How Long Is the Common App Essay? (And Why It Matters More Than You Think) So, you’re finally ready to tackle the dreaded Common App essay. You’ve got your dream schools in mind, your extracurriculars are looking stellar, and you’ve even started thinking about your personal statement. But there’s one question that keeps popping up, like a bad case of senioritis: How long should this blasted thing be? The Short Answer: The Common App essay word limit is 650 words, but the actual sweet spot is somewhere between 500-650. The Long Answer (Because Let’s Be Honest, That’s What You Really…
Author: Roger MARTHAN
How Many Extracurriculars Does the Common App Allow? (And Why You Should Care) The Big Question: How Many Activities Can I Squeeze onto the Common App? Okay, so you’ve got a resume longer than a Tolstoy novel, filled with extracurriculars that would make even the most seasoned overachiever blush. You’re a whiz at the cello, a coding prodigy, a champion debater, and you somehow manage to squeeze in volunteer work between all that. It’s all very impressive, but then you see it: the dreaded 10-activity limit on the Common App. Suddenly, your heart sinks faster than a lead balloon. Don’t…
The Common App’s Recommendation Conundrum: One Size Fits All? So, you’re ready to conquer the college application process, armed with your stellar grades, extracurricular achievements, and a personal statement that would make even the most jaded admissions officer shed a tear. But then you hit a roadblock: “Can I send different recommendations to different schools on the Common App?” Sigh. This question is as common as finding an Instagram influencer who actually enjoys a salad. Let’s dive into the murky waters of Common App recommendations and see if we can navigate this treacherous territory. The Short Answer: No, you can’t…
My Life in 650 Words: How I Tackled the Common App Essay It’s the afternoon of August 1st, 2013. I’m staring at six prompts, one of which will soon play a key role in my college admissions process. Which one do I choose? Is there a part of my life that is so integral to my identity that I must share it with others? I suppose so, but then again, maybe I’m overestimating how interesting of a person I am. A place where I am perfectly content…does my bed count? Hm; I don’t consider myself an adult yet, so I…
Can Catholics Find a Home at Liberty University? Navigating Faith in a Sea of Evangelicals So, you’re thinking about attending Liberty University, but you’re Catholic? You’re not alone. This question pops up more often than a Pentecostal preacher hitting a high note. And honestly, it’s a good question. Liberty University is known for its strong evangelical roots, but does that mean Catholics are unwelcome? Let’s dive into the heart of this question, because honestly, the answer is a bit more nuanced than a “yes” or a “no.” The Short Answer: Yes, Catholics can attend Liberty University. In fact, they do!…
How Does the College Board Assess Student Learning in Science Processes? A Deep Dive into the World of AP Exams Ah, the College Board. That hallowed institution that holds the keys to your future, the gatekeeper of your dreams, and the ultimate arbiter of your academic prowess. They’re the folks who created the SAT, AP exams, and other standardized tests that, in some circles, are considered the lingua franca of higher education. But how do they assess student learning in science? Do they use microscopes and beakers? Do they make students build volcanoes out of baking soda and vinegar? Well,…
Navigating the Labyrinth: How Naviance eDocs Works (and Why It May Drive You Bonkers) Remember those days of yore, when college applications were a symphony of paper cuts, lost recommendations, and the ever-present fear of your transcript mysteriously vanishing? Well, friends, those days are mostly gone. Enter Naviance eDocs, the digital saviour (or maybe just the mildly less annoying version) of college admissions. But before we delve into the depths of this digital wonderland, let’s get real. The world of college applications can be a terrifying labyrinth of forms, deadlines, and jargon. And Naviance eDocs? Well, it’s like a digital…
Why Can’t You Take Two Med Programs at Liberty University? A Deep Dive into the World of Accelerated Degrees and Pre-Med Woes Have you ever found yourself staring at the Liberty University website, mesmerized by their “LUMED 3+1 accelerated degree path” and dreaming of becoming a doctor faster than a speeding ambulance? You’re not alone. But before you start mentally packing your bags for Lynchburg, Virginia, let’s unpack why taking two med programs at Liberty University simultaneously might be a recipe for a medical meltdown rather than a medical marvel. The Short Answer: It’s Like Trying to Juggle Chainsaws While…
Must You Attend College Board Training to Teach AP? (Spoiler Alert: It’s Complicated) So, you’re thinking about teaching AP classes, eh? You’ve got the passion, the knowledge, and maybe even a few years of teaching experience under your belt. But then you hear whispers about this mysterious “College Board Training” and start to feel like you’re about to walk into a secret society meeting. The short answer? No, you don’t have to attend College Board training to teach AP. But hold your horses, buckaroo! There’s a whole lot more to this story than meets the eye. It’s like a classic…
Does the University of Nevada, Reno Use the Common App? (Spoiler Alert: They Do!) Let’s be honest, applying to college can feel like navigating a labyrinth of confusing acronyms, deadlines, and essays that make you question your entire existence (and your ability to form a coherent sentence). You’re like, “What is a ‘Common App’? Is it a secret society that judges my worthiness for higher education? And why are there so many forms?!” Fear not, aspiring Wolf Pack members! Today, we’re going to unravel the mystery of the Common App at the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR). So, the short…