College Essays | Great College Advice

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The Perfect College Essay–Consider Your Audience

February 9, 2023

Any writer has to consider the audience for whom they are writing. Your college essay is no different. Think long and hard about how the admissions officer will approach the process of reading your personal statement. And then prepare to give that person a whiz-bang piece of prose.

Common App Essay: Choose Your Own Topic

February 2, 2023

Not sure what to write about for your Common Application college essay? Never fear: you can write about virtually anything–as long as your essay contains fundamental elements. Read Mark’s tips here.

Coalition App Essay Prompts

March 30, 2020

The Coalition App essay prompts give you a springboard to write a perfect college admissions essay. This article shares tips for writing a winning personal statement for your college application.

college timeline for sophomores and college application timeline

College Timeline for Juniors

January 22, 2020

What is the college timeline for juniors? How you set a schedule that helps you stick to the college admissions timeline. This article helps you stay on track.

There is Still Time to Apply to Universities in the UK

March 2, 2018

It is not too late for seniors to consider admission to UK universities! A number of UK institutions are on the Common Application, but many more are only available through UCAS, the primary application used in the UK.

Demonstrate your character prompt – the Coalition App

May 28, 2017

It can be tough to figure out how to demonstrate your character in an essay. Mark gives some tips.

Coalition App essays: "The belief challenged" prompt

May 26, 2017

Have you ever had a closely-held belief challenged? Mark gives you some ideas on how to write about it.

Being a Teenager prompt for the Coalition App

May 25, 2017

You know all about being a teenager, but how do you write about it? Mark gives some tips.

Know thyself - ancient Greek philosopher Socrates quote written on framed chalkboard

Coalition App Essays: The Topic of Your Choice Prompt

May 24, 2017

How should you address the “topic of your choice” essay on the Coalition college application? Mark offers some tips.

Coalition App essays: The "meaningful contribution" prompt

May 15, 2017

This post is another in my series on how to address the college application essay prompts from the Coalition App. This year, you have five

a boy in blue shirt thinking about writing the first line of the essay

Common App Essay: Choose Your Own Topic

September 5, 2024 / Jared Hobson

Not sure what to write about for your Common App college essay? Do not fear. You can write about virtually anything – as long as your essay contains fundamental elements.

A boy in red shirt sitting on chair and writing essay

Tips for the Common App Essay Prompts

August 27, 2024 / Jared Hobson

Are you having a difficult time getting started on your Common App personal essay? Here are some tips from Great College Advice.

College Admissions Planning for High School Juniors

August 20, 2024 / Jared Hobson

How should high school juniors begin preparing for college admissions? This article outlines what juniors can do to kickstart the college admissions process.

Cómo aplicar a universidades de EE. UU. desde Argentina en ocho simples pasos

July 3, 2024 / Jared Hobson

Descubre los mejores consejos de expertos nativos para postularte desde Argentina a universidades de EE. UU. ¡Sigue estos simples pasos para comenzar!