At its core, Irena Smith’s job as an independent college counselor means being a writing coach. With a PhD in comparative literature, the former Stanford admissions officer helps her teenage clients ...

Writing college essays that stand out is a critical step in the college admissions process. College admissions officers read thousands of essays each year, and a compelling essay can make a ...

Writing the personal essay for your college application can be tough, but we’re here to help. Sometimes the hardest part is just getting started, but the sooner you begin, the more time and thought ...

As the college essay program manager for Write the World, a nonprofit writing organization for teens, I oversee a group of advisers who guide students through the essay writing process. I have seen ...

Every year more than a million students use the Common Application, a standardized electronic form accepted by more than 1,000 colleges, to apply to college. And every year since 1976, the Common App, ...

You’ve finally embarked on your journey toward college, and now it’s time to tackle the admissions essay. It’s important to leave a lasting impression and set yourself apart from the competition, but ...

College essay writing can seem daunting. One feels compelled to do well, remain concentrated, and follow deadlines. It’s not as difficult as it looks, so don’t be concerned. A few useful tips and the ...

If you talk to your friends — or worse, your parents talk to their friends — you might feel like you need to write a heroic narrative about overcoming monumental challenges while accumulating an ...

In the high-stakes world of college admissions, your application essay is your superpower. While grades and test scores show your accomplishments, your essay is the one place you can speak directly to ...

A powerful Common App essay is a key component of the college application process. Most high school students who are applying to college start out by completing the Common Application that is accepted ...