Join College Essay Advisors' Founder and Chief Advisor, Stacey Brook, and Director of Advising, Becca Myers, for the inside scoop on all things college essay-related – from brainstorming tips to real time essay reviews. This is your chance to go behind the scenes at CEA and discover what admissions is really looking for!
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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 th ...
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Master academic writing with ease! Writing Tricks is here to help you write with clarity and confidence. From crafting college essays to refining your writing style, this podcast is your guide to becoming a confident and effective writer. Whether you're a university student or simply want to write better, tune in for quick tips, step-by-step strategies, and inspiration to improve your skills today. Take your work to the next level. Perfect for students, professionals and lifelong learners. W ...
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32: How to Approach the College Transfer Objective Statement
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Join Stacey and Becca as they discuss the Transfer Objective Statement. They cover the most frequent mistakes transfer applicants make while writing their admissions essays, as well as advice for drafting transfer essays that stand out. Watch some of our YouTube videos: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0MaLsIu1vdE https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a6V…
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79. Essays | 5 Transition Words That Can Make or Break Your Essay.
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Struggling to make your essays flow smoothly? In this episode, we uncover 5 powerful transition words that can elevate your writing and ensure your ideas connect seamlessly. Learn how to use them effectively, avoid common mistakes, and transform your essays from good to exceptional. A must-listen for anyone aiming to write with clarity and impact! …
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523: Busting College Admission Myths Using Data (Part 1 of 2): Standardized Tests, Rankings, and the Cost of College with Akil Bello
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Welcome to our new series on busting college admission myths using data. In today’s episode, Ethan is joined by Akil Bello to talk about standardized tests, rankings, and the cost of college. They dig into some common misconceptions about college including: Are most colleges returning to requiring standardized testing scores? Is it too hard to get …
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Episode 31: College Essays and AI: What You Need to Know About New Trends
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Join Stacey and Becca as they discuss the increasing trend of applicants using AI to write their college admissions essays. They discuss the current climate of admissions, what they’ve seen in their work with students, and what they’ve heard from their contacts in admissions offices. Take a look at the AI-generated essay Becca reviewed: https://www…
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78. Historical Essays | Eating the Poor: The Genius of Swift’s Satire in ‘A modest proposal’
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What if an essay could shock, amuse, and provoke all at once? In this episode, we’re uncovering the brilliance of Jonathan Swift’s A Modest Proposal. Published in 1729, this satirical essay suggests a shocking solution to poverty in Ireland: selling children as food for the wealthy. But beneath the absurdity lies a sharp critique of 18th-century so…
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77. Essays | From Montaigne to Modern Blogs: The Evolution of the Essay
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What do personal reflections, philosophical debates, and viral think-pieces have in common? They all trace their roots back to the essay, a literary form that has shaped how we think, write, and share ideas for centuries.In this episode, we explore the fascinating journey of the essay, starting with Michel de Montaigne’s revolutionary Essais in the…
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76. Essays | Civil Disobedience: The Essay That Sparked Revolutions
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What makes an essay powerful enough to inspire revolutions and shape history? In this special episode, we explore Henry David Thoreau’s Civil Disobedience—a timeless call to resist injustice that influenced leaders like Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr.Whether you're an ESL student, a college writer, or someone who loves great ideas, this episode o…
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30: What to Do if You Are Rejected in the Early Action/Early Decision Round
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Join Stacey and Becca as they offer applicants tips for processing the disappointment of rejection, insight into the admissions decision process, and recommendations for how applicants can optimize their admissions essays ahead of Regular Decision deadlines. Sign up for your Rejection Review: https://www.collegeessayadvisors.com/one-on-one-advising…
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29: Early Action and Early Decision Deferrals: What They Mean and What You Can Do About It!
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Join Stacey and Becca as they discuss what being deferred means and what you can do to improve your odds of admission in the Regular Decision application round—both for your top-choice school and the remaining schools on your list. Sign up for your Deferral Review: https://www.collegeessayadvisors.com/one-on-one-advising/the-rejection-deferral-revi…
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75. Essays | Common Essay Writing Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
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Struggling with essays? This episode is here to help! We break down the most common mistakes students make in academic essay writing, from weak thesis statements to poor structure and misused evidence. For each mistake, we explain why it’s an issue and provide actionable tips to avoid it. Here’s what you’ll learn: 1) How to craft a clear and strong…
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522: Storytelling & Identity with Ethan Sawyer (Part 4 Bonus Episode!): On Balancing Identities, Writing as a Journey, and the Mystery of Enoughness
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In our most recent series on storytelling and identity, Ethan sat down with his screenwriter friends to do a deep dive into the creative process, the power of storytelling, and how identity plays a role in both. In this bonus episode, the tables are turned as Ethan is interviewed by CEG Essay Coach, Ali Pineo. In their conversation, Ethan and Ali g…
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74. Essays | 3 Words That Will Instantly Elevate a Native Speaker's Writing
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Does your writing feel "good" but not exceptional? In this episode, we uncover three simple yet powerful words that can transform your essays, emails, or articles into polished, professional pieces. Learn how to add depth with "nuance," connect ideas seamlessly with "moreover," and tackle complex problems with "conundrum." Plus, we’ll show you prac…
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73. Essays | Crafting the Perfect Roadmap: How to Guide Your Essay to Success
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Have you ever started reading an essay and felt lost after the introduction? Chances are, it was missing a clear roadmap—a simple yet powerful guide to help readers navigate the journey ahead. In this episode, we’ll break down what a roadmap is, why it’s essential, and how to write one that keeps your audience hooked and informed.Whether you're tac…
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72. Essays | Nail Your Thesis Statement: The Key to a Successful Essay
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Struggling to craft a strong thesis statement? This episode has you covered! In under 4 minutes, you’ll learn the three golden rules for writing a thesis that wows professors and makes your essay shine. Discover how to: 1) Answer the question with clarity and focus. 2) Add specific details that set your thesis apart. 3) Take a bold stand to guide y…
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71. Essays | How to write an irresistible essay hook (video)
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📚 Ready to grab your reader's attention in seconds? In this video episode, we dive into the art of crafting the perfect hook for your essay. Whether you're starting with a thought-provoking quote, an eye-opening fact, or a clever rhetorical question, I'll show you how to keep your audience intrigued from the very first line.Perfect for anyone prepa…
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70. Essays | How to write a captivating essay intro (video)
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Struggling with how to start your essay? In this quick video, I break down the three essential elements for a captivating college introduction: an irresistible hook, a clear thesis statement, and a roadmap that sets the stage for your ideas. Perfect for students and lifelong learners who want their writing to stand out. Watch, learn, and take the p…
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521: Storytelling & Identity with Ryan Maldonado (Part 3 of 3): On Code-switching, Photographing Living Rooms, and Growing up Not-Rich in Miami
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In this three-part series, Ethan sits down with his screenwriter friends to do a deep dive into the creative process, the power of storytelling, and how identity plays a role in both. In Episode 3, Ethan is joined by screenwriter Ryan Maldonado, known for his work on AMC’s Parish, Hulu’s Death and Other Details, Amazon’s Hunters, Chicago PD, FBI, a…
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69. Revamping Writing Tricks: New Format, New Goals
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Welcome to the revival of Writing Tricks! In this special episode, I’m unveiling all the exciting changes: new formats, more interaction, and a renewed focus on helping you improve your English writing skills. Now with video and enhanced communication channels like Twitter/X and Buy Me a Coffee, this podcast is evolving to offer a more engaging and…
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520: Storytelling & Identity w/Whit Anderson (Part 2 of 3): Beating Writer's Block, Writing RomComs and Space Operas, and Female Representation in Hollywood
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In this three-part series, Ethan sits down with his screenwriter friends to do a deep dive into the creative process, the power of storytelling, and how identity plays a role in both. In Episode 2, Ethan is joined by screenwriter Whit Anderson, known for her work on Daredevil, The Twilight Zone, and Ozark. Whit and Ethan talk about, among other thi…
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519: Storytelling & Identity with Dave Callaham (Part 1 of 3): What it’s Like Writing Marvel Movies, Asian-American Representation in Hollywood, and Advice on Finding Your Voice
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In this new three-part series, Ethan sits down with his screenwriter friends to do a deep dive into the creative process, the power of storytelling, and how identity plays a role in both. In Episode 1, Ethan is joined by screenwriter Dave Callaham, known best for Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, Shang Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, Wonder…
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518: Inside the Application (Part 4): How to Know if You’re “Almost Done” with Your College Application
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Today’s episode is part four of our series Inside the Application. Ethan is joined by Cassidy, a current high school senior who is working on her college applications for the Fall 2025 term. Cassidy’s application deadlines are coming up, so Ethan and Cassidy check out what she has so far through a process called the “Almost Done” review. They discu…
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517: Inside the Application (Part 3): Supplemental Essay Deep Dive + Developing the College List w/ Special Guest Renee Ferrerio
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Today’s episode is part three of our series, Inside the Application. Ethan is joined by Cassidy, a current high school senior who is working on her college applications for the Fall 2025 term. This episode is a deep dive into the supplemental essays — specific essays that many selective colleges and universities require. In particular, Cassidy and …
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516: Inside the Application (Part 2): Developing the Personal Statement, Supplemental Essays, and College List with Cassidy, HS Senior
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Today’s episode is part two of our series, Inside the Application. Ethan is joined by Cassidy, a current high school senior who is working on her college applications for the Fall 2025 term. Ethan and Cassidy will be walking step-by-step through the college application process as it unfolds this school year. In episode 2, they get into: How is Cass…
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28: The College Essay Advisors Assessment Service Option (Bonus episode!)
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Join Stacey and Becca as they offer listeners insight as to what applicants can expect upon signing up for an expert assessment of their college essay draft(s) and discuss their methods for constructively delivering feedback to young writers. Sign up for your college essay assessment: https://www.collegeessayadvisors.com/one-on-one-advising/assessm…
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27: College Essay Brainstorming Exercises (Part 3: Objects)
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Join Stacey and Becca as they walk you through one of their favorite ways of brainstorming for the personal statement: the object exercise! Take a look around your room and identify a few objects that are near and dear to you, then reflect on what they represent to you or remind you of. You may just identify a conduit to an impactful college essay …
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515: Inside the Application Part 1: Brainstorming, Outlining, and Drafting with Cassidy, HS Senior
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Today’s episode kicks off a new series, Inside the Application. Ethan is joined by Cassidy, a current high school senior who is working on her college applications for the Fall 2025 term. Ethan and Cassidy will be walking step-by-step through the college application process as it unfolds this school year. In episode 1, they get into: How did Cassid…
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26: How to Write About Hardship and Trauma in Your College Essay
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Join Stacey and Becca as they discuss strategies for writing essays about hardship that emphasize positive qualities that will empower you to succeed in higher education, rather than relying on common platitudes. They also touch on the pressure many marginalized students feel to “sell their pain” by sharing traumatic stories in their college essays…
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25: The Dos and Don’ts of the Activity Essay
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Join Stacey and Becca as they review common Activity Essay prompts, discuss the purpose of the essay within the scope of the larger application, offer guidance on which of your activities to expand upon, and flag common pitfalls to sidestep. Watch some of our YouTube videos: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0MaLsIu1vdE https://www.youtube.com/watch?…
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514: Navigating Mental Health Disclosures in the College Application: The Student Perspective
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Welcome to the final episode to our special three-part series on mental health disclosures in college applications. In Episode 3, Ethan’s guest is Emi Nietfeld, author of Acceptance (Penguin Press '22), a critically-acclaimed memoir of her high school journey through foster care, homelessness, and the troubled teen industry to attend college at Har…
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24: How to Write About Religion, Faith, & Politics in Your College Essay
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Join Stacey and Becca as they weigh the risks and benefits of writing about religion, faith, and politics in your college essay. Can applicants address potentially controversial topics without polarizing admissions? How should their school lists factor into the decision? Listen to get some expert advice from the people behind College Essay Advisors…
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513: Navigating Mental Health Disclosures in the College Application: The Admission Officer Perspective with Christina Lopez
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Welcome to the next episode to our special three-part series on mental health disclosures in college applications. In Episode 2, Ethan is joined by Christina Lopez, Dean of Enrollment Management at Barnard College. They cover, among other things: Why is this topic important—both generally, but also personally, for Christina? What advice would Chris…
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23: The Dangers of Reading College Essay Examples
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Join Stacey and Becca as they discuss the risks that accompany reading too many college essay examples and ways students and parents alike can best set themselves up for success before starting the college essay writing process. Watch some of our YouTube videos: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0MaLsIu1vdE https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a6VxiKDeqQc…
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22: How to Write Your College Essay About Someone Else (While Still Centering Your Story)
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Join Stacey and Becca as they discuss the dangers of writing about someone else in your college essay and what you can do to make sure the spotlight shines on you (your strengths, your character, your candidacy)! Watch some of our YouTube videos: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0MaLsIu1vdE https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a6VxiKDeqQc Work one-on-one…
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512: Navigating Mental Health Disclosures in the College Application: The Counselor Perspective
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Welcome to our special three-part series on mental health disclosures in college applications. To kick things off, Ethan interviews Chris Loo, Director of College Counseling at The Stony Brook School, where Chris has been working to help students navigate mental health disclosures in their applications for years. In this episode, they explore: Whic…
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21: How to Write About Summer Camp Successfully in Your College Essay
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Join Stacey and Becca as they discuss the challenges of writing about one of the most common college essay topics: summer camp. Is it possible to write about camp while still differentiating yourself from other applicants with similar stories? Learn how this common experience can be a featured player in your story without taking center stage. Watch…
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20: What is the Additional Information Essay?
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Join Stacey and Becca as they discuss the role of the Additional Information Essay in the college application. They cover the purpose of this text box and the kinds of circumstances that warrant an essay, as well as the dangers of submitting a superfluous essay. Watch some of our YouTube videos: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0MaLsIu1vdE https://w…
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511: Identity, Self-Care, and the Future of College Admission w/ NACAC CEO Angel Pérez
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In today's episode, Ethan connects with Angel Pérez (CEO of the National Association of College Admission Counselors) to discuss identity, his personal journey with self-care, and where he sees the college admission profession heading. On the episode, you’ll hear Angel and Ethan discuss: Angel’s brainstorming work for his own imagined college essay…
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