Admissions advice, straight from someone who just went through it.
The “Why This College” Essay: How to Write One That Isn’t Interchangeable
Swap a different school name into your draft. If it still makes sense, you have written a description of college, not a Why us essay.
How to Answer the UC Personal Insight Questions (They Are Not Essays)
Eight prompts, four answers, 350 words each, and no way to tailor them to a campus. The UC essays run on different rules than the Common App.
How Merit Scholarships Actually Work (and How to Actually Win One)
Merit money isn't just for whoever has the best grades. Here's what actually moves the needle when colleges decide who gets it.
Early Decision vs. Early Action vs. Regular Decision: Which Should You Choose?
ED, EA, and RD aren't just deadlines. Each one changes your odds and your options differently. Here's how to actually choose.
How to Start Your Common App Essay (When You Have No Idea What to Write)
You don't need a dramatic story. You need one specific, closely-examined moment that says something true about who you are.
What Colleges Actually Look For (Beyond Grades and Test Scores)
Grades and test scores are a filter, not a differentiator. Here's what admissions officers are really looking for once you clear that bar.