Blog

June 17, 2025

Common App 2025-2026: A Complete Guide to the Changes Students Need to Know

As the Common App preps for its Aug. 1 refresh, they're celebrating with some pretty significant (and many helpful) updates we've seen in a while. As […]
May 20, 2025
Essay coach and student working together to write essays

Virtual vs. In-Person College Essay Coaching: Which Delivers Better Results?

As college application season approaches, many parents ask me: Is online college essay coaching as effective as meeting in person? With increasingly competitive admissions and students […]
May 4, 2025
Julia Byrd giving an essay brainstorming workshop to rising seniors.

Summer Workshops & Resources for College-Bound Students

Looking for ways to reduce college application stress and make the most of summer 2025? I'll be offering in-person workshops focused on brainstorming the personal statement […]
April 20, 2025
Changing high schools? You'll need to answer this Common App question.

How to Respond to the Common App’s “Changed High Schools” Question 

Many students find themselves attending more than one high school. A move, better opportunities, rezoning, a new school opening closer to you, disciplinary reasons — the […]
March 20, 2025
Deferred? Here’s How to Take Control of Your Next Steps!

Deferred? Here’s How to Take Control of Your Next Steps!

Some of you might be facing deferrals from one or more of your top-choice schools. First, I'm sorry. My daughter was deferred from her top choice […]
February 20, 2025
Blog post: RD, EA, or ED How to Choose the Right Application Plan for You

RD, EA, or ED? How to Choose the Right Application Plan for You

Applying to college can be stressful and confusing under the best of circumstances. And when you add in another layer of decisions you need to make […]
January 20, 2025
Blog Post: Unlocking College Secrets With the Common Data Set

Unlocking College Secrets With the Common Data Set

Ever stumbled upon the term “Common Data Set” and wondered if it was a treasure map for college applications or a secret code that, once unlocked, […]
November 1, 2024
How to preview your Common App Application before submission

How to Preview Your Common App Application Before Submission

After weeks (or months) of working on your college admissions application, you're finally ready to submit. Or are you? One of the biggest mistakes applicants make […]
May 24, 2024
Blog: Navigating the Common App Changes for 2024-2025: What You Need to Know

Navigating the Common App Changes for 2024-2025: What You Need to Know

The most current version of this blog post (for 2025-2026) can be found by clicking this link.   It’s almost June, and you know what that […]
May 21, 2024
Swordfights, Fire Swamps, and ROUSes. Oh, My!

Swordfights, Fire Swamps, and ROUSes. Oh, My!

As a college admission essay coach, I get to read a lot of amazing essays. (Some I’ve guided students on, and some they’ve done all on […]
April 22, 2024
Blog: Demystifying the SRAR/SSAR: What You Need to Know

Demystifying the SRAR/SSAR: What You Need to Know

Updated Feb. 20, 2025 If you're gearing up for the college application hustle, you might’ve already heard the term SRAR/SSAR being thrown around as yet another […]
April 8, 2024
Blog Post: Tips and Strategies for Maximizing Your Chances of Admission to UT-Austin for Fall 2025

Maximizing Your Chances of Admission to UT-Austin for Fall 2025

Are you considering applying to the University of Texas at Austin (UT-Austin) for Fall 2025 admission? If so, you’re not alone. With its stellar academic programs […]
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