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 less) of.

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It’s not unlike the way you might find the topics to your essays. You go through some trial and error. You see what lights you up, what topics are easy to write about, and which topics just don’t feel authentic — no matter how “good” they seem.

So while I’m harvesting my blackberries and a handful of cherry tomatoes and comparing them to a college essay, I want you to get started with thinking about how to keep moving forward on your college essays this summer.

Here are four things to get you started!

1. The UC Personal Insight Questions will remain the same for this fall’s applicants. We love it when essay prompts stay the same, don’t we? (And if you’re applying to the UCs, consider registering for this College Essay Guy course that helps students write great responses to the PIQs.
2. Did you know you don’t have to write about a challenge in your college admissions essay if you don’t want to (or don’t have one)? Challenges or obstacles don’t always make for the best topics, especially if you didn’t learn something from them. So what do you write about? Check out this video from the College Essay Guy. He’ll walk you through some exercises to help you generate some topics!
3. Thinking about signing up for the August SAT? I’m hearing that spots are limited in many locations, so make sure you register early for testing dates (August and beyond) when you can. I asked some test prep friends and college counselors for their tips if you’re having trouble finding an SAT test location, and here’s what they suggested:
   • You may be able to apply for a standby/waitlist spot at your closest test center. If you’re unsure how to do this through your College Board account, call the College Board for assistance. If you can register as a standby student, show up early on test day to ensure you can get a seat, if one becomes available.
   • Check this site regularly: SAT Test Center Search.
   • Consider taking the ACT instead — either as a standby student in July or sign up for September.
   • Register for the October test day.
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     I’d also suggest listening in on this recent College Essay Guy podcast: “510: What Colleges Want (Part 9): A Crash Course in Standardized Testing.” It might help you decide whether applying without test scores might be a smart strategy (or at least a viable option). Of course, we know that sometimes schools need test scores for things beyond admissions, like scholarships, athletics, and honors programs.
4. As you think ahead to writing your supplemental essays, you might be asking yourself where to even find those supplemental essay prompts. Never fear! Watch this short Loom for tips on finding supplemental essay questions on the school’s website, on the Common App, and in some .

If all of this is leaving you feeling stressed about doing essays on your own, remember there is lots of help available. Like …

Registration is still open for the College Essay Guy’s Summer College Essay & Application Program ($450) —This is a NEW two-part live (June 26-Aug. 14) and on-demand video course through CEG on writing an outstanding college personal statement and supplemental essays. Use code JULIA10 for 10% off.

Bonus: If you register for this course using my code and then let me know you’ve registered, I’ll give you my “ResuMEH to ResumYAY” online course and companion PDF guide for free (perfect if you’re applying to UT-Austin or Texas A&M).

Happy Writing!

Julia

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