The Nightmare of “Dream Schools”
When I review college application essays, I hunt for cliches: overused and inapt words and phrases that are sure to grate on discerning…
College Choice
Going to College Before You Go to College
Among my high school’s roundabout virtues was its unrelenting emphasis on academic research. I’m not kidding.
College Choice
Freedom Returns to Common Application Essays
High school juniors get atwitter this time of year when the Common Application releases its essay prompts. This year’s prompts, released last week, mean less than ever before. That’s a good thing.
High School
Geographic Illiteracy and the Rise of Trump
The typical high school curriculum renders Americans geographically illiterate. Our ignorance about the world and about each other has finally taken its toll, in the unlikely form of Donald Trump.
College Choice
College Essay Prompt Pet Peeves
Students should always take expansive, creative views of their prompts. They should think critically. If that means that they acknowledge a prompt's stupidity, so be it.
The Hidden Perils of Applying to ‘Reach’ Colleges
Students who are serious about applying to ultra-selective schools need to affirmatively articulate — first to themselves, then to the…