College fair season is in full effect. Prepare to get swept away in a sea of your peers and competition, all dressed similarly, carrying folios and streaming into the already packed event space. Some common adjectives for these sorts of events include: itchy, smelly, and overwhelming. Now, take a deep breath and stop paying attention […]
We are thrilled to announce the launch of our new weekend course at the School of the New York Times, “Supplemental Essay Writing: A College Essay Toolkit.” Every year, college applicants across the country find themselves buried by an unexpected avalanche of supplemental essays. Most students only write one personal statement, but they must answer anywhere […]
The College Board’s 2014 announcement that there would be a complete overhaul of the SAT sent many people into a tizzy; and the time has finally come for students to meet the new test. The good news is, even with the test’s latest revisions, you know more than you think you do. Guest blogger and test prep expert Erika […]
With the early release of the 2016-2017 Common App essay prompts came an early onset of anxiety for high school juniors around the country. Even though experts at Harvard are trying to quell the intense pressure of the admissions process, it’s hard not to have college on the brain. Contemplating personal essay prompts this early […]
Ah, Presidents Day. That random break in the middle of February. It’s the perfect time to contemplate the Declaration of Independence, memorize the score of Hamilton, or create a portrait of Thomas Jefferson using nothing but bottle caps. Alternatively, you could abandon all patriotic rumination and go on a quest for the perfect rainbow bagel […]
Yes, it’s true. While you were sleeping, the tiny elves powering the Common Application were up all night perfecting the 2016-2017 prompts. This unprecedented early release gives juniors almost an entire year to plan for this momentous assignment. Plus, the 2016-2017 Common App prompts are exactly the same as the 2015-2016 prompts! So, juniors, make […]
This week, CEA founder Stacey Brook provided some unique insight into Harvard’s recent “Turning the Tide” study. The college essay has become a crucial turning point in the application process that reveals just how damaging the college admissions culture has become. Stacey writes: I see it all the time: Imposter Syndrome in a thoughtful and […]
February is the shortest month of the year for a reason: it stinks. Snow piles up and begins to turn mysterious shades of yellow and brown. We finally use up the lotion we bought to ward off dry skin. And don’t even get us started on Valentine’s Day. Who thought it was a good idea […]
Dearest juniors-or do you now prefer to go by “rising seniors?” Dearest class of 2017, welcome to the busiest year of your life. Before you start stockpiling RedBull or making plans to flee to Cuba, know that you can do this. At this very moment, you have the whole year ahead of you, and if […]
Wow. You are awesome. Before you start making New Years resolutions, take a moment to look back at all of your 2015 accomplishments. We’re serious. Get out a notebook at make a list: the best of you, year-in-review. Here, we’ll get you started: I completed applications to [pick a number] colleges! I balanced my school […]
We thought so.
