“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…
Tag: Common Application
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…
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…
And, The Oops! Award for Fall 2016 College Admissions Goes To…
….University of California Santa Cruz! We’ve all “clicked prematurely”, but on Wednesday, March 15, 2016, the Maryland, Virginia and Washington DC regional admissions officer for UC Santa Cruz sent 4000 “Congratulations on your admissions to UC Santa Cruz!” emails to students who hadn’t even applied. At least this application season (knock on wood), only UC Santa…
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…
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…
Changes to the ACT Writing Section
The ACT will be changing the Writing portion of the test, starting in September 2015. The following outlines the changes: Extended Writing Time: Students will have 40 minutes to craft an essay response, rather than the previous 30 minutes. Changed Prompt Style: Test takers will be presented a contemporary issue and three perspectives regarding the…
New Information about the June 6, 2015 SAT Error
Scores from the June 6, 2015 SAT will still be valid; however, any student believing their June 6, 2015 SAT scores were unduly affected by the printing error, which we discussed in our previous post, can petition for a retake for free. The College Board will waive the fees for the October 3, 2015 SAT…
Decoding College Admissions Decisions
Acceptance*: What it feels like: “YES! OMG!” And, loud screaming. Maybe some tears of joy (and relief). What it means: You still need to pass all classes in Spring semester with a C or better, otherwise the acceptance can be rescinded. Denial: What it feels like: Rejection. A disapproving judgment of where there’s no discussion,…
#CommunityServiceMatters
Yes. The reasons for completing community service matters… Cartoon credit: The New Yorker Magazine
On Writing
The writing process is not simple nor are perfect college essays developed in one draft. The following is an excerpt from a recent New York Times Magazine article, “Old Masters“: Lewis Latham on writing: When I was 6, I delighted in the act of writing, at 12, in the expecting that by the time I…
Guest Post: Investigating the Stereotypes about Women’s Colleges
Hearsay and rumors can preclude students from considering women’s colleges. In order to gain more understanding, Olivia and Stephanie, the authors of the following post, share their experiences as students at women’s colleges in different parts of the United States. Olivia currently attends Mt. Holyoke College in South Hadley, MA and Stephanie recently graduated from Mills College…