college essay guy essay review

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What types of essays are OK to submit?

We’ll happily review any essay used in the college application process. Examples include:

• The 650-word personal statement for the Common Application
• The 550-word main essay for the Coalition Application
• Any of the 350-word University of California Personal Insight Questions (UC PIQs)
• Any additional or supplemental essays that are a part of the application for specific universities (ex: MIT / Brown / Stanford / UVA / USC)
• Essays for the Apply Texas, New York, or other state school systems
• Essays for the UCAS application in the UK

If your submission contains multiple essays, we’ll review the first one listed.

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Reviews 4.6.

Most relevant

College Essay Guy Review

The lessons were all really helpful, especially the ones related to brainstorming. It was great to get feedback on our ideas during live-streams. Overall, I’m really glad I had this as a resource!!

Date of experience : March 25, 2020

Our 2022 Transparency Report has landed

It was an amazing platform to know….

It was an amazing platform to know myself and the colleges of my fit. As an int'l students, it wasn't easy to take the application process as I couldn't know how an application looks like. This service helped me a lot.

Date of experience : March 24, 2020

I am a new IEC

I am a new IEC, having recently completed the UC Irvine certificate program. I've been working with students and felt that I needed a little extra instruction on college essay editing. I registered for Ethan's seminar "How to Write the College Application and Supplemental Essays" and it did the trick! The course reinforced what I already knew and enhanced my confidence to edit activity lists and application essays.

Very impressed

We are very impressed with the material. The material and the guidance truly helped my son in coming up with very good essays for this college application. Much appreciated for all the guidance, support and the material. You guys have reduced our stress and anxiety drastically.

Amazing!! 10/10 recommend!😊

I’m currently in my second semester of senior year and personally wasn’t able to afford a private college admission counselor, but Ethan’s videos definitely equated in quality!! Though he’s not there with you in person and dissecting your essays line by line, it’s almost as if he is. His videos make you seem as though you’re right next to him and the way he has curated his programs is absolutely seamless! From the worksheets to the step by step breakdown, he really pushed me through my every mental block. Even more, there is a Facebook group with other students following his videos in which you can find essay writing partners to look over each other’s essays and just keep each other on track and I loved that!! Ethan and his team really just truly care about you and you can tell from every email, every video, and every guide. They are there for you from start to finish, his team is so quick to respond to emails, and he really just made this whole process a lot less stressful for me. I would recommend him to anybody and everybody and don’t have one bad thing to say. He is simply and truly AMAZING.

Activites, Access & Appreciation

Before addressing the essay, I have students compose their activity and honors lists. When I ask a students if there is another way they may describe an activity, they immediately go to the CEG's Epic List of Activities List Verbs. A great resource to enable students in adding interest and strength to their Common App and scholarship applications. With "The List of Activities You May Not Have Considered..."students brainstorm and expanded their lists with unique entries, including welcoming an adoptive sister into the family and shadowing/interviewing/interning in legal and medical fields to explore career interests. After completing the lists it is on to the Essay Workshop in a Box! Ethan, thank you for the Pay What You Can option. I provide access to college prep to a small group of low-income/first-gen students and you provides me with the tools to be an effective mentor!

The resources that are provided are enormously informative and useful. I am grateful that Ethan allows us to use them with our students. Thank you for all of your help.

It's been wonderful and I surely can…

It's been wonderful and I surely can work with a student much better now. I'm also much more confident, though I just completed my College Counseling Certificate Program with UCLA Extension.

Much needed and appreciated advice

College Essay Guy offers practical advice delivered with a lovely, empathy-exuding voice. His willingness to share free resources is much appreciated by students, counselors, and parents.

Super helpful and informative course

Super helpful and informative course! I not only received personal advice, but the resources Ethan provides are invaluable. I have more confidence given the essential tools Nathan has provided to help my students with their personal statements.

The College Essay Guy provides High Quality, Essential Information

The College Essay Guy offers a wide variety of resources for students, families, and counselors, and not only about essay writing! Among the various resources are handouts, emails, webinars, courses, podcasts, and more, covering topics that essential to the college search, application, and selection process. Additionally, the College Essay Guy includes college counselors and admissions experts in his work, so that his resources can be as comprehensive and inclusive as possible. I learned about the College Essay Guy as a resource about six months ago, and I am truly grateful for the high quality and breadth of information he provides!

The course is really good and provides…

The course is really good and provides specific details regarding reviewing essays. I love the practical skills that I am learning!

Great! Provided really good guidance which helped me have an idea of how to approach college-essay writing.

great course!

I learned a lot about how to write my college essays in this course, and there was a video to watch for everything.

I have taught the most engaging…

I have taught the most engaging essay-writing lessons ever! The book and electronic resources are comprehensive and easy to use.

Incredibly transformed my application…

Incredibly transformed my application to present me in my best light!!! I’d recommend 100%!!!

Self-reflection

I find the way to reflect myself on my admission essay!

Very engaging and easy to follow!

Suggested companies

2 dollars essay, solomon admissions consulting.

College Essay Guy   Reviews

In the Private Tutor category

Visit this website

Company activity See all

Write a review

Reviews 4.6.

Most relevant

College Essay Guy Review

The lessons were all really helpful, especially the ones related to brainstorming. It was great to get feedback on our ideas during live-streams. Overall, I’m really glad I had this as a resource!!

Date of experience : 25 March 2020

Our 2022 Transparency Report has landed

It was an amazing platform to know….

It was an amazing platform to know myself and the colleges of my fit. As an int'l students, it wasn't easy to take the application process as I couldn't know how an application looks like. This service helped me a lot.

Date of experience : 24 March 2020

I am a new IEC

I am a new IEC, having recently completed the UC Irvine certificate program. I've been working with students and felt that I needed a little extra instruction on college essay editing. I registered for Ethan's seminar "How to Write the College Application and Supplemental Essays" and it did the trick! The course reinforced what I already knew and enhanced my confidence to edit activity lists and application essays.

Very impressed

We are very impressed with the material. The material and the guidance truly helped my son in coming up with very good essays for this college application. Much appreciated for all the guidance, support and the material. You guys have reduced our stress and anxiety drastically.

Amazing!! 10/10 recommend!😊

I’m currently in my second semester of senior year and personally wasn’t able to afford a private college admission counselor, but Ethan’s videos definitely equated in quality!! Though he’s not there with you in person and dissecting your essays line by line, it’s almost as if he is. His videos make you seem as though you’re right next to him and the way he has curated his programs is absolutely seamless! From the worksheets to the step by step breakdown, he really pushed me through my every mental block. Even more, there is a Facebook group with other students following his videos in which you can find essay writing partners to look over each other’s essays and just keep each other on track and I loved that!! Ethan and his team really just truly care about you and you can tell from every email, every video, and every guide. They are there for you from start to finish, his team is so quick to respond to emails, and he really just made this whole process a lot less stressful for me. I would recommend him to anybody and everybody and don’t have one bad thing to say. He is simply and truly AMAZING.

Activites, Access & Appreciation

Before addressing the essay, I have students compose their activity and honors lists. When I ask a students if there is another way they may describe an activity, they immediately go to the CEG's Epic List of Activities List Verbs. A great resource to enable students in adding interest and strength to their Common App and scholarship applications. With "The List of Activities You May Not Have Considered..."students brainstorm and expanded their lists with unique entries, including welcoming an adoptive sister into the family and shadowing/interviewing/interning in legal and medical fields to explore career interests. After completing the lists it is on to the Essay Workshop in a Box! Ethan, thank you for the Pay What You Can option. I provide access to college prep to a small group of low-income/first-gen students and you provides me with the tools to be an effective mentor!

The resources that are provided are enormously informative and useful. I am grateful that Ethan allows us to use them with our students. Thank you for all of your help.

It's been wonderful and I surely can…

It's been wonderful and I surely can work with a student much better now. I'm also much more confident, though I just completed my College Counseling Certificate Program with UCLA Extension.

Much needed and appreciated advice

College Essay Guy offers practical advice delivered with a lovely, empathy-exuding voice. His willingness to share free resources is much appreciated by students, counselors, and parents.

Super helpful and informative course

Super helpful and informative course! I not only received personal advice, but the resources Ethan provides are invaluable. I have more confidence given the essential tools Nathan has provided to help my students with their personal statements.

The College Essay Guy provides High Quality, Essential Information

The College Essay Guy offers a wide variety of resources for students, families, and counselors, and not only about essay writing! Among the various resources are handouts, emails, webinars, courses, podcasts, and more, covering topics that essential to the college search, application, and selection process. Additionally, the College Essay Guy includes college counselors and admissions experts in his work, so that his resources can be as comprehensive and inclusive as possible. I learned about the College Essay Guy as a resource about six months ago, and I am truly grateful for the high quality and breadth of information he provides!

The course is really good and provides…

The course is really good and provides specific details regarding reviewing essays. I love the practical skills that I am learning!

Great! Provided really good guidance which helped me have an idea of how to approach college-essay writing.

great course!

I learned a lot about how to write my college essays in this course, and there was a video to watch for everything.

I have taught the most engaging…

I have taught the most engaging essay-writing lessons ever! The book and electronic resources are comprehensive and easy to use.

Incredibly transformed my application…

Incredibly transformed my application to present me in my best light!!! I’d recommend 100%!!!

Self-reflection

I find the way to reflect myself on my admission essay!

Very engaging and easy to follow!

Write an Essay Admissions Will Remember

Increase your chances of acceptance with a standout college application essay. Receive comprehensive edits and feedback from top-rated Ivy League consultants in as little as 24 hours. 100% satisfaction guarantee.

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We'll help you avoid boring clichés and ensure your story stands out to admissions officers.

More than spell check. Receive direct and honest advice to help your college essay shine.

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We'll help you craft an acceptance-worthy essay.

The college essay is one of the most critical parts of your application. It goes beyond your grades and test scores to give schools a sense of your personality and potential—qualities that numbers alone cannot show. A compelling piece that exudes intellectual vitality, vulnerability, and humor can tip the admissions odds in your favor. We'll review your college essay to ensure it's one that admissions officers won't forget.

I Replace adverbs with strong verbs when possible. love really like throwing out the garbage. Most teens dread the exhausting, two-minute trek to the curb, but I find solace "Solace in" is more idiomatic. in on my daily dumpster walk. Every night at 10 PM Every day , I hear my mother lock the entrance, cueing entrance. She cues me to empty out the garbage cans on the main floor. As I lug carry pounds of many losing lotto tickets, candy wrappers, and crushed coffee cups Use stronger imagery to paint a picture of your duties. drinks on my back, I take took a sigh of relief knowing that we’ve survived This is wordy. managed to make it through yet another night shift See extended comment. at the family business.

I’ve worked The tone here is a bit formal compared to the rest of your writing. laboured at the family business since I was being ten years old. Of course, Focus on what you did, not on what you didn't do. I wasn’t a fifth-grade student ringing up customers or reciting the day’s winning lotto numbers like my parents were. I spent Here, the simple past works best. The modal verb is unnecessary. I would've spent most of my time either restocking or eating from the candy aisle—to my parents’ parent's pride and disappointment, respectively. Not until my freshman year did they give me permission to man the cash register, which had mesmerized me for years.

OVERALL COMMENTS:

Hi John! This essay does a great job showcasing not only your knack for software development, but also how your family’s business allowed you to mature a bit quicker than others. However, I'd consider reconstructing the first two paragraphs. The opening of your essay leads me to believe that you'll go on to discuss your experiences at the family business, but from the third paragraph on, you mostly focus on software development. By the end of the essay, the introduction feels distant and irrelevant.

We'll check for errors like dangling modifiers, comma splices, and ambiguous pronouns.

We'll ensure that you stick to the point with word choice that is realistic yet engaging.

We'll ensure your writing is easy to read, compelling, and reflects your authentic voice.

We'll suggest ways to optimize the structure of your essay to best reflect your narrative.

We'll point out areas your essay falls short and suggest ways to improve your writing.

We'll provide a 2–3 paragraph evaluation of the overall strength of your essay.

I ended up doing a writing session with Mahad, which was beyond helpful. He answered all of my questions about my Common App essay and even took a look at my supplemental essays for the other schools I was applying to. Next Admit stuck with me as I sent essay after essay for review with such a small amount of turnaround time and I could never be more grateful for all the work they do. The feedback is both fair and kind, and I felt better trusting consultants that had just gone through the whole college admissions ordeal and gotten in rather than consultants who hadn’t been through the process in decades.

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Two affordable services, college essay review, college app review, more than college essays, reviews for every need.

In addition to college application essays, we also look letters of continued interest, scholarship essays, summer program applications, transfer essays, and resumes. Click on the buttons to learn more!

Tell Your Story

College essays.

We'll help your story shine through to admissions officers. Our team has looked at over 1,000 college essays, ranging from short, five-word responses to the keystone, 650-word Common Application personal statement.

Turn That Maybe Into a Yes

Waitlists and deferrals.

A letter of continued interest allows you to make your case after you've been waitlisted or deferred. We'll help you write a convincing letter that highlights your strengths and gives your application another chance.

Pay For College

Scholarships.

Scholarship essays are similar to college essays in that you have you let your personality shine while telling a compelling story. We'll help you write a memorable essay that rises to the top of the applicant pool.

Deepen Your Interests

Summer programs.

Summer programs can boost your college application by highlighting your academic and extracurricular interests. Our team has looked at dozens of essays for summer programs, including YYGS and others.

Find a New Home

Transfer essays.

Transfer essays should reveal how you'll achieve your dreams at the school you want to transfer to. Our team will help you highlight your academic needs and why transferring is the logical next step in your journey.

Land That Job

Your resume will come in handy during college interviews, and some schools allow you to attach it to your application as well. Our consultants will ensure your resume highlights your achievements in the best light possible.

How It Works

Stress-free editing process, submit essay.

Consultant Match

Track essay, receive edits.

Your Dream Consultants

Our team consists of..., writers and editors.

Many of our consultants have professional experience as writers and editors. They have worked for esteemed institutions such as:

• The Harvard Political Review
• W.W. Norton & Company
• The U.S. Department of State

Ivy League Grads

Our consultants have experience applying to prestigious colleges. Many from our team have graduated from the nation's top schools, including:

• Harvard University
• Yale University
• Stanford University

Humanities Majors

While our consultants have varying backgrounds, many studied the humanities in college. They majored and minored in subjects such as:

• Creative Writing

The Next Admit Portal

Everything in one place, work closely with your consultant.

Your consultant is here for you from start to finish. Our built-in messaging system allows you to ask your consultant follow-up questions and provide clarifying details. We understand that crafting the perfect application is a dynamic journey, and our system allows for seamless communication.

Track Your Orders to the Minute

Our system tells you when you'll get your essay back by. You'll never have to worry about fuzzy deadlines or what stage your order is in. We provide full transparency and are dedicated to providing high-quality and timely edits. We're here to make sure you can press submit just in time.

Don’t Take It From Us

See what our students say.

"Lauren was really helpful in giving detailed feedback! I was really surprised to see how she went through each and every one of my sentences and gave me direct feedback on how to expand my ideas. I feel really confident about submitting my application now thanks to her comments!"

"I absolutely loved the feedback I received! I had actually worked with another college essay service for my personal statement, and they didn't provide me nearly as much feedback. The suggestions were thorough, and I gained a great understanding of how my essay is perceived."

"Fred did a great job of putting himself into the shoes of an admissions officer and offering constructive criticism. He not only pointed out flaws, but also provided great suggestions for fixing them. Thanks for such a comprehensive edit."

"Mahad thoroughly edited my essay, and his extensive comment inspired me to completely revamp my essay to make it more unique. I really appreciate his help, and would definitely recommend him."

"As usual, these essay edits are incredibly thorough, understandable, and beneficial. I am able to fix mistakes that I would otherwise overlook. Thank you so, so much for the detailed insight and advice!"

"Super valuable feedback. The edits were very helpful and provided me insight into the parts of my essay that had potential for improvement. I definitely feel much more confident in my essay and more ready to submit my application!"

...and hundreds more five-star reviews!

Frequently asked questions.

The college essay is one of the most important parts of your application. Put your best foot forward by having one of our consultants polish your piece, ensuring it reflects your story in the best light possible while maintaining your true voice.

No, but we are here to help you put your best foot forward. Since the admissions process is holistic and unpredictable, a strong essay alone is not enough to guarantee acceptance. However, our consultants will help you feel confident in your writing and tell an engaging story, all while keeping your voice intact.

Yes. We will not share your essay with any third parties or publish it online. Your essay will remain secure in our system.

Because of high order volume, you cannot choose a specific consultant for your essay review. However, our algorithm will match your essay to the optimal consultant based on availability and the schools you're applying to.

No. We will not write your essay for you. We will, however, provide advice to help you write the best essay you can.

After you receive your essay review, you can order a second revision through the Next Admit Portal for 10% off.

Yes. If, for example, you order a three-day review on Friday, you will receive your edits on Monday.

If you are not satisfied with your revisions, please contact us at [email protected]. We will handle all cases on an individual basis.

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53 episodes

Practical, up-to-date interviews with experts in college admissions, financial aid, personal statements, test prep and more. Ethan Sawyer (aka College Essay Guy), interviews deans of admission, financial aid experts, and veterans of the admissions field to extract, then distill their advice into practical steps for students and those guiding them through the process. From creating an awesome college list to appealing a financial aid letter, Ethan skips the general advice and gets right to the action items, all in an effort to bring more ease, joy and purpose into the college admissions process.

The College Essay Guy Podcast: A Practical Guide to College Admissions Ethan Sawyer

• 4.6 • 190 Ratings
• DEC 5, 2023

411: Finding Your Why, What a Liberal Arts Education Really Is, and How to Figure out What You Actually Want

On Season 1 of the podcast, Ethan had a great conversation with Maria Furtado, then Executive Director of the Colleges That Change Lives organization (also known as “CTCL”). It’s a lovely chat and to date one of our most downloaded episodes.  On today’s episode Ethan had the pleasure of sitting down with her successor, Ann Marano, and they get into:    Where to start when it comes to the college search How to myth bust yourself (a practical exercise) What questions to ask when you’re searching for a college Some things Ann and Ann and Ethan wished they had done differently when they went through the process themselves  Busting some affordability myths What it means to keep a student at the center of the college search  If you’ve never met Ann, you should know that she is a proud first-generation college graduate of Mount St. Mary’s University (CA) who earned her M.A. in Education-Psychology from Pepperdine. She’s served on several counselor advisory boards, including the Common Application Board of Directors and the Johns Hopkins University Access Advisory Board. After 20 years in college admissions counseling at several different universities and high schools and 12 years as the college bound advisor at the first all girls’ public school in the state of Texas, Ann Marano moved into the role of Executive Director for the Colleges That Change Lives. We hope you enjoy the conversation.   Play-by-Play 1:57 - What is CTCL and what is Ann’s role as Executive Director?  3:58 - What’s it like to be a student at a liberal arts college? 8:09 - What kind of student is right for a liberal arts college?  10:01 - What’s a good place to start in the college search process? 14:49 - How to combat myths about colleges  19:04 - What are some questions that are important for students and families to be asking themselves as they go through this process? 25:52 - An exercise for picturing yourself on a college campus  29:45 - What would Ann and Ethan have done differently in college? 32:04 - How does a student get a sense of a school if they're not able to visit the campus? 34:15 - College affordability at private schools 39:17 - What are some tips for parents about keeping students at the center of the search? 43:56 - Another example of what it’s like to be a student at a liberal arts college 48:27 - An exercise students can do to begin this process of finding a great college 52:55 - Final thoughts / wrap-up   Resources CTCL.org CTCL How To Choose A College Brochure The Values Exercise How to Choose a College: A Step-By-Step Guide  How to Research Colleges Without Visiting a Campus Paying for College in Four Steps: The Five College Types U.S. Department of Education College Affordability and Transparency Center College Cost Transparency Initiative The Common Data Set: What It Is and How to Use It in College Admissions   

• NOV 21, 2023

Regional Spotlights: Attending College in The South w/ Renee Ferrerio

On today’s episode, Tom Campbell (CEG’s Community Manager) hosts the first installment of a new series called Regional Spotlights, which will bring on college counseling experts who have deep history or knowledge of the exciting college options from (and cultural nuances of) a particular geographic region. We’re kicking off this series with Colleges in The South. Our Southern specialist and special guest today is CEG’s very own Renee Ferrerio.  Renee began her career more than 30 years ago, first as a public-school counselor and more recently as the Director of College Counseling at The O’Neal School. She is Co-Chair for North Carolina’s State and Area Initiatives Committee and might be considered by some as a counselor-fly in connoisseur, having participated in dozens of visit programs at various colleges and universities across the country. On the episode you’ll hear Tom and Renee discuss: The myths and realities of going to college in The South Admissions trends at Southern flagship public universities How to make studying in The South more affordable, including special scholarship opportunities Hidden gems and unique, specialized programs that you may not have heard of before Our hope is that, for students and families, spotlighting some of these “little things” about studying in the South will help you see that there may even be bigger things in store for you there than you originally anticipated… beyond BBQ.   Play-by-Play 0:24 - Welcome & Introductions 2:57 - Why are we doing regional spotlights? 3:56 - Why should geography be a factor in a student’s list-making process? 7:26 - What are some cultural realities students should keep in mind as they're putting together a college list with Southern schools? 15:57 - What are some misconceptions about Greek Life? 24:03 - What should students applying to public flagships know? 31:06 - College affordability in the South 39:50 - Studying STEM in the South 47:51 - Rapid-fire Southern Spotlights 48:34 - Schools in Florida 55:02 - Schools in Georgia 59:16 - Schools in South Carolina 1:02:45 - Schools in North Carolina 1:08:31 - Schools in Tennessee 1:10:39 - Schools in Texas 1:12:01 - Schools in Virginia 1:16:26 - Wrap Up & Closing Thoughts   Resources Academic Common Market Post-Secondary Employment Outcomes (PSEO) Regent’s Engineering Pathway (REP) at Georgia Tech The NC State Engineering 2+2 Transfer Program UNC Asheville 2+2 Engineering Program Scholarships in the South: Davidson College John M. Belk Scholarship Emory University Scholars Georgia Tech Stamps President's Scholars Program North Carolina State University Park Scholars University of Alabama Presidential University of Georgia Foundation Fellowship and Bernard Ramsey Scholarship University of Kentucky Singletary Scholars University of North Carolina Charlotte Levine Scholars University of North Carolina Morehead-Cain University of Texas at Dallas Eugene McDermott Scholars University of Virginia Jefferson Scholars  Washington and Lee University Johnson Scholarship Wofford College Scholars

• 1 hr 17 min
• NOV 2, 2023

A Crash Course in College Athletic Recruiting w/ Katie Andersen

My guest is Katie Andersen, a former NCAA Division 1 Women’s Soccer player at Duke University, who now advises student-athletes through her organization, College Fit OC. She’s also the co-founder of The Student-Athlete Advisors, which focuses on educating and mentoring educational consultants who advise college-bound student-athletes. Our conversation turned into a veritable crash course in college athletic recruiting. We get into, among other things: How a student can know if they can realistically play their sport at the college level When students should start their athletic recruiting process Can a college coach actually help a student get accepted to a university? How college-list building is different for student athletes Recent rule changes families should be aware of Tips for social media Tips for recruiting videos And lots more!   Play-by-play 0:00 - Intro / Who is Katie Anderson? 1:37 -  Katie shares a little bit about her journey as a student athlete 4:29 - How can a student know if they can realistically play their sport at the college level? 9:00 - When should students start their athletic recruiting process? 12:45 - Should student athletes visit campus?  15:36 - How do students know if a coach is serious about recruiting them?  18:11 - How can students be proactive in their recruiting process?  21:30 - What influence do coaches have on the admissions process?  25:05 - What are coaches looking for in student athletes?  29:51 - How is building a college list different for student athletes? 35:50  - How do early decision applications impact the students' athletic recruiting journey? 39:03 - Are there any recent shifts in athletic recruitment that students should know?  42:18 -  How can social media be used to help a student in the recruiting process? 47:04 - What are some tips for creating recruiting videos?  50:32 - What are some of the misconceptions that students and families have about this process? 52:46 - Advice to families who are considering hiring somebody to help them with this process? 54:46  - What resources are available for families throughout this process?  54:43 - Wrap-Up   Resources Blog for Student Athlete Advisors (Katie’s organization) College Athletic Recruiting Playbook NCAA Guide for the College-Bound Student-Athlete How to Choose a College: A Step-By-Step Guide Podcast 121: Which Schools Are the Most Generous With Financial Aid? (US Version) - Jeff Levy, financial aid expert Podcast 122: Which Schools Are the Most Generous With Financial Aid? (International Version) - Jennie Kent, international financial aid expert Podcast 123: Should You Apply Early Decision or Regular Decision? (And the Chart That Can Help You Decide) - Jennie Kent and Jeff Levy

• OCT 11, 2023

10 Critical Things Trans Youth (and Their Counselors and Caregivers) Should Know in High School and When Applying to College w/ Shannon and Sam Bergeron

On this episode I had the honor of sitting down with Sam and Shannon Bergeron. Sam is a transgender man who transitioned in high school (in Texas) and who now works in college admissions at his alma mater, Hampshire College. Shannon is Founder of Core College Consulting, where she specializes in using a whole child college counseling™ approach. She’s been a school counselor for more than 20 years, a volunteer with Matchlighters Scholars program, and she’s also Sam’s mom, an ally, and an advocate for trans students.  We discuss a number of critical things trans youth, their counselors and caregivers should know as they navigate the college admission process, including: The importance of understanding student information systems at your school How to ensure safety in gendered spaces on campus The value of offering, or improving trans-specific counseling services Conversation starters for teachers, counselors, and administrators How to research colleges And much more   Play-by-play 0:00 - Introduction - Who are Shannon and Sam? 1:43 - Welcome to the podcast 1:55 - Shannon and Sam share their backstories in advocating for trans youth 4:39 - What was Shannon’s experience of Sam’s transition in high school? 6:42 - Why is it important to talk about and advocate for trans youth? 9:57 - Ethan shares his personal ties to trans youth advocacy 10:45 - What are some of trans students' rights at school? 15:19 - What are Shannon’s strategies for identifying places in the school system that protect trans youth?  17:38 - What are some of the impacts of calling a student by the wrong name?  19:20 - How can parents, caregivers, and counselors better support trans students?  21:55 - How do you find and create safe spaces in high school? 28:00 - What is Shannon’s advice for parents in similar situations? 32:15 - The power of grounding techniques   34:38 - What are some ways of sharing your story in a way that is impactful for others? 37:20 - What should counselors keep in mind? 39:25 - Sharing common terminology surrounding LGBTQIA+ identities  44:04 - What is Sam’s experience and advice in the college search process? 49:26 - ICYMI: CEG Podcast Episode 214 - Resources for LGBTQ+ Students from Campus Pride with Shane Windmeyer 49:53 - Advice and considerations for writing the college essay 56:32 - Closing advice for supporting the trans people in your life   Resources:  Blog Article: 10 Critical Things Trans Youth (and Their Counselors and Caregivers) Should Know in High School and When Applying to College The Protect Trans Students Resource 50+ LGBTQ Resources for Students and Their Counselors Grounding techniques resources: https://dialecticalbehaviortherapy.com/distress-tolerance/grounding/ https://www.inclusivetherapists.com/blog/understanding-different-types-of-grounding https://www2.winona.edu/resilience/media/grounding-worksheet.pdf https://www.acesdv.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Grounding-Worksheet.pdf

• SEP 29, 2023

Behind the Scenes of an Admission Office + Supplemental Essay Deep Dive w/ Rick Diaz

On today’s episode I got to sit down with Rick Diaz, the Regional Director of Admission for Southern Methodist University (SMU) and someone I’ve known for more than 15 years. We have a pretty wide ranging discussion that covers: A behind-the-scenes look at how SMU reads applications and how they shape a class—and what that even means  Then we dive into supplemental essays — in particular the impacts of the Supreme Court’s decision to ban race-conscious admission — and how that decision has led to a large number of selective schools changing or adding new supplemental essay prompts.  We nerd out on Rick’s favorite supplemental essay—the “Why us” essay—talk a little about college majors and then—I think, Rick maybe has a little a-ha moment about when his interest in his own college major began We play a little game I made up on the chat called “What do students get wrong about…” And finally we discuss dos and don’ts for making a connection with your regional admission officers including (spoiler alert) why you maybe shouldn’t show up at their house with a box of their favorite cookies… unless you kinda’ want to freak them out a little?   I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did.    Play-by-play 0:00 - Welcome to the podcast 01:32 - Who is Rick Diaz? 02:35 - What’s Rick’s role at Southern Methodist University (SMU)? 06:04 - How does SMU read applications? 08:44 - How long does Rick spend on reading an application?  10:42 - What are institutional priorities and how do they shape decisions in a college? 13:05 - What is the relationship between supplemental essays and institutional priorities? 16:29 - What are colleges looking for when their supplemental question is “Why us?” 17:21 - This year’s supplemental prompts at SMU 18:14 - Should you talk about your diversity in your college essays? 21:01 - An exercise in diversity 23:32 - What are colleges thinking about right now surrounding supplemental essays? 25:55 - Rick reacts to supplemental prompts from other schools 26:07 - Rick reacts to a prompt about being different 27:34 - Rick reacts to a prompt about your identity and goals 29:41 - How did Rick figure out his major in college? 32:46 - What is demonstrated interest and how important is it? 38:16 - Why do colleges care who is more likely to enroll? 40:25 - Do’s and Don’t’s of reaching out to your admissions officer 43:01 - What students get wrong about admissions 43:14 - How important are extracurriculars & summer planning? 44:41 - What about the personal statement? 47:03 - Is it true that the personal statement or supplemental essay can impact some students more than others? 49:00 - What about Standardized testing? 51:00 - What Rick loves about this work 52:41 - What should families keep in mind during this process? 57:07 - Wrap-up and additional resources   Resources The “If You Really, Really Knew Me” Exercise (Template) This practical, comprehensive exercise helps students generate a list of identities, skills, qualities, and skills they can share with colleges. It’s one of our favorites here at CEG—if you use it, just give us a shout-out. :) The Social Identities Exercise (Template) This exercise is another favorite and is useful for helping students think about diversity and identity in both broader and more nuanced ways. Includes a guide for counselors, facilitators, and parents. How to Answer the “Diversity” (and Other Related) Supplemental Essay Prompts (Blog Article) Colleges and Universities that Changed Their Supplemental Essay Prompts After the SCOTUS Decision Was Released (Blog Article) Why You Don’t Have to Write about Trauma in Your College Essay to Stand Out—and What You Can Do Instead (Blog Article)  

• SEP 15, 2023

406: Why You Don’t Have to Write about Trauma in Your College Essay to Stand Out—and What You Can Do Instead w/ Tina Yong

In this episode I sat down with TED speaker Tina Yong to talk about why students don’t have to write about trauma in a college essay to stand out—and what they can do instead. We discussed, among other things:  Tina’s experience as an immigrant/racialized person feeling the pressure to turn her personal story into a personal statement with a linear, digestible plot—and how she realized how damaging this could be damaging to students of color How Tina believes this is more a systemic issue The recent Supreme Court ruling and how it can be okay to talk about race in the college application, with certain caveats An example personal statement that mentions race but speaks specifically to qualities of character and unique abilities the author would bring to a college campus Other ways students can share their identities in ways that allow them to take ownership of their story Practical exercises students might use to talk about their different identities in their application—identities that include but aren’t limited to race Supplemental essay prompts that ask specifically about challenges Specific advice from Tina for students and for counselors    Play-by-Play 0:00 - Intro 3:45 - Who is Tina Yong? 4:04 - Ethan and Tina’s backstory 7:08 - ICYMI: recap of Tina’s TedX Talk about her experience as an immigrant applying to US universities 9:44 - What inspired Tina to speak on trauma in college essays? 11:11 - How and why Ethan changed his workshop approach 12:32 - What response did Tina get after her TED Talk? What was the impact? 14:29 - What has Tina learned since giving her TED Talk? 17:28 - How will applicants of colors be affected by the recent Supreme Court ruling on race-conscious admissions? 19:46 - Is it okay to discuss race in your application? 22:03 - Ethan & Tina read of a sample personal statement that discusses race 25:03 - Tina’s analysis 27:32 - Ethan’s analysis 30:04 - Three ways that students can share their identity in their personal statements—that don’t focus on a traumatic story with a happy ending 34:55 - How to avoid writing a “sob story” 35:45 - How to structure a challenges-based essay 36:34 - What are colleges looking for in a college essay? 38:15 - Practical brainstorming exercises for finding great personal statement topics 43:04 - Navigating supplemental essay prompts 47:31 - This isn’t the “Vulnerability Olympics” 51:36 - Counselor resources & takeaways 53:11 - Student resources & takeaways 55:47 - Book recommendations from Tina on psychology & trauma 57:21 - Closing thoughts   Resources: Ethan’s edit to the"35+ Best College Essay Tips..."  Should You Write about Race in Your College Application—And, If So, How? (Blog) How to Answer the “Diversity” (and Other Related) Supplemental Essay Prompt(s) (Blog) Colleges and Universities that Changed Their Supplemental Essay Prompts After the SCOTUS Decision Was Released Resource for counselors on How (and Why) to Uplevel Your School Profile (coming soon) Why You Don’t Have to Write about Trauma in Your College Essay to Stand Out—and What You Can Do Instead (blog)  

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Thank for such well done podcasts - they have really helped me understand both the college admissions topics and other things to think about as a parent of a soon-to-be high schooler. Also kudos for making it easy and fun to listen to!

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I’m so grateful I found your podcast!! I’m going back to school and I’m soaking up so much from you! Thank you so much!

Paradox and hypocrisy- that’s college admissions

This podcast deserves 5-stars because it is an honest and useful guide to writing essays that will get a kid admitted into a good college. The downside is also its honesty. - Be authentic, unless you’re “privileged.” (“Privilege” defined: rich, or even middle class, or god forbid a two parent home. Or, if you know what gender you are, and have never been confused about it...etc) - Make sure you visit the schools that you want to attend, to demonstrate interest and garner material for your essays. Nevermind the fact that you’re supposed to be too poor to be able to afford these visits, and should not have reliable adults in your life to take you. - Don’t include any political topics or religious topics in your essays unless you have an extreme liberal bent or unless you’re a member of a religion that is popular with liberalism. If you communicate anything in your essays that hints at anything other than classic American Liberalism— that will be a BIG red flag to colleges that you are closed minded, and they don’t want closed minds on college campuses. - Be sure to buy the “how to write college essay” books and purchase the workshops we sell— because you need all of the tips we have to offer. But definitely be too poor to buy these books. Thanks for the honesty!!

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T14 Law Schools

Getting into any law school is tough. But getting into one of the T14 Law schools… That's an even bigger challenge, requiring more thoughtful preparation, determination, and perseverance. 

What are the T14 law schools? The fourteen law schools consistently ranked as the strongest institutions for getting a Juris Doctor (JD) degree. 

And you’ll face stiff competition if one or more of your dream law schools falls on this list. In 2023, acceptance rates at these schools are as low as 5.7%! 

Of course, you don’t need to apply to a T14 law school. There are 197 ABA-approved law schools in the United States.

And there’s also a lot of criticism about the relevance of the T14 law school list. It may not be as significant as you think.

So, if you’re wondering—“Should I apply to a T14 law school? Is it worth the hassle? Are these fourteen law schools really all they’re cracked up to be?”—this blog post is for you! 

We’re about to dig into the ranking process, which fourteen schools made the most recent cut, why some people say this list is irrelevant or should be ignored, and some tips to help you apply to any top law school.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

What are the t14 law schools, list of t14 law schools, criticisms of law school rankings, how to get into “top” law schools.

• Final Thoughts

The T14 law schools list isn’t static, though it is remarkably consistent: It’s simply the fourteen law schools that currently have the highest rankings according to the U.S. News & World Report .

Some law schools are almost always on this list, while others may occasionally get replaced by other reputable schools (for example, UCLA, UT Austin, and Georgetown sometimes nudge each other out). Why? 

Because the rankings typically consider factors such as academic reputation, employment outcomes, faculty credentials, and the overall quality of the law school experience. And these things can change from year to year. 

Still, making the list can, understandably, make a school highly attractive to an aspiring lawyer, especially since there are some law firms that essentially only hire from these schools. The prestige awarded to these schools can lead to unparalleled career advancement and networking opportunities.

Here’s the most recent list of T14 Law Schools:

Stanford University Law School

Yale University Law School

University of Chicago Law School

University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School

Duke University School of Law

Harvard University

NYU School of Law

Columbia University

University of Virginia

Northwestern Pritzker School of Law

University of California, Berkeley

University of Michigan, Ann Arbor

Cornell University School of Law

University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) School of Law

Why are these schools so highly regarded, and what does it take to get into one or more of the T14 law schools? Let’s take a quick look at each school, including their 2023 admissions statistics and top specializations. 

1. Stanford University Law School

At Stanford University Law School , the benefits extend beyond the classroom, with a focus on producing graduates equipped with practice-ready skills and opportunities for prestigious clerkships.

Embracing its roots in Silicon Valley, Stanford Law emphasizes innovation, interdisciplinary learning, and a commitment to positive global impact. At Stanford Law, aspiring lawyers can shape their own academic journey, creating joint degrees and exploring law's intersections with dynamic disciplines. 

Location: Stanford, California

Acceptance Rate: 6.9%

Median GPA: 3.92

Median LSAT: 173

Top Law Specializations: Constitutional Law, Contracts/Commercial Law, Criminal Law, Intellectual Property Law

2. Yale University Law School

Yale Law School stands out as a global leader in legal education, offering an unparalleled environment of excellence and intellectualism. With nearly 200 courses led by world-renowned faculty, the school provides a unique platform for students to immerse themselves in the study of law.

Beyond the classroom, Yale Law School distinguishes itself through a network of legal clinics and intellectual centers, empowering students to apply their knowledge. This dynamic approach equips graduates with the skills to bring about meaningful change in real-world settings.

Location: New Haven, Connecticut

Acceptance Rate: 5.7%

Median GPA: 3.94

Median LSAT: 175

Top Law Specializations: Business/Corporate Law, Clinical Training, Constitutional Law, Contracts/Commercial Law, Criminal Law, Health Care Law, International Law

3. University of Chicago Law School

UChicago Law provides a rigorous and interdisciplinary professional education, seamlessly integrating legal studies with the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. This distinctive approach fosters a close-knit community where students, faculty, and staff collectively devote themselves to intellectual pursuits.

UChicago Law not only prioritizes legal education but also strives to cultivate an environment where the life of the mind thrives. At the core of UChicago Law's philosophy is a commitment to participatory learning, avoiding the imposition of a singular viewpoint. 

Location: Chicago, IL

Acceptance Rate: 14.2%

Median GPA: 3.91

Top Law Specializations: Business/Corporate Law, Contracts/Commercial Law, Constitutional Law, Criminal Law, Tax Law

4. The University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School

The University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School holds prestige among aspiring lawyers across the world. Its distinctive approach to legal education integrates diverse disciplines, equipping graduates with a comprehensive skill set for impactful careers across various legal sectors.

With a focus on innovation, the community at Penn Carey Law cultivates an environment that encourages intellectual risk-taking and promotes scholarly collaboration.

Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Acceptance Rate: 9.7%

Median GPA: 3.9

Median LSAT: 172

Top Law Specializations: Constitutional Law, Contracts/Commercial Law, Corporate/Business Law, Criminal Law

5. Duke University School of Law

With a focus on open, rigorous, and collaborative education, Duke University School of Law emphasizes principles like equal justice, ethical leadership, diversity, and public service. The school creates an environment where students and faculty engage in academic rigor within an interdisciplinary setting that values creativity and innovation.

Duke Law invests strategically in faculty, clinics, interdisciplinary centers, and technology, ensuring they stay ahead in legal scholarship and education.

Location: Durham, North Carolina

Acceptance Rate: 10.7%

Median GPA: 3.85

Median LSAT: 170

Top Law Specializations: Constitutional Law, Criminal Law, Environmental Law, Intellectual Property Law, Tax Law

6. Harvard Law School

Harvard Law School , the oldest law school in the U.S., is home to the world's largest academic law library. Offering over 500 courses, seminars, and reading groups, Harvard Law provides students with a diverse curriculum reflecting the faculty's wide-ranging expertise.

Aspiring lawyers at Harvard Law School can expect a rich academic experience guided by a faculty committed to imparting knowledge and collaborative research.

Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts

Acceptance Rate: 10.1%

Median LSAT: 174

Top Law Specializations: Business/Corporate Law, Constitutional Law, Contracts/Commercial Law, Criminal Law, Dispute Resolution, Environmental Law, Health Care Law, International Law

7. NYU School of Law

NYU Law aims to equip students with critical and creative thinking skills essential for success in diverse legal paths—whether in a firm, entrepreneurship, or public service. NYU Law also strongly emphasizes experiential learning, offering over 40 clinics and externships that provide hands-on experience in areas such as immigration and innovation.

The faculty at NYU Law, composed of leading scholars and experts, actively contributes to conversations on pressing issues while providing mentorship and collaboration with students. 

Location: New York, New York

Acceptance Rate: 15.7%

Median GPA : 3.88

Top Law Specializations: Business/Corporate Law, Criminal Law, Environmental Law, Intellectual Property Law, International Law, Tax Law

8. Columbia Law School

The benefits of a legal education from Columbia Law School are numerous, including exceptional training from world-class faculty, access to a progressive curriculum, hands-on legal experience, unparalleled career opportunities, and a rich cultural backdrop of New York City.

Capitalizing on the vast interdisciplinary resources of its research university, the school prepares graduates to navigate complex legal issues across borders, subjects, and industries. 

Acceptance Rate: 11.9%

Median GPA: 3.87

Median LSAT : 173

Top Law Specializations : Business/Corporate Law, Contracts/Commercial Law, Criminal Law, International Law

9. University of Virginia School of Law

As one of the nation's premier law schools, the University of Virginia Law School upholds a legacy of educating generations of lawyers committed to leadership, integrity, and community service. The Law School is renowned for its collaborative atmosphere, building strong connections between students and faculty.

With over 250 courses and seminars, including externships and 20 clinics for practical training, Virginia encourages students to explore interdisciplinary ideas. 

Location: Charlottesville, Virginia

Acceptance Rate: 12.9%

Median LSAT: 171

Top Law Specializations: Business/Corporate Law, Constitutional Law, Contracts/Commercial Law, Criminal Law, International Law, Tax Law

10. Northwestern Pritzker School of Law

At Northwestern Pritzker School of Law , collaboration is not just encouraged—it's fundamental. Noteworthy programs like the Senior Research Program pair students with esteemed faculty scholars, fostering deep intellectual exploration. Meanwhile, the Clinical Program provides hands-on experience in client representation, ensuring graduates are well-prepared and confident in the ever-evolving legal landscape.

Recognized for leadership in interdisciplinary and social justice research and teaching, Northwestern Pritzker Law boasts a faculty majority (over 50%) with PhDs, contributing impactful scholarship. 

Location: Chicago, Illinois

Acceptance Rate : 15%

Median GPA: 3.89

Median LSAT : 171

Top Law Specializations : Clinical Training, Contracts/Commercial Law, Dispute Resolution, Tax Law

11. University of California, Berkeley Law

Berkeley Law ensures students receive comprehensive training in legal theory, doctrine, and practice, alongside exposure to the influential forces shaping the law. The school also champions faculty members who lead in diverse scholarly inquiries, involving students in rigorous academic and intellectual endeavors.

Berkeley Law's unique public mission underscores commitments to accessibility, affordability, and diverse career pathways for students from all backgrounds. Graduates master key competencies, spanning legal knowledge, analytical skills, ethical responsibilities, and practical expertise.

Location: Berkeley, California

Acceptance Rate : 12.5%

Median GPA: 3.83

Median LSAT : 170

Top Law Specializations : Business/Corporate Law, Constitutional Law, Contracts/Commercial Law, Environmental Law, Intellectual Property Law

12.  University of Michigan Law School

The University of Michigan Law School has a dynamic faculty representing various fields of expertise, many of whom are leaders in their domains. The success stories of the school's alumni attest to its strength, with graduates making notable contributions in public service, private sectors, and academia.

What sets Michigan Law apart is not just access to accomplished scholars but also the connections forged among a diverse and talented student body. This collaborative spirit enhances the learning experience, bringing out the best in both faculty and students.

Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan

Acceptance Rate: 13.5%

Top Law Specializations : Business/Corporate Law, Clinical Training, Constitutional Law, Contracts/Commercial Law, Legal Writing

13. Cornell University School of Law

Cornell University School of Law equips its students with a deep understanding of substantive and procedural law as well as critical legal research, analysis, and problem-solving abilities. The school also places a strong emphasis on cultivating effective communication skills.

Beyond theoretical knowledge, the program offers ample opportunities for students to engage in practical, real-world legal experiences, participate in pro bono activities, and collaborate in small-group settings, cultivating a holistic and experiential learning environment.

Location: Ithaca, New York

Acceptance Rate: 17.4%

Top Law Specializations: Business/Corporate Law, Contracts/Commercial Law, Constitutional Law

14. University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) School of Law

UCLA School of Law , the youngest among top-tier law schools in the U.S., offers a world-class legal education. With influential faculty members who are both dedicated teachers and cutting-edge scholars, the law school provides students with a strong foundation in the law and practical training.

With more than 60 full-time faculty members recognized as influential scholars, UCLA Law stands as a beacon of excellence, offering leading academic programs for aspiring lawyers.

Location: Los Angeles, California

Acceptance Rate: 15.5%

Top Law Specializations : Business/Corporate Law, Contracts/Commercial Law, Environmental Law, Intellectual Property Law, Tax Law, Trial Advocacy

Remember when we said some people raise concerns about the T14 law school list? Well, here are many of the reasons you may not want to let these rankings guide your law school selection process. 

Arbitrary Measurement . Critics argue that law school rankings often rely on arbitrary measurements, evaluating characteristics without a standardized or universally agreed-upon methodology.

Fit and Appropriateness. There is a growing consensus that a prospective law student should consider each school's "fit" and appropriateness for their individual needs and career goals. A one-size-fits-all ranking may not accurately reflect these considerations.

Geographical and Demographic Bias. Common rankings may fall short in acknowledging the diverse strengths of law schools, leading to potential biases against institutions based on geographical or demographic factors.

American Bar Association Disapproval. The American Bar Association (ABA), an authority in legal education, consistently disapproves of law school rankings. The ABA has issued disclaimers on rating systems , urging prospective law students to consider a broader range of factors.

Association of American Law Schools Criticisms. The Association of American Law Schools has also voiced strong criticisms of the U.S. News & World Report's ranking system. An executive director of the association even described it as a "misleading and deceptive" commercial enterprise compromising journalistic integrity.

Alternative Guides. In response to the challenges posed by rankings, the ABA and the Law School Admission Council (LSAC) publish alternative guides that provide essential data on ABA-approved law schools without ranking them.

ABA-Approved Law Schools

The American Bar Association (ABA) is responsible for accrediting law schools in the United States, ensuring their compliance with established standards for legal education. 

The ABA approval signifies that a law school delivers a robust educational experience, adequately preparing students for the practice of law. 

This approval process involves a meticulous evaluation of various factors, including the faculty's qualifications, the curriculum's structure and content, the adequacy of library resources, and the quality of facilities provided by the institution. 

The accreditation indicates that the law school adheres to recognized benchmarks, enabling its graduates to meet eligibility requirements for bar examinations in most jurisdictions.

Lists of ABA-Approved Law Schools

Law Schools Alphabetically

Public Law Schools

Private Law Schools

Securing a spot in a top law school requires strategic planning and a comprehensive approach. If that’s your goal (and again, spend some time reflecting on whether it is or should be), here are some top tips on the law school requirements , and here’s the short version: 

Craft a Compelling Personal Statement

Your law school personal statement, or statement of purpose , is not quite like the personal essay you wrote for undergraduate admissions. It has more academic aspects, and it's a chance to introduce yourself, talk about relevant academic and professional experiences, and share what has influenced your decision to apply to law school. 

Achieve a High LSAT Score

A strong LSAT score can significantly impact your law school prospects. Some schools even have minimum LSAT scores for applicants. So, it’s important to dedicate enough time to prepare for the exam. Our LSAT guide provides insights on the exam format, study tips, and resources to help you succeed. 

Maintain a High GPA in College

A strong academic record is another significant factor in the highly competitive law school admissions process. The lowest median GPA for admitted applicants at the T14 schools was 3.85! So, do your best to showcase your intellectual abilities and dedication with your college record. If you've faced challenges, consider addressing them in your application essays to demonstrate resilience.

Gain Relevant Job Experience

Practical experience demonstrates your understanding of the legal field and enhances your overall candidacy. Actively pursue internships, legal research positions, or other roles aligned with your legal interests. These types of work experiences can be a source of excellent material for your law school personal statement. 

Final thoughts

If you're considering applying to a T14 school, we hope this post has provided valuable information about whether it’s the right choice for you. 

Remember, there are nearly 200 ABA-approved law schools. So, it’s not necessary or even recommended to decide where to study based on this list. 

If you're looking for additional resources to help on your journey to becoming a lawyer , we recommend speaking with our graduate school admissions consultants. We can help you craft a strong personal statement and navigate the law school application process. So, why wait? Schedule a consultation and begin taking the next step in your law school journey!

Ameer is a freelance writer who specializes in writing about college admissions and career development. Prior to freelancing, Ameer worked for three years as a college admissions consultant at a Hong Kong-based education center, helping local high school students prepare and apply for top colleges and universities in the US. He has a B.A. in Latin American Studies from the University of Chicago and an M.A. in Spanish Linguistics from UCLA. When he’s not working, Ameer loves traveling, weight lifting, writing, reading, and learning foreign languages. He currently lives in Bangkok, Thailand.

Top values: Growth / Diversity / Empathy

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The College Essay: Tips from an Admission Counselor!

In the competitive landscape of college admissions, the essay is your chance to showcase personality, uniqueness, experiences and aspirations. However, many students struggle with what to write and get stuck in a spiral of rereading and rewriting.

Jasmine Garver Senior Assistant Director of Admission

shares some essay-writing tips and secrets about what counselors are looking for in the college essay!

What makes a college essay stand out? It may seem obvious but write in your own voice about something that truly interests you. We can tell when passion comes out in writing, and it will sound better when you’re being authentic and true to yourself. Also, don’t feel like your topic needs to be some groundbreaking or life-altering thing; sometimes the most unexpected topics make the best essays!

What do admission counselors look for in an essay? We’re looking to learn more about you! This is an opportunity to give us a sense of who you are as a person beyond your application and recommendation letters. We’re also looking to see if you’ve taken the time to build out your idea and fully formalize it in writing.

What should I NOT do in my essay? Remember that actual people will be reading your essay so keep the language and content appropriate. Also, don’t feel like you need to impress us by adding a bunch of fancy words and unnatural vocabulary; just be yourself!

Will it hurt my chances if I talk about my disability, trauma, mental health, etc.?  Absolutely not – if you feel like this is an important part of your story, you can write about it. At the end of the day, we’re looking to learn more about what makes you, “YOU.” If this includes extenuating circumstances or personal challenges you wish to share, we welcome the opportunity to create a safe space for you to do so.

Extra tips to keep in mind:

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Merrimack College

315 Turnpike Street North Andover, MA 01845 (978) 837-5000 Directions

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