Although online server crashes are RARE, the slowed access to online college applications can be frustrating. MORAL OF THE STORY: Submit college applications as soon as possible.
Tag: College applications
The Truth About College Essays
College essay writing is difficult enough already without believing the myths about what makes a strong college essay. Creative Marbles latest video dispels two urban legends about college essays: one, that a dramatic event is THE ONLY topic that creates a compelling college essay, and two, that a personal statement drafted with sophisticated written language…
A Moment of Impatience Can…
Anxiety can cause anyone to make otherwise irrational decisions. “People are constantly spoiling a project when it lacks only a step to completion”, declared Lao-Tzu in the 6th Century BC. Lao-Tzu’s observation might give today’s college applicants some perspective about why they’re wanting to impetuously click the “submit” button in the days before the application…
It’s Possible to Sleep In High School AND Be Admitted to College
To be qualified AND competitive for college admissions only feels like this… Cartoon Credit: Andertoons
Deadlines, Schmedlines
“Procrastinator” can be synonymous with “college application essay writer” at this time of year… Photo Credit: 20px
Oh, No! College Essays!
The college admissions essay can be one of those “coming of age” events that tests the writer’s (i.e. teenage applicant), as well as her/his parents’, patience and fortitude. The complexity of writing a statement that not only tells the experience of the writer, but also provides insights to the writer’s character, is not easy. Watch…
Applying to College Today Isn’t Like When Your Mom Applied
‘Tis the Season for College Essays, College Applications…and as a special bonus for Fall 2013, Common Application Technical Glitches…. Our latest Creative Marbles video offers tips and perspective to help weather the stress of applying to college.
Ahead of the Curve: November 7, 2013
From the News: Black and White and in the Red: Student Newspapers Scurry to Make Ends Meet, New York Times October 31, 2013 Why Teach English? The New Yorker August 27, 2013 UC Classes Too Big, Teacher Aides Too Few, Report Says, San Francisco Chronicle November 6, 2013 [Note: UC refers to the University of…
The Growing Pains From Applying to College
Completing college applications challenges the patience and confidence of any applicant. However, given a lack of experience, many applicants don’t expect to be tested. Applying seems simple–fill in a few boxes, write an essay quickly and painlessly, then click “submit.” Unfortunately, the actual experience is more complicated. Writing an autobiography, which summarizes seventeen years of…
Is This What REALLY Happens in College Admissions Offices?
No comment needed…
To Take or Not Take the SAT Subject Tests
Not all SAT tests are created the same. There’s the SAT Subject Tests and the SAT Reasoning Test. Generally, people know the SAT Reasoning Test, as those scores are the ones published over and over in the newspaper and on college admissions offices webpages – simply referred to as the SAT. However, SAT Subject Tests…
Common Application Essays Part 7: Essay Prompt 5 Explained
The fifth of five new Common Application essay questions asks students to: Discuss an accomplishment or event, formal or informal, that marked your transition from childhood to adulthood within your culture, community, or family. Applicants must choose only one of the five questions to answer as their college essay, which will be shared amongst all…
Guest Post – S-N-O-W: The Education Without the Units
Rohan graduated with a full International Baccalaureate Diploma in 2012. He moved across the country from sunny Northern California to Ohio for college. Throughout the college application process, Rohan kept an open mind about weather giving him more education than just studying Engineering. After surviving the first winter, Rohan shares more thoughts about how “weather”…
Aspiration Is Bigger Than A Job
One of the University of California (UC) application essays asks students to: Describe the world you come from – for example, your family, community or school – and tell us how your world has shaped your dreams and aspirations. Dreams and aspirations can often be challenging to define for many college applicants. Describing dreams or…
Ahead of the Curve: October 29, 2013
From the News: College Financial Aid Drops – Families Pinched, San Francicso Chronicle October 23, 2013 Is College Tuition Too High? Of Course (Not), Higher Education Data Stories Blog October 15, 2013 So Many Students – So Little (Counseling) Time, Sacramento Bee October 28, 2013 From Clients: On-going Common Application Technical Issues: From recommenders not…