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Advice to Get You Started on Your Applications -- And, hopefully, Improve Your Whole Life :)

How to Get Good Grades in High School... Even When You're Depressed

4/3/2017

16 Comments

 
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Let me start by saying, high school students, that I don't envy you. In fact, in my line of work, I find myself saying, "Wow! I'm so glad I went to high school when I did, and not today"... probably at least once per day.

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How to Write Your UC Essays, Prompt 3: What is Your Greatest Talent or Skill?

9/21/2016

3 Comments

 
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Dear Frustrated Applicant, 

As you probably know, the UC application got two times harder this year than it was in previous years. Instead of asking for two essays, they're asking for four. Yes, they're shorter -- but, really, that makes it even harder to craft a beautiful essay.

The good news is, whether you're applying to Berkeley, UCLA, Santa Barbara, UCSD, Davis, UC Irvine, UC Santa Cruz, UC Riverside, UC Merced, or any combination thereof, you only need to fill out one application. 

To help you get started, I'm sharing an excerpt from my upcoming book about college admissions about how I would answer the third essay prompt.  If you need additional advice or feedback, 
contact me or check out my Services and Prices page.

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3 Comments

How to Write Your UC Essays, Prompt One: Describe Your Leadership Experience

9/21/2016

4 Comments

 
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The University of California system is one of the best in the country. As such, admission to any of the nine UC schools (Berkeley, UCLA, Santa Barbara, UCSD, Davis, UC Irvine, UC Santa Cruz, UC Riverside, and UC Merced) is competitive. 

This year, the UCs launched a new application -- instead of asking students to answer two, 500-ish word essays, they're asking for four 350-word ones. Which is at least twice as much work! Twice as many hook sentences. Twice as many conclusions. Twice as many carefully-crafted stories. 

To help you get started on this application, I have included a free chapter of my upcoming book on college admissions -- it should help you get started on your application. If you need additional advice or feedback, contact me or check out my Services and Prices page.

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Here's What Colleges REALLY Think About Volunteer Work.

7/28/2016

5 Comments

 
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A student recently asked me, "How do volunteer work and service-related clubs look on applications? Do they, too, strike admissions officers as a sign of a complacent student whose main goal is to look good? What kind of specialized service opportunities TRULY give kids an edge in college and beyond?"

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5 Comments

3 Things You NEED To Do If Your School Doesn't Offer APs.

7/20/2016

1 Comment

 
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I'm about to give you some free advice. I'd normally charge a lot of money to tell you this. But since it's my sister's birthday, I'm feeling generous.

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1 Comment

What's Great (and not so great) About Save the 2,008

7/20/2016

2 Comments

 
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As a Palo Alto resident who has worked with countless Paly and Gunn students, I have followed the mental health situation with rapt concern and attention. In accordance with my 80-20 rule (research/learn/consume 80% of the time, create 20% of the time), I have published multiple blog posts on this topic, including: 
  • When "Achievement" Is Toxic: Reflections on the (most recent) Gunn Suicide, and Raising Resilient Children
  • APs Make You Look Complacent, Not Curious
  • Going to Stanford Doesn't Mean You'll Get a Stanford Education (and going to a state school doesn't mean you won't)
  • Getting Into Your First-Choice College is NOT an "Accomplishment"
  • High-Achieving Teens Feel Empty. Therapy Doesn't Always Help - But This Might.

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How to Write Successful Stanford Supplemental Essays

12/8/2015

2 Comments

 
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UPDATE: THE PROMPTS HAVE CHANGED!! For the Complete Guide to the Stanford 2017-2018 Short Answer and Supplemental Essays, click here. 

For many students, Stanford is the dream -- but Stanford's application is a nightmare! After filling out eight short-answer questions, you've still got three more 250-word essays to go! 

Take these essays seriously. It may feel ridiculous to write a letter to your future roommate... but the admissions officers will read (and evaluate you on) every word. 
Need help with your Stanford application? Click here!

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Going To Stanford Doesn't Mean You'll Get a Stanford Education

10/27/2015

6 Comments

 
And going to a state school doesn't mean you won't​ get a Stanford education.
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How To Fill Out Your UNC Short Answers

10/7/2015

1 Comment

 
I recently published How to Write Your USC Short Answers, and have received great feedback and follow-up questions. And, because the University of North Carolina (Go Tar Heels!) has a similar section on their application, I thought I'd walk prospective applicants through my brainstorming process.

The UNC-Chapel Hill application asks for both a 400-500 word supplemental essay:
"In addition to the essay you provided with your Common Application, please choose one of the prompts below and respond in an essay of 400-500 words.

1. Teen activist and 2014 Nobel Peace prize winner Malala Yousafzai said, “I raise up my voice-not so that I can shout, but so that those without a voice can be heard”. For whom have you raised your voice?
2. Students learn both inside and outside the classroom. What would other members of the Carolina community learn from you?
3. You get one do-over of any moment in your life. What would you do over, and why? 
4. You’ve been invited to give a TEDtalk…what is yours about? 
5. There are 27 amendments to the Constitution of the US. What should be the 28th? "
And your 10-word (or less) answer to the following questions:
1. Biggest little worry:
2. Note to my future self:
3. Fun fact:
4. Most fun I ever had:
5. Question I would most like answered:
Need More Help? Contact Me.

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How to Write Your USC Short Answers

10/6/2015

10 Comments

 
The University of Southern California is a fantastic, private institution in Los Angeles, CA. Known for its great film, business, journalism and sports programs (and, obviously, their marching band :P), it is a great choice for students who dig a large, urban campus. 
Need Help With Your USC App? Click Here!
As a college essay coach, I have helped several students successfully apply to USC. And one section of the writing supplement that never fails to stump, stress and confuse students... is the super short answer.

Basically, in addition to two 250-word supplements:
USC students are known to be involved. Briefly describe a non-academic pursuit (such as service to community or family, a club or sport, or work, etc.,) that best illustrates who you are, and why it is important to you (250 word limit).
​

Describe your academic interests and how you plan to pursue them at USC. Please feel free to address your first- and second-choice major selections (250 word limit).
​

USC wants you to tell them, in about 15 words or less:
​Describe yourself in three words:
Favorite food:
Favorite fictional character:
Greatest invention of all time:
What do you like to do for fun?
Role model:
Favorite book:
Best movie of all time:
Favorite musical performer/band/composer:
Dream job:

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    Author

    Eva Glasrud completed her B.A. and M.A. at Stanford. She is now a college counselor and life coach for gifted youth.

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