February is the month for hearts. I heart chocolate. I heart friends. I heart writing personal statements. Say what? For high school juniors, it’s crazy-hard to write a compelling personal statement when you actually dread the process. That’s what usually happens later on, when college season kicks into high gear, and you’re up against the clock. Imagine unearthing the stories that illuminate who you are without the pressure of application deadlines haunting every thought. Se

Curiosity. It’s a trait Engineering students have in common. You’re curious about how things work, and how they can work better. And because you’re forward-thinking, you’re curious about the impact your work will have on the way we live now, and in the future. Check out The National Academy of Engineering and their 14 Grand Challenges for the 21st Century: Make solar energy affordable Provide energy from fusion Develop carbon sequestration methods Manage the nitrogen cycle Pr

Here's a question for the busy, college essay-writing high school student: What’s your secret-sauce – the academic ingredients that inspire you, intellectually and creatively? For example, you may envision interesting combinations of academic study: public policy and environmental design; psychology and music; business and biotech. The possibilities are infinite. Respect the way your mind works, and talk-it-out with your favorite mentor or teacher. So many students have a com

Some students freak out at the mention of the word passion. It’s overused and the fizz is gone. Agreed. But until we find a better word – Passion is about experiencing a strong feeling of enthusiasm for what you do. When you engage in a pursuit that fulfills you, the payoff can lead to a profound sense of satisfaction. Reflect on what moves you to celebrate an accomplishment: ~ Acing a challenging class ~ Completing an innovative project ~ Solving a problem in your community

Here’s a typical situation – you’ve got a crazy amount of college application essays to write, on top of all your other commitments. You really mean to get started. But right now it’s more important to check your phone. Or brush your teeth. Or take a nap. It’s called procrastination. Try this instead: choose a theme song. That’s right. Music can change your mood and help you find the motivation to write. ​Pavlov’s Dog was conditioned to salivate at the sound of a bell. Lik

Your story. Only you know the colors, the mood, the emotion, and the "why" in your tale. Before committing to college essay topics, get back in touch with who you are as a person. You know, the multidimensional being with a unique past, present and future. College Essay Ink’s Six-Step Guide leads you through a process of self-reflection before you delve into the nitty-gritty of essays. The first step is about connecting to your writer’s voice. So go ahead – close the link to