If ever go looking for my heart's desire again, I won't look any further than my own backyard... - Dorothy, The Wizard of Oz The college essay has more in common with The Wizard of Oz than the traditional academic essay. That's because a great personal statement is … [Read more...] about Follow Your Heart in the College Essay
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What Dads Can Teach Us About the College Essay
This is my wonderful dad, Steve Fairchild. He is 81. He is energy, curiosity, and exploration incarnate. So he loves the full-coverage Australian walking hat my sister got him for Father's Day. It's a key accessory for his daily strides around the neighborhood. My dad … [Read more...] about What Dads Can Teach Us About the College Essay
How Much Should Essay Tutors Edit?
Some parents and students ask, when concerned about plagiarism: what is the line between editing and writing a student's essay? What does academically honest editing by a tutor look like? As a long-time teacher, I teach the principles of academic honesty, and I live by them in my … [Read more...] about How Much Should Essay Tutors Edit?
May and June for Juniors: College Essay Prep
I know: who in the world wants to be writing huge essays when you're trying to wrap up junior year? For that reason I say, it's time for LISTS. Lists of your Marquee Moments and Action Verbs. No essays necessary right now: just lots of listing and brainstorming. (Unless, … [Read more...] about May and June for Juniors: College Essay Prep
Hang in There
It's the most wonderful and most horrible time of year. From all over the U.S,. I'm getting emails and texts, spanning the range of every emotion possible: I GOT IN I GOT A SCHOLARSHIP She's deferred. They rejected him. To Those Celebrating To those whose … [Read more...] about Hang in There
Futurecasting: Go Ahead, Speculate!
I get it. You see a college essay prompt asking you about a future you haven't lived yet, and it feels like a lie to say you already know what it will be. Because who really knows, right? Life happens. Pandemics happen. People change their minds! But colleges are asking and … [Read more...] about Futurecasting: Go Ahead, Speculate!