College Essays and the Anonymous Reader
A student once came to me wanting to write a college essay about her experience learning how to waterski barefoot. Fun, right? She…
Josh Stephens
The True Value of “Safety Schools”
Some students recoil “safety schools.” They shouldn’t. A healthy respect for safety schools makes for stronger applicants.
The Supreme Court College Admissions Decisions Should not Influence Applicants — Yet
The Supreme Court has limited versions of affirmative action. Here’s what the decision means, and doesn’t mean, for applicants.
The Purpose of College
Many students apply to college automatically. They would do well to take a moment to consider why they actually want to go to college.
Beavis and Butt-Head Reconsidered
Beavis and Butt-Head didn’t exactly enjoy school. Yet, they hold important lessons for ambitious college applicants.
The Futility of “Standing Out” on College Applications
The supposed need to “stand out” is one of the more toxic, and counterproductive, elements of the college application process.
College Essay Rhetorical Quirks (2021 Edition)
College essays often reflect acute rhetorical trends. Some are welcome; others are to be approached with caution.
Lousy College Essay Prompts, 2021 Edition
A cathartic analysis of unduly awkward, challenging, and nonsensical college essay prompts from the 2021 application year.
Why College Applications Shouldn’t be “Fun”
Going to college is usually fun no matter where you go. But applying to college is a strange way to have fun.
Plummeting Admission Rates Call for Rethinking College Admission Process
A record number of college applicants will be disappointed this year. The system has to change.
2020 Early Application Numbers Defy Expectations
Colleges applications are up, admission rates are down — and applicants need to stay upbeat
Getting Past ‘Personal Growth’ in College Essays
Many college applicants strive to describe “personal growth” in their application essays. Here’s why they shouldn’t.