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 compiled a list so you can find all your answers in one place. Each question links to a detailed resource page where you can find expert advice and guidance as you move through every stage of the application process.  

General College Essay FAQs

1. Does the college essay even matter?
2. What are admissions officers looking for in an application?
3. Can I read college essay examples?    

College Essay Topic FAQs

1. Can I write about sports?
2. Which topics are considered cliché?

College Application Timeline FAQs

1. When should I start my college essay?
2. What’s the difference between Early Action, Restrictive Early Action, and Early Decision?
3. When are important Regular Decision deadlines?
4. When are important Early Action and Early Decision deadlines? 
5. When can I expect to hear back from schools I applied Regular Decision to?
6. When can I expect to hear back from schools I applied ED or EA to?
7. How should I manage my time? 

College Essay Writing FAQs

1. Should I make an outline before starting my essay?
2. Which Common Application prompt should I choose?
3. Which Coalition Application prompt should I choose?
4. How should I write my Common Application essay?
5. How should I brainstorm for my personal statement?
6. When is the best time to write my essay?
7. Should I use dialogue in my essay?
8. What if I get writer’s block?
9. How do I know if I’m done with my essay?
10. Are there grammar mistakes I should look out for?
11. How do I tell a unique story to admissions? 

Supplemental Essay and Additional Information FAQs

1. How should I write an essay about my community?
2. Does my dream school require supplemental essays?
3. Which activity should I write about in this supplemental essay?
4. How do I answer a super quirky supplemental essay?
5. How do I write an essay about why I want to attend?
6. How do I write an essay about diversity?
7. How do I respond to really short supplemental essay prompts?
8. Where can I find supplemental essays?
9. What is an Additional Information essay?

College Essay Advising FAQs

1. Who is CEA’s Founder and Chief Advisor?
2. Who are CEA’s Advisors?
3. What do your former clients have to say about working with CEA?
4. Can I see an example of your feedback?
5. Where do your students gain acceptance?
6. What are your service options?
7. How do I sign up?

Want to work with one of our Advisors one-on-one to craft a successful admissions essay? Whether you have a morsel of an idea, an outline, or an entire draft, we can help. Get in touch!

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