The college application grind is hitting seniors and juniors hard this year, turning into a full-blown obsession before Labor Day even hits. With early decision deadlines sneaking up and everyone posting their “accepted” stories online, the big question on everyone’s mind is: how early is too early to dive into those Common App essays? Students at Farmington High School spill their thoughts on the perfect launch time without turning into a total stress zombie.

“Dude, I saw this freshman last week already making a spreadsheet for top-20 schools. Like, bro, you haven’t even taken geometry yet—chill out! We get it, Ivy League dreams are real, but starting before junior year is straight-up wild. Hit the ground running the summer after sophomore year, tops.” Junior, Ethan Smith said.

Whoa, freshmen with apps open? That blows my mind too. Sure, building a resume early is smart, but does jumping the gun mess up your high school vibe, like skipping fun electives for extra credits?

“If you crank out apps in May of junior year and change your mind by fall, you’re locked into bad choices or explaining weird gaps. It happened to my cousin—she applied early to a safety school and hated it, and had to transfer. Don’t do it too soon unless you’re 100% sure, especially if you’re still figuring out your major.” Senior, Mia Danner said.

Yikes, that sounds like a nightmare—wasted time, deposits down the drain, and awkward conversations with admissions offices. Plus, if your group’s all applying together and one flakes, it throws off the whole friend dynamic for recommenders and visits.

“The sweet spot? Exactly after junior year finals, around mid-June. Gives you summer to write killer essays without burnout, lets you visit campuses when it’s warm, and avoids the last-minute panic in November. Any earlier feels desperate, any later and FAFSA gets chaotic with everyone rushing.” Senior, Tyler Nguyen said.