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First write a bad college essay draft

By Sara Nolan | August 3, 2023 | 0
Filed Under: Essays, Solutions, State of Mind, Students, Uncategorized, Writing Tips
Write a bad college essay to get to a great one

Students often have not written personal essays before they write college admissions essay. Thinking the essay has to be great before you’ve even started it can be the obstacle to a great essay. Embrace freewriting and writing a bad draft to get on your way to the essay of your life.

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Core Traits? Text Your Bestie!

By Sara Nolan | July 25, 2023 | 0
Filed Under: Feedback, Questions, Solutions, State of Mind, Students, Uncategorized
What are my core traits?

In college admissions essays, students are asked to identify their core traits, explicitly and implicitly. However, most teens I know don’t sit around thinking about this. Despite the myth that they are completely self-absorbed, I believe teens are often thinking about self relationally. If you’re stumped where to start, your friends can help. Like, right now.

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Sample Common App Essay: Believe in Yourself Harder

By Sara Nolan | July 5, 2023 | 0
Filed Under: Essays, Feedback, Integrity, Sample Essays, Solutions, Students, Uncategorized, Wisdom
Believe in yourself in your essay

Morgan’s sample common app college application essay features her process of learning to believe in herself, and be her own advocate, first at home, and then in the broader world. This college applicant shows her thoughtfulness, introspection, engagement and big heart.

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Avoid these 5 college essay mistakes!

By Sara Nolan | June 2, 2023 | 0
Filed Under: Essays, Integrity, Solutions, State of Mind
College Essay Mistakes

Too often, students make these five mistakes in the college essay writing process. And it might not be the ones you think.

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When Should I Start My College Essay?

By Sara Nolan | February 23, 2023 | 0
Filed Under: Essays, Feedback, Practice, Questions, Uncategorized, Writing Tips

I often get the question, “When should I start my college essay?” Three answers: right now, as early as possible, and when the stress response works in your favor. Pro tip: no matter when or how, you’ll need to revise proofread well.

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What do you want to be when you grow up? No-BS Brainstorming

By Sara Nolan | February 2, 2023 | 0
Filed Under: Destiny, State of Mind, Teachers, Uncategorized

“What do you want to be when you grow up?” is a cliche stock question of grown-ups everywhere, and a tacit question in many college essay prompts. My imagination still responds: whatever I wan

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Recent Posts

  • First write a bad college essay draft
  • Core Traits? Text Your Bestie!
  • Sample Common App Essay: Believe in Yourself Harder
  • Avoid these 5 college essay mistakes!
  • When Should I Start My College Essay?

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