Common App essay Archives ~ Ivy writing professor & bestselling author guides applicants to Harvard, Yale, MIT & other top colleges with a unique, innovative & personalized approach "The best decision we made during the college process." "She taught me how to write and think."

The College App Essay & Joan Didion’s Rejection from Stanford

May 8, 2022 Elizabeth Benedict 0

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 […]

Ideal Common App Essay Timetable

April 9, 2022 Elizabeth Benedict 0

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 […]

A Great Common App Essay — Can You Write One?

July 28, 2021 Elizabeth Benedict 0

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, […]

College App Essays for Engineering and Robotics Programs? Done!

July 18, 2021 Elizabeth Benedict 0

I was an English and creative writing major in college way back in the 20th century, so long ago that engineers were guys — they […]

Plan B: If You’re Rejected from Your 1st Choice College….

December 8, 2020 Elizabeth Benedict 0

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 […]

Those University of Chicago Essay Prompts

July 9, 2020 Elizabeth Benedict 0

“Do you feel lucky? Well, do ya, punk?” ~ Eleanor Roosevelt. Mrs. Roosevelt didn’t really say that, at least in public, but one of this year’s […]

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

April 5, 2020 Elizabeth Benedict 0

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 […]

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

December 9, 2018 Elizabeth Benedict 0

If you’re a senior in high school applying to college – or live in a household where someone else is – this coming week may […]

Best Ever University of Chicago Application Essay Prompts 2021-22

July 17, 2018 Elizabeth Benedict 0

UPDATE! The 2021-22 U Chicago prompts are out! Click right here to read about them. The following post is from two years ago, but the […]

4 Standout College Application Essays on Work, Money and Class

May 13, 2017 Elizabeth Benedict 0

For the last few years, the New York Times has asked for contributions of Common Application essays and personal statements already submitted on the subjects of work, […]