College essay writing is difficult enough already without believing the myths about what makes a strong college essay. Creative Marbles latest video dispels two urban legends about college essays: one, that a dramatic event is THE ONLY topic that creates a compelling college essay, and two, that a personal statement drafted with sophisticated written language…
Author: Jill Yoshikawa, Ed M, Partner of Creative Marbles Consultancy
Jill Yoshikawa, EdM, Harvard ’99, a seasoned, 25 year educator and consultant, is meticulous in helping clients navigate all aspects of the educational experience, no matter the level of complexity. She combines educational theory with experience to advise families, schools and educators. A UCSD and Harvard graduate, as well as a former high school teacher, Jill works tirelessly to help her clients succeed.
A Moment of Impatience Can…
Anxiety can cause anyone to make otherwise irrational decisions. “People are constantly spoiling a project when it lacks only a step to completion”, declared Lao-Tzu in the 6th Century BC. Lao-Tzu’s observation might give today’s college applicants some perspective about why they’re wanting to impetuously click the “submit” button in the days before the application…
Creativemarbles.com Helps with Your Spanish Homework
With the new Google Translate feature on creativemarbles.com, you can read the latest education and college admissions news in hundreds of languages – including Icelandic, Yiddish and Latin. Try it and impress your foreign language teacher with your command of a new language, while helping yourself be competitive for college admissions or prepare for study…
It’s Possible to Sleep In High School AND Be Admitted to College
To be qualified AND competitive for college admissions only feels like this… Cartoon Credit: Andertoons
Deadlines, Schmedlines
“Procrastinator” can be synonymous with “college application essay writer” at this time of year… Photo Credit: 20px
Ahead of the Curve: November 15, 2013
From the News: They Loved Your G.P.A. Then They Saw Your Tweets, New York Times November 9, 2013 Federal Student Loans Surpass $1 Trillion; Delinquency Rate Soars To All Time High, Zero Hedge blog November 14, 2013 Janet Napolitano Says UC Freezing Tuition Next Year, San Francisco Chronicle November 13, 2013 From our Clients: Lessons…
Oh, No! College Essays!
The college admissions essay can be one of those “coming of age” events that tests the writer’s (i.e. teenage applicant), as well as her/his parents’, patience and fortitude. The complexity of writing a statement that not only tells the experience of the writer, but also provides insights to the writer’s character, is not easy. Watch…
Applying to College Today Isn’t Like When Your Mom Applied
‘Tis the Season for College Essays, College Applications…and as a special bonus for Fall 2013, Common Application Technical Glitches…. Our latest Creative Marbles video offers tips and perspective to help weather the stress of applying to college.
Student Loan Repayments May Cost More Than The Amount Borrowed
Changes to repayment rules for Federal student loans offers borrowers flexibility to manage their debts, as outlined in a recent New York Times article. However, not only do the recent changes provide assistance for current borrowers, potential student loan borrowers can plan ahead. Our recommendations are outlined, alongside excerpts of the article in italics. Rising…
College Affordability: Doing More With Less
While college costs have continued rising, median incomes over the same period have not increased at corresponding rates, as we first posted here. The failure of income to rise at the same pace as college costs increases can place greater pressure on family budgets, potentially restraining college choices. Thus, families may spend more effort in investigating potential…
Ahead of the Curve: November 7, 2013
From the News: Black and White and in the Red: Student Newspapers Scurry to Make Ends Meet, New York Times October 31, 2013 Why Teach English? The New Yorker August 27, 2013 UC Classes Too Big, Teacher Aides Too Few, Report Says, San Francisco Chronicle November 6, 2013 [Note: UC refers to the University of…
The Growing Pains From Applying to College
Completing college applications challenges the patience and confidence of any applicant. However, given a lack of experience, many applicants don’t expect to be tested. Applying seems simple–fill in a few boxes, write an essay quickly and painlessly, then click “submit.” Unfortunately, the actual experience is more complicated. Writing an autobiography, which summarizes seventeen years of…
Is This What REALLY Happens in College Admissions Offices?
No comment needed…
To Take or Not Take the SAT Subject Tests
Not all SAT tests are created the same. There’s the SAT Subject Tests and the SAT Reasoning Test. Generally, people know the SAT Reasoning Test, as those scores are the ones published over and over in the newspaper and on college admissions offices webpages – simply referred to as the SAT. However, SAT Subject Tests…
Common Application Essays Part 7: Essay Prompt 5 Explained
The fifth of five new Common Application essay questions asks students to: Discuss an accomplishment or event, formal or informal, that marked your transition from childhood to adulthood within your culture, community, or family. Applicants must choose only one of the five questions to answer as their college essay, which will be shared amongst all…