New Common App Essay Prompts are HERE!

For my initial response to the new Common App essay prompts for 2015-16, please read my latest Huffington Post blog right here.

Here's the opening:

"This is big news in the college application world. It's not quite landing on the moon or Beyoncé having a baby, but the twittosphere is aflame this morning. The Common Application organization has just released the essay prompts for the upcoming year. Though applications aren't due until late in the fall for most students, the arrival of the prompts marks the start of the season." READ MORE

College App Essays Run Amok: A Coach's Advice, Sympathy & A Word About Spiders

I published this essay on Huffington Post last fall, but I think it's worth reposting as parents and students start thinking about college application essays for this coming fall. It contains some background about the Common App essay and the supplements as well as an overview of the complexities of the application process. 

If you're new to the process, it might be worthwhile taking a look!  READ MORE

Grieve, Grumble and Get up

Dec. 11, 2014

If you've been turned down from the school to which you had your heart so set on that you applied Early Decision or Restricted Early Action, it's time to grieve, grumble, and get back to work on your other applications.

For parents and students, it's important to realize that the numbers for early admissions are always stacked against you - and that getting rejected at one school is NOT an omen for what else will happen down the line. It's vitally important to see this as part of a process, not an ultimate judgment on who you are and what you're capable of.

Take a look at my latest Huffington Post piece for more thoughts on this moment in the college application campaign.

Thanks for taking a look!