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in·​sip·​id (adj.) lacking in qualities that interest, stimulate, or challenge

The single most egregious essay sin is:

A) Clichéd topic

B) Coming off as privileged

C) Sob story is not heart-wrenching enough

D) None of the Above

ANSWER: D

None of the above. The cardinal essay sin is being forgettable. A, B, and C are common traps that often give way to mediocre essays—but not always*. (For a concise explanation on why C is a bad idea, watch Tina Yong’s TED Talk.)

*Grill me on this. I adore exceptions to the rule.

Common App Essay

The personal essay (often referred to as the “Common App essay”) allots 650 words to tell your story. Coming up with an engaging topic feels like the biggest hurdle—until you start to write. It’s the one place you can highlight how you think rather than what you’ve done.

Common App Questions

 The Common App requires more than just the personal essay. There are the optional/additional essays, explanations of why you changed schools, disciplinary action prompts, and the often-underestimated activities/awards entries.

Supplemental Essays

Are you struggling with the Columbia booklists? The USC short answers? Is ‘Why Harvard?’ impossible to answer? The Common App essay receives the lion’s share of attention, but supplements are an equally critical piece of your application.

Prep School Essays

It’s critical that a prep school essay sounds like a fourteen-year-old. I can help you highlight your voice and find a school that suits your ambitions. Boarding school is one of my fondest memories and I love helping young students discover what they want out of their educations.

Transfer Essays

Transfer prompts vary tremendously and the closest thing to a standardized essay is: “What objectives do you hope to achieve by transferring?” (word count ranges from 150 to 650 words). I can help you navigate these tricky waters with confidence.

Grad School Essays

Terminal degree programs want to hear your voice as well as your experience. I’ll help you strike the right balance between personable and accomplished in your statement of interest.