Resources & Tips


CEA Blog
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!
How to Find Supplements on the Common App
Wondering where to find those sneaky supplemental essay questions? Are they in the writing section of the Common App or hidden away in some deep, dark corner of a school’s supplemental application? You won’t know until you go poking around — or, until you watch this handy, dandy guide we made you!
How to Combat Writer’s Block and Finish Your College Essay
So you’re two hours deep into your college essay and you just can’t seem to get anything good down on paper! We know what that feels like, we’ve all been there! Here are 4 tips on how to overcome the beast that is writer’s block. Flip your topic on its head Maybe the way […]
Our 2017-18 Common App Tutorial is Live!
We know you’ve been anxiously awaiting the brand new Common Application for the 2017-18 application season (we have!) so you can get those college applications started. Although the Common Application platform has been around for years, it’s probably your first time making an account and using the site. Even if you have poked around before […]
The 2017-18 Common App is Live!
Yes, you read that correctly! For months we’ve been eagerly awaiting the release of the shiny, updated Common Application for the 2017-18 application season and it’s finally here! So, now what?! First, things first. Make an account (if you haven’t already). Hop on the new platform and familiarize yourself! There are a bunch of new […]
Structure: How to Build a Boss Essay
Your college admissions essay is a required writing assignment, yes, but try not to think of it as more work that will stress you out. YOU OWN THIS ESSAY. How can you be the boss of this assignment instead of letting it be the boss of you? It’s easier than it seems. Just do these […]
Is Modesty a Mistake in the College Essay?
We grow up being told to be humble and stay grounded — and then suddenly the college essay comes along and we’re supposed to toot our own horn like there’s no tomorrow? Don’t college admissions officers want to see that we’re down to earth and not about to release a Kim K-inspired selfie book? Yes […]
The Common App Announces New Application for Transfer Students
The Common App has been a staple for college applicants for years, allowing undergraduate hopefuls to apply to multiple schools through the power of one application (with the choice of one essay prompt). The problem, however, was that all applicants found themselves facing an application meant for high school seniors, when only a fraction of […]
Five Foolproof Tips for Conquering the Common Application Essay
The first time I successfully did a handstand in yoga class, it was unexpected and almost effortless. My legs kicked up, and then, as if being lifted by string, I was supporting my body with my arms. When we talk about strategies for tackling the college essay, I like to tell the story of […]
The Common Application’s 2017-18 Essay Prompts: What You Need To Know
Class of 2022 – it’s about that time. The first milestone in your college application journey has officially arrived. Today the Common Application released their 2017-18 essay prompts. This reveal comes with a heaping helping of good news, most of which relates to the fact that the prompts have not changed all that much from last […]