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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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Common Application Essays Part 6: Essay Prompt 4 Explained

The next podcast in our Common Application Essay series defines the fourth of five essay prompts.  Applicants must choose only one of the five prompts to help structure their essay.  Yet, considering topics for all five essay questions, before focusing on one, can help applicants write the most meaningful essay possible and remain competitive across…

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Losing Sleep Over College Affordability Concerns? You’re Not Alone.

Families attempting to determine college affordability can be subjected to acute bouts of insomnia.  The predicament of framing the pros and cons of each college choice for their children can be, at times, daunting for parents.  Parents face the dilemma of defining the value of a future outcome–a college degree with all of its attendant…

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Extended Early Application Deadlines

Some college admissions offices around the country are extending early application deadlines, as a result of the technical issues the Common Application website is currently experiencing.  The following is a partial list of the colleges and the new deadlines: Barnard University, November 8 Boston University, November 15 Dartmouth University, November 8 Duke University, November 8…

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