Alison Cotter, College Application Essay Tutor

Do you help with topic ideas?

Alison — Thu, 29 Jun 2023 05:58:59 +0000

I used to meet with students to help them brainstorm topic ideas. Now, I offer the same great direction, encouragement, and support via email. No meeting necessary! Students simply send me a rough draft of their topic ideas for feedback, the same way they would submit a draft for review. The new system is easier … Continue reading "Do you help with topic ideas?"

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What do I have to write?

Alison — Thu, 06 Apr 2023 22:06:13 +0000

First, There’s the Word Count Students applying to UC schools will respond to four (out of eight) Personal Insight Questions, with a maximum word count of 350 each (1,400 words total). Students applying to out-of-state and private colleges will respond to one (out of seven) Common App main essay prompts, with a maximum word count … Continue reading "What do I have to write?"

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When should I start?

Alison — Thu, 09 Feb 2023 22:22:51 +0000

This is the question I get the most. Usually from parents of juniors, who want to minimize the stress of applying to college for their students. It makes sense, right? Get the essay out of the way early and eliminate that stress? Nope. It actually might add to their stress. If students start writing too … Continue reading "When should I start?"

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How do I schedule a draft review?

Alison — Sun, 05 Jun 2022 20:37:03 +0000

Just getting started? Feeling stuck? Or, ready to submit? No matter where you are in the writing process, a review will help you move forward with confidence and clear direction. All draft reviews are done by email (no meeting needed!) and fees are based on word count. The fee is $75/250 words for a first … Continue reading "How do I schedule a draft review?"

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UC Personal Insight Questions

Alison — Thu, 02 May 2019 17:54:11 +0000

The University of California no longer requires an essay. Instead, there are 8 personal insight questions. Students select four and write a short response (max 350 words) for each. While these responses may not look like an essay, they serve the exact same purpose. Admissions officers use them to learn who you are, how you … Continue reading "UC Personal Insight Questions"

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Common Application

Alison — Tue, 02 May 2017 18:15:24 +0000

What is the Common App? The Common Application is used by over 700 private colleges. It offers five essay prompt questions. Students select one and write a single 650-word essay on that topic. This essay is submitted with the application to every private college on the student’s list. Many schools require their own supplemental essays in … Continue reading "Common Application"

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