Category: Writing a college essay

Should I Answer the COVID-19 Question on the Common App?

Posted by: admin on September 8th, 2020

Ask an admissions officer whether you should write a response to the optional COVID-19 question on this year’s Common App, and depending on the college (or the day), you may hear different advice. Some officers suggest a limited approach, saying that unless your or your family’s health or employment was directly affected by the pandemic, […]

Some of Our Favorite Supplemental Essay Prompts: 2020-2021 Edition

Posted by: admin on June 15th, 2020

A review of essay prompts can be a great way to prepare for the writing process. I am supposed to write roughly 650 words, but on what? Of course, you will head straight for the Common Application prompts and prepare to stress out choosing one idea. But what about reading supplemental prompts and taking a mental walk around […]

How do I revise my paper? (And do I really have to?)

Posted by: admin on May 12th, 2020

Giving yourself time to edit your paper is the single most important step you can take to improve your grade. It’s also the step that students are the most likely to skip. I get it. Revising your paper takes time and planning. And, let’s be honest, with everything you’re juggling, you might feel lucky if […]

How to Write a Conclusion

Posted by: admin on May 6th, 2020

Conclusions can be the hardest part of an essay to write. Your conclusion should sum up the most important pieces of your essay without simply repeating what you’ve already said. While you generally don’t want to introduce new information in your conclusion, the best conclusions will also put your arguments into a larger context and […]

How do I add more analysis to my paper?

Posted by: admin on May 6th, 2020

One of the most common pieces of feedback that my students get from their teachers is that they need to add more analysis to their papers. But how can you tell if your paper is analytical enough? In this post, we’ll look at how you can revise your paper to add more analysis to your […]

Toni Morrison and the Perfect College Essay

Posted by: admin on August 12th, 2019

(Originally published August 12, 2019) How one of America’s bravest voices teaches us to nail the dreaded personal statement  “I’m a believer in the power of knowledge and the ferocity of beauty, so from my point of view, your life is already artful – waiting, just waiting, for you to make it art,” Toni Morrison, […]

Some of Our Favorite Supplemental College Essay Prompts: 2019-2020 Edition

Posted by: admin on June 3rd, 2019

A review of essay prompts can be a great way to prepare for the writing process. I am supposed to write roughly 650 words but on what?  Of course, you will head straight for the Common Application prompts and prepare to stress out choosing one idea.  But what about reading supplemental prompts and taking a […]

College Essay Alchemy: A Tour of Supplemental Essay Prompts: 2018 Edition

Posted by: admin on June 2nd, 2019

A review of essay prompts can be a great way to prepare for the writing process. I am supposed to write roughly 650 words but on what?  Of course, you will head straight for the Common Application prompts and prepare to stress out choosing one idea.  But what about reading supplemental prompts and taking a […]

College Essays in English Class

Posted by: admin on May 21st, 2019

My English Teacher Assigned My Class the College Essay – So I’m Good, Right? Experience in both the English classroom and college admissions has given me unique insight that helps me work effectively with students on their college essays. My students often tell me that their English teachers assigned the Common App prompts for a […]

Attention Rising Seniors: Time to Start Your College Essay!

Posted by: admin on March 1st, 2019

As we enjoy this beautiful summer, I’m sure some of you rising seniors tingle with anticipation when you think, “Next year I’ll be a senior!” Right now, you’re probably directing your attention to fun in the sun, and perhaps, avoiding summer learning loss by getting involved in college programs, internships, or even service projects. But […]