Resources & Tips


CEA Blog
How to Write an Eye-Catching Activity Resume
You probably never knew that taking French could help you with anything other than learning the correct pronunciation of “macaron” and the crucial definition of “escargot.” Who knew it could also help you with your college applications? Whip out those dual-language dictionaries and look up the word “résumé.” The translation is pretty simple: a summary […]
5 Things You Have To Do Now That The SAT Is Over
Your second to last chance to take the SAT before the end of the school year is this Saturday and you are prepared. In fact, you may be SO prepared for the SAT that it’s all you’ve been thinking about. Well, that and season 2 of Dark. But after you color in that final circle, […]
Guide to the 2016-17 Coalition Application Essay Prompts
There is an upheaval in the world of college admissions. At least that’s what the members of the newly-formed Coalition for Access, Affordability and Success would have us believe as they prepare to launch a new mass application platform this summer. Since the announcement that over 80 elite colleges would be banding together to challenge […]
The 2016-17 Coalition Application Essay Prompts Have Been Released
This past September, a coalition of 80+ top-tier colleges announced their #squadgoals to create a new kind of college application that would promote college access, affordability, and success for all students. This new platform would compete directly with the well-established Common App, offering students an alternative pathway to some of the best schools in the […]
4 Things You Should NEVER Do When You Email A College Admissions Officer
Boot up your old desktop computers! We’re talking about email! While this super-retro phenomenon may seem as ‘90s as a choker necklace and as outdated as a carrier pigeon, it’s still relevant for the time being. Parents, you know what we’re talking about. So students, listen up. If at any point throughout your application process […]
Don’t Miss CEA at the 2016 NACAC College Fair in NYC
This Sunday, hundreds of students will pay a visit to the fabled Jacob K. Javits Center in Manhattan for the 2016 NACAC College Fair. This incredible free event will give juniors the opportunity to explore a huge range of higher education options and get detailed information in subject-specific workshops. Plus, we’ll be there! Two friendly […]
ICYMI- Why The Costco College Essay Is Crucial Reading for Future College Applicants
At this point, it’s almost been impossible to avoid reading about the amazing Costco college essay that secured one lucky applicant admission to several Ivies and Stanford. It’s a great essay, but not everyone seems to understand why, so CEA Founder Stacey Brook broke it down and offered some lessons that everyone can take away […]
Your 5-Step Guide to Surviving the Wait-List Apocalypse
This post was originally published on USA Today College. The recent onslaught of wait-list letters arriving in the inboxes of disappointed students around the country probably isn’t quite as dire as a zombie apocalypse, but the terrors can be just as scary to combat. Once you’re infected, that feeling of unease can penetrate your life […]
4 Strategies for Getting Yourself off the Waiting List and into Your Dream School
The unimaginable has occurred. You have been waitlisted at the school of your dreams. Even Frank Bruni’s lighthearted jibes about plunging Ivy League admission rates don’t soften the blow of Yale and Harvard’s record low acceptances this year. The class of 2020 at each of these esteemed institutions comprises just slightly more than 5% of […]
College Application Goals for Spring 2016
Juniors! Do you smell that? It’s the end of the year creeping closer. Soon, your time as juniors will close and you will open a new chapter as seniors and college hopefuls. The end of the year is a big part of this transition and can be a critical runway for starting your college applications. […]