Blog
What’s New With the Common App for the 2026-27 Cycle
Every year, I wait with great anticipation for the Common App’s “What’s New” webinar for counselors like me. As a journalist since high school, I like to announce breaking news, especially news that sets my juniors in motion. This year, there aren't any drastic...
New Class Announced May 31: How RESEARCH Can POWER Your College Search + Writing!
I’ve found that when students uncover unique, interesting facts about a college and THEN connect these findings to THEM in meaningful ways, that they can really WOW a Why Essay and more. Anyone can find something on the home page of a college website. But Power Hour...
Class of 2027 Common App Main Essay Prompts Announced! What’s your story?
Just in...the main essay prompts for the Class of 2027 have been announced! And they're the EXACT same as last year: Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If...
How is Your College Application Reviewed? And What Can You Do to Succeed?
I recently hosted a webinar for HECA (Higher Education Consultants Association), where I interviewed five current/former application readers. With the surge in college applications (4 million predicted this cycle), admissions has become more competitive than ever...
I applied! Now what? 2025 Edition
Every year, after the November 1 deadline, many students are done applying, and many are still hitting SUBMIT through January 1 & beyond. Wherever you fall in that mix, you want to start thinking about post-application strategies. Happy “November 1st is in the...
Deadline Crunch & Last-Minute Tips
As we approach college application deadlines, I wanted to share some tips to guide students toward success. Write, edit, revise, PREVIEW - Most know about the first 3 steps and forget the last. Hit PREVIEW in the Common App so you see your application AS COLLEGES WILL...