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Once you've written the main essay for the Common Application, you'll want to check if a school has additional supplemental essays. Some schools have multiple supplemental essays (Yale), while others don't have any. (Colby College). Interestingly, some schools have recently decided to drop these additional questions. This Inside Higher Ed article chronicles this and mentions Tulane, Wash. U, University of Virginia, University of Georgia, Cornell (one essay, but not all). Where to Find the Supplemental Essays When you add a college to the list of schools you're applying to in the Common App, you will be able to access possible additional questions. Look for the tab that says "Writing." Understand the Prompt Before you start drafting any answers, read the prompts carefully. Each college’s supplemental essay question has a specific purpose. It could ask why you want to attend that school, what you want to study, or how you like to spend your time outside of the classroom. In essence, the admissions officers are getting at a question of fit. They are trying to figure out why are you right for their school, and why the school is right for you. Research Each College Look at the college’s website, academic programs, extracurricular activities and recent news. Do a campus tour in person or virtually. Attend virtual information sessions. This research will give you insight into the school and give you ideas of topics to write about. Show How You Fit and Will Contribute Don't use vague statements like “The University is perfect because I want to study in a big city.” Instead, mention a particular professor’s research, a unique course, or a campus tradition. Equally important, show what you have done, and what you're interested in, so that admissions officers understand how you will contribute to campus life. Want help with your supplements? Contact me for a free 30 minute consult.

After you've written the Personal Essay in the Writing section of the Common Application, you'll come to a section called "Additional Information." This is an opportunity to share details that don’t easily fit elsewhere. Let's take a look. Screenshot of a portion of the Common Application The Challenges Question on the Common Application This section is entirely optional, so you don't need to answer. It reads: Sometimes a student’s application and achievements may be impacted by challenges or other circumstances. This could involve: Access to a safe and quiet study space Access to reliable technology and internet Community disruption (violence, protests, teacher strikes, etc.) Discrimination Family disruptions (divorce, incarceration, job loss, health, loss of a family member, addiction, etc.) Family or other obligations (care-taking, financial support, etc.) Housing instability, displacement, or homelessness Military deployment or activation Natural disasters Physical health and mental well-being War, conflict, or other hardships "If you’re comfortable sharing, this information can help colleges better understand the context of your application. Colleges may use this information to provide you and your fellow students with support and resources. Please describe the challenges or circumstances and how they have impacted you." (250 word limit) How to Answer the Challenges Question Keep your writing clear and concise. This question is limited to 250 words. Only answer this if you have something similar the examples the Common App gives. Explain what happened and how it impacted you. Show what you learned or how you grew. Don't repeat information that is in other essays. Screenshot of a portion of the Common Application The Additional Qualifications Question Next comes a second optional question. The Common App asks: Would you like to share any additional details or qualifications not reflected in the application? Please provide any additional information you wish to share.* (300 word limit). How to Answer the Additional Qualifications Question This question is limited to 300 words. This is truly optional. You can leave it blank. Don't repeat information that is in other essays. Use this space to talk about something that is truly meaningful and is an important part of your story. If your application would feel incomplete without this content, then that's a signal that it might be good to include it. This is not another personal essay. You could, theoretically, write it as a bulleted list.

The Common Application's main personal essay is your chance to show colleges who you are beyond grades, test scores and the Activity List. It’s your chance to really stand out. But this takes time and many, many drafts. How do you do this? I can help you learn how to plan, brainstorm, write, and edit an essay. Contact me for a free 30 minute consult. The main essay is your chance to stand out. Main Essay Pointers The main personal essay helps admissions officers learn about your personality, values, and experiences. It also shows how you express yourself. Here's how to start: Pick a memorable topic. Write something that complements the rest of your application. Use an anecdote, or short story, to illustrate your thesis, or main message. Avoid repeating information already in your application. Plan a writing schedule of roughly four to five weeks. Pick One of the Questions The College Board has announced that for the 2026-2027 application cycle the essay prompts are the same as last year. Pick one: Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story. The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience? Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome? Reflect on something that someone has done for you that has made you happy or thankful in a surprising way. How has this gratitude affected or motivated you? Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others. Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more? Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you've already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design Which Questions Are Most Popular? As you pick which question you like best, this Common App blog post describes the most popular prompts: Topic of your choice: 28% (question #7) Facing adversity: 23% (question #2) Personal growth: 20% (question #5) Background, identity, interest, or talent: 18% (question #1) Intellectual curiosity: 5% (question #6) Gratitude: 3% (question #4) Challenging an idea: 3% (question #3) Which Question Should I Answer? Here's my advice: First, brainstorm an essay idea. Then, see which question aligns most closely. You'll be checking a box on the Common App to indicate which question you're answering, so make sure that you really address all facets of the question. Be prepared to work on this over several weeks. Writing takes time. And most importantly, don't use AI. This is your work. Not a machine's.

Can you really sum up your life in a list of ten things? What if you can't think of ten things to write about? The Activities List is the first big challenge of the Common App. It takes time to refine your list, and even more time to figure out exactly what you want to say in the limited space of 150 characters. You also need to clearly indicate your role, accomplishments and time commitment. So let's ease into the application process by doing the activities list. If possible, start it as soon as your junior year ends. You'll feel a great sense of accomplishment with this head start. If you're looking for targeted help with this, reach me through the Contact page on my website. I offer a free 30 minute consult. The Common App Activities section

Brown U. Alumni Attending Their 70th Reunion Want to know about life at a particular school? Talk to students and recent alumni for an inside view on what the college is really like. Even older alums have valuable information to share. I just came back from the annual reunion at my alma mater. Despite the rain, it was a joyous day. Reunion coincides with graduation, and the downpour didn't dampen the mood. While I was there, I was surrounded by people who would love to tell you about Brown. So how can college applicants find these people, or alums and students from any school? To start, ask your friends, relatives and teachers. You can also call the Admissions Office at any college and ask them to connect you to someone. Keep reading for tips on questions for students and alums. But first, check out this video from graduation and reunion 2026 at Brown University. Brown University graduation procession 2026 Questions for Students Why did you pick your school? What do you like best about your school? What do you dislike? Tell me about your classes. What do you do on weekends? Questions for Alumni What's your favorite memory about your school? Have you stayed in touch with friends or professors? Has being an alum helped you in your career? What advice do you have for me?

You might be asking yourself, "What should I do this summer? What do colleges want to see? Can't I just have fun?" This is a common question among students. Unfortunately, there isn't a one-size-fits-all answer. You can work, intern, volunteer, study, or travel. Each option has its own benefits. The key is to think ahead. Choose activities that make you happy and can contribute to the story you will eventually tell colleges. Talk to teachers and older students for ideas. You can also meet with me for a consultation. I offer free half-hour consults. Summers are long, so you have the opportunity to do several things. Here are some ideas to consider. Do Something Fun What makes your eyes sparkle? When someone asks, "What are you doing this summer?" does your answer excite you? If you can talk for hours about your photography class or the songs you're composing, then that's time well spent. Engaging in activities that you love will not only bring you joy but also enrich your experiences. Get a Summer Job or Volunteer Having a job is important. It helps you earn money and gain real-world experience. Whether you work as a lifeguard, scoop ice cream, or serve as a camp counselor, your bank account—and your parents—will thank you. Volunteering is equally valuable. It connects you with your local community and allows you to give back. You could help at a farmer's market or collect and donate used sports equipment. Find a cause that resonates with you. Take a Class If there's a subject that intrigues you, consider taking a class. You can enroll in an online course, a summer school program, or a local college class. This is a chance to learn about anything from coding to personal finance without the usual school pressure. It can be a refreshing change of pace. Explore New Places Travel doesn't always mean getting on a plane to a far-off destination. Exploring nearby towns can be just as rewarding. Perhaps you and a friend can plan a series of day trips to visit historical landmarks. Discovering new places can broaden your horizons and create lasting memories. Prep for College Rising juniors and seniors, this summer is the perfect time to travel to visit schools. If you're a rising senior, it's crucial to start working on your applications. I've written about that here. Having a game plan for the summer is essential. You should also consider studying for the SAT or ACT if you haven't done that yet. Get Outside Finally, don't forget to spend time outdoors. Sunshine and physical activity are beneficial for both your body and brain. Just remember to apply sunscreen to protect your skin. Final Thoughts In summary, your summer can be a blend of fun, work, and preparation. Choose activities that resonate with you and align with your future goals. Whether you decide to take a class, volunteer, or explore new places, make sure to enjoy your time. This summer can be a stepping stone toward your future, so make the most of it!

Your summer plan for college applications Some of you have just finished school. Others still have a few more exams. The end is in sight. Either way, juniors, you need a break. Take some time to relax. Decompress. And now I contradict myself. It's also time to get a head start on the college application process. To do that, you need a good summer plan for working on college applications. This will lighten the workload of senior year. One strategy is to "back time" how you are going to accomplish everything you need to do this summer. Of course you have other things going on besides college applications. Work, travel, friends. Sleep. Yes, sleep. It's all important. But "back timing" will help. Here's how it works. Pick a deadline, and calculate how many weeks until that deadline. Then pick a goal. Next, divide the amount of work by the number of available weeks. Here's an example of what this looks like. Pretend you need to read a 500-page book for English class by the end of four weeks. Divide 500 by 4, and you'll see that you need to read 125 pages per week. Doing this will avoid procrastination and an all-nighter the day before the deadline. So figure out how many weeks you have until senior year starts. Then make a schedule that you can use to benchmark your progress. What goes onto the calendar? Here are some possibilities: Studying for the SAT or ACT. Creating a Common App profile. Doing the activities section of the Common App. Writing a resume or LinkedIn profile. Asking teachers or other mentors for letters of recommendation. Visiting colleges. Doing online information sessions. Writing a draft of your main Common App essay. Working on supplemental essays. Strategically accomplishing some college application work this summer will give you a great sense of accomplishment. And showing that plan to your parents? Not such a bad idea either.

Writing thank you emails is a key part of the college application process. Any time someone helps you, send a thank you email. It's the professional thing to do. Plus, it just feels good to show gratitude and say "thank you." Here are some pointers (and be sure to read all the way to the end for a sample email): Writing a thank you email if someone helps you during the college application process Who Should Get a Thank You Email Anyone who helps you. Time is valuable, so you should show appreciation. Teachers and school college counselors College alumni and current students Admissions representatives Student tour guides Someone who wrote you a letter of recommendation When to Send a Thank You Note As soon as possible! Send emails within 24 to 48 hours after an interview or meeting This keeps the interaction fresh in the reader’s mind Think about the time zone where the person is located and consider sending an email in the morning How to Write an Effective Thank You Email Details matter. Write a clear subject line : “Thank You for the Interview” or “Appreciate Your Advice.” Address the person by name to personalize the message One or two paragraphs is enough Mention specific details from your conversation Proofread carefully to avoid typos or errors Include your full name and contact information What to Avoid in Your Thank You Note Avoid these common mistakes: Sending a generic or vague message without personal details Writing a long email that repeats everything you discussed Using informal language or slang Sample Email to a High School Teacher Subject: Thank You for the Recommendation Letter Dear [Teacher’s Name], I wanted to thank you again for taking the time to write a letter of recommendation for my college applications. I truly appreciate the effort and thought you put into helping me. I’m so excited to share that I’ve [been accepted to / heard back from] [College or University Name]. Your guidance your support definitely played a part in helping me get there. Thank you for believing in me and for everything I learned in your class. I'm looking forward to the last month of classes. Best regards, [Your Full Name]

Getting multiple college acceptances can feel like winning a prize. But the real challenge starts when you have to decide which school to attend. Here are some tips to help you choose the right college: Get Student and Alumni Input Go straight to the source. Gather as much info as possible from people who know the school best: Visit campus. Sign up for a "revisit" day for accepted students. Do a virtual tour. Talk to current students. Talk to alumni. Understand Your Academic Goals Start by looking closely at what each college offers academically. Ask yourself: Does the school have strong programs in your intended major? Are there opportunities for research, internships, or study abroad? What is the student-to-faculty ratio? Smaller classes often mean more personalized attention. How flexible is the curriculum if you want to explore different subjects? Consider Campus Life and Location College is not just about classes. Think about: Campus size and feel: Do you prefer a large university with many activities or a smaller college with a close-knit community? Location: Urban, suburban, or rural? Consider weather, distance from home, and access to internships or jobs. Housing options and quality of dorms. Clubs, sports, and social opportunities. Evaluate Financial Factors Money can play a role in your decision. Compare: Tuition and fees after scholarships and financial aid. Cost of living in the area. Availability of work-study programs or part-time jobs. Potential student loan debt and repayment plans. Think About Your Long-Term Plans Where do you see yourself after graduation? Some colleges have strong alumni networks and connections in certain industries or regions. This can help you find jobs or graduate programs later. Also, consider if the college’s reputation aligns with your career goals. Trust Your Gut Feeling After weighing all the facts, listen to your instincts. Which college feels like the right fit? Sometimes the best choice is the one where you feel most comfortable and are excited to start this new chapter.

Visiting a college campus is more than just a chance to see the buildings. Done well, it could impact your chances of acceptance. Some schools track demonstrated interest. And even if a school doesn't do that, visiting gives you information you can use to strengthen your application. Here's how to plan a college visit. Plan a college visit that includes a formal tour and information session Register for the tour. You want the school to know you were there. If there's both a tour AND an information session, sign up for BOTH. You can usually locate the sign up on a school's admissions page. Use the same email address that you'll use when you fill out an application. Before you go, make a list of spots you want to see and questions that matter to you. Ask questions and take notes during the tour Try to establish a relationship with your tour guide. When the tour ends, walk up to the tour guide, say thank you, and ask for an email address. Once you get home send a thank you email and ask follow up questions. Meet faculty and current students Before you get to campus, reach out to a professor, student, or admissions representative that you could meet when you're there. If possible, arrange to attend a class in your area of interest. How do you accomplish this? There are multiple people you can ask to help you find contacts: ask your school college counselor, email the admissions office, text friends of friends. Explore beyond the main tour Don’t limit yourself to the official tour route. Walk around the campus on your own to get a feel for the environment. Visit the library, student center, dining halls, and dormitories. Notice how students interact and whether the atmosphere feels welcoming. Explore the surrounding neighborhood. Check out local shops, restaurants, and transportation options. Take notes and think about your application essays Write down your thoughts and impressions. This will help you decide later if the school is a good fit. It will also give you authentic content that you might be able to incorporate into a supplemental essay for your application.

See that pile of papers? The stack of books? Those dishes on the floor? It's time to clean it all up and start fresh in the new year. It's been nice to ignore the books for a while. But you've got a lot to do again. Classes, activities, sports. And maybe even some more college applications. Or, if you're a junior, perhaps some college tours . A clean desk can kick off the fresh start: Give away the books to a younger student. Recycle all of your old notes. Shred anything that's really personal. Open your desk drawers. Even if you can't see the mess, it's still there. Clean up your computer too. This includes dumping unused items from your desktop into the "trash," and organizing your digital files in the cloud. Let's go!

Once upon a time, high school students had actual, in-person interviews when they applied to college. (Parents, you probably remember that). While interviews are now much less common, some schools do offer video interviews. So it's helpful to know how to prepare for an on-camera interview. And even if you don't do an interview now, this skill will be critical when you apply for jobs. Here are my top 10 tips for the on camera interview. Properly frame your image . See the photo above. Note how the speaker on the computer screen is centered. The top of his head is near the top of the screen. Check your lighting . The best light should shine on your face. Don't sit in front of a window. When you do that, the window looks light, and you look dark. If you need to add light, you can put a ring light , or a lamp, in front of you. Silence your phone and computer . You don't want any sort of sound interruptions. Tell other people at your home that you're going to be on a call. And if your dog might interrupt... find a way to distract the pup. Check your background . Blur your background. If you don't want to do that, clean up any mess behind you. No open closets, messy beds or bookshelves. Wear a solid color shirt . A primary color is best. No patterns. Dress professionally . No hats or sweatshirts. Sit in a stable chair . If you're in a chair that swivels, you might move around too much. Get a stable chair that won't move. Prepare three talking points . Your interviewer will have questions. So prepare a note of three things to share with the interviewer. You'll pepper these nuggets into the conversation. For example: (1) I play guitar and want to join a band in college; (2) I'm in a modern dance company and want to audition for a college dance company; and (3) I want to study Ancient Greece and did an independent study about Greek Mythology. Prepare three questions . The final question is always, "Do you have any more questions for me?" So make a note of three questions that are specific to you. The questions should not be generic. For example: I'd like to spend a semester studying abroad in Greece. Do students typically stay at school all four years, or do many go abroad? Research your interviewer . If possible, Google the person who is going to interview you. Read the person's LinkedIn profile or bio on the school website. It's helpful to know a little bit about the person you'll be speaking to.