Resources & Tips


CEA Blog
Two-Minute Cures For the Hopelessly Stressed
We have always been skeptics when it comes to activities that require you to talk to yourself — or that prevent you from talking to anyone else. But science actually backs up the power of some of the following exercises. Though they may seem a little woo-woo at first, the truth is, when you’re desperate […]
The Origins of The Common Application
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 […]
Schools with February Deadlines and Rolling Admissions
Are you staring at your screen wondering why you didn’t get your act together quicker and apply for college when all of your friends were? Are you wondering why you let your classes and clubs and bae get in the way of your future? You’re not alone, and more importantly, it’s not too late. Although […]
Applications are submitted! Now what?
Attention! This is not an alarm! January 1st deadlines have officially come and gone! This means that you’re probably done with all of your college applications!!! YAY!! This is an incredibly exciting time for all students entering the final stretch of their senior year. Think about all of the things you didn’t have time for […]
Regular Decision Notification Dates for the Class of 2022
It’s hard to believe but the 2017-18 college admissions season is, for the most part, over. You poured your blood, sweat, and tears (okay, hopefully not blood) into your applications and now all you have to do now is wait. While some schools have rolling admissions, others deliver the news on a scheduled date. In […]
Don’t Make These Mistakes in Your College Essay
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]