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CEA Blog

How to Write a College Essay Fast

Topic: Uncategorized  |  Posted on October 23rd, 2023  |  Written by Kat Stubing

There are myriad reasons why you might need to pen a college essay at lightning speed. You may have scribbled down the wrong deadline by mistake and then realized you had two days to submit—not seventeen! You may have fallen head over heels for a college that was barely on your radar after a marvelous […]

How To Write Diversity Supplemental Essays When You Feel Like You Don’t Have a Story to Tell

Topic: From The Founder, Uncategorized  |  Posted on September 19th, 2023  |  Written by Stacey Brook

The diversity-focused supplemental essay has been gaining traction on college applications for years. These prompts allow admissions to get a sense of a student’s background, culture, and values. They often provide meaningful context for a student’s resume, transcript, and other application materials. And, as of the 2023 Supreme Court ruling against affirmative action, they serve […]

How to Finish Your College Essays in Time for Submission

Topic: Uncategorized  |  Posted on October 23rd, 2021  |  Written by Kat Stubing

If you’re reading this, odds are you’re staring at your calendar while a single bead of sweat drips down your face. First, get a tissue. Blot. Next, get comfortable; you’re about to accomplish something spectacular. In order to finish all of your college essays—we’re talking the Common App essay, UC essays, supplemental essays, COVID essays, […]

How to Start Your College Admissions Essay

Topic: Admissions, advice, Brainstorming, College Admissions, Essay Resources, Essay Tips, Essay Writing, News, Tips, Uncategorized  |  Posted on September 10th, 2018  |  Written by Kat Stubing

It’s a classic story of student-visits-campus, and it goes like this. First, student visits campus (duh). Then, student notices campus’ uncanny likeness to a wizarding school that shall-not-be-named. Student declares undying love for campus. Student decides to apply Early Decision because student is All In™. But then student realizes it’s only July. The deadline is […]

How to Write a College Essay When You Have Learning Differences

Topic: Admissions, advice, College Admissions, Essay Tips, Essay Writing, Tips, Topic Selection, Uncategorized  |  Posted on June 19th, 2018  |  Written by Kat Stubing

You sit down to start writing your college admissions essay. Maybe you wonder whether you should write about your learning differences. Perhaps you have dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia, APD, LPD, ASD, and/or ADHD. Whatever the case may be, we bet your learning differences have played a big role in your education, and maybe even your life […]

Getting in Gear: 3 Ways to Make Writing the College Essay Easier

Topic: Admissions, advice, Essay Tips, Essay Writing, Procrastination, Productivity, Quick Tips, quotes, Tips  |  Posted on June 15th, 2018  |  Written by Kat Stubing

They don’t call it writer’s block for nothing! Writing can be difficult, especially when you’re staring down the business end of a totally blank page. And super especially when you are under the gun to meet deadlines. If you’re feeling seen and your palms are starting to sweat, take a breath and summon the ghost […]

Your Guide to the Most Frequently Asked Questions About College Essays

There is a ton of information that High School juniors and seniors have to absorb as they begin their college admissions journey. Understandably, many students (and parents!) have a lot of questions. We are in the business of alleviating the stress and pressure long associated with the college application process, so we’ve decided to compile […]

How to Use the College Essay to Your Advantage

Topic: Admissions, advice, College Admissions, Essay Tips, Inspiration, Nerds Of Wisdom, Quick Tips, Tips  |  Posted on January 31st, 2018  |  Written by CEA HQ

So, you are settling into your comfy desk chair and cracking your knuckles, ready to start writing. You take a drink of water, open Microsoft Word and stare at the blinking cursor. You suddenly realize: you have no idea what you’re supposed to be accomplishing with this essay. Don’t worry, we are here to save […]

How to Write Your Personal Statement

Topic: Admissions, advice, College Admissions, Essay Tips, Essay Writing  |  Posted on January 24th, 2018  |  Written by CEA HQ

So you want to know how to write your personal statement, huh? Well, let me tell you this: the best personal essays tell a story. And like all good stories, they have (drumroll, please) a beginning, a middle, and an end. As you pull the notes from your brainstorm into your outline, think about the […]

College Essay Checkups 2017

Topic: Admissions, College Admissions, Essay Resources, Uncategorized  |  Posted on November 27th, 2017  |  Written by CEA HQ

We all need a little TLC sometimes, even our essays. If you’re anything like me, after you stare at your essay for too long, it all but turns into hieroglyphics. It is no longer beautifully crafted sentences diving into overarching themes and humorous anecdotes. It is words on a page and you’re sick and tired […]

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