For all the college essay writers who believe that crafting their statements will be done in one (maybe two) drafts, take heed of Dr. Seuss’ (AKA Ted Geisel) experience on the painstaking care author’s take while ushering, shaping, crafting and editing their story until just right. From the Publishers’ Notes at the end of “What…
Tag: Parent
The Latest Iteration of Innovation for the High School Junior
Not every 16 year old (an American equivalent of a high school junior), both internationally and in the United States, has the same college planning needs. So, at Creative Marbles, we offer three different levels of support to assist families who are seeking individualized college admissions plans, in the year before most students submit undergraduate…
College Application or Marriage Proposal?
Applying to college isn’t simple. Metaphorically, choosing a college can be like an arranged marriage—parents are involved in the choosing process, lifelong expectations are being weighted and future prosperity is being forecasted. “Dowries” are paid in the form of tuition, room and board, books etc. Students seek a college that’s the “right fit“, dating…
The Junior Dilemma
Right about now, junior parents’ anxieties about college applications begin rising. Thus, they begin asking, imploring, nagging, begging, commanding their 16 or 17 year old teenager to discuss the details of their college plans. However, juniors may resist their parents’ attempts to initiate conversation about their futures—mostly demonstrated by not applying for summer programs, not…
College Admissions Purgatory
A waitlist offer is the in-between of admissions decisions—not a yes and not a no, more like a maybe. Applicants can ask questions, like “Why wasn’t I good enough to make the cut?”, yet at the same time be hopeful and think, “Well, at least, I still have a chance.” And, then the comparisons with…
I’m Only Here for the Old Brick Buildings
About the author: Ashley is in the midst of her first year at Oregon State University, just finishing her second quarter to be exact. It is week nine and I’m tired as a brick. I say brick because I’m surrounded by these beautiful brick buildings that are mostly what get me to class on gray-sky…
A River Runs Through It
The late winter run-off from 12 years of school melting during the latter half of a high school senior year can create an emotional flood. A confluence of Senioritis and waiting for college admissions responses quickly overruns the levees built during a senior’s youth-limited life experience. Seniors decry, “When will I hear from colleges?” or…
College Acceptances Are Like the Oscars for Seventeen Year Olds
Receiving a college acceptance letter can feel like a Sally-Field-Oscar-Acceptance-Speech moment. ;> Cheers to everyone receiving more than one!
What If’s?
The What If’s seem more than the I Know’s when applying to college. While teens are the ones applying to college, parents have their own unique doubts, as they watch from the sidelines while their seniors complete college applications. Work colleagues who often share their opinions about college can further fuel parents’ second-guessing. But, just…
Carpe Diem
From the Business Insider, an interview with Mr. [Jeff] Bezos about choosing “service and adventure” over “ease and comfort”. “Bezos said everyone has two options for creating their “life story.” Either you go for a life of “ease and comfort” or a life of “service and adventure.” Bezos is clear about which is the right…
The Final Lap
California’s high school seniors (and increasingly non-Californian high school seniors) will be eating turkey, yams and mashed potatoes and gravy in the glow of a computer screen, as they complete their University of California (UC) applications. Any parent who believes that Thanksgiving will be an incentive to finish college applications early will be sorely disappointed. In fifteen…
The Dilemma of Every College Applicant
Do you know what you want? Well, do ya…
College Admissions: An Unexpected Treasure
In a recent text conversation with Megan, a second year student at MIT, she reflected on the benefits of the college application process. _____________________________________ Creative Marbles Consultancy: Any advice for seniors going through the application process, especially when applying to MIT? Megan: While it’s hard, I think they should try to enjoy the application process…
College Admissions: Controlled Chaos
How college applicants view college admissions officers: And, how college applicants view themselves: Then, how parents of college applicants feel: For all, Sir Winston Churchill offers sage advice: ‘Cuz in the end:
College Admissions Season is Now Open
Is she mad? She just ate her first pop-tart!