NWSA) by Anthony and Stanton, and the rival American Woman Suffrage Association (AWSA). Note how after the Civil War, Anthony devoted her time and life to the suffrage movement, assuming leadership of the NWSA in 1890 and continuing to advocate for women’s rights. Anthony also remained unmarried, which gave her an advantage under the law, as married women at the time were not permitted to sign official documents and had to defer to their husbands. [12] X Research source
• Body paragraph 3: You may discuss Anthony’s later life, including her many speaking engagements throughout the United States on the need for women’s suffrage and equal rights. Though Anthony died in 1906, and did not live to see the passing of the Nineteenth Amendment of the Constitution, affording women the right to vote in the United States in 1920, her forty years of tireless work paved the way for the legal precedent and gave women a strong sense of empowerment and equality. [13] X Research source

• For example, you may restate your thesis: “Throughout her life, Susan B. Anthony’s sacrificed her time, energy, and personal livelihood to advocate for women’s rights, proving that though many heroes may be forgotten, their actions will live on in history.”

Editing the Essay

• For example, an essay on Susan B. Anthony could have the title: “An Unsung Heroine” or “Susan B. Anthony: An Advocate for Change”.

Community Q&A

• If you're writing an essay in 15 minutes, try to spend two to three minutes on each body paragraph. Then, take three minutes on your conclusion paragraph and go back to your introduction. Spend the last three minutes revising your introduction so it matches the tone and perspective of the rest of your essay. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

Tips from our Readers

• If you need to write the essay in one day, focus on writing a paragraph at a time and taking small breaks in between by relaxing and browsing the internet. A 10-minute break should be enough time to relax before it's back to crunch time.
• Writing the body paragraphs first can sometimes make it easier to write the introduction and conclusion later on.

You Might Also Like

• ↑ Arash Fayz. Test Prep Tutor. Expert Interview. 1 November 2019.
• ↑ https://libguides.newcastle.edu.au/essay_planning/essay-planning
• ↑ https://resources.warburg.sas.ac.uk/pdf/emh823b2778298.pdf
• ↑ https://www.hunter.cuny.edu/rwc/handouts/the-writing-process-1/invention/Writing-a-Response-or-Reaction-Paper
• ↑ https://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/thesis-statements/
• ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/test-terror.html
• ↑ https://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/introductions/
• ↑ https://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/should-i-use-i/
• ↑ https://www.rochester.edu/sba/
• ↑ https://repository.library.georgetown.edu/bitstream/handle/10822/553350/laCossJoanHarkin.pdf
• ↑ https://www.womenshistory.org/education-resources/biographies/susan-b-anthony
• ↑ https://www.britannica.com/biography/Susan-B-Anthony

About This Article

In order to successfully write an essay in under 30 minutes, you need to plan it out and work efficiently. Take a good 10 minutes to plan out the essay and come up with a thesis statement that will convey your argument and help guide your essay. It may seem like a large chunk of your time, but it will save you from having to rewrite or restructure your essay later on. Then, take 15 minutes to write your introductory paragraph, body paragraphs, and conclusion. Use the last 5 minutes to proofread your essay and look for spelling, punctuation, or grammatical errors. Don’t worry about coming up with a title until you’re finished. It will be much easier then. For tips about how to edit an essay you write in under 30 minutes, keep reading! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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February 25, 2012

Last Minute College Essay Writing

Don’t wait until the last minute to write your college essays! It’s a really bad idea. Maybe you pulled it off when you wrote your A.P. U.S. History paper on the Cold War the night before. Maybe you pulled off studying for an A.P. Calculus exam with only a few hours to spare. But for college essays, this is a really, really bad idea. Good writing doesn’t happen overnight. Good writing is rewriting. Even for the pros! There are professional writers in Hollywood who are paid to rewrite the scripts of other writers. There are executives who are paid to give feedback on scripts. Good writing doesn’t come out of a vacuum. Good writing is, quite often, a collaborative process.

If you wait until the last minute to write your college essays, the process invariably is less collaborative because you won’t have the time and opportunity to share your writing with others. Even if you don’t have a private college counselor helping you, how can your guidance counselor review your essays if you write them the night before they’re due? How can your English teacher look them over for content, spelling, and grammar? What if you write something that you really shouldn’t say in a college essay? The vast majority of college applicants indeed do this!

Don’t listen to anyone who tells you that you shouldn’t have help with your college essays. The writing process in Hollywood with screenplays and TV scripts is collaborative for a reason. So is the book business. There are editors, publishers, etc. Don’t submit your college essays in a vacuum. It’s a major mistake that you can easily avoid by starting your college essays well in advance of the deadlines! It’s that easy!

Check out this post on College Essay Mistakes !

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Last Minute College Essay: If Stuck, How to Write Within a Day

Tips on Writing Your Essay the last minute

Discovering that you have not done your essay with only a day left for submission is a feeling that can give a student chills. Even if you plan enough to start early, you will be caught racing against time for some reasons.

Essay writing is an important part of your course. It needs a thorough research on a particular subject hence it will be difficult to collect comprehensive information in the last minute.

Why Last Minute College Essays

The busty college or campus schedule coupled with other responsibilities can take a big part of your time. This means you may end up not having adequate time to do your essay, especially if you lack time management or planning skills.

Others will have to write their essays in last minute because of procrastination. Regardless of your reasons, doing an essay in the last minute is not an excuse to compromise on the quality of your work.

You can compose yourself, gather the research materials you need and still be able to come up with a good essay that will entice your reader.

People Also Read: Check My Essay Free From Grammar, Plagiarism, To Quality

How to Write Your Essay in Last Minutes

Students usually have plenty of time to write their essay ahead before it is due. But in some instances, you can find yourself in the last minute situation.

The first step is to compose yourself and stay positive. Let your mind know that it is still workable even if time is not on your side. Even in the shortest time left, it is still possible to write an attractive and quality essay.

Follow below helpful tips and you will write a good last minute essay:

1. Create a Writing-Friendly Atmosphere

Without a doubt, you cannot write an essay fast in the middle of distractions. Be in an environment that does not have music, television noise, phone, people’s noise and the internet.

You can temporarily block all websites which you think will get your attention. This should apply to all social media sites and applications. Inform the people around you that you need privacy and no disturbance because of the work at hand.

You can also postpone any plans you had so that there are no people pulling you away from your focus. The use of ear plugs can be a good alternative if you are not able to do away with some of the noise distractions.

2. Gather all the Necessary Materials Needed

The workspace you have should be prepared by clearing all the clutter so that it is conducive for faster essay writing. It is important to have all the materials you will need for writing. This includes notes, textbooks, articles and a research on the internet.

The computer and all the writing items should also be ready. Including snacks and coffee is good to keep you energized as you write. This will ensure you do not have to distract yourself by going to look for these things.

When you have gathered everything and prepare your writing environment, its time to start. However, due to the panic situation, it is good to take a moment, breath in and let your mind now focus on the writing.

Instead of stressing yourself, motivate your mind to know that you can complete the task within the remaining short period.

4. Prewriting

Read the assignment at hand first so that you understand all the guidelines correctly. This will eliminate any room for mistakes. In reality, fully comprehending the assignment and all instructions involved is considered as half battle won.

Prewriting will be better if there is an essay outline. Settle for the writing style you prefer such as brief sentences, bullet points or diagrams. This should be done in very few minutes by simply jotting down the main points.

Sparing few minutes to write your outline will ensure you write clearly and efficiently. If your paper needs extensive research and outside reading, ensure you do not spend a lot of time on this.

5. Establishing a Strong Thesis

Take out the main points of your essay so that you can achieve a strong thesis because you will have focused on the essay’s objective.

The thesis you formulate should be easy to debate since you do not have time. This makes it easy to convince your readers and provide necessary evidence to back up your arguments. 

6. Actual Writing

The writing of an essay starts with the introduction which is a very crucial part. It will not only orient the audience about the essay but also make a brief explanation of the argument. The outline you wrote can now guide you to write the other parts of the essay bit by bit.

7. Timing Yourself      

Even though you have to write your essay quickly, you should pace yourself by taking short breaks whenever you get stuck. Don’t view taking a short break as wasting time but rather relieving stress to clear your head.

After writing, review your work by editing, proofreading and ensuring everything is in line with the essay guidelines.

People Also Read: Check My Essay Grade: How To Rate Your Essay

Tips To Prevent Last Minute Essays

With proper planning and time management, you can avoid last minute essay writing. Research assignments, coursework and essays need time if you are to come up with quality writing.

Here are tips to avoid last minute essays:

a) Ensure your deadline is visible in your classroom or at home so that you do to forget as deadline advances. Deadlines can be written on a whiteboard, wall planners, calendars or your phone.

Phones are the best options because you can install a countdown app to remind you how much time you have left. All these steps will help you to plan effectively.

b) If you start early, you will not have to write in the last minute. You can be making partial progress everyday by researching or making an outline. If you begin early, you will definitely have ample time to polish your essay in the last days.

c) Avoid postponing your essay writing because it is difficult or you are simply not in the right mood. If you wait until you feel motivated, it might be the last day of submission when you will be in the right mood.

By making a small start, you will eventually motivate yourself to write the assignment bit by bit.

d) Try and divide your essay assignment into manageable chunks. Small sizes of the assignment will not seem overwhelming and can be done in multiple days. This becomes easy as opposed to tackling your assignment in one day.

One piece can be about gathering material, another one on research or simply forming a plan of the essay. Correspondingly, you can engage a professional writer who will offer last minute writing services .

People Also Read: Persuasive Essays: Introduction, Structure, & Topic Examples

How to Plan Your Time Well to Write Timely Essays

An essay involves deep research on a given subject. Therefore, it can be difficult to collect all the materials and information needed in the last minute.

Planning of time is one of the fundamental aspects that can help you to write a good essay.

For starters, it is good to assess the kind of essay work you have in hand. Check the date of submission, pages or word count needed and the expectations in terms of research.

If you consider all the stages of writing involved in an essay such as research, enlisting, writing and revising, you can plan your time appropriately.

Know how much time will be adequate for you to complete all the steps comfortably.

Prepare how you are going to execute the steps of writing. It is easy to make this plan with proper consideration of the assignment length, your speed of writing and the duration you have until the deadline day of submission.

If you plan by taking one step at a time, writing an essay will not overwhelm you. Planning helps a writer to take control of the essay and feel confident.

When not handling complex essays and academic writing tasks, Josh is busy advising students on how to pass assignments. In spare time, he loves playing football or walking with his dog around the park.

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Last-Minute Tricks for Taking Your College Essay from Average to Awesome

As the year comes to an end, college application deadlines are fast approaching. If you're making the finishing touches on yours, you've probably been working on (and worrying about) the essay portion for some time now. Ready to put it to bed and send it out? We've put together a nice little guide to ensure that your writing is in tip-top shape.

Does your essay identify what's different about you?

The bulk of most college applications require a ton of impersonal info, from your GPA to your SAT scores to a list of your classes. All of those things help admissions officers see what you've achieved in high school, but the essay portion is your chance to show them what you, the person, are really like—and what you'll bring to their school. Make sure your essay shows off your personality as much as your writing skills. There are so many things that shape who you are that aren't easily expressed in any other part of your application; use the essay as a chance to show them off.

Have you thought about what each college you're applying to wants?

It's super tempting to write the same essay for each college you're applying to and then tweak it slightly from there, especially if you're casting a particularly wide net. But remember, admissions officers read applications all day and can spot a boilerplate essay from a mile away. If you're applying to a school because you like a particular program in their physics department, say so in your writing. Colleges want to feel like you wouldn't want to go anywhere else. Make them feel special by tailoring each essay you write to suit the individual school.

Is your essay trying to do too much?

Really, admissions officers read these things all day long. More information is not always better, especially if your extra paragraphs aren't adding anything new. Each part of your essay should be effective in showing the school why they would be lucky to have you. If something isn't 100% relevant to that goal, scrap it (even if it's written beautifully).

Is your essay overwritten?

In the same vein, the pressure to show off your writing skills can lead many applicants to cram their essays full of flowery prose. This will either prove to colleges that you are a wonderful writer and they must admit you immediately&or it will be exhausting for them to read. If the intricate metaphors and literary references in your essay aren't strictly necessary, save them for another assignment.

Did you get a second opinion?

There's no better way to figure out how your essay will read to someone else than by having someone else read it. (Duh.) Ask your English teacher or guidance counselor to take a look and give you some feedback as though they were in the admissions department at your dream school. This is a task that can be given to parents too, but they're a little less likely to give you the tough love you may need.

Have you written a great essay, period?

The stress you're facing in regards college admissions is huge, but keep in mind that the essay is just another piece of writing. Thinking about it that way will help you avoid some of the writer's block and stiffness that comes with thinking of it as the much more intimidating "application essay." In fact, there's no shame in taking a look at some of your most successful high school assignments (or even journal entires) for inspiration. Loosen up, and get creative!

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How to End a College Admissions Essay | 4 Winning Strategies

Published on October 16, 2021 by Meredith Testa . Revised on May 31, 2023.

The ending of your college essay should leave your reader with a sense of closure and a strong final impression.

Table of contents

Endings to avoid, option 1: return to the beginning, option 2: look forward, option 3: reveal your main point, option 4: end on an action, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about college application essays.

A bad conclusion can bring your whole essay down, so make sure to avoid these common mistakes.

Summarizing

Unlike an academic essay, an admissions essay shouldn’t restate your points. Avoid ending with a summary; there’s no need to repeat what you’ve already written.

Phrases like “in conclusion,” “overall,” or “to sum it up” signal that you have nothing to add to what you’ve already written, so an admissions officer may stop reading.

Stating the obvious

Instead of stating the obvious, let your work speak for itself and allow readers to draw their own conclusions. If your essay details various times that you worked tirelessly to go above and beyond, don’t finish it by stating “I’m hardworking.” Admissions officers are smart enough to figure that out on their own.

You should also avoid talking about how you hope to be accepted. Admissions officers know you want to be accepted—that’s why you applied! It’s okay to connect what you discuss in the essay to your potential future career or college experience, but don’t beg for admission. Stay focused on your essay’s core topic.

Prevent plagiarism. Run a free check.

Many successful essays follow a “sandwich,” or full-circle, structure , meaning that they start with some image or idea, veer away from it in the middle, and then return to it at the end.

This structure is clean, self-contained, and satisfying for readers, so it’s a great choice if it works with the topic you’ve chosen.

In the “sandwich” essay outlined below, a student discusses his passion for musical theater. Instead of simply stating that interest, his essay starts with a funny anecdote about a minor fire that erupted on set. At the end, it returns to this anecdote, creating a sense of closure.

• Intro: I may be the world’s worst firefighter.
• Flashback to working on the school musical
• Demonstrate my passion for theatre
• Detail the story of the theater set catching fire
• Show how I made the most of the situation
• Conclusion: I proved my value as a director, an actor, and a writer that week一even if I was a terrible firefighter.

Many successful essays end by looking forward to the future. These endings are generally hopeful and positive—always great qualities in an admissions essay—and often connect the student to the college or their academic goals.

Although these endings can be highly effective, it can be challenging to keep them from sounding cliché. Keep your ending specific to you, and don’t default to generalities, which can make your essay seem bland and unoriginal.

Below are a good and a bad example of how you could write a “looking forward” ending for the musical theater “firefighter” essay.

Sometimes, holding back your main point can be a good strategy. If your essay recounts several experiences, you could save your main message for the conclusion, only explaining what ties all the stories together at the very end.

When done well, this ending leaves the reader thinking about the main point you want them to take from your essay. It’s also a memorable structure that can stand out.

However, if you choose this approach, it can be challenging to keep the essay interesting enough that the reader pays attention throughout.

In the essay outlined below, a student gives us snapshots of her experience of gymnastics at different stages in her life. In the conclusion, she ties the stories together and shares the insight that they taught her about different aspects of her character and values.

• Passionate, excited
• Sister born that day—began to consider people beyond myself
• Realizing that no matter how much I love gymnastics, there are more important things
• I’d been working especially hard to qualify for that level
• It came after many setbacks and failures
• I had to give up time with friends, first homecoming dance of high school, and other activities, and I considered quitting
• Conclusion: I’m still all of those selves: the passionate 7-year-old, the caring 11-year-old, and the determined 15-year-old. Gymnastics has been a constant throughout my life, but beyond the balance beam, it has also shown me how to change and grow.

Ending on an action can be a strong way to wrap up your essay. That might mean including a literal action, dialogue, or continuation of the story.

These endings leave the reader wanting more rather than wishing the essay had ended sooner. They’re interesting and can help you avoid boring your reader.

Here’s an example of how this ending could work for the gymnastics essay.

If you want to know more about academic writing , effective communication , or parts of speech , make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples.

Academic writing

• Writing process
• Transition words
• Passive voice
• Paraphrasing

 Communication

• How to end an email
• Ms, mrs, miss
• How to start an email
• I hope this email finds you well
• Hope you are doing well

 Parts of speech

• Personal pronouns
• Conjunctions

There are a few strategies you can use for a memorable ending to your college essay :

• Return to the beginning with a “full circle” structure
• Reveal the main point or insight in your story
• Look to the future
• End on an action

The best technique will depend on your topic choice, essay outline, and writing style. You can write several endings using different techniques to see which works best.

Unlike a five-paragraph essay, your admissions essay should not end by summarizing the points you’ve already made. It’s better to be creative and aim for a strong final impression.

You should also avoid stating the obvious (for example, saying that you hope to be accepted).

There are no set rules for how to structure a college application essay , but these are two common structures that work:

• A montage structure, a series of vignettes with a common theme.
• A narrative structure, a single story that shows your personal growth or how you overcame a challenge.

Avoid the five-paragraph essay structure that you learned in high school.

When revising your college essay , first check for big-picture issues regarding message, flow, tone, style , and clarity. Then, focus on eliminating grammar and punctuation errors.

Cite this Scribbr article

If you want to cite this source, you can copy and paste the citation or click the “Cite this Scribbr article” button to automatically add the citation to our free Citation Generator.

Testa, M. (2023, May 31). How to End a College Admissions Essay | 4 Winning Strategies. Scribbr. Retrieved September 9, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/college-essay/conclusion-college-essay/

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6 Tips to Help You Write a Last Minute Essay In One Sitting

by  Antony W

August 1, 2024

Are you stuck in a position where you have to write a last minute essay but you have no idea where to start? You've come to the right place.

Writing a great essay isn’t hard if you have enough time on your hands. If done ahead of when it’s due, you can have enough time to revise and proofread the paper for accuracy and readability.

However, life gets in the way sometimes, and you may find yourself not able to write the essay until when it’s almost due.

Fortunately, you can still write your essay and score good grades even in the last minutes. You just need to know what to do and how.

In this guide, we’ll show you exactly how to write a last minute essay that your instructor will love.

We’ll give you effective writing tips you can use to make your essay focused, easy to read, and comprehensive enough for whatever topic your teacher has asked you to cover.

How to Write a Las Minute Essay

There are two easy ways to get the work done without panicking.

The option you choose depends on how much time you have and how much you think you can write within that period.

1. Write the Essay in One Night

If you already know how to write an essay , and you’re the kind of student who doesn’t panic because of the last minute assignments, you can write the essay in one night.

This approach involves setting aside half or a full day to complete the essay, although it’s best to work on your paper when you’re most productive.

2. Order Professional Essay Writing Service

Even if you know what your topic requires and how to handle the assignment on your own, you may not have enough time to do the work in the last minute.

Should that be the case, you can  order an essay to get your last minute paper completed in time.

It doesn’t matter if you’re on a budget or you just need the work written fast. Our team of writers and editors can help your work completed on time. 

Use These Tips to Write Your Last Minute Essay

Don’t worry if you can’t pay for an essay online .

You can follow our practical guide below to write a great last minute essay without panicking.

1. Don’t Panic

It’s easy to stress yourself up when you have only a few hours to submit an essay you haven’t even written yet. But being anxious and panicking can only delay the essay further.

Worse, stress can cause you to write mediocre essays that your instructor won’t be interested in reading.

So the first rule to getting that last minute essay written well is to calm down, and then tell yourself that you can get the work done even in such a short time.

Think to yourself that even if you have only 12 hours left to the deadline, you can still develop a positive mindset and write an essay that will not only be interesting to read but also one that earns you full marks.

2. Create a Conducive Writing Environment

Relaxing is a good way to give your mind the space to develop fresh ideas for your last minute essay. However, that’s not enough.

You also have to choose the right environment to write the assignment.

Choose a distraction-free space far away from people, music, television, your phone, and the internet.

If you must write your essay in a space full of people, be it in a library, at home, or in your dormitory, you can use earplugs to reduce or block out ambient noise.

Block sites and social media apps that may take your focus from writing your essay.

Reschedule your plans for the day and if friends try to pull you from your work, make it clear to them that you have to complete your essay first.

3. Make Sure You Have Relevant Materials to Write the Essay

Gather the materials that will help you write your last minute essay and make sure they’re all in one pace. These include research, textbooks, notes, articles, and your laptop.

Get some coffee to help you stay energized, but this isn’t necessary if you can write well in one sitting without drinking something.

If you’ll be pulling an all-nighter, make sure you set your mind early enough as staying up late can leave you exhausted and less focused.

The first rule to pulling an all-nighter well is never to write your last minute essay in bed.

Instead, use a desk in a study room to get the writing started and completed in good time. Save some caffeine for the moment, but don’t drink a lot too early because it can cause you to lose concentration.

If you decide to write your essay at night, try to get enough sleep the following day to recover from lack of sleep.

4. Prewriting

If done right, prewriting can give you a solid foundation to write your first draft.

Start by reading the guidelines in the prompt to understand what your instructor expects to see in the essay. Doing so will help you answer important questions like:

• In what format should my essay be?
• What’s the word limit for the essay?
• Does the prompt allow me to make an essay longer ?
• What type of essay does my instructor want me to work on?

If anything, the key to writing a last minute essay is to first read and understand the prompt.

Now create an outline and use it to write down the main points that you intend to use to make your essay.

5. Work on Your Thesis

Your thesis statement is the last sentence of the introduction to your essay and it communicates the main point in your essay.

Formulate a strong, arguable thesis that convinces your readers to read your essay to understand your argument(s).

6. Write Your First Draft

Use the outline you created in prewriting to write your first draft. Your essay should have an introduction, the body section, and the conclusion paragraphs.

The most important rule to remember is that each paragraph in your essay should address one main idea.

If it helps, recheck the prompt to be sure you didn’t skip anything important.

About the author 

Antony W is a professional writer and coach at Help for Assessment. He spends countless hours every day researching and writing great content filled with expert advice on how to write engaging essays, research papers, and assignments.

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3 Last-Minute Essay Tips

I have personally read, reviewed, and given feedback on what feels like a million essays in the past several months. After reading so many essays, some things become very apparent, and I’ve tried to condense my main takeaways into 3 main points. I know that I’m posting this late into admissions season, so I’ll try to give advice that doesn’t involve rewriting your entire essay.

Don’t Be Fancy

It is easy to think that AOs are looking for the “best” essays. High school seniors often consider this the smartest-sounding, the most “profound”, or the most advanced vocabulary. This could not be further from the truth.

Trying to sound smart in your essays by using complex vocabulary backfires 100% of the time. It is always extremely obvious when a student is using language they aren’t comfortable with, and it usually serves to have the opposite effect than what is intended. Not only is it clear that the student is using vocabulary that they don’t ever use normally, but it also comes across as disingenuous. Don’t make it seem like you wrote your essay next to a thesaurus. Take Yale’s advice and “use a conversational tone.”

Don’t be fancy. Using big words to sound smart doesn’t make you sound smart, but it often makes you sound unnatural and unauthentic.

Don’t be needlessly quirky or dramatic.

When you look at essays in lists like “These 5 essays got students admitted into Ivy Leagues,” you can get a very skewed impression of what colleges are looking for. You might think that you don’t have a chance unless you have an extraordinary background or have overcome tremendous obstacles. This often leads students to overdramatize their background to make their essays seem more like those they read in the New York Times. This is a mistake.

Contrary to what you may believe, many students get admitted to top schools with ordinary essays. Furthermore, having an extraordinary background is NOT a precursor to writing an extraordinary essay. You can be extraordinary in your ability to be introspective and in your reflection. You can be extraordinary by conveying positive personality traits. Your essays are meant to showcase your personality and who you are. When you overdramatize your background or make it needlessly quirky-sounding, you convey that you are insecure about the truth.

Be authentic; it will pay off.

Don’t get too much feedback.

As deadlines approach, you may be tempted to send your essays back and forth to somebody for feedback. The temptation to do this is quite understandable, as getting feedback essentially deflects responsibility away from you as a student. Be cautious, though.

Every iteration of feedback you get gradually chips away at the authenticity of your essay and the strength of your “voice.” You are likely making yourself worse off by sending your essay to your mom for its 25th iteration. Feedback is still important, but use common sense when deciding how much is truly necessary.

All of these points reflect an essential guiding principle: be authentic. It is incredible how easily you can tell that a student is not being authentic in their essays. Be authentic.

Random Tip:

A lot of this isn't really apparent until you read a lot of essays. It might help you to read a bunch of other people's essays to get an intuitive sense of what works/what doesn't.

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