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CEA Blog

The Origins of The Common Application

Topic: Admissions, College Admissions, Common App Prompts/Topics, Common Application, Uncategorized  |  Posted on January 10th, 2018  |  Written by CEA HQ

A long time ago (back when applicants had to – GASP! – hand-write their applications) in a land far, far away (upstate New York), some fine academic institutions decided to take pity on the cramping hands of college applicants by creating a standardized form to help students streamline the application process. This great work of […]

NYC Edition: Fast Facts about Columbia, NYU, and The New School

Topic: Admissions, advice, College Admissions, College Spotlight, Common Application, Essay Resources, Tips, Uncategorized  |  Posted on December 21st, 2017  |  Written by Kat Stubing

So you want to go to school in the great city of New York, huh? We don’t blame you. CEA Headquarters is in Manhattan, and we have to say, we love it. So now you’re left deciding between the competitive schools located in NYC and we want to help. Not only did we make supplemental […]

The Most Common Mistakes Students Make in Their College Essays

Topic: Admissions, advice, College Admissions, Common Application, Essay Resources, Essay Tips, Essay Writing, Quick Tips, Tips  |  Posted on August 10th, 2017  |  Written by Kat Stubing

The admissions essay is a crucial part of your college application because it is the only chance you have to communicate with admissions officers in your own voice. You need to take advantage of every word at your disposal and send the message that you’re the kind of student that colleges should want on their […]

How to Combat Writer’s Block and Finish Your College Essay

Topic: Admissions, College Admissions, Common Application, Essay Tips, Essay Writing, Productivity, Quick Tips, Tips, Uncategorized  |  Posted on August 10th, 2017  |  Written by Kat Stubing

So you’re two hours deep into your college essay and you just can’t seem to get anything good down on paper! We know what that feels like, we’ve all been there! Here are 4 tips on how to overcome the beast that is writer’s block.   Flip your topic on its head Maybe the way […]

Our 2017-18 Common App Tutorial is Live!

Topic: Admissions, College Admissions, Common Application  |  Posted on August 9th, 2017  |  Written by Kat Stubing

We know you’ve been anxiously awaiting the brand new Common Application for the 2017-18 application season (we have!) so you can get those college applications started. Although the Common Application platform has been around for years, it’s probably your first time making an account and using the site. Even if you have poked around before […]

The 2017-18 Common App is Live!

Topic: Admissions, College Admissions, Common App Prompts/Topics, Common Application, Uncategorized  |  Posted on August 1st, 2017  |  Written by Kat Stubing

Yes, you read that correctly! For months we’ve been eagerly awaiting the release of the shiny, updated Common Application for the 2017-18 application season and it’s finally here! So, now what?! First, things first. Make an account (if you haven’t already). Hop on the new platform and familiarize yourself! There are a bunch of new […]

Structure: How to Build a Boss Essay

Topic: Admissions, advice, College Admissions, Common Application, Essay Resources, Essay Tips, Essay Writing, Quick Tips, Tips, Uncategorized  |  Posted on July 31st, 2017  |  Written by Kat Stubing

Your college admissions essay is a required writing assignment, yes, but try not to think of it as more work that will stress you out. YOU OWN THIS ESSAY. How can you be the boss of this assignment instead of letting it be the boss of you?  It’s easier than it seems. Just do these […]

The Common App Announces New Application for Transfer Students

Topic: Admissions, College Admissions, Common Application, News  |  Posted on June 12th, 2017  |  Written by Kat Stubing

The Common App has been a staple for college applicants for years, allowing undergraduate hopefuls to apply to multiple schools through the power of one application (with the choice of one essay prompt). The problem, however, was that all applicants found themselves facing an application meant for high school seniors, when only a fraction of […]

How this Student Got Into All 8 Ivy Leagues

Topic: Admissions, College Admissions, Common Application, Inspiration, News, Productivity, Standout Students, Starting Early, Summer Preparation  |  Posted on June 5th, 2017  |  Written by Kat Stubing

  Yes, he’s done it. Martin Altenburg, a 17-year-old from Fargo, North Dakota has gained acceptance into every Ivy League plus a couple more schools for good measure. You might be asking yourself, “But don’t Ivy Leagues have some of the lowest acceptance rates in the country?” Yes, they do! But Altenburg figured out the […]

Five Foolproof Tips for Conquering the Common Application Essay

Topic: Admissions, advice, College Admissions, Common Application, Essay Tips, Essay Writing, Quick Tips, Tips, Uncategorized  |  Posted on May 12th, 2017  |  Written by Nina Bailey

  The first time I successfully did a handstand in yoga class, it was unexpected and almost effortless. My legs kicked up, and then, as if being lifted by string, I was supporting my body with my arms. When we talk about strategies for tackling the college essay, I like to tell the story of […]