Hi, Reader! It was my dog’s second birthday yesterday. OK, we just made yesterday her birthday. She was turned into the shelter as a stray, so she really doesn’t have an official birthday. But we knew her general age, and sometimes she acts a fool, so April 1 seemed as good of a day as any to name it her birthday. Lucy and her dog-friendly cake! But as you can imagine, that’s not why I’m writing. Instead, I want to ease your mind about something. I’ve been spending a lot of time talking with...
24 days ago • 3 min read
Hi, Reader! One of the biggest mistakes students sometimes make in the college application process is having an unbalanced college list — either too many reach schools, not enough financial safeties, or schools that aren’t actually a great fit. (It doesn’t help that schools are always changing what they’re looking for in a student, what they’re asking of students, and how many students they’re looking to accept.) Here are some strategies for building a well-rounded list that increases both...
about 1 month ago • 3 min read
Hi, Reader! I know it’s not even spring break for most, but you best believe I’m already thinking ahead to summer. It’ll be here before you know it … do you know how you’re going to spend it? Colleges love to see students making the most of their summers — gaining knowledge, getting experience in fields they’re interested in, and serving their communities — but that doesn’t mean you need to spend thousands on a fancy program. Here are some smart (and sometimes free) ways to use your summer...
about 2 months ago • 2 min read
Hi, Reader! Scholarships aren’t just for seniors! I mentioned last week that even junior high school students (and sometimes even younger) can earn scholarship money. So I thought that this week, I’d expand on just a few (and then give you tips on how to find and win more!). Here’s a list of just a few great scholarships students can apply for based on grade level. Now, some of these may have closed for this year’s students, but they’re great to bookmark for next year. And there are also...
about 2 months ago • 2 min read
Hi, Reader! I know I don’t usually email twice in one week, so forgive the interruption to your inbox, but I wanted to share this information right away! The Common App has officially released its essay prompts for 2025–2026 — and good news, they’re staying the same! 🎉 However, there are two key changes coming to other parts of the application (that they've announced, at least), including: ✅ A new (optional) “Challenges and Circumstances” question. This is an edit to the former “COVID essay”...
about 2 months ago • 1 min read
Hi, Reader! A strong recommendation letter doesn’t just happen — it’s the result of thoughtful preparation. And I think I’m a pretty good guide for that journey. So let’s take those first steps together, shall we? If you are (or you have) a high school junior, now is the time to start thinking about who you’re going to ask for your letters of recommendation. Application season will be here before you know it, and the last thing you want to be doing this summer is panicking about not having...
about 2 months ago • 3 min read
Hi, Reader! We're in that weird time of year where Winter Break seems like a distant memory, and Spring Break isn’t quite within arm’s reach. It doesn’t help that we’re in that obnoxious weather pattern of 80-degree days one day, then near-freezing (or worse) the next. As you continue to make your way through second semester, it might feel tempting to put off any college planning until the summer. I get it. But … what if I told you there are a handful of things you could be doing now to make...
2 months ago • 4 min read
Hi, Reader! I was so grateful to spend all of last week with the College Essay Guy team out in beautiful Escondido, reflecting on this past application season and looking ahead to the next. I truly couldn’t have picked a better group of people to work with (and for). They challenge me, support me, and make me a better person (and essay coach)! This was the best view for doing some deep reflection and planning! With all the uncertainty in the world right now, I’m grateful to have those...
2 months ago • 2 min read
Hi, Reader! I’m getting ready to head out this weekend for San Diego, where I’ll spend the week with the College Essay Guy team to plan for the next admission season. I love the team I work with and am grateful to be able to spend the week with them learning, connecting, and planning. They make me a better essay coach — and person. All that prep to be gone for a week is why this week’s email is running a little late. Can you empathize? It seems like often, waiting until the last minute is...
3 months ago • 2 min read