College Essay Series: Writing the Academic Interest Essay (UC Prompt #6)
Updated: Feb 22, 2023 Students who truly love a school subject can’t get enough of it in the classroom, so they will continue learning and applying their knowledge outside the classroom. The sixth essay prompt from the University of California Application invites students to discuss this: Think about an academic subject that inspires you. Describe how […]
What computer should you get for online school?
Updated: Feb 18, 2023 With many school districts pivoting to online learning this fall, students may be wondering how they can maximize studying at home — and specifically, what devices are best suited for this new normal. Here are some of my picks. These are suitable for high schoolers and college students alike. I’ll break each […]
College Essay Series: Writing the Personal Challenge Essay (UC Prompt #5)
Updated: Feb 22, 2023 Students who have started the Personal Statement may have already started to reflect on the personal challenges that have affected them in high school. As it turns out, there is a UC prompt that addresses this topic as well: Describe the most significant challenge you have faced and the steps you have […]
College Essay Series: Writing the Educational Opportunity or Barrier Essay (UC Prompt #4)
Updated: Feb 22, 2023 Telling the story of an educational journey can be a chance to show how you take an active approach to your own learning. Whether you overcame a challenge or seized a new opportunity, writing about this topic tells the admissions reader about your ability to make the most of a college experience […]
5 Dystopian Novels for Your Middle Schooler to Read
Updated: Feb 22, 2023 Back when I was in middle school (8 years ago?!), dystopian fiction was all the rage. Series like Divergent and The Maze Runner were being adapted into movies left and right. These reads were massively popular amongst teens, and it’s easy to see why. The meld of science fiction and fantasy sparks […]
College Essay Series: Writing the Talent/Skill Essay (UC Prompt #3)
Updated: Feb 22, 2023 The number one mistake students make on this essay is showing (or worse, telling about) a talent that’s been mostly easy for them in high school. College essays should show change over time, so it’s important to write an essay that shows you struggling, improving, and working for your success. In this […]
5 Books to Check Out if You Enjoyed “Freakonomics”
Updated: Feb 22, 2023 This past June, high schoolers in our book club read Freakonomics by Stephen Dubner and Steven Levitt. It was a fascinating glimpse into the unconventional truths that economic data may reveal about society and history. We explored the ubiquity of incentives while answering wacky questions like: Do sumo wrestlers cheat? Why do […]
College Essay Series: Writing the Creativity Essay (UC Prompt #2)
Updated: Feb 22, 2023 All students are able to write essays about creativity because they all express themselves. In fact, it’s stated directly in the second essay prompt of the University of California Application: Every person has a creative side, and it can be expressed in many ways: problem solving, original and innovative thinking, and artistically, […]
College Essay Series: Writing the Leadership Essay (UC Prompt #1)
Updated: Feb 22, 2023 The first college essay prompt of the eight University of California Personal Insight Questions (PIQs) is about leadership. Many students receive the prompt with alarm, especially those students without formal leadership positions, not to mention the students who are on the shyer end of the introvert/extrovert spectrum. But, not to worry! This […]
5 tips for finding an LGBTQ+ friendly college
Updated: Feb 22, 2023 Happy Pride month! Every June, we celebrate the anniversary of the 1969 Stonewall Riots, which galvanized the gay liberation movement. Just last week, the Supreme Court ruled “that the landmark federal Civil Rights Act of 1964 protects LGBTQ employees from discrimination.” The fight for LGBTQ+ equality has come a long way, thanks […]