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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College Affordability: Doing More With Less

While college costs have continued rising, median incomes over the same period have not increased at corresponding rates, as we first posted here.  The failure of income to rise at the same pace as college costs increases can place greater pressure on family budgets, potentially restraining college choices.  Thus, families may spend more effort in investigating potential…

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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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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”…

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