Resources & Tips
CEA Blog
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, […]
How to Outline Your Personal Statement Like a Boss
Okay, so you have drilled and drilled until your fingers could tap no more and your noggin was verifiably empty. You have thousands of words on the page and you have color coded your best material for building out the big picture and filling in the meaningful details. Now what? Could it be that it’s […]
How to Use Your Memories to Find the Perfect Essay Topic
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 […]
The Harvard University Optional Essay: What You Need to Know
If you’re hoping to attend Harvard next year at this time, there are a few things you should know before pressing send on your application. They are as follows: Harvard University is located in Cambridge, Massachusetts. 96% of students graduate within six years. Harvard is a medium-sized school with 6,712 total undergrads. The early action deadline […]
Real College Essay Examples: Johns Hopkins
Getting your college essay right is incredibly important, but you already know that or you wouldn’t be here. We have compiled a list of our favorite college essays that earned students admission to Johns Hopkins University. We think it’s best to jot down your own ideas before clouding your mind with the ideas of others, […]
How to Write an Amazing Closing Line
The last line of the essay is just as important as the first. The opening line sets a stage of intrigue and the closing line makes the final mark; don’t miss the chance to leave a lasting impression. The closing line can tie your story up in a neat little bow or leave admissions lingering, […]
How to Ask Your Parents for Help with Your College Essay
How do you tap into your parents’ brains? It’s simple! Ask for questions. Tell a close friend or family member you trust about your topic and ask him or her to assign you a set of interview questions. If this person read an essay about this topic, written by you, what would they want to […]
How to Write a Great College Essay
Writing a great college essay is one of the most pivotal tasks students will complete in their senior year of High School. You’ve already passed your driver’s test and writing a fantastic college essay will help determine where you will be driving around for the next four years of your life! Our Founder and Chief […]
The University of California Essay Prompts 2017-18
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 […]
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