Resources & Tips


CEA Blog
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 […]
We Have New Guides for the NYU, Columbia, and University of California Essays!
Hello essay rockstars! We have published new guides to help you navigate the tricky prompts brought to you by the 2017-18 college application season gremlins. Although some prompts can seem straightforward, it’s important to always keep your audience (admissions officers!) in mind. The supplemental prompt for NYU fits the model of a standard Why Essay, […]
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, […]
Follow this Timeline to Write a Winning College Essay
More goes into an essay than brainstorming, writing, and revising. You have to make sure you’re advancing through the process at the right speed. But how much time should you dedicate to each phase of the process?! Don’t worry, we have answers! Follow this timeline to keep yourself in check and ensure that when all […]
The Amherst College 2017-18 Supplement is Next Level
Amherst College does not take supplemental essays lightly. The private liberal arts college in Massachusetts asks students to go the extra mile and write an essay inspired by one of the quotes they provide. Students also have the option to submit an essay presenting a persuasive argument. Since we believe the college essay works best […]
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 […]
The Babson College 2017-18 Supplement is Unlike Any Other
Many colleges and universities require students to submit supplemental essays along with their main personal statement. The essays they require vary greatly in length, prompt, and theme. The Babson College 2017-18 supplement stands out from the crowd, because students are given the option to choose between submitting an essay or a video! The supplement […]
The Ultimate Back to School Checklist
It’s that time of year again! In between shopping trips to Target (the stationary sanctuary), we have compiled a list of things you should definitely be doing to be prepared for senior year! There’s nothing worse than finding yourself without a college essay as the leaves begin to fall (especially because some schools, like Georgia […]
How to Write a Sports-Related Admissions Essay
So you want to write about sports in your college essay? The bad news: you’re one of many student athletes that feel sports have had a huge impact on their lives. The good news: we’re giving you insider tips on how to write a unique admissions essay about sports. Watch below!