Blog
2023-2024 UVA Supplement Essays
UVA, like most of the rest of the T20, have embraced - in one form or another - the diversity essay. Yeah, I am tired of this essay too. I would prefer applicants find another way to write about diversity (if it plays a role in their lives) and not create new essays...
2023-2024 Northwestern Supplement Essays
In a trend that isn't going away, Northwestern (like most other private schools) has changed their essays. I quite like the "Why Northwestern" prompt. But change is good? I guess. So let's dive in. The following question is required for all Common Application and...
YBCE In The News
The Seattle Times just published my perspective on the college admissions essay, post-COVID and SCOTUS obliterating affirmative action in admissions. Here it is: https://www.seattletimes.com/opinion/the-rise-of-the-confessional-college-essay/
2023-2024 Boston College Supplement Essays
This year Boston College changed their essay prompts. I'm going to be honest, I have never loved their essays. They weren't inspiring, and applicants struggled to find answers for many of the prompts. But (thanks, BC!) this year they changed them enough to make them...
YBCE In The News
With SCOTUS recently gutting affirmative action in college admissions, everyone (most importantly, the applicants) are trying to determine what they can and should write about in their essays. Inside Higher Ed interviewed me about my thoughts on the topic. You can...
2023-2024 Harvard Supplement Essays
Harvard has their essays out – same as last year. Honestly, Harvard, time to revamp these. The 150 word extracurricular, and the 150 optional intellectual life are back. Don’t feel like you have to answer the optional essay just to fill a box. You really should have...
2023-2024 Dartmouth Supplement Essays
The new Dartmouth prompts are out, very similar to last year's but there are some new ones, and they’ve grouped the short answers. “…nerdy side,” is a surprise. They’ll see a lot of tech, so find something else that’s nerdy. The Kermit the Frog quote could be fun, a...
2023-2024 Yale Supplement
The new Yale supplement is out. And once again, Yale has only made meh prompts even more so. Instead of just teaching a course, you can write a book or create apiece of art. I guess that's more choice. Significant influence? These questions always become a love letter...
2023-2024 UC PIQs
The University of California PIQs have remained the same. Applicant balk at so many essays, but choose right, and that answer or answers could be used for other schools. As a college essay consultant, we have all sorts of tricks up our sleeves. Reach out and get more...
2023-2024 UChicago Essay Prompts
If you aren't familiar with the UChicago essay prompts, you are really missing out. While many schools go the simple "Why" essay route, Chicago marches to its own drummer. As a college essay consultant, I love these essays so much. They are fun, challenging, and make...