If you want to see a high school senior (and their parents) reach peak anxiety, just mention the word “Interview.” The image alone is enough to induce a cold sweat: a seventeen-year-old sitting across from a 78-year-old alum at a crowded Starbucks or in a mahogany-filled...
The other morning, between plies and pulses at my local barre class, I overheard my instructor talking about something called "75 Hard" and "75 Soft." As someone with a naturally curious mind, I went home and did a deep dive. I found a viral wellness movement...
The other morning, between plies and pulses at my local barre class, I overheard my instructor talking about something called "75 Hard" and "75 Soft." As someone with a naturally curious mind, I went home and did a deep dive. I found a viral wellness movement...
The other afternoon, I was sitting at my kitchen table, fueling up with a new favorite: a protein-forward bagel topped with fresh avocado and smoked turkey breast. The sun was streaming in, and I was listening to WHYY, my favorite Philadelphia public radio affiliate. A psychologist...
If you’ve walked past your teenager’s room lately and seen them staring at a blinking cursor with a look of pure dread, you aren’t alone. The "Personal Statement" is arguably the scariest 650 words they will ever write. In my sessions at Academic Access, I’m seeing...
In my work at Academic Access, I’m constantly looking at transcripts from across the country. But lately, some of the most fascinating "academic detective work" has come from my own inner circle and their experiences abroad. My assistant, Stephanie, lives in Florence, Italy. She recently called...
In the high-stakes world of college admissions, I am frequently asked: “Is it possible to create a ‘Super Kid’?” Parents see the headlines, the "Passion Projects," and the 1% acceptance rates, and they wonder if there is a blueprint. They want to know the exact combination...
This past Christmas, I had the pleasure of hosting a dear friend of the family, Janett. Janett is in her mid-30s and is the kind of person who radiates vitality. She is deeply committed to exercise, clean nutrition, and keeping her mind intact. Naturally, I...
By Mary Pagones As an editor who works with both high school and college students on their admissions essays, I’m often asked what’s the difference between writing a personal statement for an undergraduate program versus medical school. While the Common Application and the University of California offer...
By Michelle Motoyoshi There’s a mini-lecture I give to all my essays students early in our work together. “You need to keep in mind that your essays aren’t the only ones the admission readers are reviewing. They look at dozens, maybe even hundreds of applications a day,...