50 Successful Ivy League Application Essays

22. Writing the essay the night before it’s due.
 Almost every stu-
dent has done it—waited until the last minute to write a paper 
or do a project. Sometimes it comes out all right, but sometimes 
not so much. It is not wise to procrastinate when it comes to 
writing a college admissions essay. It takes time. Even if you are 
able to write an essay the night before it’s due, it’s still better not 
to. The best essays marinate. Their authors write, take some time 
away from it and then return to it later with a fresh mind.