I created Don’t Sweat the Essay 18 years ago because college application essays were so daunting to so many students. I’ve worked on Common App essays, MIT essays, and the California PIQ essays with about 800 students around the world. They learn to write about their interests, ambitions, and accomplishments, presenting their best selves to Continue Reading »
A big week for college acceptances and your college app essays. My stomach is in knots, waiting to hear news from all the students I advised on their Common App essays and applications. This is the first of the high anxiety weeks! Fingers X’d for all of you (& your families). — You’ll get 1 Continue Reading »
In this winter of so much change and unsettling news, the Common App essay prompts will stay the same — great news for students and families grappling with college admissions. That’s because they are such good sources of inspiration. These Common Application prompts consistently generate interesting personal statements from students across the country and around Continue Reading »
The answer is yes! You CAN revise the Common App essay for any colleges you have not yet submitted it to. Which means you cannot revise the essay if you’ve been deferred in an application. As thousands of college applicants and their families prepare to hear from first-choice institutions to which they’ve applied ED or Continue Reading »
Merit aid may be the answer for you. Today’s New York Times has a fascinating article about merit aid for college applicants. All but the most selective colleges entice students to attend with financial help based on grades, NOT family income. Need-based aid is determined by income and assets. Merit aid is different. As we Continue Reading »
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 »
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 »
I have it on good authority that 40 percent of college admissions officers search Google when they are reviewing a student’s application to their college. Which 40 percent? Anyone’s guess, but there is no time like the present to keep this in mind as you post on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and wherever else you post, Continue Reading »
You must be logged in to post a comment.