Resources & Tips


CEA Blog
What Can You Accomplish in the Common Application Essay?
There are a few things you should be specifically aiming for in your college essay, and all of them are easy enough to accomplish: Make Yourself Memorable: In advertising, the idea of making yourself memorable is called “branding.” Celebrities often call it “star power.” What it really boils down to is finding something about yourself, […]
Where Does the Essay Fit into the Overall College Application?
While the essay is a potent piece of the puzzle, it is important to remember that it is but one of the crucial components of your college application. There is also the transcript, which is undeniably one of the most important factors in an admissions officer’s assessment of any applicant. Even this pretty straightforward index […]
Colleges on the Coalition Application
If you’ve been wondering whether your dream schools are on the Common Application or the Coalition, there’s good news! You don’t have to wonder anymore! The colleges accepting the Coalition Application for the upcoming college admissions season have been announced! The Coalition App has been growing in popularity since its inception in September of 2015 […]
Why You Should Submit Your Applications a Week Before the Deadline
Yes, you heard us. You should aim to submit each and every college application on your list at least a week before its actual deadline. You’re probably thinking, “But, College Essay Advisors, I need all the time I can get! I’m stressed and I need to make absolutely sure every comma is correct. I want […]
Colleges That Don’t Require Any Supplemental Essays
Maybe you want to apply to a few schools, but don’t want to write any essays. Perhaps you’ve already written so many supplemental essays that the thought of writing one more makes you want to lock yourself in your room with five family size bags of kettle corn and never come out. Maybe you’re just […]
How to Write a College Essay When You Have Learning Differences
You sit down to start writing your college admissions essay. Maybe you wonder whether you should write about your learning differences. Perhaps you have dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia, APD, LPD, ASD, and/or ADHD. Whatever the case may be, we bet your learning differences have played a big role in your education, and maybe even your life […]
Getting in Gear: 3 Ways to Make Writing the College Essay Easier
They don’t call it writer’s block for nothing! Writing can be difficult, especially when you’re staring down the business end of a totally blank page. And super especially when you are under the gun to meet deadlines. If you’re feeling seen and your palms are starting to sweat, take a breath and summon the ghost […]
What Is Early Decision, Early Action, Single-Choice Early Action, and More? College Application Deadlines Explained
It’s basically impossible to start the college admissions process gradually. Practically from the moment you fill in the final SAT bubble, someone is asking you for something. Your guidance counselor wants a list of schools by Friday! Your dream school wants you to schedule a visit ASAP! Your favorite teacher is waiting for you to […]
Early Action, Early Decision, and Early Decision II Deadline Organizer 2017-18
Many Early Decision and Early Action deadlines are drawing close. If you have one school in mind that is your ride-or-die, you should definitely consider applying Early Decision to put yourself toward the front of the pack. Many schools tend to accept a higher percentage of both Early Decision and Early Action applicants than Regular […]
This is What College Admissions Officers Look For in College Applications
While the essay is a potent piece of the puzzle, it is important to remember that it is but one of the crucial components of your college application. There is also the transcript, which is undeniably one of the most important factors in an admissions officer’s assessment of any applicant. Even this pretty straightforward index […]