College Essay Ink

As seniors begin their final semester of high school, I can't help but feel like an empty-nester. I will miss the students! It was an honor to counsel them, to get to know them and to learn about their passions, values, challenges, ambitions – each person grappling with growing up and tran...

Are you a rebel who resists the status quo? If so, there's a good chance the traditional essay format is not for you.  Don't despair!  You have options.

This year, I've worked with students who identify as artists, creative empaths, social justice warriors, eco-feminists, mak...

Every year I meet students who dive into the University of California Personal Insight Questions without doing their homework. Yikes! Here's a cheat sheet that can keep you on track, and save precious time. (I still recommend you browse the UC websites for specific advice.)

The University o...

Last fall, I met with Marc, a high school dynamo. You name it, he had it going on. Except for one thing. He couldn’t write. I mean, he knew how to write, but he couldn’t write.

During our first meeting, we had a freewheeling conversation about his background and experiences. There were so m...

Eeny, meeny, miny, moe. That's not going to be the best way to choose a prompt and topic for the Common App essay. Just sayin'.

So how should you go about making your choices? Get clear -- and specific -- about who you are what matters to you. 

Clarity is the foundation of your authentic wri...