Resources & Tips


CEA Blog
How to Distinguish Yourself in Your College Applications as an Early High School Graduate
More students are learning about and taking advantage of early graduation opportunities across the United States. Some states offer exams to sophomores and juniors that give them clearance to graduate early if they pass. The California High School Proficiency Examination (CHSPE), for example, is available to High School students in California who would like to […]
The Early Action and Early Decision Acceptance Rates for the Class of 2026
To absolutely no one’s surprise, this was a very competitive year for college applications. With each passing year more applicants pen Early Action and Early Decision love letters to their dream schools. In response, top schools have carried on with their tradition of accepting a very small percentage of these eager applicant pools (but still […]
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 […]
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 […]
What is the Top-Choice Letter in Private School Admissions?
Many families have approached us after attending school tours, speaking with administrators, and submitting applications, asking, “What else can we do to confirm our interest?” The answer, of course, is drafting the infamous “top-choice” letter. What is the Top-Choice Letter? If you are exploring selective private schools, odds are you’ve heard of the top-choice letter. […]
The Top 10 Private School Admissions Interview Questions Students Should Expect
If you are in the process of applying to private schools, you will likely need to interview with a school representative. The very best thing you can do to ace the interview is be yourself. We’re serious! Working with preteens and teenagers might just be our favorite part of the advising work we do, and […]
The 2021-22 Xavier High School in CT Application Essay Guide
If you’re applying to Xavier High School in Middletown, CT, you’ve come to the right place. Below you will find the two prompts for the admissions essays required of applicants. You’ll notice that admissions is asking applicants to pen their responses in their own handwriting. So, let’s crack our knuckles and dive in! Directions: Please […]