Podcasts about college essays

Hi friends, and welcome back to the podcast! Many of you have been following Cassidy, a current high school senior, as she navigates the college application process. We've walked through her brainstorming exercises, her personal statement writing, and her supplemental essays. And now, at long last, Cassidy has received her college acceptances. Rather than reading the email she sent me, I replied, "Hey, I know you got your acceptances. What if we do a live reveal on the podcast?" So, I genuinely don't know yet where she's been accepted. Huge shoutout to Cassidy for agreeing to do this live! In this conversation, we dive into a range of things, including: The extent to which Cassidy felt she had a successful application process vs. successful outcomes (and the difference) Which schools she was accepted into Important factors in making her final college decision, focusing on what my team calls the "6 Fs" of college fit: focus, fellowship, finances, future, family, and feeling What she did well, and what she'd do differently I also guide Cassidy through a fun, quick exercise—one you (or your student) can also try—that can be completed in one day, one hour, or even one minute. Cassidy is a current high school student going through the college application process. She lives in the Bay Area, loves ballet, identifies as a “yapper,” and knows a lot about Biology. Hope you enjoy it.   Play-by-Play 2:11 – Welcome and check-in 3:31 – To what extent does Cassidy feel like she had a successful application process? 4:48 – Cassidy shares her college decision results! 8:13 – To what extent does Cassidy feel she had successful outcomes?  9:02 – Ethan introduces the six F's of college fit for Cassidy's top choice schools   10:43 – Focus 12:12 – Fellowship 13:32 – Financial  14:52 – Future 16:53 – Family 17:41 – Feeling 20:36 – Cassidy reflects on what stands out at each school she is considering 23:40 – How to choose which college to attend in one day, one hour, or one minute 29:39 – Reflecting on this process, is there anything Cassidy wishes she had done differently?  31:10 – Wrap up and closing thoughts   Resources: How to choose which college to attend: Key factors to consider College Essay Guy's Personal Statement Resources College Essay Guy's College Application Hub  

In this episode, Lisa and Susan discuss:How AI impacts the essay-writing process for studentsMistaken beliefs about what makes a strong application essayCrafting essays that truly reflect a student's voice and experiencesHelpful strategies and tools that can assist in writing a strong college essayKey Takeaways: AI should not be used to generate or refine college essays. It can assist with research, but all information must be verified, and the writing must be entirely the student's own.Admissions officers value essays that show a student's true personality and experiences over overly polished or generic ones. They seek real people who will contribute to the college community, not just applicants with strong credentials.Essays should reflect the voice of a 17 to 18-year-old. Unnecessarily formal or complex language can make an essay feel inauthentic; clear and honest communication is more important.Rather than focusing on structure or a single moment, strong essays thoughtfully respond to the prompt, offering meaningful personal insights that reveal the student's true character. “You don't have to create a persona that you think will be appealing to your reader. You need to answer the question and show who you really are.” – Susan KnoppowAbout Susan Knoppow: Focused, incisive, and creative, Susan can turn the most daunting writing challenge into a series of simple steps; she conceptualized and developed the Wow Method for teaching writing.A former executive speechwriter and copywriter, Susan is also a published poet and essayist. She holds a BA in Psychology from the University of Michigan and an MFA in Writing from Vermont College.When she's not running Wow, Susan likes to garden, cook, and go on adventures with her husband and their dog, Luna. She has three adult children who are all talented creative writers as well.Episode References:College Essay Resources from WOW https://flourishcoachingco.com/essays#066 Everything You Think You Know About College Essays Is Wrong with Susan Knoppow: https://www.flourishcoachingco.com/066Says Who? by Anne Curzan: https://www.amazon.com/Says-Who-Kinder-Funner-Everyone/dp/0593444094Get Lisa's Free on-demand video: How-to guide for your teen to choose the right major, college, & career...(without painting themselves into a corner, missing crucial deadlines, or risking choices you both regret). flourishcoachingco.com/video Connect with Susan:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wowessayexperts/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wowwritingWebsite: https://wowwritingworkshop.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susanknoppow/Connect with Lisa:Website: https://www.flourishcoachingco.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@flourishcoachingcoInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/flourishcoachingco/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flourish-coaching-co

Submitting College Applications may seem like a daunting task, it's not so bad when you are prepared. This episode contains tips for getting through this process based on my experience guiding my son through the completion of his college applications. I hope this helps some of you on similar journeys.Common App Website Link: https://www.commonapp.org0:00 Intro0:20 Flashback to Junior Year041 Guidance Counselor1:15 Transcript1:51 Common App2:02 City College Websites2:07 Individual Colleges Application Websites2:19 College Essay2:47 English Teacher3:03 Optional Submission3:17 Research3:34 Keep a List3:44 Scores3:57 Early Action5:10 Other Decisions5:56 Questions7:46 Next Episode7:57 Link8:09 Outro#commonapp #college #collegeapplications #collegeessays

I know lots of high school seniors applying to lots of colleges. 

To kick off Season 6, Ethan shares some practical resources based on a new framework he's been exploring.  If you're a regular listener, you'll already be familiar with something we call the Roles and Identities List, which is a huge menu of roles (things like “catalyst” and “change-maker” and “party-bringer”) — Ethan has used it as a get-to-know-you exercise with a number of previous guests.  In case you missed it, check out Part 1 of this mini-series where Ethan walked through some practical exercises for students and parents based on the Roles and Identities framework.  But what about counselors? We who spend our days (and often nights) answering emails, phone calls, texting and generally caretaking in 100 different ways…  Today's episode is the second of two where Ethan will share some exercises that counselors can use to recognize patterns they may fall into at times and how they might practice more self-care and show up more fully for their students. Ethan explores:  How can counselors make sure we fill our own cups (and not just our coffee cups)?  How can we make sure we're even more spacious and resourced… so that we're able to give back from a full cup, and with a full heart? And more.  We hope you enjoy!   Play-by-Play 0:08 - What is the Roles & Identities Framework?  5:34 - Exercise #1 : The Roles & Identities List  11:39 - Exercise #2: The “shadow” version 21:30 - Exercise #3: The “foil” to your role  23:20 - Closing thoughts    Resources: The Roles and Identities Exercise  College Essay Guy's Personal Statement Resources College Essay Guy's College Application Hub

Listen to some accepted Harvard supplemental college essay examples! Think your supplemental college essays don't matter? Think again! These school-specific essays are an opportunity for you to get that coveted acceptance letter from top schools. In today's episode, we'll share some Harvard supplemental essay examples that got accepted! Plus some examples of rejected Harvard essays to show you what makes a strong essay versus a weak one and how to write an essay that gets you accepted to top schools. Like the podcast? Check out our website at BeMoAcademicConsulting.com Don't forget to subscribe to our channel and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for more great tips and other useful information! YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/BeMoAcademicConsultingInc Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bemoacademicconsulting Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bemo_academic_consulting/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/BeMo_AC TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bemoacademicconsulting

To kick off Season 6, Ethan shares some practical resources based on a new framework he's been exploring.  If you're a regular listener, you'll already be familiar with something we call the Roles and Identities List, which is a huge menu of roles (things like “catalyst” and “change-maker” and “party-bringer”) — Ethan has used it as a get-to-know-you exercise with a number of previous guests.  Today's episode is the first of two where Ethan will dive into a few short, practical exercises for students and parents that can help them figure out things like how they'd like to focus their time as they go through this process. He gets into, among other things:  The philosophy behind the Roles and Identities framework Some hands-on exercises that students can do — whether in 9th, 10th, or 11th grade — that can help them, for example, plan summer/EC activities, or even map out their college application.  A simple but powerful exercise for parents thinking about who they want to be in this process—since let's be honest it isn't the students who are learning about themselves here.  Stay tuned for Part 2 where Ethan will share some exercises that counselors can use to recognize patterns they may fall into at times and how they might practice more self-care and show up more fully for their students.  We hope you enjoy!   Play-by-Play 3:36 - What is the Roles & Identities Framework?  6:57 - Exercise #1 (for both students and parents): The Roles & Identities List  8:59 - Exercise #2 (for students): Using the Roles & Identities list to plan your summer or extracurricular activities 11:30 - Using The Values list to expand on your roles and identities 13:23 - Which parts of you will you show in your college application? 18:21 - Exercise #3 (for parents): Who do you want to be in this process?  27:50 - Closing thoughts   Resources The Roles and Identities Exercise  The Values Exercise 100+ Summer and Extracurricular Ideas — Based on Your Roles and Identities 100+ Summer and Extracurricular Ideas — Based on Your Values College Essay Guy's Personal Statement Resources College Essay Guy's College Application Hub

Are you making these CRINGEWORTHY mistakes when picking colleges? STOP sabotaging your college admissions chances! In this episode of College Coffee Talk, we break down the biggest college list mistakes and what you MUST do instead to get accepted into your dream school. In This Episode: - The biggest college list MISTAKES students make! - How to choose the RIGHT colleges (instead of wasting time & money). - Pro tips to boost your chances of getting in! Want expert help with your college applications? Visit LockwoodCollegePrep.com today! #CollegePlanning, #CollegePrep, #CollegeAdmissions, #CollegeBound, #Scholarships, #CollegeApplications, #FinancialAid, #CollegeEssays, #ACTPrep, #SATPrep, #CollegeLife, #CollegeBound2025,#Parenting #Education #College #StudentLoans #FinancialPlanning #Family #HigherEducation #Scholarships #CollegePlanning #StudentDebt #Collegeadvice #studentloans #LoanForgiveness #DebtRelief #ParentLoans

Did your college lowball your financial aid offer? Don't panic—fight back! In this episode, College consultants Pearl and Andy Lockwood discuss how to negotiate with colleges after they've "low balled" you. They discuss how to avoid common mistakes, and maximize your merit aid.

College consultant Andy Lockwood unlocks the truth about how much AP classes matter to admissions committees at America's top colleges. #CourseSelection #AcademicExcellence" #Collegeadvisor #CollegeAdmissions, #CollegeBound, #Scholarships, #CollegeApplications, #FinancialAid, #CollegeEssays, #ACTPrep, #SATPrep, #CollegeLife, #CollegeBound2025,#Parenting #Education #College #StudentLoans #FinancialPlanning #Family #HigherEducation #Scholarships #CollegePlanning #StudentDebt #Collegeadvice #studentloans #LoanForgiveness #DebtRelief #ParentLoans

College counselor Pearl Lockwood challenges the advice of a school counselor from a tony, elite NYC private high school about applying Early Decision. Is Early Decision the right move for every student? Pearl offers a fresh perspective and unconventional strategies to help families make smarter choices in college admissions. For more unconventional college advice, download our free 'Wow Report' at LockwoodCollegePrep.com/wow. It's packed with killer extracurricular ideas guaranteed to impress admissions committees! #CollegePlanning, #CollegePrep, #CollegeAdmissions, #CollegeBound, #Scholarships, #CollegeApplications, #FinancialAid, #CollegeEssays, #ACTPrep, #SATPrep, #CollegeLife, #CollegeBound2025,#Parenting #Education #College #StudentLoans #FinancialPlanning #Family #HigherEducation #Scholarships #CollegePlanning #StudentDebt #Collegeadvice #studentloans #LoanForgiveness #DebtRelief #ParentLoans

We just completed our Holistic College Application Roadmap workshop.Enjoy our final day (day 2) here. To register for the Ivy League Challenge, go to TILC.to/register-----To register for the Ivy League Challenge, visit our websiteTo follow on Instagram:  @TheIvyLeagueChallengeTo join us on our Facebook group for parentsOr schedule a meeting with Steve here

In our most recent series on storytelling and identity, Ethan sat down with his screenwriter friends to do a deep dive into the creative process, the power of storytelling, and how identity plays a role in both. In this bonus episode, the tables are turned as Ethan is interviewed by CEG Essay Coach, Ali Pineo. In their conversation, Ethan and Ali get into: Ethan's background and how his identity has evolved over the years The roles Ethan identifies with most: connector, harmonizer, and seeker How Ethan measures success in his personal and professional life His journey from aspiring screenwriter to teacher and writer Brainstorming Ethan's own personal statement as if he were writing it today And more Ali Pineo is a writing coach and college admissions essay specialist with a BA in English from Stanford University and MFA from UC Irvine. She is passionate about building her students' confidence in the writing process and developing them into strong self-advocates for their individual learning needs. She has spent thousands of hours coaching admissions essay writing and tutoring AP English and US History,. and the highlights of her career center around her mentorship of bright students with learning differences. In addition to teaching, she is an arts entrepreneur, former professional ballet dancer, and mama to a busy toddler. We hope you enjoy!   Play-by-Play: 1:41 - Introductions 2:48 - Ethan shares the roles he identifies with most 10:36 - What does Ethan's identity of “Connector” mean to him? 14:34 - How does Ethan distinguish between the “Connector” and “Harmonizer” roles? 20:16 - Do any roles conflict with other identities?  25:13 - How does Ethan balance his many roles?  28:37 - How does Ethan measure success in his personal and professional life? 33:20 - In what ways have Ethan's career aspirations changed over the years?  37:00 - How does Ethan define his role as a “Culture-Tender?”  43:55 - What has Ethan been writing about lately? 47:18 - Ali shares her a bit about her background, roles, and identities  52:33 - How do Ethan's outward identities overlap with his inner world?  56:48 - Brainstorming Ethan's own personal statement as if he were writing it today 1:11:37 - Closing thoughts and wrap-up   Resources: College Essay Guy's Roles and Identities Exercise Listen: Five Simple Tools to Meet Your Everyday Parenting Challenges College Essay Guy's Personal Statement Resources College Essay Guy's College Application Hub

In this three-part series, Ethan sits down with his screenwriter friends to do a deep dive into the creative process, the power of storytelling, and how identity plays a role in both. In Episode 3, Ethan is joined by screenwriter Ryan Maldonado, known for his work on AMC's Parish, Hulu's Death and Other Details, Amazon's Hunters, Chicago PD, FBI, and Grey's Anatomy. Ryan and Ethan talk about, among other things:  Ryan's origin story, how he identifies, and how he became a storyteller What Ryan's writing process is like and what it's like working on a TV show How Ryan shows up in characters that may seem very different from who he is  What he feels Hollywood is doing well in terms of representing diverse voices, and where there's still work to be done Advice to students going through the personal statement writing process And more.  Born and raised in Miami, Florida, Ryan Maldonado is a writer and producer who currently serves as Executive Producer and Co-Showrunner of AMC's crime series Parish, starring Giancarlo Esposito. His previous credits include Hulu's upcoming Death and Other Details (starring Mandy Patinkin) and Amazon's Hunters (starring Al Pacino). Before moving to Los Angeles to complete his MFA at USC's School of Cinematic Arts, Ryan worked as a reporter for The Detroit Free Press, St. Petersburg Times and Variety. He currently lives in Los Angeles with his wife and daughter. We hope you enjoy!   Play-by-Play: 2:00 - Ryan's origin story and what it was like growing up in Miami in the '80s 11:18 - When did Ryan start writing? 15:10 - How has Ryan's interest in writing shifted over the years? 19:47 - Where does “Ryan” show up in his writing and storytelling? 26:12 - How might personal experiences influence writing, especially in TV dramas?  33:00 - What is Ryan's writing process like? 38:50 - What is it like working on a TV show?  44:56 - What lessons from film school still apply to Ryan's work today?  54:33 - How has representation in Hollywood improved? What still needs work?  59:23 - What are some roles Ryan identifies with and how have these manifested in his life? 1:08:56 - What advice would you give to students working on their personal statements for college?  1:18:49 - Wrap up and closing thoughts   Resources: College Essay Guy's Roles and Identities Exercise College Essay Guy's Personal Statement Resources College Essay Guy's College Application Hub

In this three-part series, Ethan sits down with his screenwriter friends to do a deep dive into the creative process, the power of storytelling, and how identity plays a role in both. In Episode 2, Ethan is joined by screenwriter Whit Anderson, known for her work on Daredevil, The Twilight Zone, and Ozark.  Whit and Ethan talk about, among other things:  How a life-changing illness inspired one of her screenplays The cultural role that storytellers and screenwriters play Whit's approach to writing, including the use of visuals and detailed outlines The challenges of working in a male-dominated industry And more Content warning: In our conversation we talk briefly about suicidal ideation — both in the context of a movie Whit is working on but also in the context of the illness she experienced.  Whit Anderson has written both original and adapted content for HBO, Showtime, NBC, Warner Brothers, Paramount, Stars, Netflix, and Sky UK. She's also worked on such shows as Daredevil, The Twilight Zone, and Ozark, as well as on screenplays for her original film Players, and the Netflix hit, Damsel. Most recently for Netflix she wrote a feature script for the epic space opera Empress and she's currently in development with Paramount Studios, George Clooney's company Smokehouse, Margot Robbie's LuckyChap, and Jude Law's Riff Raff, among others.  And, like Ethan, Whit studied Theater at Northwestern University. We hope you enjoy.    Play-by-Play: 1:47 - When did Whit realize she was a storyteller? 3:48 - How has her storytelling shifted over the years? 5:56 - How has Whit's identity and experiences influenced her writing?  11:30 - Where does “Whit” show up in her stories? 17:47 - How does Whit decide what to write about next?  22:00 - What is Whit's writing process like? 23:14 - How does music influence Whit's writing?  28:15 - What does a typical week look like when working on a project?  31:30 - How does Whit work through writer's block or moments of feeling uninspired?  35:12 - What is something Whit wants to share about screenwriting? 47:58 - What has Whit learned about being a writer since starting?  56:00 - What change would Whit like to see in Hollywood?  1:05:01 - If Whit could do college again, what might she do differently? 1:09:23 - What upcoming projects is Whit excited to work on? 1:11:14 - Wrap up and closing thoughts   Resources: The Little Porch and a Dog College Essay Guy's Personal Statement Resources College Essay Guy's College Application Hub  

In this episode, Chief Growth Officer at Scoir, Ashley Smith, and former Dean of Admission, Peter Van Buskirk chat all things effective communication! Whether you're a college-bound student writing your college essay or heading into the workforce and want to sharpen your skills, we're sharing our tips for breaking out of the 5 paragraph essay and sharing your true sense of self! We cover: when to start the writing processhow to move past writer's blockAI's place in writinghow to get into the writing headspacetips for nailing the college interviewand more! THE ADMISSIONS GAME - SATIRE EDITIONYour satirical guide to elite college admissions by the fictional counselor to the...Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifyFollow us on Instagram!Learn more about Scoir

In this new three-part series, Ethan sits down with his screenwriter friends to do a deep dive into the creative process, the power of storytelling, and how identity plays a role in both. In Episode 1, Ethan is joined by screenwriter Dave Callaham, known best for Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, Shang Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, Wonder Woman 1984 and many others. Dave and Ethan discuss, among other things:  When Dave knew he was a storyteller The “armor” that Dave wears (how he presents physically vs. who he is) What the process of writing Shang-Chi was like, especially when much of the source material included outdated stereotypes and problematic portrayals. Dave's advice to writers on finding their voice And more   Fun fact: You can find the video version of this podcast on the College Essay Guy YouTube channel by clicking here. This is a longer episode format we're experimenting with, so feel free to use the chapters on the video to skip around, and let us know what you think in the YouTube comments. Rather than give you the typical bio, Ethan and Dave kick things off with an improv game where Dave shares what he loves and knows a lot about — an activity that is great for brainstorming ideas for the personal statement! We hope you enjoy.      Play-by-Play: 2:02 - Dave plays “I love, I know” – a brainstorming exercise  3:45 - What was Dave like in high school? 7:46 - When did Dave start writing? 11:08 - When did Dave realize he was a storyteller? 12:12 - What did Dave study in college?  13:11 - What was it like writing Shang-Chi? 16:57 - Where does “Dave” show up in Shang-Chi?  28:39 - What is Dave's writing process like when working on a movie? 32:42 - How is writing for animation different from live-action? 35:14 - How does writing change through the movie process? 39:01 -  How does Dave decide what to write about next?  51:59 - How important is structure when it comes to screenwriting? 58:30 - The “armor” that Dave wears (how he presents physically vs. who he is) 1:09:33 - What did Dave learn about fight scenes when writing Shang-Chi? 1:16:58 - Dave's advice to writers on finding their voice 1:24:09 - What did Dave write about in his college essay? 1:29:07 - How much time does Dave dedicate to brainstorming in his writing process? 1:32:30 - If Dave could do college again, what might he do differently? 1:39:20 - Why is representation so important on screen?  1:44:06 - What is something Dave wants to share about screenwriting? 1:48:50 - What advice would you give to young people who are considering writing for a living? 1:50:32 - Rapid-fire questions  Resources: YouTube video version of this episode I love, I know – a brainstorming exercise College Essay Guy's Personal Statement Resources College Essay Guy's College Application Hub  

Want to hear the latest trends in college admissions? In this episode, Lisa, Abby, and Stefanie share the webinar they presented on everything that's new with college admissions. Hear the biggest changes over the past year when it comes to college admissions, which schools are becoming harder to get into, how schools are using technology to assess students, new questions you might encounter in your college essays, and what you can do to increase your chances of getting into your favorite school. Subscribe to College Bound Mentor on your favorite podcast platform and learn more at CollegeBoundMentor.com

Today's episode is part four of our series Inside the Application. Ethan is joined by Cassidy, a current high school senior who is working on her college applications for the Fall 2025 term.  Cassidy's application deadlines are coming up, so Ethan and Cassidy check out what she has so far through a process called the “Almost Done” review. They discuss about, among other things: Where do things stand & how's Cassidy feeling about the application? What values come through in each piece of Cassidy's writing?  Where do Ethan (and Cassidy) see opportunities for revision to bring more of herself into the application?  And more Stay tuned, as we'll continue to check in with Cassidy to find out how her process went and what she ended up hearing back from colleges. Cassidy is a current high school student going through the college application process. She lives in the Bay Area, loves ballet, knows a lot about Biology, and identifies as a “yapper.”  We hope you enjoy.   Play-by-play:  2:05 - How's the writing process going for Cassidy? 2:50 - How much time has Cassidy been putting into her application lately? 4:50 - Does Cassidy consider herself a writer? 5:45 - What is an “Almost Done” review?  6:39 - What is a Values Scan?  8:55 - Reviewing Cassidy's most recent draft of the personal statement  23:20 - Cassidy shares some of her activities list descriptions 34:35 - Highlights from Cassidy's additional information section 38:25 - Cassidy's draft of her “excitement for learning” essay  48:08 - Cassidy's draft of her “roommate” essay 53:20 - Cassidy's draft of her “community” essay 1:03:08 - Cassidy shares her short answer responses (50 words each)  1:12:55 - Ethan shares closing advice for Cassidy as she prepares to submit  1:14:20 - Final thoughts     Resources Part 1 of this series, Inside the Application  Part 2 of this series, Inside the Application Part 3 of this series, Inside the Application Cassidy's Supplemental Essay Doc The Roles and Identities Exercise How to Write the Stanford Roommate Essay + Examples A How-To Guide for the Short Answer Questions for Highly-Selective Colleges How to Choose a College: A Step-By-Step Guide CEG's College Application Resource Hub A List of Activities You May Not Have Considered Including—But That Count! What do colleges look for in students?

Lily Janas, now a student at Bowdoin College, wrote this stirring college admissions essay called “We Rise”. She sets the scene at 2am and goes on to describe one of the most impactful experiences of her young life. The story unfolds slowly, and Lily gives clues along the way but never fully reveals what she's a part of - until the very end. (Previously aired) To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How do you stand out in college admissions? It all goes back to your college application. In this episode, Lisa, Abby, and Stefanie put together all the puzzle pieces that make up the college application puzzle. Hear the components of the college application, the most important component, whether to submit your test scores, how to handle letters of recommendation, and how specific colleges differ with their applications. Subscribe to College Bound Mentor on your favorite podcast platform and learn more at CollegeBoundMentor.com

As short as college application essays have to be, they still contribute heavily to holistic admissions decisions. Don't waste a single word! Amy and Mike invited educational consultant Sheree Gravely to discuss how to make your college essays count. What are five things you will learn in this episode? When should students start the college essay writing process? How can students find great ideas to write about? How are the common app essay topics different from supplemental essays? Should parents participate in the writing process? What topics should students avoid writing about? MEET OUR GUEST Sheree Gravely is the founder of Gravely Group College Advising and an IEC since 2014. Before becoming an IEC, she worked in marketing for Kraft Foods, HJ Heinz, and Arthur Anderson & Co.  Sheree has a passion for helping students discover their interests and to use that to find great college options. Years of experience in private industry, education, and as a parent make her ideal as an independent college counselor.  A 1986 graduate of the University of Virginia, she was heavily involved in counseling undergrads as a Resident Assistant and Dorm Resident Manager in UVA's Residential Life program. She attended Northwestern University's Evening Managers Program and holds a Certificate in College Admissions Counseling from UC - Riverside. Sheree is co-chair of the Midwest College Advisors Virtual Group, which includes over 40 members from OH, MI, IN, KY, and Western PA. The group meets with college admissions offices throughout the year. She is a member of the premier association of college advisors, IECA (Independent Educational Consultants Association), constantly attends higher-ed training opportunities, and is always visiting college campuses to gather the most up-to-date information for her students and families.   Sheree is passionate about education. She volunteered for Chagrin Falls Unite for Education election campaign and worked on the Chagrin Falls School District's 5-year strategic plan, as well as was a member of the committee on Instructional Practices, Resources, Curriculum, and Professional Development. She served as a member of the local advisory board for Hackett Catholic Prep HS (MI) which consulted on matters of school governance, including curriculum, marketing, and extra-curricular programming. She worked on a project for the principal to rebuild Hackett's college counseling curriculum.  During her children's school years, Sheree volunteered in a variety of  capacities including instructor and coordinator for Global Reading competitions, Writing Workshops, and Junior Achievement. As a member of the American Woman's Club of Oakville (Canada), she researched and authored a curriculum comparison between US and Canadian education standards that was used by families and companies to evaluate education decisions for ex-pat students. She has lived in a variety of cities in the US and Canada and is married to Alan. They have a daughter and two sons. Sheree loves to play Mahjong and read as well as to travel, scuba dive, ski and be active! Sheree previously appeared on the podcast in episode 353 for an IEC Profile. Sheree can be reached at https://www.gravelygroupcollegeadvising.com. LINKS 7 Steps to a Terrible College Essay RELATED EPISODES WHY THIS COLLEGE, WHY THIS MAJOR? UTILIZING A REFLECTION JOURNAL TO PREPARE FOR A COLLEGE ESSAY WRITING RHETORICALLY IN ADMISSIONS ESSAYS TABOO ESSAY TOPICS ABOUT THIS PODCAST Tests and the Rest is THE college admissions industry podcast. Explore all of our episodes on the show page. ABOUT YOUR HOSTS Mike Bergin is the president of Chariot Learning and founder of TestBright. Amy Seeley is the president of Seeley Test Pros and LEAP. If you're interested in working with Mike and/or Amy for test preparation, training, or consulting, feel free to get in touch through our contact page.

Today's episode is part two of our series, Inside the Application. Ethan is joined by Cassidy, a current high school senior who is working on her college applications for the Fall 2025 term. Ethan and Cassidy will be walking step-by-step through the college application process as it unfolds this school year. In episode 2, they get into:  How is Cassidy's personal statement coming along? What does Cassidy want colleges to know about her? How is Cassidy approaching her supplemental essays? What is Cassidy looking for in a college and how did she develop her list? And more Stay tuned for future episodes where Ethan and Cassidy continue the conversation! This series is a bit different in that, normally, we share episodes-in-a-series consecutively. For these, we're releasing them pretty much as we record them, so you'll notice them interspersed among other topics we'll be covering. We'll continue to check in with Cassidy to see how things are going, and you'll find out how it turned out a few months from now. Cassidy is a current high school student going through the college application process. She lives in the Bay Area, loves ballet, knows a lot about Biology, and identifies as a “yapper”—more on that in our conversation.  We hope you enjoy!    Play-by-play 1:36 - What has Cassidy been working on since last episode? 3:28 - Cassidy reads draft two of her personal statement  7:51 - Cassidy shares her thoughts on her draft 9:18 - Ethan gives feedback and shares suggestions for the next draft  12:57 -  Ethan reviews Cassidy's "Everything I Want Colleges to Know About Me" list 21:38 - Ethan reviews Cassidy's CommonApp Activities List and Additional Info sections 26:09 - What is Cassidy looking for in a college and how did she develop her list? 25:00 - Ethan reads the supplemental prompts from Cassidy's college list tracker  35:56  - What is a “super topic" and how might it help Cassidy? 50:50 - What is the Roles and Identities exercise? 58:55 - What are Cassidy's next steps in her drafting process?    Resources Part 1 of this series, Inside the Application Cassidy's brainstorming and second draft The "Everything I Want Colleges to Know About Me" List: A Brainstorm Exercise 8 First Choices: An Expert's Strategies for Getting into College by Joyce Slayton Mitchell How to Combine Your College Essay Prompts (To Save 20+ Writing Hours) College Essay Guy's Personal Statement Resources Learn How to Write Great Supplemental College Essays College Essay Guy's College Application Hub College Essay Guy's Roles and Identities Exercise Funko Pops

Class of 2025 Scholarship Bootcamp Are you interested in helping your high school senior kickstart their scholarship journey? The Class of 2025 Scholarship Bootcamp provides high school seniors with lifetime access to the Scholarship GPS Course (valued at $97), which teaches them how to locate, prioritize, and apply for scholarships. This special program also includes personalized reviews, feedback, and editing assistance for three different scholarship applications of your choice, including essays of up to 2500 words (valued at $231). While course access is lifetime, one-on-one essay help expires on December 31, 2024. If bought separately, this program would cost $328. However, the Class of 2025 Scholarship Bootcamp is available at a reduced price of just $147. Don't wait. Senior year presents the greatest scholarship opportunity of your life, but it will be over before you know it. Don't miss out on this chance to receive valuable one-on-one support with your scholarship applications and essays at an incredibly low price. Click here to sign up today: https://www.scholarshipgps.com/class-of-2025-scholarship-bootcamp ------- Links to learn more about this week's featured scholarships: Weekender: $1000 No Essay Scholarship $2000 Nuts, Bolts & Thingamajigs Scholarship $1000 Outstanding Citizen Scholarship $1000 Key Thinkers Scholarship $1000 Return2College Scholarship $2500 No Sweat Scholarship ------- Irene Schindler is a published essayist. She helps college applicants identify compelling ideas for their admissions essays and present those ideas in a student's own best voice. Working with students to examine their interests and enthusiasms and exploring what they already know, what they aspire to do, and what ignites their passion for further education is a key element of what she loves most about her job. Irene has studied speechwriting, creative writing, and storytelling at Georgetown University and has assisted college students with their application essays for elite colleges across the nation. She holds degrees in communications and government from George Washington University and worked in communications and policy on Capitol Hill for many years prior to joining College Bound. In our conversation, Irene and I discussed: How younger students can prepare themselves to be better college applicants The importance of intentional involvement in high school How students can stand out with their college admissions essay Strategies for students struggling with their college essay Essay ideas for students who aren't sure of their college major You can get in touch with Irene at ireneschindler@gmail.com or on the College Bound website. Irene mentioned the Fiske Guide to Colleges as a fantastic resource to help you find the right college. Here's a link to buy the Fiske Guide on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3yTuSww  

The girls bring Valerie Holland, an independent college counselor into te conversation today. She's helped get out into Virginia Tech, TCU & Miami of Ohio. She meets with your high schooler and as an expert, guides them through the college selection and application process targeting "six to eight schools, max ten" and doesn't believe in having a "backup school".If you have a college bound high schooler, you NEED to listen to this episode.To get ahold of Val, email her at vhollandcc@gmail.comWhat's For DinnerSimple Pasta Carbonarahttps://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/simple-carbonaraWe want to hear your comments and questions! Send an email to 3lfpod@gmail.com or leave a comment on our Instagram @3lfpod and be sure to follow us on our YouTube page www.youtube.com/@threelilfishes

Today's episode kicks off a new series, Inside the Application. Ethan is joined by Cassidy, a current high school senior who is working on her college applications for the Fall 2025 term. Ethan and Cassidy will be walking step-by-step through the college application process as it unfolds this school year. In episode 1, they get into:  How did Cassidy approach brainstorming and outlining for her personal statement?  What brainstorming activities helped Cassidy pick her topic? Cassidy's first draft of her personal statement  Ethan's suggestions for revision  And more This series will also be different in that, normally, we share episodes-in-a-series consecutively. For these, we're releasing them pretty much as we record them, so you'll notice them interspersed among other topics we'll be covering.  Stay tuned for future episodes where Ethan and Cassidy continue the conversation! They'll revisit her personal statement, talk about supplemental essays, go over how Cassidy developed her college list, and even talk a little bit about the activities list and the additional information section. We'll continue to check in with Cassidy to see how things are going, and you'll find out how it turned out a few months from now. Cassidy is a current high school student going through the college application process. She lives in the Bay Area, loves ballet, knows a lot about Biology, and identifies as a “yapper”—more on that in our conversation.  We hope you enjoy!    Play-by-play:  2:57 - Getting to know Cassidy through her brainstorming materials 3:27 - Cassidy's social identities 4:29 - Cassidy's values 7:05 - Cassidy's superpower 8:12 - Cassidy's islands of personality 8:40 - What were some of the topics Cassidy considered for her essay? 13:51 - Cassidy walks through her essay outline and examples 16:01 - How did outlining make things easier for Cassidy?  18:48 - Cassidy reads the first draft of her personal statement  22:42 - Cassidy shares her thoughts on her draft 26:04 - Ethan gives feedback  39:18 - Ethan shares suggestions for the next draft  41:52 - Closing thoughts     Resources Cassidy's brainstorming and first draft College Essay Guy's Personal Statement Resources College Essay Guy's College Application Hub Funko Pops  

This week, I'm joined by Sam Severn. Sam is a 14-time #1 best-selling ghostwriter, book doctor, screenwriter, and writing coach. Mentored by Academy Award-winner Stewart Stern (Rebel Without A Cause), Sam served as a consultant for the #1 best-sellers Tears For My City and The Revved Life. He also served as a consultant for Robert Beatty's #1 best-selling children's novels Serafina and the Twisted Staff and Willa of the Wood, published by Disney Hyperion. Sam's ghostwritten screenplay was awarded Best Adaptation at the Hollywood Book Festival. He's published more than 3,000 news stories and ghostwritten or consulted on 60 published books. Sam's written for rock magazines and pop culture websites, film reviews, and the blogs of #1 best-selling faith-based authors. A 7-time speaker at the Nashville Writers' Conference, and a huge undying Elvis fan, Sam's currently coaching three writers on completing their first novels, consulting on a courtroom thriller, and writing an epic Horror-Fantasy set in 1990s Seattle. Now, Sam is bringing his passion and talent for writing to work with students on their college essays! To connect with Sam, go to SamSevern.com. ------ At a 5% interest rate (good luck finding a student loan with that low of an interest rate), one year's worth of interest on just a $5000 student loan comes to $250.00. For that same $250, you could buy a one-year Amazon Prime membership (so that you can watch "Borrowed Future: How Student Loans are Killing the American Dream"), AND get lifetime access for your entire family to the Scholarship GPS course, where I share what I learned to help my son earn over $95,000 in scholarships and to graduate college debt-free. Perhaps you and your student are willing to start, but you aren't sure how. The Scholarship GPS Course will get you and your student up to speed quickly. Here are just some of the highlights from the course: How and where to find scholarships How to prioritize the right scholarships How to build a student's Personal Narrative: The Key to Scholarship Success How to respond to the most common scholarship essay topics Plus, throughout the fall, I will be adding lessons on some of the biggest scholarship opportunities for the Class of 2025 - scholarships that virtually every senior should apply for! The tools, tactics and strategies I share in the Scholarship GPS Course are the same ones I used to coach my own son to over $95,000 in scholarships, to coach Isabella to 14 scholarship wins, and to coach Talon to over $100,000 in scholarships! So, get started on your scholarship journey today! Click here, and use coupon code SAVE20 to get $20 off the regular price of the Scholarship GPS Course. ------- Links to learn more about this week's featured scholarships: $1000 Appily No-Essay Scholarship Preventing Accidents Scholarship $1000 Innovation in Tax Policy Scholarship $500 Innovation in Education Scholarship $1000 DefensiveDriving.com Scholarship ------ To learn more about one-on-one scholarship coaching, please visit https://www.scholarshipgps.com/services One-on-one scholarship coaching services are available for the Class of 2026, Class of 2027, Class of 2028, and there is a waiting list for the Class of 2025.  

Join us as we explore the importance of leaving nothing to chance in the competitive world of college admissions. Our expert essay coach emphasizes the value of dedication and the need to push beyond just going through the motions. Discover why this week is not just about what you're writing, but how you're writing it. Learn from real insights and advice from admissions professionals, as well as the significance of practicing until you can't get it wrong. If you're ready to maximize your chances and make every word count, this episode is for you. Get ready to go big or go home, and remember—leave nothing to chance!

Some of the trickiest essays to pin down on college applications are the Why College/Why Academic Interest essays. In the first part of this episode, we share why these essays are frustrating, the format of these essays, and how to write them. We then welcome on special guest Lisa Marker-Robbins, Founder of Flourish Coaching, who's helped over 4,000 high school students and young adults gain the insight, experiences, and confidence they need to successfully embark on their post-high school path. She busts some myths about the Why College/Why Academic Interest essays, reveals some findings of her study of the Top 50 public universities and their admissions practices, and shares her best advice for students who truly don't know what to major in. Get Lisa's resources at FlourishCoachingCo.com/Majors and check out her College and Career Clarity podcast, and subscribe to College Bound Mentor on your favorite podcast platform and learn more at CollegeBoundMentor.com

This week, I'm joined by Mike Bergin, who has 30 years of intensive experience in every aspect of standardized test preparation. Mike is the founder of Chariot Learning, which delivers on the promise of what truly transformative, individualized education can and should be. Mike is also the founding President of the Board of Directors of the National Test Prep Association, the creator of the TestBright SAT & ACT curriculum system and Roots2Words vocabulary program, and the co-host of the college admissions industry podcast Tests and the Rest. In our light-hearted interview, Mike shares the 7 steps to a terrible college essay—a fun way to drive home what NOT to do and the flip side of his article, 7 Steps To An Amazing College Essay. ------- I am a strong advocate for the work of Lisa Marker-Robbins and Flourish Coaching. For over a decade, Lisa has helped over 3,600 high school students and young adults gain the insight, experiences, and confidence they need to embark on their post-high school path. Along the way, however, she noticed an alarming trend: Teens struggled to find their true purpose–and the fallout wasn't pretty. There was a lot of uncertainty around college majors and future careers. As a result, students weren't graduating college on time, and even when they did, they often left college underemployed or unemployed altogether. From my perspective, gaining college and career clarity not only sets up the student to thrive in college and puts them on the path to future career success, but it's also beneficial for finding and winning scholarships. More than half of the private scholarships my son won, both in high school and while in college, were directly related to his college major. The other scholarships, while open to students of all majors, were still won due to his compelling Personal Narrative - his story of his future plans, with the ability to point to past achievements related to those plans. Whether your child is in high school or college, if they are unclear about their future career or even their college major, I can think of no better investment than to look into the programs that Lisa and Flourish Coaching offer. To learn more, go to http://www.FlourishCoachingCo.com/NoDebtMajors ------- Scholarship GPS is an online course that serves as your guide to the world of scholarships. This comprehensive course is packed with insightful and concise video lessons, each ranging from approximately three to ten minutes, offering the flexibility to seamlessly fit into your busy schedule. As a loyal Scholarship GPS Podcast listener, you have exclusive early access to the course, allowing you to dive into over 40 available lessons while new content is consistently being added. This is your opportunity to gain a competitive edge in your scholarship journey. What sets Scholarship GPS apart is the inclusion of BONUS LESSONS from trusted professionals in college admissions, test prep, and other crucial areas related to college readiness. These bonus lessons offer invaluable introductory knowledge from experts in their fields. To express my gratitude, I'm excited to offer you LIFETIME ACCESS to Scholarship GPS at a significantly discounted pre-launch rate of just $57 when you use coupon code AUGUST24 at checkout. This exclusive offer is a token of appreciation for Scholrship GPS Podcast listeners and is available as the course continues to evolve. Don't miss out on this opportunity to embark on your scholarship journey today. Remember, coupon code AUGUST24 expires on August 15, 2024. Go to www.ScholarshipGPS.com to sign up today. ------- Links to the articles for this week's featured scholarships: CollegeXpress Back-to-School Scholarship: You will Simply fill out the registration form based on your year in high school: 9th Graders: Apply with this link. 10th Graders: Apply with this link. 11th Graders: Apply with this link. 12th Graders: Apply with this link. $2500 Justice Solutions Group Future Mentors Scholarship $1000 Excellence in Academics and Performing Arts Scholarship $1000 Safety On The Road Scholarship $30,000 Elks Most Valuable Student Scholarship $2500 SoFi Scholarship Giveaway  If you are not yet a member of SoFi you will need to register before participating in the Sweepstakes. (If you are looking for a new account to save your scholarship winnings, use this link to open an account with SoFi to get an extra $25! Opening an account is NOT a requirement for entering the scholarship sweepstakes.)

Host Jonathan Hughes talks with Deputy Director of Admission at College of the Holy Cross Drew Carter about how to write a successful college essay.

FREE Guide at

What does it take  to get children into top universities without damaging families, without scandal, jail-time, debilitating tension and humiliation? What roles should parents play? What makes the best college essays? All good questions. And here to talk about those issues is Irena Smith, a long time college admissions counselor and author of The...

In today's episode, Ethan connects with Angel Pérez (CEO of the National Association of College Admission Counselors) to discuss identity, his personal journey with self-care, and where he sees the college admission profession heading.  On the episode, you'll hear Angel and Ethan discuss: Angel's brainstorming work for his own imagined college essay (yes, really) What Angel's core values have to do with his self-care journey Strategies and techniques Angel (and Ethan) use for self care How does Angel see the US college landscape (and/or admissions process) changing in the next 5 years?  Fun fact: You'll find the YouTube video version of this podcast on the College Essay Guy YouTube channel. Check out last year's conversation, CEG Podcast Episode 401: Self-care for counselors, leaders, and professionals in helping roles. If you haven't met Angel Pérez, he is CEO of the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC). In this role, he represents more than 25,000 admission and counseling professionals worldwide committed to postsecondary access and success. Named by a Forbes article in 2019 as the most influential voice in college admissions, he strives to build an educational ecosystem that better represents today's society. Prior to joining NACAC in July of 2020, Dr. Pérez served in secondary and higher education leadership positions across America, most recently, as Vice President for Enrollment and Student Success at Trinity College in Connecticut. He is an advocate for counselors everywhere, an important ally in the work of increasing access to higher education, and I'm so lucky to call him my friend… Hope you enjoy this episode.    Play-by-Play 2:43 - Introductions and welcome 4:15 - Values Exercise 9:13 - Social Identities Exercise 11:47 - What life experiences have influenced Angel's identities?  19:58 - How do Angel's core values connect to identity?  22:46 - How has self-care for Angel and Ethan evolved since their conversation last year? 27:06 - What are Angel and Ethan still working on for self-care? 33:39 - Accountability, pausing, and intention in self-care  39:24 - How does Angel see the US college landscape (and/or admissions process) changing in the next 5 years?  44:14 - How has the ban on race-conscious admission impacted students?  46:07 - Advice for students  48:20 - Is college still worth the cost? 50:56 - Advice for counselors and admission professionals 53:23 - Closing thoughts   Resources YouTube video version of this episode (511) Values Exercise Social Identities Exercise Counting Up vs. Counting Down by Duncan Sabien   30-Day Phone Breakup Course (Catherine Price) Rocket Fuel by Mark C. Winters, Gino Wickman CEG Podcast Episode 401: Self-care for counselors, leaders, and professionals in helping roles CEG Podcast Episode 406: Why You Don't Have to Write about Trauma in Your College Essay to Stand Out—and What You Can Do Instead  

In today's episode, I sit down with Signet's College Experts: Joanna Graham, Jasper Nighthawk, and Satia Marotta. We explore the latest trends in college admissions, discussing what has changed in the landscape and what students can do to stand out. Whether you're just starting your college journey or you're deep in the application process, this episode is packed with information you won't want to miss. Tune in and get ready to navigate the path to college with confidence!BioJoanna Graham is one of Signet's top admissions consultants. She has decades of experience in the college admissions and standardized testing space, having worked as an admissions interviewer and application reader at Georgetown University and then as an independent admissions consultant in the DC area. Joanna received her Bachelor's degree in Language & Linguistics and Sociology from Georgetown University. Joanna stands out because she is a current member of the Board of Governors at Georgetown, she spent nearly a decade working at the Graduate Management Admissions Council and she volunteers at a variety of athletic and military organizations such as Dog Tag Bakery, Team Red White & Blue, the Ironman Foundation, and the Pat Tillman Foundation. Clients and students love Joanna because she is kind, well-accomplished, and encouraging, she is an avid athlete and has completed nearly 40 marathons and ultramarathons and 2 Ironman triathlons and she is a proud mother and dog mom!Jasper Nighthawk has been working at Signet since 2016 and has tutored for over a decade. He specializes in writing (specifically college essays) and academic coaching, and he graduated with an AB from Harvard College and got his MFA from Antioch University LA. Jasper stands out because he is a practicing poet and author, he loves sports, cooking, writing, and his pet cat, he works as the University Storyteller of Antioch University, editing over a hundred articles a year, hosting an award-winning podcast, and crafting the story of that institution, he previously worked for seven years as a Poet in the School, and he has lectured on creative writing at both UCLA and Wesleyan. Clients and students love Jasper because he is calm and kind and he is encouraging and adaptable.Satia Marotta started working for Signet in 2018 and has many years of tutoring experience. She holds a Bachelor of Science with High Distinction from Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) and a Master's of Science and Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology from Tufts University. She loves research and teaching. Satia stands out because she worked as a Graduate Writing Consultant at Tufts and as a Peer Academic Coach at WPI, she is an avid fiber artist and enjoys crocheting, weaving, and quilting. She even spins and dyes her own yarn, and she is a diligent bullet journaler and has been working on her doodles, hand lettering, and handmade papermaking skills. Clients and students love Satia because she is warm, enthusiastic, and intelligent and she takes an organized, concise approach to her tutoring2024-2025 Common App Essay PromptsRSVP here for our webinar on Executive Function Coaching for High Schoolers on July 25th.Access free resources and learn more about Sheila and her team at Signet Education at signeteducation.com or on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheilaakbar/.

June 18th & 19th starting at 8 pm eastern time each night, I'll be going through a college essay workshop. You do not want to miss this!If you are a rising senior, drop everything and join.Registration is free, and is available at TILC.to/BestEssaySee you there!-----To register for the Ivy League Challenge, visit our websiteTo follow on Instagram:  @TheIvyLeagueChallengeTo join us on our Facebook group for parentsOr schedule a meeting with Steve here

Originally aired on College Coffee Talk (Mondays 10am EST Facebook.com/lockwoodcollegeprep), college advisors Pearl and Andy Lockwood discuss common application essay mistakes, and the problem with magical thinking. Plus, Pearl introduces a new segment, Don't Do That! (This one had Andy speechless. Seriously.) Info about our essays and applications bootcamp can be found at www.LockwoodCollegePrep.com/bootcamp

In today's episode, I sit down with Chris Davis, Associate Director of the Career and Academic Resource Center at Harvard Extension School, to explore the innovative programs offered at Harvard Extension, the impact on non-traditional learners, and the future of education in a rapidly evolving world. Tune in to discover the exciting possibilities beyond traditional higher education!BioChris Davis has worked at Harvard University for over a decade, at Harvard Business School, and at the Harvard Extension School. As the Associate Director of the Career and Academic Resource Center, he oversees the academic skills-building programs and resources available to students at the Extension School, which include a vast array of live webinar programming, a podcast dedicated to serving the needs of adult learners, and more. Click here to register for our upcoming webinar on College Essays! Get expert tips on crafting standout college essays on June 17th at 5 PM ET. See you there!Access free resources and learn more about Sheila and her team at Signet Education at signeteducation.com or on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheilaakbar/.

Join me in today's conversation with Jenny, an archaeologist and material scientist teaching at MIT and tutor at Signet. Discover the insights on following your instincts, fueling curiosity, and crafting your own destiny. Don't miss out on this exhilarating conversation that promises to inspire and intrigue!BioJenny has been working at Signet since 2011 and has logged over 3,800 student hours. She specializes in all test prep, sciences, and math. She received her BS and PhD from MIT in Archaeology and Materials Science.Jenny M. stands out because:She is Signet's most tenured tutor.She has taught at MIT and Brown.She has a son and loves doing things with him.Clients and students love Jenny M. because:She is calm, patient, knowledgeable and experienced.Click here to register for our upcoming webinar on College Essays! Get expert tips on crafting standout college essays on June 17th at 5 PM ET. See you there!Access free resources and learn more about Sheila and her team at Signet Education at signeteducation.com or on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheilaakbar/.

Now that exams have finished up, it is time to shift your focus to your college application essays. I will be hosting a workshop to help you get started, and to make sure that you avoid the biggest mistakes most people make in these essays. Participation in the workshop is free, but you need to register.you can register at TILC.to/BestEssay-----To register for the Ivy League Challenge, visit our websiteTo follow on Instagram:  @TheIvyLeagueChallengeTo join us on our Facebook group for parentsOr schedule a meeting with Steve here

Why does this college application question elicit blank stares from students? How do we help students to figure out what they might bring to the college experience or what sets them apart from other applicants? Megan and Erin discuss how ... Read More » The post 525: College Essay Question: “What Will You Bring to the College?” appeared first on The College Prep Podcast.

AP correspondent Julie Walker reports on students writing about race in their college essays following last year's SCOTUS ruling.

It's another week of Counselor's Choice Topics! This week, we're discussing college application essays - but in a different twist. Instead of thinking about this from the student perspective, we're thinking about it from the other side of the desk. What is the fair and appropriate use of the application essay in an admissions process? Should we ever use the content to determine there's not a good fit? How has the current state of college admissions impacted this component of the applciation package? Kim Lifton, President and Co-Founder of Wow Writing Workshop in Detroit, Michigan opens the discussion with her perspectives on how these essays are being written and should be reviewed. Jacob Browne, Dean of Admission at Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, Florida to talk about how college admissions counselors and Deans should review the essays. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/adlunchcast/message

On this week's episode, Tom Campbell (CEG's Community Manager) sits down with Ethan Sawyer (College Essay Guy) for Part 5 in our What Colleges Want series to talk about some of the other written parts of the application—the activities list, additional information section, and supplemental essays. Tom and Ethan get into: How can students write a great Activities List?  How can you find out what colleges are looking for in the supplemental essays? And what even is the additional information section? What is a ‘Super Essay' and how might it be useful? How does a student know when their application is complete? Fun fact: You'll find the YouTube video version of this podcast on the College Essay Guy YouTube channel.   Play-by-Play 1:09 - What are the other writing components of a college application? 5:26 - How can students write a great Activities List?  9:33 - Does the order of the activities matter? 11:41 - Are activities from 9th and 10th grade worth putting in the Activities List? 13:37 - When should students elaborate on Activities in their Additional Info section? 17:05 - What else can go into the Additional Info section?  23:14 - What are some things to avoid putting in the Additional Info section? 24:41 - How should students format the Additional Info section? 26:19 - Why do some colleges have supplemental essays? 27:31 - What are some of the most common supplemental essays prompts? 34:11 - How might institutional priorities impact an individual applicant?  44:14 - What is a ‘Super Essay' and how is it used? 49:12 - How does a student know when their application is complete?   Resources How to Write a Successful Common App Activities List How to Use the Common App Additional Information Section: Guide + Examples My College List (Research + Essay Topic Tracker) School-Specific Supplemental Essays Why This College Essay Guide + Examples How to Combine Your College Essay Prompts (To Save 20+ Writing Hours) What the Heck are "Hooks" and "Institutional Priorities"? The Values Exercise CEG Podcast Episode 101: Life As an Undocumented Student at Harvard CEG Podcast Episode 504: What Colleges Want (Part 4): A Crash Course in the Personal Statement with Ethan Sawyer (College Essay Guy)

In today's episode, I discuss Duke's recent announcement that they will no longer assign points to the college essay. They used to grade essays using a point system (1 - 5). Strong essays received high scores. Weak essays received low scores. Not anymore. Students no longer get credit for using proper punctuation, grammar, spelling, syntax, diction, etc. None of that matters anymore. What matters is the "story". Why is Duke doing this? How many other colleges will follow suit? What does this mean for your child's application?   Follow us: Enroll in PrepWell Academy Follow on Instagram Follow on Facebook Follow me on Instagram or Facebook Give us a review Share this episode with a friend Join our mailing list (by opting in on the homepage or in this article) Enroll your 9th or 10th grader in the program If you want to support the show, here are three immediate steps to take. Subscribe to the podcast where ever you listen to podcasts

On this week's episode, Tom Campbell (CEG's Community Manager) sits down with Ethan Sawyer (College Essay Guy) for Part 4 in our What Colleges Want series to talk about the personal statement. According to the latest State of College Admission report – after grades, course rigor, and positive character traits (see previous episodes), the college essay is what colleges care about most. Tom and Ethan get into:  What is the purpose of the personal statement?  How do you find a topic, especially if you're not writing about challenges?   Why do I recommend students NOT choose a common extracurricular activity as their main college essay topic?  How do you stand out?  And how do you know when you're done? Fun fact: You'll find the YouTube video version of this podcast on the College Essay Guy YouTube channel.   Play-by-Play 1:38 - What is the purpose of the personal statement in the college admission process? 2:53 - How might students use this statement for multiple schools?  3:48 - Should students talk about challenges they've faced in a personal statement?  6:47 - Should students talk about their major or career goals? 8:33 - Where is the best place to discuss extracurricular activities?  10:20 - Should students explain red flags in their personal statement? 11:26 - How can students brainstorm potential topics for their personal statement? 17:56 - What is the structure of a personal statement? 21:11 - How can students stand out? 28:57 - Case Study: What does the process look like from brainstorming to final draft? 35:39 - How does a student know when their essay is done? 38:27 - Is there a place for artificial intelligence in the college essay? 41:47 - have personal statements shifted since the Supreme Court ruling on Race-Conscious Admissions? 44:04 - Why does the personal statement process matter? 49:14 - Closing thoughts   Resources YouTube Video version of this episode (504) Sample personal statements 7 Brainstorming Exercises (YouTube video) The “Food” essay (YouTube video analysis) The Great College Essay Test Why You Don't Have to Write about Trauma in Your College Essay to Stand Out—and What You Can Do Instead Matchlighters Informaiton CEG Podcast Episode 404: Race-Conscious Admission Was Struck Down—What Does This Mean and What Can Students and College Counselors Do? w/ Jay Rosner Is It “Okay” to Talk About Race in Your College Application and Essays—And If So, How Should You Do It?  

Ain't nothin' more stressful in the college process than writin' them essays! Trust me, I'm a college ad-vey-sor! Relax. Kidding. But writing essays is definitely the most stressful part of the process. I think you'll feel a lot better after you listen to this short episode (originally a live streamed video). Mentioned in this video: our summer Get College Ready College Applications and Essays Bootcamp: https://www.lockwoodcollegeprep.com/bootcamp

Meet Ben Urwand, a distinguished scholar and the founder of Real College Essays. Ben's unique blend of historical expertise and admissions essay guidance provided invaluable insights into the often underestimated yet crucial role of the college essay in the admissions process.   Here's what we covered in today's conversation: 1. **Writing a Personal Essay for College:** - Guidance for parents and high school students on the nuances of crafting a compelling personal essay. - Tips on topic selection to capture the attention of admissions officers and strategies for avoiding generic or clichéd content. 2. **The Importance of the College Essay:** - Exploration of why the college essay is frequently overlooked but holds significant weight in the eyes of admissions officers. - Insights into the time commitment required for a 650-word essay and the reasons behind this investment. 3. **Overcoming Writer's Block:** - Practical advice for high school students dealing with writer's block. - Strategies to initiate the writing process and manage anxiety associated with the college essay. 4. **Common Mistakes in College Admission Essays:** - An examination of classic mistakes made by both students and parents in the college admission essay. - Ben's expert counsel on avoiding pitfalls and ensuring a standout essay.   Ben Urwand holds a Ph.D. in History from UC Berkeley and was elected to the Harvard Society of Fellows in 2011. His groundbreaking work, "The Collaboration: Hollywood's Pact with Hitler" (2013), brought international attention to Hollywood's dealings with Nazi Germany in the 1930s. In 2016, Ben began assisting students with their college admissions essays, helping hundreds gain admission to elite colleges. In 2023, he founded Real College Essays, focusing on breaking through the noise and making a lasting impression in the college admissions process.   Connect with Ben here: Website: realcollegeessays.com Email: ben@realcollegeessays.com   Freebie: A free 15-minute consultation with any parent who reaches out and mentions the No Problem Parenting Podcast   Find episodes based on the topic here: No-Problem Parenting PODCAST Resource Playground!   Tune in each day of our new Daily-Themed Episodes!   Parents, Let's make 2024 a year where you feel more encouraged and less alone in this journey of raising kids! Send this episode in a text or on social with your fellow parenting peeps.  Follow Subscribe, download, or leave your review and we might just share your comments on a future episode!   Are you ready to become a No-Problem Parent?   Start here: Becoming a No-Problem Parent Parenting on-demand training. To learn more about Parenting Support or to pick Jaci's brain on the next steps for you or your child, Schedule a call now: Jaci's Calendar   Want access to ALL of Jaci's favorite resources, training, parenting courses, and all things No-Problem Parenting? Sign up for our NEWSLETTER   Follow @NoProblemParents on: FB IG LinkedIn YouTube Twitter Threads   Check out our Books! No-Problem Parenting; Raising Your Kiddos with More Confidence and Less Fear! Order your copy HERE   Volume 2 No Problem Parenting; Resources and Stories that Create Confidence and Connection AVAILABLE NOW: Paperback or KINDLE   Hugs and High Fives,   Jaci

Join host Tess Connolly, LCSW, in a conversation with Ben Urwand, owner of Real College Essays, who works with college applicants helping them specifically with the essay portion of their application. Today on the podcast they discuss the importance of the essay portion of college applications.    ⭐Ben emphasizes the enduring impact of a well-written essay that transcends the application process, exploring how thoughtful writing can resonate beyond college admissions. ⭐Tess and Ben delve into the intricacies of crafting an effective essay. Ben shares insights into his process, helping applicants develop compelling narratives. ⭐Ben sheds light on his approach to assisting teens in uncovering meaningful experiences to articulate in their application essays.  ⭐ Tess and Ben discuss the common challenges teens encounter when deciding on the content and style of their college application essays.   ⭐Ben provides valuable advice on avoiding pitfalls and shares strategies for creating essays that are both captivating and unique.  ⭐Tess and Ben share anecdotes from Ben's experiences working with teens, offering listeners a glimpse into the transformative journey of essay writing. ⭐Tess and Ben outline the services he provides and discuss the optimal time for students to start contemplating and composing their application essays. ⭐Gain insights into Ben's personal journey and how he found himself dedicated to helping teens navigate the challenging terrain of college application essays. ⭐Ben is most grateful that he gets to do what he loves and that he gets to write what he wants in his own time and the freedom to do this is what he lives for.   Find our more about Ben's work here

Are you struggling to write those essays? Dismissing every idea as bad, or just staring at a blank screen? College Coach admissions expert Steve Brennan shares advice on how to overcome writer's block. So, tune in, and know that you aren't alone. In addition, host Shannon Vasconcelos and our very own admissions vet Jen Simons answer listener questions.