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CEA Blog

How to Start Your College Admissions Essay

Topic: Admissions, advice, Brainstorming, College Admissions, Essay Resources, Essay Tips, Essay Writing, News, Tips, Uncategorized  |  Posted on September 10th, 2018  |  Written by Kat Stubing

It’s a classic story of student-visits-campus, and it goes like this. First, student visits campus (duh). Then, student notices campus’ uncanny likeness to a wizarding school that shall-not-be-named. Student declares undying love for campus. Student decides to apply Early Decision because student is All In™. But then student realizes it’s only July. The deadline is […]

Brainstorming Quick Tip: Get By With A Little Help From Your Friends

Your parents have raised you since you were a wee pup, but do they know every single thing there is to know about you?  (Of course you do, mom and dad — we’re just kidding.)  Still, so much of your adolescence has been spent in the presence of your peers, that it would be negligent […]

How to Use Your Memories to Find the Perfect Essay Topic

Topic: Admissions, advice, Brainstorming, College Admissions, Essay Resources, Essay Tips, Essay Writing, Tips  |  Posted on October 9th, 2017  |  Written by Kat Stubing

So you’re working on your college applications and just can’t seem to come up with a good topic for your essay! You hate all of your ideas and you know a good topic is the foundation for a fantastic essay! Don’t panic! Your predicament is quite normal and you’re one of many students sweating your […]

Follow this Timeline to Write a Winning College Essay

Topic: Admissions, advice, Brainstorming, College Admissions, Essay Resources, Essay Writing, From The Founder, Tips  |  Posted on September 19th, 2017  |  Written by CEA HQ

More goes into an essay than brainstorming, writing, and revising. You have to make sure you’re advancing through the process at the right speed. But how much time should you dedicate to each phase of the process?! Don’t worry, we have answers!  Follow this timeline to keep yourself in check and ensure that when all […]

How to Write the Stanford University 2017-18 Supplemental Essay

Topic: Admissions, advice, Brainstorming, College Admissions, Essay Resources, Essay Tips, From The Founder, Supplemental Essays, Uncategorized  |  Posted on September 7th, 2017  |  Written by CEA HQ

The Stanford University supplement is a BEAST. There is no way around it. Admissions Officers really want to weed out the uncommitted students and learn more about the applicants who are willing to put the time in to submit an extensive and detailed application. We made you a guide on how to brainstorm and write […]

The University of California Essay Prompts 2017-18

Topic: advice, Brainstorming, College Admissions, College Spotlight, Essay Tips, Essay Writing  |  Posted on September 6th, 2017  |  Written by CEA HQ

All University of California schools require the same application – which is awesome for students who are interested in multiple campuses! The application doesn’t come without its downfalls, however. Students have to write four essays to be considered for admission. Since most students are also applying to other universities that accept the Coalition or Common […]

How to Optimize College Essay Brainstorming Sessions

Topic: Admissions, advice, Brainstorming, College Admissions, Essay Tips, Essay Writing, Productivity, Quick Tips, Tips, Uncategorized  |  Posted on July 18th, 2017  |  Written by Becca Myers

A ton of behind-the-scenes work goes into crafting a great college admissions essay, and it all begins with the brainstorm. While brainstorming was originally coined in the late 1800’s to signify “a severe mental disturbance,” today it refers to the low-pressure, rapid-fire process of generating ideas without self-censure. Here are four tips to get your creative […]

6 Tips to Make Brainstorming for the College Admissions Essay Enjoyable

Topic: advice, Brainstorming, College Admissions, Essay Tips, Essay Writing, Quick Tips, Tips  |  Posted on June 23rd, 2017  |  Written by Nina Bailey

It’s time to start brainstorming for your college essay! If you find the prospect of brainstorming to be far less fun than a.) sleeping outside b.) tattooing your tongue or c.) bathing in hot chili oil, don’t despair. We have six stellar suggestions for how to make brainstorming not only effective, but even (gasp!) fun: […]