Resources & Tips
CEA Blog
Regular Decision Notification Dates for the Class of 2026
It’s hard to believe but the 2021-22 college admissions season is, for the most part, over. You poured your blood, sweat, and tears (okay, hopefully not blood) into your applications and now all you have to do now is wait. While some schools have rolling admissions, others deliver the news on a scheduled date. In […]
How to Finish Your College Essays in Time for Submission
If you’re reading this, odds are you’re staring at your calendar while a single bead of sweat drips down your face. First, get a tissue. Blot. Next, get comfortable; you’re about to accomplish something spectacular. In order to finish all of your college essays—we’re talking the Common App essay, UC essays, supplemental essays, COVID essays, […]
Ivy League Tuition and Fees 2021-22
There are so many things to consider when choosing which colleges and universities to apply to, including, but not limited to: location, distance from home, alumni network, graduation rate, degree requirements, study abroad and research opportunities, internships, coursework, specialized programs, school size, professor to student ratio, campus vibe and (drumroll, please!) cost. This is what […]
How to Write a Winning Business School Application Essay
People enter business school at different times in their lives. Some folks apply straight out of college, while others apply after gaining some real-world experience. Regardless of what phase of life you find yourself in, your application essay should detail what you hope to achieve in business school and beyond. It should outline your goals […]
What You Need to Know About Preschool Admissions in NYC
If you’re interested in pursuing a private preschool education for your tiny tot, you’re in for a lengthy administrative journey (“Hey Dad, Dad, are we THERE yet?”), especially if you’re in NYC. The private preschool admissions process closely resembles that of college admissions, which means you should treat the process similarly: be mindful of deadlines, […]
2021-22 Early Decision, Early Action, and Early Decision II Notification Dates – Class of 2026
So: you’ve written your Common App personal statement, finished your supplemental essays, acquired recommendations from your favorite teachers, created a fantastic activity resume, sent out your applications, crossed your fingers (and toes!), and now all you have left to do is wait for the results. And waiting is the wooorst! Especially for the 2021-22 admissions cycle, […]
How to Write an Artist Statement for College Applications
Congratulations, you’re an artist! You’re pursuing a degree in art, a decision that will hopefully propel you into a fulfilling and successful creative career. Many colleges and universities ask art students to write an Artist Statement as part of their applications. Writing an Artist Statement can be tricky, especially if you’re applying as an undergraduate. […]
The Parent Private School Interview: Questions to Expect (and Questions to Ask!)
If you are starting the private school application process with your child for the first time, you’ve come to the right place. It can seem like there are a lot of hoops to jump through in the admissions process, but we’re confident you’ll have the system figured out in no time. The parent interview is […]
How to Ace The Standard Application Online (SAO)’s Student Essays Section
Hello and welcome to CEA’s Standard Application Online (SAO) Essay Guide! Below you will find the instructions from the Standard Application Online (SAO), the essay prompts, and our breakdowns for each. We recommend giving yourself ample time to familiarize yourself with these prompts and brainstorm unique, authentic responses. These essays present you with the opportunity […]
How to: Write a Winning Diversity Statement for Law School (No Matter Your Background)
Hello future lawyers, attorneys, and judges! As you begin the admissions process for law school, you’ll likely notice that most institutions give applicants the option to submit what’s known as a “diversity statement” along with their statement of purpose (also referred to as the personal essay) and other application materials. If you’re serious about your […]






