Hi, Reader! We hit a huge milestone this week: May 1. If you're a current senior who committed to a school — congratulations. That's a big decision, and you made it. Go celebrate. For everyone else, May 1 is a quieter kind of milestone. The season is shifting. AP exams are wrapping up, and finals are just around the corner ... as is summer! And if you're a rising senior, the countdown timer on your own essay season has just about started. So let me ask you something — and I mean this as an...
8 days ago • 3 min read
Hi, Reader! April is almost over, which means summer is closer than it feels — and the college prep clock is ticking (although admittedly a little louder for some of you than others). To help turn "to do" into "done," I put together a quick grade-by-grade checklist of what's most useful to do right now and over the next few months. Find your grade (or your student's), and take it one step at a time. 9th Graders Start building a summer reading list. Fiction, nonfiction, whatever you'll...
15 days ago • 4 min read
Hi, Reader! Spring is one of my favorite times of year in this work — not because things slow down (although I do love catching up on TV and hobbies), but because I'm seeing the students who want to have a smooth application season start to think about how they can make that happen. And, of course, planning out their main essay (also called the Common App essay or the Personal Statement) is a big part of having that smooth season. Here’s the truth about the college essay: it doesn’t write...
21 days ago • 3 min read
Hi, Reader! I don't know about you, but it's been a busy spring. From spring break to my husband retiring to my family starting to make summer plans, the days are just flying by. But one thing's for certain: We don't get anything done without a plan. Whether I’m using my paper to-do list, my calendar items, or a task list in ClickUp, when I have a clear plan, I'm more strategic about (and effective with) my time. One of the things in my to-do list is a section for saving links I think you...
28 days ago • 4 min read
Hi, Reader! I promise I won’t derail your Friday for long — but I just got word that the Common App released its essay prompts for the Class of 2027. And the big headline? They’re staying the same. 🎉 👏 🎉 You can find the full details here. This doesn’t mean juniors need to start drafting tomorrow or next week (please enjoy your spring and focus on ending the school year strong). But it does mean they can begin gently thinking about possible topics. Last year’s most popular choice (picked by...
3 months ago • 2 min read
Hi, Reader! Last week, I organized and spoke at a neighborhood event on college planning. I brought in two colleagues to speak, too — one who covered paying for college and another who discussed test prep — and I put together a quick checklist to hand out about what students can do each year of high school to prep for college applications. (You can snag a copy here.) If you're anything like me, having a checklist is the bee's knees. (Speaking of, here's a picture of a sweet bumblebee that was...
3 months ago • 4 min read
Hi, Reader! I was so grateful to spend the week last week with the College Essay Guy team out in beautiful San Diego, 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)! With all the changes in the world right now, I’m grateful to have those constants in my life. Speaking of uncertainty, if you’re a Texas resident (or...
3 months ago • 2 min read
Hi, Reader! Not that I'm trying to take all of my life advice from TikTok, but I watched a video last week about trying to find at least one good thing about each day. It doesn't have to be deep. It doesn't have to be life-changing. It just has to be good. I'm trying to do that for myself this year. Heck, it feels like we could all use something like that right now, right? My good thing for today? I was going through a bag of old 8mm family movies I want to have converted, and I came across...
4 months ago • 4 min read
Hi, Reader! In two weeks, I'll be heading out to 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. And even though I have plenty of time before I leave, I can bet you that I'm likely to wait until the night before to start packing. Can you empathize? It seems like often,...
4 months ago • 2 min read