how parents can help

New/Old Testimonials: How I Coach Personal Statements for College & Medical School Applications

Posted on May 25, 2020

Reading a new testimonial and one sent to me five years ago that I somehow forgot to post (how did that happen?!), I have been thinking about what it is I do when I work with people. Students come to me with their talents, their accomplishments, and their stories. They know what their accomplishments are Continue Reading »

You Can’t Write College Application Essays Unless You Know Where You’re Applying: Here’s Help

Posted on April 5, 2020

I don’t need to tell anyone reading this post that this is a spring for high school juniors unlike any other. Instead of being in school, you’re home, taking classes online. Instead of playing sports, maybe you’re playing ping pong with your siblings. Instead of visiting with your friends, you’re … well, wondering how long Continue Reading »

Racist Rants Reverse Harvard Acceptance: Your College App Essays & Work Up in Smoke

Posted on June 17, 2019

For a student whose recent life has been rocked by tragedy and high drama, a little more drama has just come his way. From The Hill this morning: “A survivor of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting said Monday that Harvard University has rescinded his acceptance after recently surfaced screenshots showed him using racial Continue Reading »

Can I Rewrite My Common Application Essay after ED Rejection/Deferral?

Posted on December 9, 2018

If you’re a senior in high school applying to college – or live in a household where someone else is – this coming week may be the most stressful of the process to date. This is the infamous “mid-December” when tens of thousands of students will hear from first-choice colleges and universities about EARLY DECISION Continue Reading »

Beware: Hidden Brown University Application Essay!!

Posted on August 17, 2018

For those applying to Brown, take note! The Writing Supplement section of the Common App lists 3 questions unique to Brown – one fewer than last year. HOWEVER, as you fill out the Common App for Brown and you answer all sorts of questions, and then you get to the ACTIVITIES section, there’s a surprise Continue Reading »

Hidden College App Essays on the Common Application

Posted on August 13, 2018

Beware, college applicants and parents! As you scour the Common Application for required and optional essays before filling out the application, be sure you’re looking in all the right places. I believe that the college’s sprinkle the writing requirements into the application as though you will just come to them as you’re filling out the Continue Reading »

Best Ever University of Chicago Application Essay Prompts 2022-23

Posted on July 17, 2018

UPDATE! The 2022-23 U Chicago essay prompts are out! Click right here to read about them. The following post is from two years ago, but the University of Chicago is so unconventional that you can use a prompt from any year if you wish. Read on and use your imagination: “You’re on a voyage in Continue Reading »