MyCollegely Blogs

When it comes to writing your college essay, many students feel pressure to impress admissions officers with big achievements or dramatic life events. But here’s a secret: authenticity beats perfection every time. Your college essay isn't about proving you're the best — it's about showing who you are. So, how do you choose a story that’s both powerful and true to you? 🧭 1. Start with Moments, Not Milestones Think about small but meaningful moments — not just trophies or leadership titles. Maybe it was a quiet conversation with your grandmother, a mistake that taught you something big, or a time you stood up for someone. Ask yourself: What’s a moment I often replay in my mind? When did I feel most challenged or most proud of how I handled something? ✍️ 2. Find the “Why” Behind the Story Once you’ve got a few moments in mind, dig deeper. What does this story reveal about your character, values, or growth? Admissions officers aren’t looking for a perfect résum...

How to Plan Early for College Essays — And Why It Matters When it comes to college applications, most students think about essays way too late — often during the crunch of senior year, surrounded by deadlines and stress. But what if we told you that planning early could make the entire process easier, less overwhelming, and even a little fun? Start by Reflecting Early You don’t have to know your essay topic yet. Start by reflecting on your experiences — moments that shaped you, challenges you overcame, passions you’ve pursued. Keep a simple journal or a notes app on your phone. These early reflections become gold when it’s time to brainstorm real topics. Collect Little Stories Along the Way Essays aren’t just about big achievements. Sometimes the best ones come from small moments — a conversation, a hobby, a quiet victory. When you collect stories throughout high school, you build a library of ideas that feels authentic and deeply personal. Understand What Colleges Look For Start...

  When it comes to college admissions, your college essay is your voice — your chance to show the admissions team who you are beyond grades and scores. While every student has a story, how you tell it makes all the difference. Here are some key tips and focus areas to help you write a compelling essay that stands out. 1. Start Early Don’t wait until the last minute. Great essays require brainstorming, drafting, and revising. Give yourself time to reflect, write, and rewrite. 2. Choose the Right Prompt — or Create One If you're applying to UC schools, you'll respond to four Personal Insight Questions . Other colleges may let you choose from multiple prompts. Pick one that sparks something meaningful — a story you genuinely want to share. 3. Be Authentic, Not Impressive Admissions officers read thousands of essays. The best ones aren’t always about winning championships or launching startups — they’re honest, personal, and reflective. Focus on your voice, not your resume. 4. Show...

      When it comes to applying to college, every student wants to stand out. That’s where the MyCollegely Pulse Score can make all the difference. This personalized admissions score evaluates your entire application profile, from academic achievements to extracurricular activities, helping you pinpoint your strengths and areas for improvement. Think of it as a roadmap to enhance your chances of acceptance to top universities. The Pulse Score is designed to help you confidently assess your college application readiness . By evaluating important factors like GPA, test scores, extracurricular involvement, essays, and recommendation letters, it provides you with a holistic view of your strengths. With this valuable insight, you’ll receive clear, actionable feedback on areas to enhance—whether that’s improving your test scores, strengthening your leadership roles, or refining your personal statement. By using the MyCollegely Pulse Score, you’ll not only gain clarity abo...

For students who are seeking admission to colleges and universities in the United States, knowing the cost of their education is a significant part of the application process. At MyCollegely, we know that this can be a daunting task; nonetheless, it does not need to be. We will simplify two terms that are frequently used:  FAFSA and SAI . FAFSA , which stands for " Free Application for Federal Student Aid" , is a form you fill out every year to request federal and institutional financial aid. It may come in the form of grants (free money), scholarships, work-study jobs, and low-interest student loans. FAFSA is your doorway to the majority of U.S. financial aid, and schools utilize it to decide what kind of aid they can offer you. One important thing you receive from your FAFSA is your SAI , or " Student Aid Index" . This number replaces what was formerly called the Expected Family Contribution (EFC). The formula for calculating your SAI is derived from the fin...

College admissions today aren’t what they were five or ten years ago. With changing rules, test-optional policies, shifting essay prompts, and fierce competition, it’s easy to feel lost in a maze of applications, deadlines, and decisions. While experienced counselors offer wisdom and strategy, sometimes the advice that hits home the most comes from someone who’s just been there — a student who recently crossed the same finish line you’re aiming for. At MyCollegely , we believe that there's great value in not just connecting students with seasoned counselors, but with college mentors who've recently gone through the admissions process themselves. Picture having insider advice from a big sister or brother who remembers every step, every version of an essay, and every nail-biting wait for news. Why Recent Experience Matters A recent college admit to the school of their dreams knows: 1.        What application trends last today 2.    ...