When are the 2012 guides coming out?

[hcueva]

I'd like to apply during the first round next fall. I understand the essay topics come out in June or July.

How long after that are your essay guides released?

Also, do essay topics change much from year to year?, would it be a waste of time (and money) to start working on this year's essay topics?

[Lisa Anderson]

Dear hcueva,

Schools vary slightly on when essay questions are released, but somewhere between June and September is the usual timeframe. Topics do not always change year to year; some schools will only change 1 question whereas others will change all 2-4 questions. So, it is not altogether wasted effort to brainstorm and draft responses to this year's questions as the questions might not change and/or might not be that different if they do. If you want to work with a consultant on your applications, the best time to sign on is a couple months before the essay topics are released (March-July).

With regard to our essay guides, we try to get them out as quickly as we can once the essay questions are released. Thanks for asking!

Regards,
Lisa