They’re here: the 2026-27 Harvard supplemental essays. And they look a lot like last year’s. All are required, and you’ve got 150 words to make your case, beyond your Common App essay. Make every word count, use details unique to your life, and refrain from using Claude and the other robots when your own brain Continue Reading »
Last year, I was pummeled with one question: “How’s AI affecting your college application essay work?” I shrugged. I didn’t know yet. Answers are coming into focus. This morning, I read a story on Reddit about the Common Application Essay that convinced me I need to share my thoughts. And share what I’m learning about Continue Reading »
When writing college application essays, we often think that this is the hardest part of the process – the difficulties of applying and getting in. But financial aid and paying for college has become an increasingly challenging hurdle! The evidence is in the rising costs every year – and the growing list of colleges offering Continue Reading »
You’re expecting a YES or a NO. But not this: Welcome to the waitlist! These nail biter weeks of waiting on college decisions may require yet MORE WAITING if you end up on a waiting list. And there’s a strong chance that you will. Back in the day, a few years ago, waiting lists were Continue Reading »
The University of Michigan’s got essay news and other admissions and academic news! There is a new dual degree program: Engineering and Business and a new education program for those who want to go into teaching. AND: Students can now apply to Michigan EARLY DECISION, not just Early Action. Instead of waiting till the Nov. Continue Reading »
Students I work with on college application essays gain admission to first, second and third choice colleges. They range from the University of Tennessee to West Point, UPenn, Brown and Harvard. From Wake Forest to Barnard and U Michigan, and from Carnegie Mellon to Vanderbilt, Northeastern and Fordham. Someone asked whether I was happier when Continue Reading »
By Dec. 17, nearly all students who had applied Early Decision or REA learned the results of their applications. Among the students I worked with this cycle were acceptances to Barnard, Georgetown, Harvard, Northwestern, Tufts, and the University of Pennsylvania. I will be posting testimonials as I receive them, but I wanted to share two Continue Reading »
I don’t usually write about financial aid, but this is BIG NEWS! Last week, MIT announced that any admitted student whose family makes under $200K will get free tuition; and under $100K, free everything. In recent days, Carnegie Mellon, University of Texas (for Texas residents only), Brandeis, and St. Johns (Annapolis and Santa Fe) have Continue Reading »
Whether you call it a personal statement or the Common Application Essay, your college application essays matter. (So do the supplements!) The Jan 1 deadlines are coming up. At this time of year, I’m often asked if I can review a Common App essay and supplements. The answer is YES–but you need to get me Continue Reading »
Who doesn’t need help choosing colleges? Are you curious about the University of Chicago, Vanderbilt, Wesleyan, University of Delaware, and the Olin School of Engineering? If so, read on! The Coalition for College has an online panel discussion June 21 at 8pm Eastern. It’s called Inside College Admissions: How Decisions Are Made. Admissions officers will Continue Reading »