How much is too much? If your feedback isn’t fixing grammatical errors, providing thoughtful guardrails, or helping to ensure that the reader is getting a clear enough picture, then you’re probably going too far.

Important advice before you hit “submit”

Or … Cutting Words

Practically every language arts teacher has said to their students, “Show, don’t tell.” So how can you communicate a value or character trait through a particular detail or anecdote? How do you say something implicitly?

When the blank screen starts mocking you, don’t write. Talk.

Just, no.

If you’ve already got everything all figured out, then why do you need to go to college in the first place?

If you wouldn’t say it out loud, don’t say it in your essay.

Big schools, small schools, publics and privates … there’s one thing in common when it comes to the essay.

Coming up with a college essay topic is really hard, but don’t spend time pondering the meaning of life. Ponder your life instead.

Sometimes, the perfect opening sentence will reveal itself in the middle of the essay.

After being forbidden from using the word “I” in most school assignments, it’s time to get personal.

Don’t let a bunch of verbiage get in the way of your quietly brilliant insights.

Sadly, I don’t think Schoolhouse Rock ever covered this …

As much as students want to impress the admissions officer, they should still sound like teens.

I began my career in advertising, writing print ads and TV commercials. This taught me the most important thing students and parents need to know about writing college essays.

Hardly anyone will get through the college application process without hearing “sorry,” but it’s still a kick in the gut when you get that rejection.