From my own experience with college applications, one of the hardest parts was definitely choosing a unique essay topic. I found the advice in the topic test extremely helpful—if your best friend could write the same essay with the same details, it’s a sign you need to pivot. This pushed me away from generic topics like sports injuries or mission trips, which really are overused. Balancing SAT prep alongside essay brainstorming is also crucial. When I was working on my essay during junior year, I reduced my SAT math practice to about 30 minutes a day so my brain had room for creative thinking. Trying to cram both in the same hour led to mental fatigue and lower quality work on both fronts. Give yourself dedicated time for essays and for test prep separately to optimize focus. Another important tip is to acknowledge when you’re "done enough" with SAT prep. Once I hit my ceiling on practice tests, I stopped intensive prep in favor of refining my essay drafts. I went through more than 10 drafts, which allowed me to polish the narrative and make my story truly personal. Lastly, avoid panicking with aimless practice. Random, patternless efforts just feed stress without meaningful progress. Slowing down and focusing on understanding your weak spots made a huge difference in my preparation. Taking this thoughtful approach will help you gain confidence and craft a compelling, original college essay that stands out.