Writing a college essay is a rite of passage for many students applying to attend a college or university in the United States. Although each institution has its own application requirements, most ...

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 ...

Writing college essays that stand out is a critical step in the college admissions process. College admissions officers read thousands of essays each year, and a compelling essay can make a ...

At Bucknell, we can assure you that a real human being (at least two, actually) will review your entire application, including your essay, and that they (not computers) will decide if you get in.

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 ...

College essay writing can seem daunting. One feels compelled to do well, remain concentrated, and follow deadlines. It’s not as difficult as it looks, so don’t be concerned. A few useful tips and the ...

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, ...

Every fall, high school students applying to college face an intimidating task: They must write a stylish, memorable essay that will boost their admissions chances. So who can blame them when they ...

Not only is the college essay a place to showcase writing skills, it's one of the only parts of a college application where a student's voice can shine through. Unlike test scores and transcripts, the ...

Amid a sea of applications, college hopefuls have just a few opportunities to stand out: grade-point average and test scores; extracurricular activities; and, of arguably increasing importance, the ...