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College Application Deadlines 101: Early Decision, Early Action, Rolling, and more!

What is the difference between Early Decision and Early Action? What is Single Choice Early action? Is there really an advantage to applying early? What does “rolling” admission actually mean? CEA's Founder and Chief Advisor, Stacey Brook, has all the answers.

College Application Deadlines 101: Early Decision, Early Action, Rolling, and more!

What is the difference between Early Decision and Early Action? What is Single Choice Early action? Is there really an advantage to applying early? What does “rolling” admission actually mean? CEA's Founder and Chief Advisor, Stacey Brook, has all the answers.

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The Single Choice Early Action Loophole You Need to Know About!

The Single Choice Early Action Loophole You Need to Know About!

Many applicants think that applying Single Choice Early Action or Restrictive Early Action is basically the same as applying Early Decision—and they could not be more wrong!! CEA's Founder and Chief Advisor, Stacey Brook, is here to fill you in on the Restrictive Early Action/Single Choice Early Action loophole all applicants should know about!

College Essay Advisors Reviews: What It’s Like to Work with Us

College Essay Advisors Reviews: What It’s Like to Work with Us

Read reviews from our past clients to learn what it's like to work with College Essay Advisors. Whether you're applying to college as a high school student, or applying to medical school as a recent grad, we can help.

The Secret Regarding Early College Application Deadlines

The Secret Regarding Early College Application Deadlines

CEA's Founder and Chief Advisor, Stacey Brook, is here to set the record straight regarding how much time you really have before submitting your Early Action and/or Early Decision applications this fall.

How to Write College Admissions Diversity Essays Regardless of Your Background

How to Write College Admissions Diversity Essays Regardless of Your Background

With the Supreme Court ruling on Affirmative Action came an avalanche of diversity essays meant to compensate for a missing tool that aimed to level the playing field. We here at CEA have celebrated the preponderance of opportunities to address race, gender, and other identity-oriented details on the application. We have also found that these prompts can be flummoxing for some students. CEA's Founder and Chief Advisor, Stacey Brook, is here to provide guidance to applicants who feel like they don't have an obvious "diversity" story to tell.

The 2023-24 Common Application Tutorial

The 2023-24 Common Application Tutorial

The 2023-24 Common App platform is LIVE and ready for applicants to begin submitting their college applications! This step-by-step tutorial will walk you through all the key tabs and resources, help you manage your dashboard and search for colleges, show you sections where you can find supplemental essays, and offer helpful advice for navigating the most popular college application platform.

Four Steps to a Polished and Professional Cover Letter

Four Steps to a Polished and Professional Cover Letter

If you’re wondering how you can write the kind of cover letter that grabs your potential employer’s attention and lands you an interview, you’ve come to the right place. In this video, CEA's Founder and Chief Advisor, Stacey Brook, presents four steps to drafting a polished and professional cover letter, and how to take full advantage of the opportunity to introduce yourself to the hiring committee.

How to Write a Successful College Admissions Deferral Letter

How to Write a Successful College Admissions Deferral Letter

The deferral letter is similar in purpose to the waitlist letter. The only difference is the position you’re in, how much time you have to work with, and what other options are on the table for you. CEA's Founder and Chief Advisor, Stacey Brook, is here to help you draft a distinct deferral letter for admissions.

How Much Should Your Resume and Cover Letter Overlap?

How Much Should Your Resume and Cover Letter Overlap?

While your resume is meant to present a broad overview of your professional and relevant experience, your cover letter seeks to enhance your application by highlighting the specific elements of your resume that stand out for the particular job/role in question.

Social Media and College Applications: How to Prepare for Account Audits

Social Media and College Applications: How to Prepare for Account Audits

We should always be thoughtful about what we post online and how we interact with the world around us, regardless of whether we're submitting college or job applications. Since admissions offers have been rescinded in the past after admissions departments reviewed student's social media accounts, we recommend that applicants be mindful about what they choose to share and post.

How to Write Strong Activity Descriptions for College Applications

How to Write Strong Activity Descriptions for College Applications

Both the Common Application and UC Application provide space for applicants to list and describe the extracurricular activities they participated in throughout their academic careers. Our Founder and Chief Advisor, Stacey Brook, give you the tools you need to make the most out of your activity descriptions.

How to Write a Business School Application Essay

How to Write a Business School Application Essay

People enter business school at many different times in their lives. Some folks apply straight out of college, while others apply after gaining some real-world experience. No matter what your particular situation or interest in these programs is, CEA's Founder and Chief Advisor, Stacey Brook, is here to show you all the ins and outs of writing a winning Business School application essay.

4 Types of Essay Prompts to Expect from Military Academy Applications

4 Types of Essay Prompts to Expect from Military Academy Applications

Whether you’re applying to the United States Air Force Academy, Naval Academy, Coast Guard Academy, Merchant Marine Academy, or West Point Military Academy, you can anticipate penning responses to these four types of essay prompts. CEA's Founder and Chief Advisor, Stacey Brook, is here to walk you through the four most common Military application essay categories!

How to Respond to College Essay Prompts About Diversity and Inclusivity

How to Respond to College Essay Prompts About Diversity and Inclusivity

Many colleges and universities have started asking applicants to respond to prompts that ask them about their experiences with diversity, inclusion, and equity. CEA's Founder and Chief Advisor, Stacey Brook, is here to walk you through the popular new supplemental essay prompt.

Guide to the Common App Essays: Writing about Gratitude (Prompt 4)

Guide to the Common App Essays: Writing about Gratitude (Prompt 4)

The 2021-22 Common Application's fourth essay prompt (full text below) asks you to reflect on a time in your life when you have felt thankful. But how do you flip the script and talk about what others have done for you, instead of what you've done for others, in a meaningful way? Get the lowdown from College Essay Advisors' Founder and Chief Advisor, Stacey Brook. She’ll break this prompt down into its basic building blocks and offer some insider tricks and strategies for drafting your response.

How to Write a Statement of Purpose for Grad School

How to Write a Statement of Purpose for Grad School

When it comes to writing a successful statement of purpose for graduate school, telling a personal story about your goals and ambitions is key. In this video, CEA's Founder and Chief Advisor, Stacey Brook, answers frequently asked questions, provides viewers with brainstorming launch pads, and offers insight as to what grad school admissions officers are looking for.

CEA’s Common App TRANSFER Tutorial!

CEA’s Common App TRANSFER Tutorial!

Transfer applicants, beware! The Common App Transfer Application portal has its own unique look. It can be confusing to familiarize yourself with a brand new platform, so we made this helpful tutorial to show you around! Learn how to add programs, track application fees and deadlines, search for hidden essays, and submit!

Guide to the 2020-21 University of Southern California (USC) Essays | CEA

Guide to the 2020-21 University of Southern California (USC) Essays | CEA

So, we just have to say it: the USC application is kind of all over the place! You’ll be asked about everything from your academic interests to your life's theme song, so make sure to tighten the straps on your brainstorming helmet. Our Founder and Chief Advisor, Stacey Brook, is here to show you how to use every essay as an opportunity to showcase something different about yourself!

Guide to the 2020-21 University of California Essays | CEA

Guide to the 2020-21 University of California Essays | CEA

For the UC application, the rules may be unfamiliar but the game is the same: tell admissions something they don’t know, and then do it three more times! A strategic applicant will choose an amalgam of prompts that highlight vastly different aspects of their life and personality, leaving an admissions officer with a deep and complete picture of who they are. Our Founder and Chief Advisor, Stacey Brook, is here to help you avoid getting hung up on trying to find the questions admissions "wants" you to answer -- with each essay, your goal isn’t just to answer the question, but to tell a very short story about yourself!

Guide to the 2020-21 Georgetown University Essays | CEA

Guide to the 2020-21 Georgetown University Essays | CEA

Since it's not on the Common App, Georgetown requires some extra special attention when it comes to its supplemental essay requirements! Luckily, our Founder and Chief Advisor Stacey Brook is here to give you invaluable insight into the prompts and discuss the motivation behind them. Take advantage of this opportunity to speak to admissions in your own voice!

Guide to the 2020-21 Harvard University Supplemental Essays | CEA

Guide to the 2020-21 Harvard University Supplemental Essays | CEA

Harvard University is one of the most competitive schools in the country, and every year admissions officers are faced with countless applications from eager students looking to make the cut. As a result, Harvard's supplemental essay prompts are diverse and complex, to allow students an opportunity to distinguish themselves from their peers. If you're feeling overwhelmed, fear not! CEA's Founder and Chief Advisor, Stacey Brook, is here to break down the Harvard essays so you can hit submit with confidence.

Guide to the 2020-21 Stanford University Essays | CEA

Guide to the 2020-21 Stanford University Essays | CEA

The Stanford University application is nothing short of a doozie -- no less than EIGHT essays of varying lengths for students to answer and submit! To help you tackle this beast, our Founder and Chief Advisor Stacey Brook has created this video guide to walk you through each of the prompts, and give you the tips and tricks you need to make an impression on admissions.

Guide to the 2020-21 Boston University Essays | CEA

Guide to the 2020-21 Boston University Essays | CEA

The Boston University essay requirements are a gift to students: two of the most straightforward prompts you could ask for, and only one of them is required! Of course, our Founder and Chief Advisor, Stacey Brook, doesn't believe that any essay is truly optional, so make sure you're taking advantage of every opportunity you have to speak to admissions in your own voice. Plan ahead, pay attention to the questions, and above all don't wait until the last minute to start your work!

Guide to the 2020-21 University of Michigan Essays | CEA

Guide to the 2020-21 University of Michigan Essays | CEA

We know that submitting your application to the University of Michigan can cause some serious stress. Thankfully, this year Michigan only requires two supplemental essays instead of three! Our Founder and Chief Advisor, Stacey Brook, is here to give you invaluable insight into the prompts and provide you with tips and tricks to help you showcase yourself to admissions using your own unique voice.

Guide to the 2020-21 New York University Supplemental Essay | CEA

Guide to the 2020-21 New York University Supplemental Essay | CEA

New York University (NYU) asks undergraduate applicants to write one supplemental essay (prompt in description below) on top of their Common App personal statement. CEA's Founder and Chief Advisor, Stacey Brook, is here to tell you everything you need to know in order to craft a winning response!

Guide to the 2020-21 Brown University Supplemental Essays | CEA

Guide to the 2020-21 Brown University Supplemental Essays | CEA

Applying to an Ivy League institution, such as Brown University, can be incredibly stressful! Luckily for you, CEA's Founder and Chief Advisor, Stacey Brook, is here to walk you through Brown's four (4) supplemental essay prompts.

Which Common Application Essay Prompt Should You Choose?

Which Common Application Essay Prompt Should You Choose?

Many students ask us which Common Application essay prompt is the best one to respond to in their personal statements. So, CEA's Founder and Chief Advisor, Stacey Brook, is here to address the question once and for all: Is there a particular Common App essay prompt you should choose?

What’s the New COVID-19 Prompt Really Asking?

What’s the New COVID-19 Prompt Really Asking?

Answering a brand-new Common App prompt can be a daunting task, especially when it asks you to discuss your experiences with COVID-19. If you're having trouble determining exactly what this prompt is asking of you, CEA Founder & Chief Advisor Stacey Brook is here to help!

Are “Optional” College Essay Prompts Really Optional?

Are “Optional” College Essay Prompts Really Optional?

Every year, colleges and universities around the world offer applicants the opportunity to respond to "optional" supplemental essay questions...But are these prompts truly optional? CEA's Founder and Chief Advisor, Stacey Brook, lets you in on a college admissions secret.

Should You Write About COVID-19 In Your College Admissions Essay?

Should You Write About COVID-19 In Your College Admissions Essay?

With the new COVID-19 optional prompt on the Common App, many students are wondering whether they should address their coronavirus experience in their personal statements. CEA's Founder & Chief Advisor, Stacey Brook, is here to tell you everything you need to know about writing your personal statement in the time of COVID-19.

How to Navigate The College Admissions Process Amidst the Coronavirus Crisis

How to Navigate The College Admissions Process Amidst the Coronavirus Crisis

CEA's Founder and Chief Advisor, Stacey Brook, is sharing her top tips and tricks to help prospective college freshmen navigate the 2020-21 college admissions process amidst the coronavirus pandemic.

How to Get Started On Your Colleges Admissions Essay Right Now

How to Get Started On Your Colleges Admissions Essay Right Now

If you're feeling a lack of motivation when it comes to starting your college essay, you're not alone. CEA's Founder and Chief Advisor, Stacey Brook, is here to help you find the inspiration and focus needed to write a compelling college essay (amidst the coronavirus pandemic).

Can A Great College Essay Get You Into College?

Can A Great College Essay Get You Into College?

We've heard this question time and time again, "Can a great college essay get me into college?" There are many factors that go into an admission officer's decision to accept, defer, waitlist, or reject an applicant. CEA's Founder and Chief Advisor, Stacey Brook, is here to answer the question once and for all!

What to Do if Your Summer Internship or Program Was Canceled Due to COVID-19

What to Do if Your Summer Internship or Program Was Canceled Due to COVID-19

We're sending (virtual) hugs to all high school juniors, high school seniors, and college students whose lives have all been flipped upside down as a result of the coronavirus crisis. In this video, our Founder and Chief Advisor, Stacey Brook, shares several key pieces of advice to help you plan your next steps accordingly.

How to Create a Winning Activity Resume (for College Applications!)

How to Create a Winning Activity Resume (for College Applications!)

Many schools will ask you for an “activity resume,” and the Coalition and Common Application have separate sections specifically for activities and extracurriculars, so it’s really easy to overthink this piece of the application. If you’ve never written a resume before, getting started can be incredibly daunting, but don't worry -- CEA is here to help!

How to Decide Which College or University to Attend (Amid the COVID-19 Crisis)

How to Decide Which College or University to Attend (Amid the COVID-19 Crisis)

Deciding where you want to spend the next four years of your life is always a difficult decision, but this year, choosing a college or university at which to study is especially complicated in light of recent events. CEA's Founder and Chief Advisor, Stacey Brook, is here to help you make your decision.

Unpopular Opinion: What to do When You’re Waitlisted

Unpopular Opinion: What to do When You’re Waitlisted

In this video, CEA's Founder and Chief Advisor, Stacey Brook, offers her (unpopular) opinion as to what students should do when waitlisted at their top college or university.

How to Get Off the Waitlist (at your Dream School)!

How to Get Off the Waitlist (at your Dream School)!

Waiting is tough, and it can feel like forever when it comes to college admissions. If you were waitlisted, don't panic; you are not alone. The good news is that you can do something about it. CEA's Founder and Chief Advisor, Stacey Brook, is here to tell you everything you need to know about getting off the waitlist (and into the college of your dreams)!

Is your College Essay Cliché?

Is your College Essay Cliché?

Applicants often choose to write about cliché subjects because they THINK the resulting essays present the kinds stories admissions officers want to read. To the contrary, jumping on an essay cliché bandwagon can make it nearly impossible for an admissions officer to distinguish you from your closest competition. In this video, CEA's Founder and Chief Advisor presents The Cliché Quiz.

How to Write a Great Transfer Essay

How to Write a Great Transfer Essay

The transfer essay presents new hurdles that differ from those of the standard freshman personal statement. There are three key steps you must take to master the transfer essay. Luckily for you, CEA's Founder and Chief Advisor, Stacey Brook, is here to tell you everything you need to know in order to write a fantastic transfer application essay!

CEA’s Tips for Maintaining your Sanity and Combatting Stress During College Application Season

CEA’s Tips for Maintaining your Sanity and Combatting Stress During College Application Season

If you find yourself hyperventilating over your Common Application personal statement or simply want to recharge before diving into your fourth Why essay, give the exercises in this video a try. You might be pleasantly surprised at the power a posture, a few words, or some silence can have on your mentality.

Top 10 College Essay Closing Line Dos and Don’ts

Top 10 College Essay Closing Line Dos and Don’ts

How do you leave an admissions officer with a lasting impression? What makes a college essay truly memorable? Our Top 10 Dos and Don'ts for College Essay Closing Lines will show you how to effectively wrap up your essay and leave admissions with a sense of who you are that they won't easily forget.

10 Things You Should NEVER Write in Your College Essay

10 Things You Should NEVER Write in Your College Essay

In this video, we will walk you through the top 10 DON'Ts of the college admissions essay writing process, so you can submit your Common App personal statement and school-specific supplemental essays with the utmost confidence! This video will teach you: what not to write under any circumstance (or most circumstances), the mistakes applicants make without even realizing, and more!

College Application Deadlines 101: Early Decision, Early Action, Rolling, and more!

College Application Deadlines 101: Early Decision, Early Action, Rolling, and more!

What is the difference between Early Decision and Early Action? What is Single Choice Early action? Is there really an advantage to applying early? What does “rolling” admission actually mean? CEA's Founder and Chief Advisor, Stacey Brook, has all the answers.

How to Guide to the Common Application (2019-2020) | Tutorial

How to Guide to the Common Application (2019-2020) | Tutorial

The 2019-20 Common App website is live with a whole new look! See the video index below to jump to a particular section of this in-depth tutorial from the experts at College Essay Advisors, or watch the whole thing to learn all about how to navigate the most popular college application platform. This step-by-step walkthrough will cover all the key resources available on this portal to your college applications; show you how to dig up your supplemental essays and hidden writing requirements; help you manage your dashboard and college list; and teach you some time-saving hacks and tricks to help you make the most of everything this platform has to offer.