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Resources & Tips

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CEA Blog

We Have New Guides for the NYU, Columbia, and University of California Essays!

Topic: Admissions, advice, College Admissions, Essay Writing, Supplemental Essays  |  Posted on September 29th, 2017  |  Written by CEA HQ

Hello essay rockstars! We have published new guides to help you navigate the tricky prompts brought to you by the 2017-18 college application season gremlins. Although some prompts can seem straightforward, it’s important to always keep your audience (admissions officers!) in mind. The supplemental prompt for NYU fits the model of a standard Why Essay, […]

Follow this Timeline to Write a Winning College Essay

Topic: Admissions, advice, Brainstorming, College Admissions, Essay Resources, Essay Writing, From The Founder, Tips  |  Posted on September 19th, 2017  |  Written by CEA HQ

More goes into an essay than brainstorming, writing, and revising. You have to make sure you’re advancing through the process at the right speed. But how much time should you dedicate to each phase of the process?! Don’t worry, we have answers!  Follow this timeline to keep yourself in check and ensure that when all […]

Do These 3 Things to Maintain Your Sanity and Write an Awesome Essay

Topic: Admissions, advice, College Admissions, Essay Resources, Essay Writing, Productivity, Tips  |  Posted on September 18th, 2017  |  Written by CEA HQ

Regardless of when you decide to write, whether it is three months or three days before the deadline, it can be easy to fall ill to college essay fever. Fortunately, we have helpful tips to share for maintaining your sanity! They may seem basic, but they can be easy to forget. Hydrate.       […]

The Amherst College 2017-18 Supplement is Next Level

Topic: Admissions, College Admissions, Essay Resources, Supplemental Essays, Uncategorized  |  Posted on September 15th, 2017  |  Written by CEA HQ

Amherst College does not take supplemental essays lightly. The private liberal arts college in Massachusetts asks students to go the extra mile and write an essay inspired by one of the quotes they provide. Students also have the option to submit an essay presenting a persuasive argument. Since we believe the college essay works best […]

How to Write an Amazing Closing Line

Topic: Admissions, advice, College Admissions, Essay Resources, Essay Tips, Essay Writing, Quick Tips, Tips  |  Posted on September 13th, 2017  |  Written by CEA HQ

The last line of the essay is just as important as the first. The opening line sets a stage of intrigue and the closing line makes the final mark; don’t miss the chance to leave a lasting impression. The closing line can tie your story up in a neat little bow or leave admissions lingering, […]

How to Ask Your Parents for Help with Your College Essay

Topic: Admissions, advice, College Admissions, Essay Resources, Essay Tips, Essay Writing, Tips, Uncategorized  |  Posted on September 13th, 2017  |  Written by CEA HQ

How do you tap into your parents’ brains? It’s simple! Ask for questions. Tell a close friend or family member you trust about your topic and ask him or her to assign you a set of interview questions. If this person read an essay about this topic, written by you, what would they want to […]

How to Write the Stanford University 2017-18 Supplemental Essay

Topic: Admissions, advice, Brainstorming, College Admissions, Essay Resources, Essay Tips, From The Founder, Supplemental Essays, Uncategorized  |  Posted on September 7th, 2017  |  Written by CEA HQ

The Stanford University supplement is a BEAST. There is no way around it. Admissions Officers really want to weed out the uncommitted students and learn more about the applicants who are willing to put the time in to submit an extensive and detailed application. We made you a guide on how to brainstorm and write […]

How to Find Supplements on the Common App

Topic: Admissions, College Admissions, Supplemental Essays  |  Posted on August 11th, 2017  |  Written by CEA HQ

Wondering where to find those sneaky supplemental essay questions? Are they in the writing section of the Common App or hidden away in some deep, dark corner of a school’s supplemental application? You won’t know until you go poking around — or, until you watch this handy, dandy guide we made you!  

Our 2017-18 Common App Tutorial is Live!

Topic: Admissions, College Admissions, Common Application  |  Posted on August 9th, 2017  |  Written by Kat Stubing

We know you’ve been anxiously awaiting the brand new Common Application for the 2017-18 application season (we have!) so you can get those college applications started. Although the Common Application platform has been around for years, it’s probably your first time making an account and using the site. Even if you have poked around before […]

The 2017-18 Common App is Live!

Topic: Admissions, College Admissions, Common App Prompts/Topics, Common Application, Uncategorized  |  Posted on August 1st, 2017  |  Written by Kat Stubing

Yes, you read that correctly! For months we’ve been eagerly awaiting the release of the shiny, updated Common Application for the 2017-18 application season and it’s finally here! So, now what?! First, things first. Make an account (if you haven’t already). Hop on the new platform and familiarize yourself! There are a bunch of new […]

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