by Amy Smith | Mar 3, 2026 | College Admissions, College Essays, College Students, Common App
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...
by Amy Smith | Nov 8, 2025 | College Admissions, College Essays, College Students
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...
by Amy Smith | Oct 13, 2025 | College Admissions, College Essays, College Students, Common App
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...
by Amy Smith | Aug 1, 2025 | Artificial Intelligence, College Admissions, College Essays, College Students, Common App, Reporting Activities
Class of 2026…the Common App is ready for YOU! This is an exciting day and the beginning of a new chapter for college-bound students. Here are some of my tips for navigating this year’s Common App. Side note…one of my first PR campaigns many years ago was...
by Amy Smith | May 27, 2025 | College Admissions, College Essays, College Students, Common App, Reporting Activities
Every year, I wait with great anticipation for the “What’s New with the Common App” counselor webinar. I love hearing about updates early so I can share them with my students. Hard to believe, but the Common App turns 50 this year! They’ve given it an overhaul...
by Amy Smith | Mar 3, 2025 | College Essays, College Students, Common App
There are two OPTIONAL writing sections on the Common App beyond the main essay, and for the first year in a long time, changes were just announced. First, these are TOTALLY OPTIONAL. You do not have to answer these questions. For school-specific supplements, I rarely...
