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CEA Blog
CEA’s Guide to Writing Distinctive Essays for Competitive BS/MD Programs
If you’re a high school student dead set on pursuing a career in medicine, you’ve come to the right place. BSMD programs are a fantastic option for students who are committed to becoming tomorrow’s doctors and want to make the best use of their time in an accelerated higher education program. Of course, in order […]
Transforming Good Essays into Great Ones with Common App Essay Revisions
Here it comes—the behemoth that lurks in the dark, prompting you to look over your shoulder, a cold sweat dripping down your neck. Your breath quickens as you pick up your pace—but no matter how fast you go, it’s still just behind you. It’s the one admissions essay to rule them all: the dreaded Common […]
How to Showcase Leadership in Your Common App Activities Section
Along with writing the Common App essay, each applicant has the opportunity to submit an Activity List of up to ten (10) items along with a list of any honors and awards. Categories of activities range from volunteering to clubs and athletics, so you have a chance to round out your application with all sorts […]
Why It’s in Your Best Interest to Write Your Common App Essay Before Your UC Essays
For students who hope to submit applications to a range of colleges, including the UCs, we always recommend writing your Common App 650-word personal statement before your UC personal insight essays. (And for good reason!) Here’s why: 1) The Common App Prompts are Confirmed First The Common Application prompts are usually confirmed in January or […]
Early Decision and Early Action Deadline Organizer 2025-26
Early Action and Early Decision deadlines will be here before you know it. If you have one school in mind that is your ride-or-die, you should definitely consider applying Early Decision to put yourself toward the front of the pack. Many schools tend to accept a higher percentage of both Early Decision and Early Action applicants […]
Three Reasons to Write Your Regular Decision Application Essays Immediately
Every year, we work with students who pour their blood, sweat, and tears (okay, maybe not blood) into their Early Action and Early Decision application essays and, once November 1 rolls around, they are ready for a well-deserved break. We could not be more on board! But that well-deserved break should last one week only […]
How to Find the Best College Essay Advising Services
Perhaps the most complex and time-consuming element of college applications is the essay-writing process, which now often includes personal statements, additional information essays, diversity statements, mountains of supplements, and other fun surprises. As a result, many parents and students are increasingly seeking the help of college essay tutors or consulting services to help them organize, […]
If You’re Not Done with Your College Application Essays Right Now, You’re Late
Every year it happens. September rolls around, Labor Day BBQs end the summer with a side of slaw, and students all over the world wake up and realize that, in addition to schoolwork, they have to start working on their college admissions essays. As someone who has been advising students on their college essays for […]
Early Decision and Early Action Deadline Organizer 2023-24
Early Action and Early Decision deadlines will be here before you know it. If you have one school in mind that is your ride-or-die, you should definitely consider applying Early Decision to put yourself toward the front of the pack. Many schools tend to accept a higher percentage of both Early Decision and Early Action applicants than […]
Early Decision and Early Action Deadline Organizer 2022-23
Early Action and Early Decision deadlines will be here before you know it. If you have one school in mind that is your ride-or-die, you should definitely consider applying Early Decision to put yourself toward the front of the pack. Many schools tend to accept a higher percentage of both Early Decision and Early Action applicants than […]
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