“You sound like you think you know everything. But you don’t.” It might sound harsh, but my mentor’s feedback was exactly what I needed.
As the name states, personal statements are inherently personal and meant to communicate your qualifications and show what kind of person you are. For this reason, each statement an admissions team member reads is uniquely different from any other, as it should be. That said, there are still some general do’s and don’ts to consider when writing your personal statement.
Read MoreAs an on-again, off-again admissions reader, I’ve always been trained to take into account extenuating circumstances like an illness (in whatever form) or death in the family when evaluating an applicant’s profile.
Read MoreDepends. If your application is for graduate school where you generally already have a field of study chosen, or for direct admission into an undergrad college like X University’s College of Education, you should definitely tie your main application essay into your future major or focus area.
Read MoreOne of the most popular questions on the internet about college essays is, “Can I write about anything?”
Read MoreGrammarly is an app that allows you to find spelling and grammar errors in your writing projects and is arguably the most downloaded writing tool out there. But is Grammarly the BEST tool out there and is the Premium version worth the cost?
Read MoreIn the latest video from our YouTube channel - I break down the 5 trends I keep seeing on applications this year.
Depending on your program, you may have to submit portfolio pieces and other writing supplements. Below, we’ve included tips for MS, MBA, PhD, and JD applicants to help you determine what to include when you’re writing about why you chose to apply to a specific college.
Read MoreGrammarly is an app that allows you to find spelling and grammar errors in your writing projects and is arguably the most downloaded writing tool out there. But is Grammarly the BEST tool out there and is the Premium version worth the cost?
Read MoreNo matter how strong your grades are or high your SAT scores, admission isn’t guaranteed. There are a number of factors that go into your admissions decision.
Read MoreAre you starting to consolidate your grad school applications? While grad school isn’t for everyone, there are many reasons to consider continuing your education after your undergraduate program.
Read MoreIf you’re a senior, you’ve probably started putting together your college admissions essay. You follow the standard essay format, with an introduction, supporting paragraphs, and a conclusion. You have your anecdote, stories to share, and some examples of what makes you “you.” Then, you start to wonder, Is there something missing?
Read MoreCollege application season is stressful for students and parents alike. As a parent, you wonder if your questions are overbearing, or whether you should be more involved in the planning process. You wonder where the line is between support and taking control. If you’re going to help proofread your child’s admissions essay, there are some important tips to keep in mind.
Read MoreWith the Common App, it’s easy to apply to a number of schools with the click of a button. Colleges want to know that you’re not just applying to their school for the sake of applying. The “Why This College” essay prompt is your opportunity to demonstrate exactly who you are and how the specific college fits your interests and career goals.
Read MoreIn the past, you’ve probably leaned on procrastination to write your English essay at the 19th hour. Nothing beats writing under pressure, right?
Read MoreWhile I work as a college admissions coach now, I used to be in the Army -- for six whole years! So when I write, at work especially, I tend to default to the concise, bottom line up front (BLUF), way of writing we use in the military for evaluation reports, operations orders, and basically everything else.
Read MoreOffering free college planning tools and a space to consolidate and save documents for your college application, Coalition for College aims to give all students, especially low income and first-generation students, access to college. One perk of the Coalition App is that it allows you to save your essays and notes to yourself in one place, MyCoalition Locker. You can have mentors, teachers, and parents read your drafts and provide feedback.
Read MoreBetween all the other choices you have to make (what should I study? Where should I apply?), there’s no need to add “What essay should I choose?” to your list of stressors. The beauty of having seven prompt options is that there is no wrong essay question. In the common app essays, what matters is that admissions counselors want to see your unique story and your own voice.
Read MoreWhether you’re transferring from a community college or a four-year university, your transfer personal statement should be quite different than one written by a high school senior as a prospective freshman.
Read MoreScholarships are a great source of free funding for college to help pay for tuition, room and board, and other enrollment fees. There are thousands of scholarships, from all kinds of organizations, and you can find details for each online relatively easily and you should start applying for them as soon as you’re done with college applications.
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