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 […]
March 18, 2024
Blog post: The Importance of Authentic Storytelling and Clear Communication

The Importance of Authentic Storytelling and Clear Communication

I’ve seen several TikToks lately as to what the phrase “out of pocket” means — and which generation is using the phrase right. Originally, the phrase […]
October 4, 2023

My Favorite Free and Low-Cost Admission Essay-Writing Resources

It's a common misconception that creating a great essay requires deep pockets and access to expensive resources and essay coaches. Luckily, that's not the case. I'm […]
March 8, 2023
Julia Byrd: Essay Coach -- Fast, easy, and free ways to proofread your essay

Fast, Easy, and Free Ways to Proofread Your Essay

After you’ve put so much work into writing your essay, the last thing you want to do is submit it without first checking it for spelling, […]
January 24, 2023

What’s the Big Deal About Admission Essays?

A transcript of my presentation at Life Beyond MISD will be up soon! Everything You Wanted to Know About the College Admission Essay (in About 20 […]
June 19, 2022
College Application Advice From Former Admission Officers

College Application Advice From Former Admission Officers 

The college admission process is more than a little mysterious. We all know that it happens, but we don't always really know how or why it […]
June 9, 2022
10 Steps to Brainstorm Admission Essay Topics

10 Steps to Brainstorm Admission Essay Topics

There are infinite ways to brainstorm admission essay topics. But each strategy isn’t created equal — what works for one person may not work for another. […]
April 30, 2022
Tips and Strategies for Writing an Effective Persuasive Essay for the TSI Test

Writing the TSI Essay: Strategies for Success

Writing a persuasive essay isn’t difficult, but writing an effective one does require thought and strategy. And when there’s some pressure to write that essay, like […]
571 606 5325