Brace yourself for what we are about to say: parents can be helpful in the college essay writing process. Yes, it’s true. Though this may be hard to believe – whether you are a parent or a high schooler – we believe that parents may actually be a powerful secret weapon when used correctly. Of […]
Yes, it’s true. While you were sleeping, the tiny elves powering the Common Application were up all night perfecting the 2016-2017 prompts. This unprecedented early release gives juniors almost an entire year to plan for this momentous assignment. Plus, the 2016-2017 Common App prompts are exactly the same as the 2015-2016 prompts! So, juniors, make […]
This week, CEA founder Stacey Brook provided some unique insight into Harvard’s recent “Turning the Tide” study. The college essay has become a crucial turning point in the application process that reveals just how damaging the college admissions culture has become. Stacey writes: I see it all the time: Imposter Syndrome in a thoughtful and […]
Wow. You are awesome. Before you start making New Years resolutions, take a moment to look back at all of your 2015 accomplishments. We’re serious. Get out a notebook at make a list: the best of you, year-in-review. Here, we’ll get you started: I completed applications to [pick a number] colleges! I balanced my school […]
REJOICE! FESTIVE PASTRY SEASON IS UPON US! Look at these adorable snowflake cookies! Look at this gigantic seasonal croquembouche! Nothing tastes sweeter than a puffy profiterole plucked from a perfectly engineered pastry tower. Nothing, that is, aside from the sweet taste of knowing that the college essays you have toiled over are finally done – […]
Are you coming down with something, or are college essays making you sick? Does the mere thought of reading over another draft make you nauseous? A normal medical doctor can’t help with these ailments, but without a quick shot in the arm, you and your essays could be in dire trouble. Luckily the specialists at […]
Tis the season to open your calendar and transform into Ralphie during this pivotal moment of A Christmas Story: We’re about to hit the last week of December and many deadlines are only days away. If you still have supplemental essays left to write, before you let yourself become too overwhelmed by guilt, stress, and the […]
“WHY?!” The word is echoing in your head. It’s the first thing you think when you wake up and the last thing you think as you lay down at night. It dances in your dreams, Dumbo-nighmare-sequence-style. When Chipotle asks if you want to add guac, it’s the only word you can think to say. If you […]
We have bad news and good news. The bad news is that the Common App personal statement, while important, is not the only essay you have to write; in fact, by now you may have noticed that many of your schools have one or two (or five) supplemental writing requirements. And if you’re applying to […]
October brings with it all manner of terror including chilly breezes, flu shots, pumpkin shortages, and the looming approach of early application deadlines. But one demon lurks in the shadows, lying in wait until the last possible second, when suddenly it pounces on unsuspecting applicants. It is the hidden supplemental essay, scourge of many […]
We thought so.
