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 »
Update: Thank you, Reader PG, Duke did not drop the essay rquirement but gave it a different weight in evaluating students. Because of AI, Duke will read essays for content but not assume the writing ability reflects that of the students. The Common App essay is here to stay–for now, but this just in: Five Continue Reading »
This is a trick question. Of course college application essays matter, whether you’re writing your Common App essay or supplementals! And they are one piece of a much larger mosaic of considerations as colleges consider you. Essays make you come alive on the page/screen, they reveal your academic and other interests, and indicate what you 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 »
Dear Readers: The long-awaited SCOTUS decision ending affirmative action has just been announced. Affirmative action is essentially over, in this 6-3 decision. I have not yet had a chance to study the decision, but it DOES address the college application essays as follows. The bottom line: you CAN write about race as it has affected Continue Reading »
I bet Joan Didion’s college app essay to Stanford was pretty darn good. But it wasn’t enough to get her admitted to the Farm, as it’s known. I’ve known this story for most of my adult life. Joan Didion, one of the most influential writers of the late twentieth century — who meant the world Continue Reading »
As an essay coach, I’m often asked, “What’s the Common App essay timetable? When should my kid start writing The Essay?” I’m so glad you asked! It’s not as easy an answer as “the 4th of July”– though that CAN be a good time to start. The Common App Essay, AKA the Personal Statement, is Continue Reading »
You: “What makes a great Common App essay?” Me: “It’s wide open. Colleges want to know who you are. What drives you, makes you tick, gets you revved up.” Striving for the excellent Common App essay — or the Best Common App essay — has become a national pursuit. So when parents and students get Continue Reading »
I was recently asked what a mother should tell her very sensitive son if he’s rejected at his first choice college when decisions come out next week. She was talking about one of the most selective colleges in the country, where only about 7% of the applicants are admitted. Aside from offering your child tea 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 »
You must be logged in to post a comment.