“The only thing I can’t resist is temptation,” said Oscar Wilde once. So it is with AI. Its effects on academic life are only becoming clearer. This sad news from Brown University, the dream of many students I work with, is disheartening. But is it shocking? Well, yes. That too. BTW: The Brown professor bringing Continue Reading »
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 »
Yale supplemental essays are out for 2026-27–and there are only minor changes from last year. There’s less to write and worry about. Best of all, they’ve gotten rid of the WHY YALE? essay, which students usually struggle to answer, because why not Yale? You can read the prompts on their website, or right here: Students 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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »