Every year more than a million students use the Common Application, a standardized electronic form accepted by more than 1,000 colleges, to apply to college. And every year since 1976, the Common App, ...

As the college essay program manager for Write the World, a nonprofit writing organization for teens, I oversee a group of advisers who guide students through the essay writing process. I have seen ...

College application essays are where you can demonstrate your writing skills and let your unique voice shine. “They’re such an amazing and crucial opportunity to really shape how admissions officers ...

With college essay season upon us, many young writers will fall into the same old trap that hurts applicants every year: viewing the personal statement as an extension of the resume. It's ...

Carter Osborne started a side hustle tutoring students on their college admissions essays in 2017. The Stanford graduate shared his recommendations for students looking to ace their personal essays.

Writing the personal essay for your college application can be tough, but we’re here to help. Sometimes the hardest part is just getting started, but the sooner you begin, the more time and thought ...

At its core, Irena Smith’s job as an independent college counselor means being a writing coach. With a PhD in comparative literature, the former Stanford admissions officer helps her teenage clients ...

This Q&A first appeared in Write at the Edge, a newsletter from Mallary Tenore Tarpley featuring tips and best practices for seasoned and amateur writers who want to hone their craft. Subscribe to ...

We’ve all heard about the dreaded “college essay,” the bane of every high school senior’s existence. This daunting element of the college application is something that can create angst for even the ...

The genre is often maligned for being formulaic and melodramatic, but it’s more important than you think. By Nell Freudenberger Most high school seniors approach the college essay with dread. Either ...

You’ve finally embarked on your journey toward college, and now it’s time to tackle the admissions essay. It’s important to leave a lasting impression and set yourself apart from the competition, but ...