An Open Love Letter to the Authors of the (now extinct) UC Prompt #1
My wife is a wonderful Asker of Questions. Her questions turn me inward, inviting me to discover my own truths, and I’ve always thought of her questions as gifts. This prompt was no different. And it was such a simple, eloquent little thing: I love…
Should I Work with a College Essay Coach? (Pros and Cons)
Here are some reasons why hiring a college essay coach might not be a good idea: 1. It’s too expensive. It can be. Some counselors charge up to $40,000 to work with students, or $14,000 for a five-day workshop. Think I’m kidding? Check it out….
Why I Work on a Sliding Scale (FAQ)
Q: Why do you work on a sliding scale, Ethan? A: Because I believe that all students deserve access to quality college application resources and advice, I offer all my courses for free or pay-what-you-can. Q: how do I work with you and your team?…
An Open Love Letter to the Authors of UC Personal Statement Prompt #1
I love how open the word “world” is. But it’s not open in an impossible, abstract way. It conjures images, colors and differences. And it actually affirms that students come from a “world” that is different from other students’ worlds–something that many students don’t consider…
Fly-Ins for Counselors
(organized alphabetically by city, state, or region served) All the credit for this list goes to the folks at collegelistspbworks.com! I’m just reposting it here in case it should get moved or should disappear. California “Decemberfest” – Claremont McKenna, Harvey Mudd, Scripps, Pitzer, Pomona, Occidental,…
Why Students are Struggling with the New ACT Essay (and How Not to Be One of Them)
When I first heard about the new ACT essay prompts last year, I was worried. As a former high school English teacher, I immediately knew students would struggle with the new format. It turns out I was right. A recent article in the Washington Post,…
Four Things Undocumented Students Need to Know About Applying to College
Applying to College How DACA Students Can Apply to College11 tips for Dreamers. The CollegeBoard’s Repository of Resources for Undocumented StudentsA list of organizations and resources for how to get support through applying and attending college. Free Access to College Essay Guy’s How to Write…
5 Resources and Tips for Getting Scholarships and Financial Aid for College
Tip #3: Apply early. Like, right now. Yes, I know. This is the same advice that everyone gives you about everything. But with financial aid, it’s actually really important. Some reasons: FAFSA now opens October 1st instead of January 1st, allowing you to get your Student…
15 Ways to Advocate for Undocumented Youth
1. Provide hope & encouragement. Reassure undocumented students that college is possible, despite the obstacles. 2. Drop the “I” word. Instead of the word “illegal,” use the words “undocumented” and “dreamers.” Help change the immigration discourse. 3. Make information and resources available for ALL students….
How to Make the Most of a College Fair Experience
How do you check the demonstrated interest box and generate great material for your “Why us?” 2. Prepare 3-5 interesting, specific questions for the college reps.Why do this? Because specific, interesting, questions will lead to more specific, interesting conversations, and the rep is more likely…