About the author: I’m Karli Ching and I graduated with C.K. McClatchy High School’s Class of 2015. I attend University of California, Davis as a biological sciences major pre-med student. ____________________________________________________ When I was taking the ACT for the second time during my senior year in October, I was taking it to improve my math score…
Tag: College essays
The Middle Class Squeeze
In the last several years, our middle class clients are being confronted by flattening incomes and college costs that have risen over 1000%. More and more families are finding themselves not only planning to pay for college when their children are quite young, but asking for more financial assistance when their children are ready to…
Depth Over Breadth?
“Well-lopsided” is the new catchphrase in college admissions. In CMC’s recent conversation with an Ivy League admissions officer, she mentioned that the trend for applicants are either well-rounded, with depth in each activity or well-lopsided—which means if applicants are going to focus on one activity, like a sport, Olympic training should be in view for such a candidate. In…
The University of California Unveiled Brand New Application Essay Prompts
In Fall 2016, both freshman and transfer applicants to the University of California (UC) will choose from brand new writing prompts when composing the required personal application statements. After ten years, the UC has retired their previous two essay prompts. With annually record-breaking numbers of applicants—which increases the selectivity in admissions—admissions officers are seeking a fuller understanding…
Denied and Qualified
When the #1,256 ranked student at your high school gets into a highly selective university and you don’t:
Texts from a College Admissions Victor
About Karli: She’s a freshman at the University of California Davis, currently studying Biology and Chemistry. Karli is a former Creative Marbles Consultancy client; we advised her as a high school senior through the college admissions process, knowing the pressures she experienced in completing her college applications. In response to a recent New York…
Acceptance Anxieties
Clicking “Submit” only allows momentary relief. New anxieties rise Leaving many to exclaim, “Good Grief!” The months long wait for a response has begun Leaving everyone Undone The compulsive checking of the email inbox Seems to only mock The seriousness of the hunt for the (virtual) “large envelope” “Maybe tomorrow…” they hope Others…
Guest Post: Wrapping Up the Brainstorm
About the Author: Antonio, aged 19, currently works at Hubbubbaloo Creative, as well as is a college student. After writing his own college essays, he has the following advice to share: The brainstorm is meant to warm you up for taking on the college essay so don’t fret discrepancies.
Guest Post: Be One With The Brainstorm
About the Author: Antonio, aged 19, currently works at Hubbubbaloo Creative, as well as is a college student. After writing his own college essays, he has the following advice to share: __________________________________________ It’s important to give some time and thought to brainstorming for a college essay, don’t be afraid to get started take a look at…
Guest Post: The Forecast Calls for Thought
About the Author: Antonio, aged 19, currently works at Hubbubbaloo Creative, as well as is a college student. After writing his own college essays, he has the following advice to share: ________________________________________________ Writing an essay can be stressful, especially if it is a college application essay about yourself. The stress increases considering that the essay is…
Adverbial Perils
Very, greatly, really, extremely, strongly, deeply…the adverb can seem genuine and necessary for emphasis in a college essay, yet can actually have the opposite effect of watering down what is described. Plus, the adverb can be an extraneous word in the precious word count of the college essay. Yet, teenage college essay writers typically include…
Senior Year Is Not Supposed to Be Stressful
The idea that senior year will be simple and stress-free is a myth. Yet, most seniors expect that their last year of high school will be smooth-sailing until graduation. Between college applications due in the fall, the non-stop homework through the school year, and generally transitioning toward adulthood, the stress can build for a senior. Catie discusses…
The College Essay
Choose an essay topic wisely. Cartoon courtesy of The New Yorker.