ChatGPT: Using Generative AI for Success!

Just a couple of years ago, ChatGPT was mostly a fun tool – something you’d use for quick research or to generate silly pictures of your dog in a space suit (don’t worry, your secret’s safe with us). But it didn’t take long for students to start using it for more serious tasks – like writing their English or history essays. That’s where the trouble began.

Last week, we shared that Virginia Tech is now using an AI tool alongside human reviewers to evaluate college essays. Officially, it’s about efficiency – but let’s be real: they’re almost certainly also trying to catch AI-generated writing. And if Virginia Tech is doing it, you can bet other colleges are, too, even if they’re not saying so out loud.

So here’s our message this week: using generative AI to write your college essay isn’t just unethical. It’s risky. It’s detectable. And it’s a missed opportunity to show who you really are.

Still not convinced? Then hear this: you’re going to get caught.

We’ve seen it firsthand. Our essay coach Alan, who also teaches at the University of Maryland, has already flagged dozens of AI-written assignments. In every case, the student either had to start over or received a zero. And admissions officers are even more tuned in. You might think you’re being clever with your prompts – “write like a high school student who’s not great at writing” – but the result always gives itself away.

More importantly, leaning too hard on AI shortcuts robs you of something essential: the chance to think deeply, reflect honestly, and grow as a writer. Studies are already linking ChatGPT use to declines in memory and critical thinking – and let’s face it, nobody wants their essay to be called “soulless.”

We’re not here to bash ChatGPT, though. It’s an amazing tool when used the right way. So let’s break down when it helps, and when it really, really doesn’t.

THE BAD

Losing Your Voice

This might sound obvious – don’t have ChatGPT do your homework – but it’s worth unpacking. There are plenty of reasons why asking AI to write your essay is a bad move, whether it’s for school or college applications. The biggest one? It’s incredibly easy to spot when something wasn’t written by a student.

You might try to be clever by giving ChatGPT specific style prompts, but the results always include giveaways – certain phrases, word choices, or patterns that teachers, professors, and yes, your essay coaches, will recognize immediately. With college essays especially, your voice is everything. Schools aren’t just reviewing what you say – they’re listening to how you say it. And if the tone feels off or overly polished, it raises red flags.

That’s why our essay process is built around preserving your unique voice. We’ll help you polish your drafts, but we won’t rewrite you. Your structure, your examples, your phrasing – these are what help your personality and perspective shine.

Impairing Your Memory and Grades

Here’s something you might not expect: studies show that over-reliance on tools like ChatGPT can impair memory and lead to a decline in your grades. That’s because if you didn’t write it, you probably won’t remember it. And in school, that matters.

Teachers often design assignments to build on one another. So if you submit AI-generated work early on, you may find yourself lost when later assignments rely on what you supposedly “wrote.” Plus, once you start leaning on AI because you’re short on time, it can become a habit – and that leads to even more procrastination and weaker performance on things you can’t outsource, like in-class writing or timed exams.

At DCCC, we can see this in how it hurts our progress with students. If you don’t remember what’s in your own essay – because you didn’t actually write it – it’s tough to adapt it for other schools or supplementals. That slows us down, and it makes your application less compelling.

Sounding Like a Robot

Let’s say you wrote a draft on your own but didn’t love how it sounded. You plug it into ChatGPT and ask it to make it better. That seems okay – you wrote the original, right?

The problem is that ChatGPT doesn’t make light edits. It rewrites everything. The version it gives back might sound cleaner, but it also tends to sound flat, like a grammar textbook wrote your essay. It strips out the small quirks and “realness” that make your writing yours. Creativity and personal expression matter just as much as accurate grammar, especially in essays meant to show who you are.

Doing All Your Research in One Place

By now, ChatGPT may feel more helpful than Google when you’re looking for quick info. But unlike even Wikipedia, there’s no human vetting what it says. It pulls content from popular sources (accurate or not) and often presents it with authority.

That means if you rely on it for college research or academic facts, you could easily get outdated or misleading information. And when it comes to writing college essays, that’s a real problem. We’re not saying don’t use ChatGPT to help start your research – but if you don’t verify what it gives you, you’re asking for trouble.

That’s not to say you can’t use generative AI to support your research – you can. But there’s a right way to do it, and I’ll share that below!

THE GOOD

A Head Start on Your Research

Generative AI tools like ChatGPT can be a great way to get your bearings on a topic, especially when you're not sure where to begin. Want to explore colleges with strong programs in marine biology? Need a few themes to unpack in that obscure art film for your “Intro to Cinema” class? ChatGPT can help you gather some early ideas, summarize key points, and generate lists that can jumpstart your process.

But – and this is important – the information isn’t always accurate or current. ChatGPT can pull from outdated sources, miss school-specific details, or rely on oversimplified explanations. If you’re researching campus traditions or program offerings, for example, you might get answers that are no longer true. Plus, AI can’t access most scholarly sources or anything behind a paywall, which means you’re often missing out on the most recent or credible research.

So use ChatGPT to get started – then dig deeper. Check official websites, use databases for academic work, and always fact-check anything you plan to include in your writing.

Checking Your Grammar the Smart Way

Not sure whether you’ve used a semicolon correctly? Wondering if that sentence sounds too clunky? This is where ChatGPT and tools like Grammarly shine. You can drop in a sentence or two and ask for quick feedback. You can even prompt it to give you a list of suggestions.

But here's the line to watch: don’t ask ChatGPT to revise entire sentences or paragraphs, or worse, to rewrite your essay. It will almost always go too far, making big changes that strip out your tone and voice. It’s great for suggesting issues you can change yourself, but the more you let it alter your words, the more generic and robotic your writing will feel – especially to someone trained to spot it!

Bottom line: use AI to clean up the small stuff. But when it comes to tone and flow, trust yourself – and your coach.

Getting Unstuck

We’ve all had those moments when a word is right on the tip of your tongue or you’re searching for a new angle but hitting a wall. That’s where ChatGPT can really help.

You can try prompts like:
“What’s a word that means someone who’s driven and determined, but sounds kind of like ‘suspicious’ and maybe starts with an ‘a’?”
Answer: ambitious. Nailed it!

Or, let’s say you need help developing a supplemental essay idea. Try something like:
“I worked as a camp counselor this summer and dealt with some difficult middle schoolers. I want to write about it for a personal growth essay – any ideas for a theme?”

ChatGPT might suggest words like resilience, patience, or leadership, along with possible moments you could explore. That’s a win. Of course, you can’t just borrow its examples and pass them off as your own – don’t even go there – but it can help spark ideas that are true to your story. Think back to your actual experience and ask yourself: “Do I have a different understanding of leadership? Were there moments when I was incredibly resilient under pressure?” 

So if you’re stuck, don’t panic. Use ChatGPT as a brainstorming buddy, then reflect honestly and write from your own experience!

ChatGPT and other generative AI tools aren’t going anywhere – and that’s not a bad thing. Used well, they can be incredibly helpful.

But what we need now is a deeper understanding of when and how it is appropriate to use these tools – and when we need to trust ourselves more as writers. As high school teachers and college professors rush to figure out how to integrate these tools into their classes and teach best practices to their students, we here at DCCC want to remind everyone that it’s never a good idea to ask ChatGPT to write your college essays for you.

Plus, our coaches are pretty amazing at what they do – so trust the process! Use ChatGPT to help come up with some ideas or make some corrections to specific grammar issues, and remember that no matter how bad of a writer you think you are, your honest writing will always sound better than a robot!

Check Out Some More of our Summer 2025 Special Topics Below!

AI, Authenticity, and Mission Fit: Understanding Virginia Tech’s New Admissions Move

Virginia Tech just rolled out a major update to how it reviews applications – and every rising senior should be paying attention. The university has framed these changes as a response to rising application volume and a push for faster turnaround times, and that’s likely true. But in our view, there’s almost certainly more happening beneath the surface.

A Quick Note on Deadlines

First, a quick logistical update: Virginia Tech has bumped its Early Action deadline up from November 15 to November 1. That’s worth noting, but it’s not the headline here. If you’re applying, just be sure to adjust your timeline accordingly.

Note that Virginia Tech also has a materials deadline of December 1.

What’s Actually Changing: Human + AI Essay Review

Starting this fall, every essay submitted to Virginia Tech will be reviewed by both a human admissions officer and an AI tool built by the university’s own researchers. If the two scores are close, that’s it – the essay moves forward. If the scores are more than two points apart on a 12-point scale, a second human reviewer steps in.

It sounds straightforward, and from a logistics standpoint, it is. Virginia Tech received more than 57,000 applications last cycle, and this new process helps them move more quickly without sacrificing fairness or a standardized approach.

Why This Matters (and Why It’s likely Bigger Than They’re Letting On)

In my opinion, there are an additional two significant, unspoken reasons why Virginia Tech has turned to AI for essay review:

1. They want to detect AI-written essays.

I’ll be honest: this has become a huge problem in our work with students. About a year ago during a Meet & Greet, a parent asked whether many of our students were turning to AI to help with their essays. At the time, my answer was a clear no – it just wasn’t something we were seeing.

What a difference a year makes! Since then, we’ve seen a sharp uptick in students experimenting with AI tools to “draft” their college essay work between their meetings with our essay coaches. For some, it’s turned into a bit of a cat-and-mouse game – they try to pass off AI-generated content, and we step in to explain why that’s not just inappropriate, but extremely harmful to their chances of admission. And we’re catching it. When something feels off, we pause, ask hard questions, and help the student re-draft. It takes time, and yes, it can be frustrating – but the alternative is far worse.

So, while Virginia Tech hasn’t officially said that its new AI-assisted review system is meant to detect AI-generated essays, we’re almost certain that’s exactly what it’s doing. They’ve created a process that quietly flags essays that don’t feel quite right – and we know other colleges are doing the same, even if they’re not saying so publicly.

2. They want essays that reflect Virginia Tech’s mission and values.

Since Juan Espinoza’s leadership began approximately eight years ago, Virginia Tech has shown time and time again that they care deeply about mission fit. And they’ve been very clear about what that mission is! Guided by their motto Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech describes itself as “an inclusive community of knowledge, discovery, and creativity dedicated to improving the quality of life and the human condition” – both in Virginia and around the world.

They really live this out. You can feel the ethos in their supplemental prompts, which ask students to reflect on service, curiosity, impact, and community. So, our guess is that this AI model was trained to evaluate how well a student’s essay speaks to those values – not just in what they say, but in how they say it. Does the writing reflect a sense of purpose? A desire to contribute? A curiosity about the world and a willingness to serve others? Do the examples and anecdotes sound like a 17-year-old wrote them?

In other words, authenticity matters A LOT for Virginia Tech!

So, What Should Students Do?

Nothing different, if they are already writing their own essays, being thoughtful about their responses, and avoiding AI shortcuts. This new system only reinforces what we already teach: essays should be authentic, specific, and rooted in the student’s voice.

For that reason, I don’t mind this change. It gives students who are playing by the rules an edge. Because while some applicants will get flagged for using AI, and others might turn in essays that feel detached or surface-level, students who’ve taken the time to write with purpose will stand out even more.

Final Thoughts

Virginia Tech is the first college we’ve seen openly announce the use of AI in its essay review process – but we’d be shocked if they’re the only ones. Other schools are almost certainly using similar tools behind the scenes without public recognition of it. That’s why it’s more important than ever for students to stay grounded in their own voice.

If you’re guiding your student from the dining room table, here are a few steps to help keep things on track:

• Stick with a structured outline and encourage real-time drafting. Try not to skip straight from brainstorm to final draft.

• Use Google Docs and enable Revision History to ensure the process stays transparent – it’s a great way to see how writing evolves. If your student is copying and pasting large amounts of text, that’s a big sign that something is not right.

• If something feels “off” in tone – too polished, too generic, or just not like your child – that’s a sign to pause. Go back to the outline and have your student write with you present.

• Check drafts with multiple AI detection tools. They’re not perfect, but if one of them flags the writing and it doesn’t feel authentic, don’t take the risk.

We’ve heard from some parents who assume it’s fine to let ChatGPT write from a student-created outline, believing that the end result will “sound human” and pass through unnoticed. But colleges and their tools are getting sharper! What may have worked quietly last year will likely carry serious consequences this fall, including automatic application denial in addition to contact with the student’s high school about a potential academic integrity violation.

So, you don’t need to be an English teacher or tech expert. Just be present, ask questions, and help your student reflect on what they want to say/how they want to say it.

And of course, if you want backup, we’re always here!

Weekly Update: July 16

Wow – somehow we’re already halfway through July! We hope everyone is enjoying the summer so far … though we wouldn’t mind a break from these relentless storms. Monday in particular was crazy! Wet staycations and travel delays aren’t ideal, but we’re staying energized here at DCCC as more and more supplemental essay prompts roll in. That means it’s time to transform those generic responses into school-specific standouts – and our essay coaches are ready for it!

Meanwhile, higher education continues to dominate headlines, with the presidential administration pressing forward on sweeping reforms. Many of this week’s updates build on stories we’ve covered in previous posts, and with college applications in full swing, it’s an especially important time to keep an eye on these evolving issues.

BIGGEST COLLEGE-RELATED NEWS OF THE WEEK

Florida First State to Take Action Towards its Alt-accreditation Initiative 

A few weeks back, we highlighted Florida’s push to create an alternative to traditional accreditation boards – and now the Sunshine State is putting money behind the plan. Florida has committed $4 million to its newly proposed Commission for Higher Education, but so far, it remains the only state actively moving forward. While promoting diversity in accreditation sounds good in theory, the political overtones are hard to ignore. We'll keep tracking this story as it develops.

University of Virginia Faculty Vote No Confidence in Governing Board

In the wake of UVA President Jim Ryan’s resignation – reportedly tied to federal pressure over DEI programs – the university's faculty senate has now issued a vote of no confidence in the Board of Visitors. Faculty are demanding transparency and a stronger voice in selecting Ryan’s replacement, calling for 75% faculty representation on the next presidential search committee.

Another Virginia University Under Scrutiny

George Mason University is now under the microscope, echoing UVA’s troubles. The Department of Education has launched a civil rights investigation, focused on hiring practices and the university’s response to antisemitism. President Gregory Washington, however, is standing firm in defense of GMU, emphasizing the school’s efforts to remain “safe and welcoming.” The university has promised faster cooperation than UVA – likely hoping to avoid similar fallout. As a reminder, GMU is the largest public four-year university in Virginia, with over 40,000 students enrolling each year.

A Big Win for Small Colleges

Tucked into the recent economic bill is a welcome surprise for small liberal-arts colleges: schools enrolling fewer than 3,000 tuition-paying students are now exempt from endowment taxes. That means millions in savings for these institutions – and potentially, better support for students and surrounding communities. This cross-party win could prove transformative, especially for small religious or rural colleges. (Stay tuned – we’re planning a future post on small colleges with big personalities!)

Massive Blow to the Department of Education

Despite judicial resistance, the Supreme Court has cleared the way for President Trump’s plan to drastically reduce the Department of Education. With nearly 1,400 jobs slashed, the department remains operational but significantly weakened. The shift puts more control in the hands of individual states, raising new questions about equity and access in education. We’ll continue to monitor the implications for students and families.

BEST ARTICLES OF THE WEEK

Higher education has always reflected broader cultural conversations, and this week’s standout articles underscore just how interconnected college life is with national politics, global economics, and career planning.

One of the most comprehensive pieces comes from The New York Times, which offers an in-depth look at why several prominent universities – including Harvard, Columbia, and UCLA – are now facing increased federal scrutiny. The administration has raised concerns related to antisemitism and DEI practices, and critics argue that certain institutions represent a broader ideological stance that deserves reevaluation. Whether or not these schools are doing anything differently from others is up for debate, but it’s clear they have become symbolic touchpoints in a larger national discussion about values in higher education. Some schools have chosen to defend their practices publicly, while others have taken a more conciliatory approach.

For students, the message is less about politics and more about staying informed. The changes under way could affect course offerings, research funding, and even tuition in the long run – but for now, most undergraduates can stay focused on the academic and campus experiences that matter most for their personal goals.

A different kind of challenge is emerging globally, as The Washington Post reports that more recent college graduates in China are enrolling in master’s programs amid an increasingly competitive job market. Many believe that an advanced degree will give them a hiring edge, though career experts caution that more education isn’t always the best investment. The same trend is being observed here in the U.S., and as our essay coach Alan (who also teaches at the University of Maryland) notes, graduate degrees should be pursued with clear intent – especially since many fields place more value on experience, networking, and skills over additional credentials. One quote from the article – originally referring to the job market in China – feels especially relevant to recent graduates here in the U.S. as well:

“Many people mistakenly assume that once they have a graduate degree, they will receive a golden key to employment … But in reality, that only buys a ticket to entry. Whether you can land a good job still depends on your abilities. … Having academic qualifications is the bare minimum needed for job searchers, not an advantage.”

That’s why colleges offering robust experiential learning opportunities are worth a serious look. Drexel University, for instance, is expanding its co-op model under the leadership of new president Antonio Merlo. Known for its balance of academic rigor and hands-on professional experience, Drexel is enhancing its curriculum to include more civic engagement and study abroad options. It’s a great reminder that preparing for a successful career often comes down to what students do during college – not just where they go.

If you’re starting to draft your supplemental essays, a thoughtful opinion piece in The New York Times explores how prompts are evolving. Many colleges are moving away from personal identity questions and instead asking students to reflect on moments of disagreement – challenging conversations, differing perspectives, or ethical dilemmas. It’s a promising shift that encourages deeper thinking and empathy, but there’s also concern that students may shy away from being honest if they worry about saying the “wrong” thing. That’s exactly where good coaching matters. At DCCC, we help students write essays that are sincere, reflective, and grounded in their actual experiences – no need to posture or play it safe.

And finally, in a particularly exciting development for students interested in psychology, neuroscience, or education, a new study from Princeton University and the Simons Foundation has identified four biologically distinct subtypes of autism. Published in Nature Genetics, the research analyzed data from over 5,000 children and used a “person-centered” approach to cluster traits rather than isolating single behaviors. The findings connect these autism subtypes to distinct genetic patterns – a breakthrough that could pave the way for earlier diagnoses and more personalized interventions. For students drawn to mental health or the sciences, this is a compelling example of how cutting-edge research can directly impact lives and learning. On a practical level, this is also a big win for our neurodiverse students, as it opens the door to more tailored support services in schools and on college campuses.

OFFICE HAPPENINGS

More school-specific prompts are being released by the day (thanks, Emory and USD!), and the rest are on their way – the sooner we have those foundational generic drafts complete, the more efficiently we can customize them for each school.

Next up? The deep dive into “Why This School?” essays. Our coaches are gearing up for the research phase using our signature “ASC Yourself” method – a guided approach to uncovering what makes each college a uniquely great fit. It’s time to dig into academics, social life, and campus culture – and hey, if dorm AC is a deciding factor, we totally get it!

Stay cool and dry this week!

Keep Up with all your higher ed news by checking out our previous weekly updates!

The Mistakes Students Always Make on “Why This School” Essays...and How to Avoid Them!

When most students think about college essays, they start with the Common App® personal essay – and that makes sense. But that’s just the beginning! Most schools also require supplemental essays, which are designed to assess how well an applicant might fit within the institution’s academic programs and campus culture.

There is a pretty broad range of possible essay topics for these, and we work with our students to prepare what we call “generic supplemental essay” content in advance. We’ve found that most supplemental prompts fall into about five big themes, so we help students write strong responses to those ahead of time. We tackle these before most prompts even come out. That way, students already have solid content they can tweak to fit each school’s version.

But there’s one type of essay that’s tough to reuse – and it also happens to be the trickiest: the “Why This School?” essay. These prompts usually ask why you’re interested in a specific institution (or the undergraduate division of your choice at that institution), what you’d get out of being there, how you’d contribute to campus life … or all of the above!

These prompts are designed not only to test whether you’ve researched the school, but also to help admissions officers understand how you might contribute to campus life in meaningful ways – beyond simply earning good grades (that’s a given!).

At DCCC, our students work one-on-one with coaches to develop personalized, well-researched responses to every school on their list – so they're fully supported throughout this process. But if you're just getting started, or you're trying to help your student tackle these essays on your own, here are some common mistakes to avoid – and a preview of the kind of guidance our families receive along the way.

Mistake #1: Copying the Website

Weak: I am excited to join Clemson’s engineering program for its excellent research opportunities, study abroad offerings, and hands-on work experience.  

Sure, those are good reasons to want to attend Clemson … and they are practically ripped right from the home page of the College of Engineering, Computing, and Applied Sciences site. There’s nothing really special here, either – after all, most engineering programs offer research, study abroad, and experiential learning opportunities.

We guide our clients through this research process to make sure they’re finding really valuable and specific information. Consider the following: Are there faculty whose work aligns with your interests? Specific research projects that excite you? A study abroad program, club, or competition team you'd love to join?

And just listing features isn’t enough – you need to explain why these matter to you personally.

Better: As a student pursuing a career in aerospace engineering, I’m especially excited about the chance to join Clemson’s Rocket Engineering (CURE) team. The opportunity to help design and machine rocket components as an undergraduate is exactly the kind of hands-on experience I’m seeking! I’m also drawn to the team-based structure of CURE, which reflects the type of collaborative environment I grew to love on my high school robotics team.

Mistake #2: Putting Too Much Emphasis on the Prestige

Weak: I can’t wait to attend Yale University, as graduating from an Ivy League school will afford me incredible opportunities after college.

You’re not wrong – but Yale doesn’t need you to remind them of their prestige. A statement like this suggests you’re more interested in the Ivy League brand than in Yale itself. Admissions officers want to see that you’ve done your research – and that you’re drawn to Yale for reasons beyond its reputation.

What programs or departments are you excited about? Are there specific faculty members you’d like to study with, research opportunities you want to pursue, or campus traditions that genuinely appeal to you? It’s fine to admire a school’s status, but you need to connect that admiration to something personal, thoughtful, and specific.

Better: While Yale’s global reputation first caught my attention, I’m especially drawn to the sociology department’s focus on culture, power, and social change. In high school, I launched a storytelling project in which students shared family migration stories. It showed me how narrative can shift public understanding – something I hope to explore further through courses like “Narratives of Social Protest” and research at the Ethnography Hub. Yale’s emphasis on discussion-based learning and faculty-mentored research will prepare me for a career in public policy, where I can use storytelling to shape more equitable systems. I can already picture myself walking across Old Campus in the fall on my way to a seminar on activism and identity!

Mistake #3: Forgetting to Talk About Yourself

Weak: The U-M Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program (UROP) is a unique opportunity to work alongside faculty on meaningful projects.

Sure – Michigan is the #1 public research university, and UROP is an incredible opportunity. But the concept of undergraduate research isn’t all that unique, so what’s special about UROP? Plus, how does this actually serve you? What kinds of projects are you excited about and why? Is there a specific lab, professor, or research topic that aligns with your interests? Just describing what the university offers isn’t enough – you have to connect it to your own goals, values, and curiosity.

While it’s important to do your homework when writing these essays, don’t forget to keep the focus personal.

Better: I plan to major in exercise science because I’m interested in exploring how physical activity can help people stay healthy as they age. After seeing my grandfather regain strength through a rehab program after heart surgery, I wrote my IB Extended Essay on how aerobic exercise affects blood vessels in older adults. That’s why I was so excited to learn about Dr. Lane’s research in the Lifestyle, Exercise, and Arteries Lab! Through UROP, I’d love to join his team and get hands-on experience studying how aging affects the cardiovascular system.

Mistake #4: Being Too General

Weak: Brown’s innovative education program is fascinating, and I love the strong sense of community. 

I’m not sure there’s a single college in existence that wouldn’t advertise its education as “innovative” or try to sell you on its strong sense of “community”! In other words, you could swap out “Brown” for almost any other school and this statement would still work – which is exactly the problem!

If your sentence could apply to 50 different colleges, it’s not doing its job. Strong “Why Us?” responses are specific and precise. They highlight particular programs, courses, professors, or traditions that connect to your goals and interests.

The best essays come from students who know what they’re looking for in a college – and have taken the time to find where those things exist. So before you write, reflect on what matters most to you, then research how each school specifically supports the kind of experience you’re hoping to have.

Better: Brown’s Open Curriculum will let me combine Africana Studies and Architecture to explore how design impacts Black communities. Growing up, I noticed how poorly planned buildings and public spaces shaped everyday life – from crowded bus stops to schools that felt more like holding spaces than places to learn. Courses like “Race and Space,” paired with studio work and faculty mentorship, will help me design with equity in mind. I can’t wait to join the tight-knit, collaborative community where students are encouraged to connect big ideas with real-world change.

Mistake #5: Procrastination

I don’t need to give an example here – because any last-minute “Why This School?” essay is almost guaranteed to be weak. It takes time, research, and reflection to craft these well, and there is no one-size-fits-all formula for this type of essay. Each school phrases the question a little differently, and each response needs to show that you’ve thought seriously about your fit with that institution.

Plus, if you haven’t figured out what you’re actually looking for in a college experience, it’s going to be tough to answer these prompts in a meaningful way. That’s why our students work with their essay coaches early and often to build strong, tailored responses.

Not a DCCC student? You can still get ahead by making a spreadsheet or simple list of your colleges and doing some focused research. For each school, jot down a few specific answers to questions like:

• What’s a class, major, or department offering that excites you – and why?

• Is there a student org, tradition, or campus value that resonates with your background experiences or future plans?

• How could you see yourself contributing to that community?

Bottom line: Don’t wait until the last minute. Strong essays aren’t rushed – they’re built.

Final Tips

1. Read the prompt very carefully.
Not all “Why This School?” questions are created equal. Some schools ask why you’re interested in the university as a whole, while others focus only on the specific undergraduate division you’re applying to. Some want academic reasons; others care more about how you’ll contribute to the campus community. Tailor your answer to what’s actually being asked.

2. Write like yourself.
Just like the Common App® personal essay, your supplemental responses should sound like you. These essays are often shorter and a bit more focused, which can give you room to write in a more casual, conversational tone – while still staying polished and purposeful. Enthusiasm, a personal touch, and clear writing all go a long way.

3. Prioritize clarity.
Yes, you want to sound smart. But complicated vocabulary and long, winding sentences can sometimes hide your personality instead of showing it. We know you want to impress the admissions people with your eloquence and erudition, but a labyrinthine syntactic style alongside bombastic if not baroque diction (see what I did there?) can make it hard for them to sense your enthusiasm or get a feeling for your personality. Be thoughtful, but keep your writing clean and clear. Simple is often stronger.

4. Be real.
This isn’t a sales pitch. It’s your chance to tell the truth – about what excites you, what matters to you, and how you see yourself in that campus environment. Be honest, be specific, and show that you’ve thought it through.

Need help? We’re here to support you with brainstorming, editing, and refining every supplemental essay on your list.

Book a Meet & Greet with us to learn how we can support you through the entire college application process – including all of your essays.

If you only need help with essays, you can also Book Pay-As-You-Go Essay Coaching Sessions for as-needed assistance!

Check Out These Other Posts for Supplemental Essay Tips:

Weekly Update: January 5

Happy New Year! We hope everyone enjoyed the time off from school and the opportunity to catch up on sleep, TV shows, or favorite blogs! 

My kids and I went to Newport Beach, CA for the week between Christmas and New Year’s. It was nice to get away and the area is fantastic. Now I understand why Chapman has emerged as a favorite (especially for film students) over the last few years! I also really love UC Irvine and had the same impression I had when I saw it a few years back - that more East Coast students should consider it as an excellent alternative to UCLA, UC San Diego, and USC!

BIGGEST COLLEGE-RELATED NEWS OF THE WEEK

HARVARD UNIVERSITY PRESIDENT RESIGNS

In an unexpected move, Harvard University President Claudine Gay resigned on Tuesday, January 2 after weeks of backlash following her appearance before a congressional committee looking into antisemitism and questions regarding plagiarism including six new charges. On December 31, two members of The Harvard Crimson Editorial Board penned an editorial – Dissent: For Harvard’s Sake, It’s Time to Let Gay Go – in which they stated that “the continuation of Gay’s tenure as president only hurts the University.”

SIMPLIFIED FAFSA LAUNCHED

The Department of Federal Student Aid (FSA) launched the redesigned FAFSA this past week. Students and parents are now able to access the 2024-2025 FAFSA during what the department is calling a “soft launch period.” However, reactions to the new FAFSA and website have been anything but positive. Students and parents should expect “maintenance pauses” during which the FAFSA may not be accessed and users are directed to try back at a later time. Also new, when logging in, students and parents may be placed in a “waiting room” to help optimize website volume. The department will begin to process FAFSA forms in mid- to late-January. If you are applying for financial aid, be sure to check each of your college’s financial aid websites for their deadlines and any additional forms required such as the CSS/Profile, uploaded documents (tax returns, etc.), and school-specific forms. We encourage families who need to submit to not give up on the new seemingly problematic process and continue to try and submit their FAFSA. Consider registering for one of the FAFSA Completion Events or Line-by-Line Events held by College Access Fairfax. These are incredibly helpful and FREE!

COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYOFF NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP

The Michigan Wolverines and Washington Huskies are playing one another in Houston on Monday evening, and it seems like those in the know (in other words.. not me!) are putting their money on Michigan! I’ll be rooting for Washington, because Michigan is already impossible to get into and the absolute last thing we need is a national championship win!

BEST ARTICLES OF THE WEEK

Each year The New York Times publishes a selection of student essays “about money, work, social class, and other related topics.” These essays are great examples of how to take an enormous topic like money and write a piece that conveys what is unique about each student, while telling a story about who the student is and what is important to them.

Derek Thompson of The Atlantic raises an interesting and poignant question in a recent article, “How Anxiety Became Content.” Has the shift in how anxiety and other mental health diagnoses are discussed in the media and in social media taken a once taboo topic and popularized it? And if so, is this shift creating a feedback loop for those with anxiety? In his article, Thompson explores these themes with a clinical psychologist at USC.

Not exactly a traditional article but I saw this TikTok post about hard discussions relating to college major selections and really liked it. I know this is a controversial topic, and I don’t agree at all that you can’t earn a living with less “lucrative” majors (I’m an English major and have done pretty well for myself as a business owner!). But at the same time, I think it’s incredibly important for students to understand more about the cost of living and income potential when they go to make career-related decisions.

Lastly, New York magazine interviewed parents and admissions professionals to expand on the results of a study we covered in a blog post last summer, underscoring that “children who are wealthy, but not private-jet rich, [are] at a disadvantage for admission to the most elite colleges.”

OFFICE HAPPENINGS

Our meetings with juniors have picked up as they begin to research schools and build their lists. At the same time, we are continuing our work with seniors who were deferred by their early decision or early action schools to craft their letters of continued interest (LOCI). More early application decisions are expected throughout January and through the beginning of February. If you are a current client, we encourage you to book a meeting with us to discuss your decisions received and advise you in writing your LOCIs. 

If you are a student who is not working with us, follow up with your school counselor about your deferral and take a look at our past blog post about drafting your letter of continued interest.

As the days begin to get longer again, enjoy the growing minutes of daylight!

interested in more updates and trends? take a look at these posts!

Meet Rose!

We are so excited to introduce you to our newest essay coach, Rose! Once again, she’s already been on the job a little while, but we’re excited to finally introduce her to those of you who haven’t had the benefit of working with her yet!

Rose is pursuing her graduate work at the University of Maryland, and started with DCCC last spring after working as a college adviser herself for several years. We are thrilled to have her on board!

Hello! I’m Rose, one of the essay coaches at DC College Counseling. As someone who loves writing and is passionate about working with students, I am excited to get to know you and be a part of your college application process! 

I’m currently an English Literature graduate student at the University of Maryland, College Park. After finishing a year-long honors thesis, I graduated from Davidson College (home of Steph Curry) with an English major and history minor. I then began my professional career working as a college adviser, helping high school students take the next step towards their postsecondary goals. 

I’ve recently worked as a TA for a journalism grammar class at UMD and as an editorial assistant for Restoration, an academic journal that looks at seventeenth-century literary culture. Working as an essay coach at DC College Counseling has allowed me to combine my passion for writing and love of working with high school students. I hope to see you in a meeting soon!

To learn more about Rose, we thought it would be fun to have her answer some of our favorite supplemental essay prompts and short questions from previous admissions’ cycles.

We’re interested in learning about some of the ways that you explore your interests. List some resources and outlets that you enjoy, including but not limited to websites, publications,  journals, podcasts, social media accounts, lectures, museums, movies, music, or other content with which you regularly engage. (Columbia University)

Big surprise, I love to read! One of my favorite things about summer is that I have more time to read books for fun since I’m not reading for my classes. I track the books I read with an app called Storygraph, which gives you detailed data in the form of charts that categorize your reading trends. So far this year my top categories are memoir and contemporary fiction with reflective, funny, and challenging moods. Moving my body is also important to me, so I love doing yoga and walking around D.C. to explore the incredible museum culture, restaurants, and events. My favorite activity recently was the Smithsonian Solstice Saturday, with late-night music and exhibits. The next stops on my list are the Old Post Office Pavilion and an outdoor movie!

What historical moment or event do you wish you could have witnessed? (Stanford University)  

I wish I could have witnessed the first photograph being taken. It would have been fascinating to watch people’s reactions when it was developed.

What’s your favorite word and why? (UVA)

My favorite word is “interesting” - it can have so many meanings and is also a valuable starter word that can help you get your thoughts on the page. I had a professor who banned us from using the word in her classroom because it was overused and she thought it prevented us from communicating a fuller meaning. Instead, we had to come up with synonyms. Once you start to think about what you really mean when you say “interesting,” you have to be specific and expand your vocabulary. Do you mean provocative, astonishing, relevant, ironic, disturbing, alluring? Interesting!

Dream trip… (USC)

One of my close friends from college lives in Hong Kong and I hope to visit her soon and see Asia for the first time.

Which Ben & Jerry’s ice cream flavor (real or imagined) best describes you? (University of Vermont)

Chunky monkey! Banana Ice Cream with Chocolatey Chunks and Walnuts: a nostalgic flavor with sweet chocolate chunks and some tougher, crunchy bits in a creamy banana ice cream.

In keeping with Rice’s long-standing tradition, please share an image of something that appeals to you. (Rice University)

Afternoon light in the windows of the Sagrada Familia, taken on my recent trip to Barcelona.

want to book a meeting with Rose?

You can schedule an essay coaching session with Rose here.

Get to know the rest of our essay coaching team!

Meet Ian

Meet Stephanie

Meet Staci

Meet Ian!

A few months ago, we were thrilled to welcome our newest essay coach Ian to the DC College Counseling team! He’s been so busy working with our students that he hasn’t had a chance to formally introduce himself–until today! Read on to learn more about Ian, including why he loves tutoring students and which videos he can’t get enough of on YouTube.

Hi there! I’m Ian, and I’m happy to join the DC College Counseling team as an essay coach! I’ve been obsessed with writing ever since the fourth grade, when I was assigned the task of writing my first-ever short story. I’ve come a long way since then, but my interest in reading and writing has only gotten stronger. 

I graduated summa cum laude as an Outstanding English Major from Oklahoma Christian University in 2017, and then pursued my M.A. in English at Georgetown University. I passed my M.A. thesis with distinction, and graduated in the spring of 2020. That fall, I matriculated in the Ph.D. in English program at the University of Virginia, where I am currently a doctoral candidate, having finished coursework and passed my qualifying exams. I’ve begun work on my dissertation, and hope to earn my doctorate by the spring of 2025. I’m especially interested in contemporary fiction.

I worked as a writing center tutor in both college and at Georgetown, and this is really where my love of essay coaching began. There are few things I find more rewarding than talking to someone one-on-one about their writing: how to make it sharper, clearer, and more able to express the ideas they want to convey. I’ve also worked as a teaching assistant at all levels of my undergraduate and graduate education. I have been the instructor of record for a first-year, essay-focused writing class at UVA, and I have extensive experience in helping high school students, college students, and veterans with their writing.

Being a student, teacher, and tutor simultaneously has allowed me to engage in the writing process from all sides, and it’s deepened my appreciation for writing across disciplines and contexts. I’m so excited to have begun essay coaching at DC College Counseling, and I’m looking forward to helping everyone embark on the writing process!

Ian is currently working toward his Ph.D. in English at UVA. Maybe you’ll run into him as your first-year writing instructor one day!

To learn more about ian, we thought it would be fun to have him answer some of our favorite supplemental essay prompts and short questions from previous admissions’ cycles.

We’re interested in learning about some of the ways that you explore your interests. List some resources and outlets that you enjoy, including but not limited to websites, publications,  journals, podcasts, social media accounts, lectures, museums, movies, music, or other content with which you regularly engage. (Columbia University)

I love going to museums — the National Gallery of Art and the Hirshhorn are two of my favorites. And I love watching Architectural Digest house tours on YouTube! 

What historical moment or event do you wish you could have witnessed? (Stanford University)  

I wish I could have seen the moon landing in real time! 

What’s your favorite word and why? (UVA)

My favorite word is “plangent” — a word that sounds just as evocative as its definition: “(of a sound) loud, reverberating, and often melancholy.” 

Dream trip…(USC)

I would love to make a return visit to the North Island of New Zealand — the most beautiful place I’ve ever been. 

Which Ben & Jerry’s ice cream flavor (real or imagined) best describes you? (University of Vermont)

I would have to go with Cherry Garcia: sweet with cherries, but also with chocolate chunks! 

In keeping with Rice’s long-standing tradition, please share an image of something that appeals to you. (Rice University)

Cheval Rouge by Alexander Calder, in the National Gallery of Art's Sculpture Garden -- one of Ian’s favorite places in DC!

want to book a meeting with ian?

You can schedule an essay coaching session with Ian here.

Get to know the rest of our essay coaching team!

Meet Stephanie

Meet Staci