Hi, Reader! I had a great week last week in Columbus attending the National Association for College Admissions Counselors conference and connecting with some of my College Essay Guy colleagues. September is a tough time to have a college counseling conference — when we’ve got lots of students preparing for their first round of submissions — but I’m fortunate to have been able to serve my students, spend time with colleagues, and make some great memories. Me and some of the CEG team at a...
27 days ago • 3 min read
Hi, Reader! All of you are likely well into the thick of the school year now — and from what I hear, teachers didn’t waste any time assigning projects and scheduling tests. I hope y’all are adjusting to the new schedule well. It’s back-to-school time in our house, too. My son started his junior year of college, and it’s always been tradition in our house that I have hot, fresh, homemade chocolate chip cookies waiting for the kids when they get home from school. My son and I have been in a...
about 1 month ago • 6 min read
Hi, Reader! Did you know students of all ages can apply for scholarships — right now? And why not apply for them? It’ll put those essays and letters of recommendation you’re already writing and getting to good use. Here’s a list of just a few of my go-to sites for these scholarships (hint: I’ve got even more on my website). 12 Best College Scholarships Websites Plus Other Resources Access Scholarships Best College Reviews BigFuture (College Board) — Under Pay for College Tab...
2 months ago • 3 min read
Hi, Reader! As school starts back up (today is the first day of school for my district!), a few things are certain: Nobody wants to get up early. Someone is going to walk into school and then realize they’ve forgotten something important at home. Free time becomes increasingly scarce. College application deadlines get even closer. And the third and fourth ones can feel especially true for our new seniors, who are balancing the stress of college applications with the fun (and intensity) of...
2 months ago • 2 min read
Hi, Reader! We’re at the beach this week for a little vacation and a little essay work, so apologies for this email coming out late. Because I’m getting ready to head down to the beach, I’m going to make this newsletter a little bit of a roundup of current news and tidbits of information you might find helpful! The Common App Is Open The Common App came back online a little early last night, and here are some of the changes you can expect to see when you go on and create a new account or roll...
3 months ago • 2 min read
Hi, Reader! Application season stress is real. Are you feeling it? Luckily, with thoughtful support, parents and students can navigate the pressure without turning the whole household into a stress vortex. (And I'm speaking not just as an essay coach but also as someone who has come through the other side of college admissions with her own two kids.) Here are some tips you might want to keep in mind as application season draws near. For Students Here’s a truth you might already know (or may...
3 months ago • 4 min read
Hi, Reader! I’ve had a great few weeks lately! A few weeks ago, I spent nearly a week with some of my College Essay Guy colleagues and other college counseling professionals at a retreat in El Cajon, Calif., where we talked all things authentic relating and storytelling. We even had the chance to write our own personal statements, and if you’re curious, you can check out mine here. I got back and then quickly made the switch from writer to coach and went up to College Station last Tuesday and...
3 months ago • 5 min read
Hi, Reader! We’re heading into summer, and that can mean only one thing (besides essay writing): The Common App is prepping for its Aug. 1 debut! This year, the Common App is getting a long-overdue glow up to its look and feel, but much of the content will stay the same — including all seven personal statement prompts. Here’s what you need to know. 📆 Important timing: The Common App will shut down July 28 for maintenance and relaunch Aug. 1 with the new design. 💄 The visual makeover: Think of...
4 months ago • 3 min read
Hi, Reader! I’m in the thick of summer here in Texas. Pool days, vacations, and (of course) lots of essay work. After an unfortunate run-in with a copperhead under my rosemary a few years ago, I’m also trying gardening again. (If you’re not too squeamish, you can read my story here.) Some might call my little garden disorganized — a mishmash of citrus, cantaloupe, berries, and herbs — but I call it an experiment. See what grows and evolves, see what I like, and see what I crave more (and...
4 months ago • 4 min read