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CEA Blog

How to Ace The Standard Application Online (SAO)’s Student Essays Section

Topic: Uncategorized  |  Posted on August 9th, 2021  |  Written by Kat Stubing

Hello and welcome to CEA’s Standard Application Online (SAO) Essay Guide! Below you will find the instructions from the Standard Application Online (SAO), the essay prompts, and our breakdowns for each. We recommend giving yourself ample time to familiarize yourself with these prompts and brainstorm unique, authentic responses. These essays present you with the opportunity […]

How to Start Your College Admissions Essay

Topic: Admissions, advice, Brainstorming, College Admissions, Essay Resources, Essay Tips, Essay Writing, News, Tips, Uncategorized  |  Posted on September 10th, 2018  |  Written by Kat Stubing

It’s a classic story of student-visits-campus, and it goes like this. First, student visits campus (duh). Then, student notices campus’ uncanny likeness to a wizarding school that shall-not-be-named. Student declares undying love for campus. Student decides to apply Early Decision because student is All In™. But then student realizes it’s only July. The deadline is […]

Your Guide to the Most Frequently Asked Questions About College Essays

There is a ton of information that High School juniors and seniors have to absorb as they begin their college admissions journey. Understandably, many students (and parents!) have a lot of questions. We are in the business of alleviating the stress and pressure long associated with the college application process, so we’ve decided to compile […]

The Most Common Causes of Writer’s Block

Topic: Admissions, advice, Tips, Uncategorized  |  Posted on December 27th, 2017  |  Written by CEA HQ

Writer’s block is a disease that affects many people. There are many symptoms and preventative measures to take, but today we’re here to talk about the most common causes of writer’s block. The torment afflicts many, so it’s important to know that you’re not alone.   There are a multitude of reasons you might be […]

Don’t Make These Mistakes in Your College Essay

Topic: Admissions, advice, College Admissions, Essay Tips, Essay Writing, Supplemental Essays, Tips, Uncategorized  |  Posted on December 12th, 2017  |  Written by Kat Stubing

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 […]

How to Outline Your Personal Statement Like a Boss

Topic: Admissions, advice, College Admissions, Essay Tips, Essay Writing, Tips, Uncategorized  |  Posted on October 18th, 2017  |  Written by CEA HQ

Okay, so you have drilled and drilled until your fingers could tap no more and your noggin was verifiably empty. You have thousands of words on the page and you have color coded your best material for building out the big picture and filling in the meaningful details. Now what? Could it be that it’s […]

How to Use Your Memories to Find the Perfect Essay Topic

Topic: Admissions, advice, Brainstorming, College Admissions, Essay Resources, Essay Tips, Essay Writing, Tips  |  Posted on October 9th, 2017  |  Written by Kat Stubing

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 […]

Real College Essay Examples: Johns Hopkins

Topic: advice, College Admissions, Essay Resources, Essay Tips, Essay Writing, Inspiration, Tips, Uncategorized  |  Posted on September 28th, 2017  |  Written by CEA HQ

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, […]

The Amherst College 2017-18 Supplement is Next Level

Topic: Admissions, College Admissions, Essay Resources, Supplemental Essays, Uncategorized  |  Posted on September 15th, 2017  |  Written by CEA HQ

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 a Great College Essay

Topic: Admissions, advice, College Admissions, Essay Tips, Essay Writing, From The Founder  |  Posted on September 11th, 2017  |  Written by CEA HQ

Writing a great college essay is one of the most pivotal tasks students will complete in their senior year of High School. You’ve already passed your driver’s test and writing a fantastic college essay will help determine where you will be driving around for the next four years of your life! Our Founder and Chief […]

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