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To write your college essay, Stay Open

By Sara Nolan | April 7, 2021 | 0
Filed Under: Exercise, Integrity, Practice, Solutions, State of Mind, Uncategorized

In the face of daunting things, like a college essay, it’s easy to close up and shut down. But it’s spring now: stay open. It’s spring and this is just what creatures do. Rabbits make more rabbits. Branches make buds. Buds crank petals apart and drink up sunshine. The sky seems bigger for longer.  Baby turtles linger on their warmed rocks. Teenagers linger on the warmed street. You’re a creature; you can act like one. 

Contiune Reading

Your story matters more than ever

By Sara Nolan | February 23, 2021 | 0
Filed Under: Destiny, Essays, State of Mind, Stories, Uncategorized, Writing Tips
Your story matters

It’s hard to think straight some days about what matters, when we’ve lost so much in the past year of the pandemic. We’re at the 500,000 mark, in February; where is the sun, again? But in this context, your story matters more than ever.

Contiune Reading

Writing About Your Weaknesses in Your College Essay

By Sara Nolan | November 24, 2020 | 0
Filed Under: Integrity, State of Mind, Stories, Uncategorized, Wisdom

Wondering if you can write about your weaknesses in your college essay? Yes. I did once earn gold stars for my multiplication tables– but it was in part because the third grade math specials teacher was a terror. Her pedagogy included yelling sharply and loudly, like a Rottweiler defending its threshold, at students whose memorizations fell short. This ensured if they didn’t know their 9’s, they at least crapped their pants in school. She was an ageless old that I now recognize as probably 35. After that, my math successes plateaued, then completely fell off. My math person potential crashed to a halt at the accomplishment of 144, which is 12 x 12. I went down with all my stars. 

Contiune Reading

Frog and Toad Write Your College Essay

By Sara Nolan | October 27, 2020 | 0
Filed Under: Integrity, Solutions, State of Mind, Uncategorized, Wisdom

When Toad realizes his Friend Frog has gone off to be alone, he decides he’s done something wrong. But he hasn’t, and neither have you.

Contiune Reading

Strategies for College Supplements

By Sara Nolan | October 24, 2020 | 0
Filed Under: Essays, Prompts, Solutions, State of Mind, Uncategorized

Would you like writing your supplemental essays to be as satisfying and straightforward as 1 + 2 = 3? Maybe my 5 year old and I can help you.

Contiune Reading

Apologies Accepted

By Sara Nolan | September 27, 2020 | 0
Filed Under: Essays, Questions, State of Mind, Uncategorized

This week I had the privilege to write for Romper about my 5 year old son apologizing to me for 2+ years of his mom-direct anger. His words stopped me in my tracks. Reflecting on his gesture made me ask lots of questions about apologies, rupture and repair. These questions can also help you access vulnerability and self-reflection for your college essays.

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At Essay Intensive, we are listening for the Big Challenging Questions to arise–physically, mentally and emotionally. We jump, word-ninja style, at the chance to be stimulated and engage in a true conversation.

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Recent Posts

  • To write your college essay, Stay Open
  • Your story matters more than ever
  • Writing About Your Weaknesses in Your College Essay
  • Frog and Toad Write Your College Essay
  • Strategies for College Supplements

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