Hi, Reader!

Last week, my son's school was one of thousands affected by the Canvas LMS data breach. The timing was brutal — right in the middle of finals week. For 24 hours, many students couldn't access assignments, grades, or announcements. Teachers couldn't submit feedback. The entire system that schools and students had come to depend on was suddenly gone.

It forced an uncomfortable question: What happens when the tech we rely on fails?

We're more dependent on these systems than we realize. It definitely makes me think about how I store (and back up) critical information — whether it's about my business or they're family photographs.

Students who were affected are advised to change their Canvas password and turn on two-factor authentication. For the full breach details and what you should know, read more from NPR.

Graduation Parties Are Coming

Caps and gowns, thank-you cards, celebrations. If you're stocking up on party supplies or gifts for the grads in your life, here's my curated list on Amazon. A little something for the parties, a little something for the students.

Summer Is Your Gap-Closing Window

By the end of junior year, most students have a sense of what's missing from their application. Are they a fit for their intended major? Have they shown real leadership? Done meaningful service?

This summer is a great time to close any gaps they find.

Students who want to show deeper engagement with their major might consider taking a free online course through Coursera, join a relevant project, or start research. If they need to demonstrate leadership, they can join a summer program or take on a role in a club when school starts back up. If service is the gap, there's time to identify a cause and commit to consistent work through senior year.

Free Webinars Worth Your Time

For Juniors: College Essay & Application Kick-off (2-part series)

Join Ethan Sawyer (College Essay Guy) and former admissions officer Tom Campbell for a free 2-day webinar series designed specifically for juniors.

Part 1: How to Write an Outstanding Personal Statement

• Thursday, May 28, 2026 | 4–5 PM PST / 7–8 PM EST
• Topics: The purpose of the personal statement, finding your topic, showing your core values, successful examples, topics to avoid

Part 2: How to Create an Outstanding College Application

• Thursday, June 4, 2026 | 4–5 PM PST / 7–8 PM EST
• Topics: What colleges want in 2026, supplemental essays, activities list, using the additional info section, Q&A

Can't make it live? Recordings will be available 1–2 business days after each session.

​Register here.​

For Parents: Supporting Your Teen Through the College Essay Process

Learn how College Essay Guy approaches the college essay journey and how you can best support your child at home. Choose one of two live dates (recordings will be sent after the session, so register even if you're not sure you can attend!).

• Tuesday, May 19, 2026 | 5–6 PM PT / 8–9 PM ET — Register here.​
• Thursday, June 18, 2026 | 5–6 PM PT / 8–9 PM ET — Register here.

Happy Writing!

Julia

💻 What I'm Working on Every year, I optimistically try to grow my garden. I'm better at accidentally growing things than I am intentionally growing them. But it doesn't stop me from trying. Behold this strawberry I grew.

✅ What I'm Recommending College Essay Guy Live is a series of live, virtual college essay workshops designed to help high school counselors support their students in writing strong personal statements with clarity and confidence. ​ Ask your school if they'd be interested in participating — learn more here.

📚 What I'm Registering for Applying to UT Austin or Texas A&M? These flagships are more competitive than ever — and what you don't know could hurt your chances. Register for this free webinar on May 26: Applying to UT Austin or Texas A&M: What You Need to Know​

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