Why Teens Procrastinate on College Essays
There is a particular tension that settles into a house where the college essay is sitting unwritten. You can feel it in the way the topic comes up casually at dinner, “So… any thoughts about your essay?” and then disappears just as quickly. You can feel it in the open laptop that somehow never quite gets past the blinking cursor. You can feel it in your own rising internal monologue: We had all summer. Why are we still at zero? Parents often interpret this delay as avoidance or lack of motivation. Teens insist they “work better under pressure.” Both sides feel [...]
College Review: Penn State University
One of the most popular Big Ten schools, Penn State’s main campus is filled with so many good things—275 majors, with all of the greatest hits, but also including niche ones such as Immunology, Rail Transportation Engineering, and Turfgrass Science. In addition, they are an R1 research institution, have thousands of clubs, play many types of “sportsball,” as Lynda and I call it, and have endless opportunities for student advancement. Along with all of those great things, however, come 40,000 or so other things—undergraduate students. As a lifelong introvert, I won’t lie—my first reaction to all of the people and [...]
The Ultimate Guide to College Admissions Interviews
There’s no sugarcoating it—college admissions interviews are intimidating. It’s one thing to hit “submit” on your Common App, but it’s a whole different kind of pressure to sit across (or Zoom across) from someone who might potentially have a say in your college future. Here’s some good news: most college interviews are primarily informational and won’t significantly impact your admissions decision. Here’s some more good news: admissions interviews aren’t about having all the right answers. They’re about giving you a chance to share more of your personal story. They’re a low-stakes (yes, really!) way for you to share more [...]
How to Pick the Perfect Common App Essay Topic
Choosing a Common App essay topic can feel overwhelming. After all, this is one of the few chances in your college application where you get to be completely yourself—no transcripts, no test scores, just you in 650 words. But here’s the thing: the Common App essay is not like most other writing you’ve done. It’s not an academic paper. It’s not a persuasive essay. And it’s definitely not a cover letter where you list your accomplishments to prove you’re a perfect fit for a school. Instead, your personal statement is a story—one that showcases your unique strengths, perspective, and personality [...]
How to Ask for a Strong Letter of Recommendation for College
A strong letter of recommendation can elevate your college application, providing insight into your character, work ethic, and academic potential. But great letters don’t happen by accident—they result from thoughtful planning and respectful communication. If you want a recommendation that truly enhances your application, here’s how to approach the process the right way. Choose the Right Teacher Not all teachers write equally strong letters, so be strategic about whom you ask. The best recommendations come from teachers who know you well and can speak to your strengths beyond just your grades. Prioritize junior-year teachers. Colleges prefer recommendations from teachers who [...]
What To Do If You’re Waitlisted for College: Next Steps
Getting waitlisted by a college can feel like being stuck in limbo—you’re not in, but you’re also not out. While it’s natural to feel frustrated or uncertain, the key is to manage expectations and take smart, strategic steps forward. Here’s how to handle being waitlisted without unnecessary stress. Check Your Chances (Reality Check Required!) Before getting too invested in the idea of a waitlist acceptance, take a look at the numbers. Most colleges publish their waitlist statistics in their Common Data Set, which you can usually find with a quick Google search: “[College Name] Common Data Set” Scroll to the [...]