Here are some common traps students fall into when writing their essays and how to avoid them:

1. Clichés and Overused Topics: Writing about how “winning taught me to work hard” or “I want to help people” can be true, but they’re overused and generic. If you choose a common topic, find a unique angle or personal story that sets it apart.
2. Focusing Too Much on Others: While writing about a person who inspired you is fine, remember that the essay should be about you, not them. How did that person’s influence change your life? What did you learn from their example?
3. Writing a Resume in Paragraph Form: Don’t just list your achievements. That’s what the rest of your application is for. Your essay should focus on a specific moment, experience, or challenge.
4. Not Proofreading: One of the quickest ways to leave a negative impression is with spelling or grammar mistakes. Take the time to carefully proofread your essay and have others review it. A fresh set of eyes can catch errors you might overlook.

Show, Don’t Tell

“Show, don’t tell” is one of the most common pieces of writing advice for a reason. Instead of saying, “I’m determined,” show that determination through a story. Maybe you spent months developing a project that failed, but you kept going until you succeeded. Let your story do the talking for you. The more vividly you can paint a picture for the reader, the more engaged they’ll be with your essay.

Your Voice Matters

One of the most important elements of your college essay is your voice. Admissions officers want to hear you speaking through your writing. Don’t try to sound like a different version of yourself or overly formal. Be conversational, be real, and let your personality shine through.

Your voice should be genuine. If humor comes naturally to you, don’t be afraid to use it. If you’re more introspective, that’s okay too. What matters is that you stay true to yourself. The essay is a reflection of who you are, and it should sound like you—not a perfect, idealized version of a college applicant.

The Bottom Line

The college essay is one of the most critical aspects of your application. It’s a unique opportunity to showcase your personality, your experiences, and your growth. The best essays are authentic, reflective, and specific. They go beyond accomplishments and show who you are as a person, how you’ve learned from life’s challenges, and how you’ll contribute to the college community.

Remember, your essay doesn’t need to be a grand tale of life-changing adventures. What matters is how you tell your story. Be yourself, reflect deeply, and give admissions officers a reason to remember your name. You’ve got this!

Your college essay is more than just another box to check off on your application; it’s your one shot to stand out among thousands of applicants with similar GPAs, test scores, and extracurricular activities. A great essay can set you apart, while a weak one might leave you lost in the crowd. So how do you ensure your essay leaves a lasting impression? Let’s break it down.

Why Does the Essay Matter?

Admissions officers read thousands of applications, and after a while, numbers and statistics can blur together. That’s why your essay is so critical—it’s your chance to showcase who you are beyond grades and test scores. It’s the one part of your application that lets you speak directly to the people making decisions about your future. Your essay reveals your personality, your values, and your ability to think critically, making it a make-or-break moment in your college journey.

What Should You Write About?

The biggest mistake many students make is trying to write about what they think admissions officers want to hear. Authenticity is key. Admissions officers are not looking for perfection—they’re looking for you. A personal story that highlights your growth, challenges, passions, or a unique perspective will resonate far more than a generic essay about a topic you don’t care about.

Be specific. Instead of writing, “I learned that hard work is important,” talk about a time when you stayed up all night practicing for a debate tournament or rewriting a paper. What did that experience teach you? How did it shape you? Specific examples make your essay more compelling and memorable.

The Power of Reflection

Colleges aren’t just interested in what you did; they’re interested in how what you did changed you. Reflection is crucial. After you describe an experience, dig deeper into how it impacted your outlook on life, relationships, or even your goals for the future. Did a summer job teach you patience and problem-solving? Did a difficult family situation teach you the value of empathy or resilience?

Remember, the essay is not just about listing accomplishments. It’s about showing the admissions committee that you are mature enough to learn from your experiences and grow from them. By Loren Francis

National Decision Day is May 1. Is your family ready to make the choice of which college your student will attend?

While National Decision Day, which is May 1, may have unclear origins, it has definitely become hyped as the time to make a decision for what to do after high school graduation. And for good reason: Many colleges and universities are finalizing their financial aid packages, setting up space for summer orientation and registration, and deciding where to house all the incoming first-year students.

Nonetheless, there are some things you may want to know about making that decision–whether you do it by May 1 or sometime after–that could make the process easier.

• Check your financial aid offers. Perhaps the most important thing for many families is to check how much the net cost of attendance will be. Net cost is the total cost of tuition, fees, room, board, etc. (expenses such as books and transportation are estimates and may not be as high as you will need) minus the amount of financial aid your student receives. The remaining amount is what you will need to pay, usually by the first week of classes if not before.
• Review the academic options. Does the institution have a program or even more than one that your student is interested in? It will help to have options especially because a majority of students change their majors at least once (and likely more than once) over their college career.
• Consider the “extras.” By this, I mean the location, the opportunities for co-curricular experiences such as internships, the alumni networks, and the like. Many schools tout themselves as providing interesting and unique opportunities that your student cannot find elsewhere. This may be extremely attractive to your student, especially if there is a career pathway that can be created from the extras.
• Talk through family issues. Don’t wait until your student is moved in and having a great (or not) time to discuss the effect that this decision will have on the family. If a school is out of reach and will be an extreme burden on the family, don’t wait to have that conversation! Talk through what the issues are and make a plan to help your student make the best decision not only for themselves, but also others in the family.
• Reach out to the institution. If your student is having any doubts, consider reaching out to the institution (and visit again if it is feasible). Talk to a financial aid counselor, an admissions reprepresentative, a department chair or faculty member, a current or former student. All of these people can give you different perspectives about the experience.
• Making the decision where to go (and how far, and for how much!) is an exciting time in your student’s life
  

You've received your first college acceptance letter, and you're bubbling with excitement!

After you've shared the news with your loved ones and celebrated this major accomplishment, you're left with some choices to make. Is this college "the one?" Are you ready to commit?

There's no need to jump immediately at the opportunity. In fact, it definitely serves you to weigh your options and make the right decision for you. So before you commit, here are some steps to take after receiving a college acceptance letter.

1. Weigh Your Options

Receiving your first college acceptance letter is exciting, but it is not the end all be all. You may have more acceptance letters on the way to your mailbox.

Even if you think your heart is set on one specific school, it's smart to wait for other options. For example, you may get an unexpected scholarship from another college that you just can't refuse. It's important to consider a variety of factors before making your decision.

In the meantime, stay organized. You may want to keep all of your letters in a folder with a running list of where you've been accepted and which schools you're waiting to hear back from. This will make it easier to review the documents and offers once you are closer to making a decision.

2. Do Your Research

You likely did some preliminary research while you were applying to schools, but now that you're receiving offers, things are getting real. It's time to dig deeper and get to know more about the college you're considering.

A few things to find out about each of your options include:

·college size (total attendance, average class size, faculty to student ratio)

• Graduate outcomes
• Information on the location (and surrounding areas)
• Tuition and fees
• Internship opportunities
• Work-study opportunities
• Clubs and organizations
• Housing options

Also, read up on each college’s academic offerings as part of your research. Although you don't have to declare a major right away, it's important to make sure your chosen school has a program that aligns with your future goals.

Many colleges have student ambassadors who are available to answer any questions you may have. You can contact them online, or you can connect with them in person if you schedule a campus visit.

3. Crunch the Numbers

Cost is an important determinant when it comes to choosing a college. Admissions letters are often accompanied by scholarship offers and financial aid estimates. You will want to factor these offers in when determining the cost that remains to be covered out of pocket, by loans, etc.

Consider the differences between in-state, out-of-state and international tuition as you compare costs. If you're looking at an out-of-state college, see if there's an option to declare residency after a year or two to reduce your costs.

If you're choosing a local school, look into grants for state residents because you may be eligible simply by graduating from an in-state high school.

4. Talk to Friends, Family and Mentors

Making the decision of which college to attend can feel overwhelming. That's why it's important to talk it out with those who are close to you or have experience with choosing a school.

Whether it's a parent, an older sibling, or your high school guidance counselor, find someone you trust to walk by your side through this process. Brainstorm, brain dump and weigh your options.

Plus, those who have attended college will likely pick up on things or ask questions that may have never crossed your mind, so their insight can be super valuable.

It's important to recognize that while your loved ones might have a lot of experience, wisdom and opinions, the choice is ultimately yours.

5. Visit Your Top college in Person or Virtually

You can't beat the experience of visiting your preferred schools before making your decision. A school may look great on paper, but nothing makes up for that real first impression.

Whether it's through a self-guided tour, a group tour or a virtual tour, touring your top schools will likely affect how you feel about the school and reveal more information about the location, academics and environment. Many students will say that visiting a school is what ultimately influenced their final decision.

6. Submit Your Decision on Time

Once you've made a decision, it's time to accept the admission offer from your chosen school.

Typically, you'll submit your decision along with an enrollment deposit. This is usually for around $200-$600, and since it's a deposit, it will be applied to your balance for the first semester. Some schools offer waivers in instances of financial need or other qualifiers.

Make sure you're keeping track of the enrollment deposit, housing application and other deadlines. Schools that have accepted you should keep you in the loop with approaching deadlines, but it's a good idea to be proactive.

After you've submitted your decision, you have some time to submit the rest of the required documents and information to ensure a smooth start in the fall.

Here are a few things that you'll need to submit after you pay your enrollment deposit:

·Final high school transcripts

• Proof of residency (for in-state tuition)
• Proof of insurance (if opting out of the university's policy)
• Copy of your birth certificate
• Housing application

Look for important information from your school on how to submit these documents.

7. Get Ready to Start College

Once you've committed to your chosen College by submitting your enrollment deposit, it's time to get ready for college! Unless you're starting in the summer term, you'll have a few months to prepare.

However, now's the time to start meeting people from your new school. This will help you make some friends and get to know your future classmates. Attend admitted students events, check out online meetups and follow your future school's official social media channels to stay connected.

In the meantime, enjoy the rest of your days in high school.

How Long Do I Have to Accept a College's Offer of Admission?

Every college has different rules for when you have to accept college admission and enroll. Usually, the enrollment deposits are due in the spring around the time of graduation. However, some colleges have earlier deadlines, especially for more competitive programs.

Here at Bucknell University, we have separate deadlines for Early Decision and Regular Decision applicants. Early Decision applicants must submit their enrollment deposits by either the Early Decision I (mid-January) or Early Decision II deadline (mid-March), whereas Regular Decision applicants have until May.

Every student has to submit their final high school transcripts by July 1 to secure their admission.

Thinking of deferring your admission to another semester? Students who wish to defer admission must submit their requests by June 1.

Looking for more information on admissions and enrollment? By Bucknell University

For families who have high school age STUDENTS, Spring Break often means more college visits. 

For those families who feel lost in planning a college tour for Spring Break, here are some essential tips for visiting colleges this time of year.

1. Make sure the college is in session.

Just as this is a popular time for high school spring breaks, the same goes for colleges. It's always better to VISIT A COLLEGE when students are going to class and bustling around campus.

2. Reservations may be needed.

Sign up for a campus tour and information session at the very least. Online registration can be found on the admissions office's website.

3. Be prepared for large crowds.

The admissions offices will be even busier for families like yours.

4. Don't just visit "reach" colleges!

Many of these College track demonstrated interest and absolutely "count" if you visit. 

6. Take notes on every college you visit.

They start to run together after a few days on the road. The notes will help students as they narrow down their college list and WRITE SUPPLEMENTAL ESSAYS in the future.

7. Don't worry about interviews this early in the process.

Even if a college offers on-campus interviews (and many don't), students need a little more time to figure out what they want and how to present themselves in AN INTERVIEW SETTING..

8. Try to do one extra thing on campus before you leave.

Visiting the bookstore is a popular destination. But eating a meal, sitting in the middle of campus when classes are switching, or meeting up with a student you know who attends the school will give you more insight into whether the college will remain on the list.

9. Go as a family!

If mom, dad, or even younger siblings can come along, do it. You won't regret this time together. 

10. Just take it all in.

No need to ask a million questions during the information session or tour or plan out every last class you would take. This is usually the first of MANY VISITS TO A COLLEGE, especially if the student ends up applying. 

Rejection is a part of life. Everyone who has tasted success has also tasted rejection. This doesn’t make it any easier to deal with. Parents can be supportive by giving students the appropriate amount of time to take the difficult news, but they should also not let students sulk for any longer than needed.

For many teens, the worst part of rejection is telling peers they didn’t get in or where they are going (especially if others will question why someone of their caliber did not get into a ‘better’ school). When dealing with a rejection, it’s important to keep things in perspective and to not allow one or two letdowns to overshadow other successes.

If a student is dealing with a rejection, here’s what to do next:

• Allow time for mourning. It’s okay to take some time to feel disappointed. Students may need some space and time to process, so let them have it.
• But don’t dwell. While it’s okay to take some time to feel sad, students shouldn’t spend all their time sulking. After an appropriate amount of time has passed, remind him or her that it’s time to move on and focus on the institutions that did grant admission.
• Focus on where they did get in. Students should go back and look at past research, compare financial aid packages, and consider the factors that prompted them to apply in the first place in order to choose where they want to enroll. A student may have an idea of his or her “second” choice, but it’s still good to weigh all other offers of admission. After a rejection, a student’s feelings about the other institutions he or she applied to may have changed.
• Stay positive! As I said before, rejection is a part of life. If students planned ahead and applied to a wide range of schools, any of which they would be happy to attend, then they will be attending a great-fit college. Focus on the journey ahead and get excited about all the new opportunities come fall.

Early Decision, Early Action, Early Decision II, Restrictive Early Action — believe it or not, the list goes on. There is no shortage of early application options for college admissions these days, and some hold a significant statistical advantage to students. Yes, this means that in some early processes, most students are significantly more likely to receive offers of admissions than if they applied Regular Decision. The percent advantage ranges from school to school and differs when it comes to Early Action programs. Read on for a breakdown of the numbers and for insight on why students should consider participating in early admissions programs.

Types of Early Applications 

Before diving into the numbers, it’s important to understand the different early application types. The most important distinction is between Early Decision and Early Action. Early Decision is a binding contract between the applicant and the college to which they are applying. This means students can only apply Early Decision to one college or university and must attend if admitted. Students should only apply Early Decision if the university is their top choice and they feel comfortable committing to attending if they are accepted. This application deadline is typically between November 1 and 15, and students are usually notified by mid- to late December.

Early Decision II is a similar binding agreement but with a later deadline, usually the same deadline as Regular Decision. Students are typically notified of admission sometime in February before regular admission decisions come out. Some schools even allow students to switch from Regular Decision to Early Decision II by a certain deadline.

Early Action also has an early deadline — typically November 1 or November 15 — with a decision release date of mid-December. But that’s where the similarity ends. Early Action is non-binding, and standard programs allow students to apply to multiple places Early Action. However, some Restrictive Early Action or Single Choice Early Action programs restrict whether a student applies EA or ED to another college. Early Action is a good option for students with strong grades who are not ready to commit and do not need to wait on their fall senior grades.

Now that we’ve broken down these basic early admission definitions, let’s address why a student would consider one of these programs. The statistical advantages are clear.

Early Decision: A Significant Advantage, and Growing 

Let’s start with Early Decision, which can offer a significant advantage over Regular Decision. How large of an advantage? Well, that depends on the institution. Regular Decision admissions have become more competitive in recent years, while the advantage of Early Decision has increased.

Let’s take Vanderbilt University as an example. In 2023, Vanderbilt admitted 4.2% of their Regular Decision applicants. Let’s compare this to 2013, when they admitted 11.7% of Regular Decision applicants. The Regular Decision admission rate decreased by more than half over a period of 10 years.

For Early Decision admissions, it’s a different picture. In 2023, Vanderbilt admitted 15.7% of Early Decision applicants. In 2013, that number was 21.6%. Though these numbers show that the Early Decision process has also gotten more competitive during those same 10 years, the percent decrease in Early Decision admissions rates is significantly less drastic than it is for Regular Decision.

So, what does this all mean? Simply put, it means that college applicants should seriously consider having an early application strategy and including Early Decision in that strategy because it is likely to be advantageous.

Many colleges and universities are increasing the number of students they admit through the Early Decision process. The reason for this is so they can maintain or even improve their yield rates — that is, ensuring students admitted to the university are likely to enroll. After admitting a larger percentage of their class through Early Decision, colleges have fewer available spots to fill by the time they get to the Regular Decision round.

Admissions trends show that colleges are admitting a larger percentage of their class through Early Decision than they have in the past. For example, Middlebury College filled 56.32% of the class of 2017 through Early Decision — a very large percentage at the time already. Ten years later, Middlebury filled 70.68% of its class of 2027 through Early Decision.* If this trend continues, having an Early Decision strategy is going to become even more important for college hopefuls.

Early Action: Less Significant Advantage, but Worth Pursuing 

Early Action, the non-binding early application option, has a less significant statistical advantage. The Early Action pool tends to be particularly strong, as it is much smaller than Regular Decision but filled with students who were able to apply early without waiting for their fall semester grades. Early Action applicants may also have a slight advantage in terms of being reviewed first — these applicants may be offered admission when there are more spots to fill, prior to regular admissions, when there are more applications and fewer available spots.

Georgetown University, for example, offers Early Action and does not offer Early Decision. In 2022, their Early Action admission rate was 9.98% while their Regular Decision admission rate was 13.34%. This is a relatively small difference for what are already extremely difficult admission rates. So, while applying Early Action can provide students with some advantage, it is not nearly as significant as the Early Decision statistical advantage — and should never be used solely as a way to “boost” your application chances. Only apply early if your application is the best that it can be.

Colleges are making these changes in what is a rapidly evolving college admissions landscape. With test-optional policies abounding, Supreme Court case decisions affecting college admissions, and the rapidly increasing volume of applicants every year, university administrators are being strategic to meet their own admissions and enrollment goals.

Prospective students and their families who are aware of these factors and of the advantage of participating in an early admissions program are off to a great start. That said, we know the numbers and data can be overwhelming. An IvyWise counselor can help guide prospective students through every step of the college admissions process.