Resources & Tips


CEA Blog
The Origins of the Coalition Application
Once upon a time, a selection of schools around the land came together to create an easier way for students to apply to a wide number of academic institutions. This first attempt at college application standardization, as you might have guessed, was called the Common Application. This platform remained unchallenged in the world of admissions […]
College Essay Checkups
We all need a little TLC sometimes, even our essays. If you’re anything like me, after you stare at your essay for too long, it all but turns into hieroglyphics. It is no longer beautifully crafted sentences diving into overarching themes and humorous anecdotes. It is words on a page and you’re sick and tired […]
Fast Facts about the University of Michigan, Wisconsin, and Washington
So you’re interested in attending a large university in the Great White North, eh? Well, there are some things you should consider first. For example, did you know University of Michigan requires three supplemental essays? Or that the University of Washington gives students the opportunity to respond to two optional essay prompts? Is the fact that […]
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 […]
The Additional Information Essay: When and How to Use It
It is not often discussed, but the Common Application offers students the opportunity to complete another essay in addition to the personal statement: the Additional Info Essay. If you are wondering whether you should be writing and submitting an Additional Info Essay, you’ve come to the right place. Read on to find out what the […]
How to Organize Supplemental Essay Prompts for Maximum Efficiency
Let’s do a quick pulse check. Is your heart racing? Is your head spinning? Are you already drowning in an ocean of your own sweat? DON’T WORRY. We swear. It’s really not that bad. You just haven’t gotten organized yet! We’re here to introduce you to your friend, OVERLAP. Even outside of the Why Essay, […]
Facts about MIT, Princeton University, and USC
We’ve updated our handy dandy supplemental essay guide with prompt breakdowns for MIT, Princeton University, and USC. But before you familiarize yourself with our prompt breakdowns, you should get a little more acquainted with the schools you’re considering dedicating your life to for the next four years! After all, four years is equivalent to 20% of […]
Why Our Founder Thinks Rejection is Good For You
As you send out your college applications and cross your fingers that admissions falls head over heels for your application and admits you without a second thought, it’s important to stay grounded. You’ve spent countless hours crafting the perfect admissions essay and now it’s out of your hands. Our Founder and Chief Advisor, Stacey Brook, knows […]
Everything You Need to Know About Duke University
So you want to go to Duke University? You’re not the first and you definitely won’t be the last. With an acceptance rate of 9%, your chances aren’t great. So let’s make sure you really want to go to this school before you take the time to apply and, yes, write the essays. Undergraduate tuition […]
Where to Find Sneaky Supplements
It’s a jungle out there, but we don’t need to tell you that. You’ve been scouring websites clicking on words like “Requirements”, “Apply”, and “Unicorns” (oh wait, no, that was us) trying to see if your dream schools require supplements. It’s exhausting, but you’re not the only one out here looking out for lions, tigers, […]