I work with rising high school seniors to help them identify the meaningful, personal stories that make for standout admissions and scholarship essays. Subscribe to my newsletter to get the latest college admission and essay writing information.
The Common App Just Announced Changes—Here’s the Scoop
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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” and gives freshman applicants 250 words (1,250 characters for transfer applicants) in which they can share how their application and achievements may have been impacted by challenges or other circumstances. These updates take effect on Aug. 1, 2025. You can read the full announcement here. For juniors, confirmation of these Common App prompts means now could be a good time to start brainstorming essay ideas! My Brainstorming Workbook can help get the creative juices flowing (and in as little as an hour)—grab your copy here. As always, I’m here to help! Let me know if you have any questions. Happy Writing! Julia Interested in Coaching? Let's Talk! | View My Resources | Join My Free Facebook Group | Visit My Amazon Storefront This email may contain affiliate links. This means I may receive a percentage of the sale in commission, but using these links doesn't affect the price you pay. I recommend only products I use myself and believe in. Thank you for supporting me! Read more: Privacy Policy You're receiving this email because you opted in to my mailing list or because you're a current or past client. Don't need (or want) this information anymore? No hard feelings. Just use the links below to adjust your subscription.
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Julia Byrd: Essay Coach
I work with rising high school seniors to help them identify the meaningful, personal stories that make for standout admissions and scholarship essays. Subscribe to my newsletter to get the latest college admission and essay writing information.
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...
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