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INSTAGRAM brian 2018-08-01T14:02:24-07:00

academicimpact

Sacramento tutoring and college counseling. Reducing school and college admissions stress since 2008!
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🔔 These words of wisdom from Laverne are especi

🔔 These words of wisdom from Laverne are especially timely now that, just like Quasimodo, a lot of us are stuck inside! (Though she was encouraging him to go to a large, crowded festival. Please don't go to a large, crowded festival right now!)⁠
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🔔 I'd like to once again remind you that just because your life doesn't look the way you thought it would right now, doesn't mean you can't still participate in it! You can find safe ways to continue doing the kinds of activities you used to do or take on new projects, hobbies, and interests that are safe to do these days. ⁠
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🔔 Remember, colleges aren't going to be interested in what you didn't do during the pandemic, they're going to be interested in what you DID do, so do something! Do you have an answer to the question "What did you do during the pandemic?" that's not "Uh, I just hung out"? If not, it's time to find one!⁠
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🔔 Tell me what you've been doing lately! Have you taken up any new hobbies? Have you found ways to continue your regular activities? Have you started something new?⁠
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#collegeadmissions #collegebound #collegeapplications #collegeapps #collegeadvice #classof2021 #classof2021🎓⁠
#sacramento #sacramentobusiness #disneyquote #disneyadvice

📚 What's everybody reading this week?⁠
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🕵🏻‍♀️ I recently read the first in the Enola Holmes series, The Case of the Missing Marquess, because the Netflix version had come out and I always like to read the book before I watch the movie.⁠
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🕵🏻‍♀️ This might be one of those rare times when I actually like the movie better than the book, but both are really good! An old-fashioned mystery with a plucky heroine is one of my very favorite types of books so I had high hopes for this one. It's a series directed toward older tweens/teens that center around Enola (alone spelled backwards) Holmes, the younger sister of Sherlock Holmes, whose mother mysteriously disappears. The movie and the book have slightly different endings so it definitely made me want to keep reading the series to find out what happens!⁠
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📚 Tell me what you're reading this week!⁠
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#collegegoals #collegedreams #collegebound #collegeapps #collegeprep #highered #collegeadvice #sacramento #sacramentobusiness ⁠
#books #reading #bookrecs #bookworm #yabooks #currentlyreading

🍂 November 1 is right around the corner and tha

🍂 November 1 is right around the corner and that means Early Action and Early Decision college apps are due! ⁠
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🍂 I highly recommend getting those apps submitted by Wednesday or Thursday of next week so you don't get caught up in the last minute rush that can sometimes end in disaster. Servers crash and things don't get submitted correctly and you don't want that to happen to you!⁠
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🍂 Giving yourself a few days' buffer means you'll have time to fix any problems that occur or complete any steps you may have overlooked. And make sure you've already requested your transcripts and test scores (if you're using them) because those need some time to get there!⁠
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#collegeadvice #collegegoals #collegeapps #highered #classof2021 #sacramento⁠
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🎃 I really needed my house to smell like fall t

🎃 I really needed my house to smell like fall this week, so I made this cinnamon swirl chocolate chip pumpkin bread from @halfbakedharvest and it did not disappoint!⁠
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🎃 How is everybody doing this week? We're getting so close to Early Application due dates and from what I can tell, some of you are feeling just fine about it and some of you are super stressed! ⁠
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🎃 For those of you feeling just fine, that's great! But I hope you're feeling just fine because you've gotten your application materials all done ahead of time and not because you've either given up or decided not to care. I know many of you have been so great about being on top of things and getting your essays written well ahead of time and I hope you're enjoying the freedom that planning ahead earned you!⁠
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🎃 For those of you feeling stressed, first take a breath (and maybe have some pumpkin bread and a cup of tea), make a list, and get to work. Write down everything you have left to do before your November 1 deadlines so it's out of your head and somewhere you can see it. Then start working through your list one task at a time. There's still time for you to get those early applications in early!⁠
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🎃 Tell me how you're feeling this week - and if you've been baking any fall treats I should try!

🖊️ One of the most common types of supplement

🖊️ One of the most common types of supplemental essays you'll be asked to write in your college applications is also one of the most deceptively difficult! Colleges often ask you to explain why their campus appeals to you. Here are my Dos and Don'ts for approaching these essays:⁠
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✅ Be really specific! Why do the things you like about a particular school make it a good fit for you personally?⁠
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❌ Don't spend any of your limited word space sucking up to the school. You don't need to compliment the school or tell them how great it is. They already know that. They want to know why it's great for YOU.⁠
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✅ Look into the majors/programs you're interested in and speak to the specifics of how it will give you the type of education you're looking for.⁠
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❌ Don't use rankings, proximity to the beach, or the football team (unless you're going to be playing on that football team) as reasons.⁠
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✅ Try to have 2-3 "serious" reasons for wanting to attend a certain school. These can include aspects of the major/program you're interested in, unique curriculum available at a school, the mission/values/environment of a school, internship/research opportunities, etc. Then include a "fun" reason, too.⁠
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❌ Don't include flowery writing here. Keep it simple and straightforward.⁠
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🖊️ Keep these tips in mind when writing your "Why do you want to go here?" essays! And if you've already written them, go back over them and make sure you've followed these guidelines.⁠
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#collegeapps #collegeessays #collegegoals #collegedreams #collegebound #collegeadvice #highered⁠
#sacramento #sacramentobusiness⁠

🍂 Decisions about where to apply to college and

🍂 Decisions about where to apply to college and where to go college are extremely personal. It's sometimes hard not to let other people's opinions sway us when we're making important decisions, but it's important to remember that what's right for one of your friends isn't necessarily what's right for you.⁠
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🍂 I'm all for getting input from trusted loved ones, especially parents when it comes to college decisions since they'll likely be helping you out financially. But try not to get caught up in worrying about what other people will think of you for going to a certain school or feeling like you have to "keep up" with anyone when it comes to applications. The only person whose opinion matters when it comes to you and your college options is you. ⁠
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🍂 I often find myself telling students to put their blinders on and only focus on their own college journeys so they don't get swayed off track by other people's decisions or opinions. Your college application process is about you and what somebody else is doing has no bearing on your college prospects. Focus on what you want out of a college experience and what you can do to get there!⁠
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#collegegoals #collegedreams #collegeapps #collegeadvice #highered #classof2021

☀️ The CSU application is now open! If you wan

☀️ The CSU application is now open! If you want to stay in California for college, make sure you don't miss this application. Most colleges have January or later final deadlines but the CSU and UC applications are due November 30! (The CSU deadline has actually been extended a few days for this year, but just get it in now and you don't have to worry about that!)⁠
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☀️ There are no essays on this application (yay!) and it's an easy one to complete in an afternoon and then you don't have to think about it anymore. ⁠
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☀️ You do need to be very careful when filling out the Academic History section, so make sure you're taking your time and paying attention to what you're doing. It's important that all of your A-G requirements are accounted for and sometimes the system gets it wrong, so double and triple check this section.⁠
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☀️ You only have to fill out ONE application and then select the campuses you wish to apply to. You do have to pay a separate application fee for each campus, but it's still just one application.⁠
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🎃 (Hocus Pocus mug not required, but makes your application more festive.)⁠
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#collegebound #collegegoals #collegedreams #collegeadvice #highered #classof2021 #collegeapps #calstateapply ⁠
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🦁 Exploring the impact of a certain event or pe

🦁 Exploring the impact of a certain event or period of time on a student's life is one of the most common themes of college essays. This can be a great topic because it shows the reader something the students may have been through and what they learned from it or how certain events in their lives shaped them into who they are today. ⁠
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🦁 A few things to keep in mind if you're planning to write an essay like this:⁠
👑 The reader doesn't know you or your experience, so you have to explain it.⁠
👑 Show the reader your transformation from who you were before the event into who you became as a result of it. This is your "montage moment." We watch Simba grow up as he walks across that log with Timon and Pumbaa, but the reader didn't get to watch your transformation so it's up to you to show them. Use specific examples!⁠
👑 You can still be in the process of learning and growing as a result of the event/period of time. You can show the reader how you're still growing and changing, without having everything figured out.⁠
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🦁 Are you writing a college essay about a transformation? How's it going? ⁠
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#collegeapps #collegeadvice #collegeessay #collegegoals #collegedreams #collegebound #highered #classod2021 #sacramento #sacramentobusiness

Taking a minute to answer a common question today!

Taking a minute to answer a common question today!⁠
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Early admissions deadlines are coming up in a few short weeks. For colleges that have early admission, the deadlines are generally the beginning of November. Students don't have to submit their applications early, but it may be a good idea to consider.⁠
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Early Decision applications are binding, meaning that if a student applies to a school Early Decision, they are promising to attend that school if offered admission. Because of this, students may only apply to one school under Early Decision. It is a binding agreement, so students must be sure that they would attend that school regardless of where else they might be accepted. If you know for sure that you would attend a school no matter what, Early Decision may be a good idea because it will show the school how committed you are to attending.⁠
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Early Action is non-binding, meaning that it's basically just a way to find out sooner whether you have been accepted! Students who apply Early Action are considered among a smaller pool of applicants and have the benefit of having their applications accepted, rejected, or deferred to the regular application pool. If students are applying to schools that offer Early Action, I usually recommend applying to at least a couple of them so that they can hear back sooner!⁠
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#collegeapps #collegeadvice #collegegoals #collegedreams #collegebound #classof2021 #collegeprep

🍎 I recently tried to go to Apple Hill to get m

🍎 I recently tried to go to Apple Hill to get myself in a festive fall mood, but it was way too crowded for my comfort level and I left without getting out of the car. So instead of getting my annual apple cider donut from Apple Hill, I made my own!⁠
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🍎 The idea of figuring out a way to do the things you normally do when the normal things aren't an option is something I've been talking about so much lately. With so much about college admissions changing lately, it's even more important than ever to maintain interests and activities outside of school. Your usual activities may be cancelled, so it's up to you figure out how to continue doing the things you want to do in a way that is safe and accessible now. It might not look exactly the way it would in different circumstances, but that's ok. Colleges want to see you taking initiative and making the best of what you do have available. Keep up with your activities, interests, and community involvement!⁠
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🍎 How have you adapted your usual activities over the last few months? How are you staying involved in your school and community?

💰 Just a reminder that the FAFSA is now availab

💰 Just a reminder that the FAFSA is now available! The FAFSA is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. If you're a college-bound senior, you need to fill out the FAFSA ASAP!⁠
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💰 The FAFSA form isn't as scary as you might have heard. It's technically your application, but you may need the help of a parent or guardian to fill it out. It's a good idea to get it submitted as soon as you can, even if your applications aren't due for awhile.⁠
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💰 And yes, you do need to fill it out even if you think you won't qualify for federal financial aid. ⁠
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💰 Quick tip: you can only send it to 10 schools at first, but if you have more on your list, you can edit your FAFSA after you receive it back and can add more schools then.⁠
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#collegedreams #collegegoals #collegeadvice #collegebound #collegeapps #classof2021 #sacramento #sacramentobusiness

🧞‍♂️ This is the time of year when studen

🧞‍♂️ This is the time of year when students tend to really start panicking about college applications because all of a sudden November 1 is right around the corner!⁠
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🧞‍♂️ Instead of panicking, get to work! If you haven't already, build your college application tasks into your regular routine, like you would for any of your regular homework assignments.⁠
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🧞‍♂️ Request your transcripts and test scores (if using) be sent now so you don't forget about them when it's time to submit. Plan to submit your applications at least a few days ahead of time so you don't get stuck in the last minute rush when servers tend to crash. Fight through any writer's block you might be facing and get working drafts of your essays written - you can always go back and make them better.⁠
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🧞‍♂️ The best way to combat college application panic is by making progress on your applications and getting them done! I promise you'll feel so much better once you start crossing those tasks off your list!⁠
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#collegeapps #collegeadvice #collegedreams #collegegoals #collegeapplications #classof2021⁠
#collegebound #collegeprep #sacramento #sacramentobusiness ⁠

📣 Join me live next week for a College Admissio

📣 Join me live next week for a College Admissions/Applications Q+A! 📣⁠
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🗣️ I'm opening up a session of our virtual college application program, Navigate, to ALL Academic impact families so we can chat about everything that's on your mind regarding college applications and the admissions process in general.⁠
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📆 The Q+A will be next Tuesday, September 29 at 4:00pm. No need to register ahead of time, just check your email for the invitation (and if you're not on our mailing list, sign up at the link in our bio!) and click the link to join next Tuesday!⁠
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🙋🏼‍♀️ Whether you are or have a senior struggling with applications or are wondering what younger students should be focusing on right now in terms of college, or just want to know what in the world is going on with testing, I'll be there to answer all of your questions!⁠
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💻 I hope to see you there!⁠
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#collegeadmissions #collegeadvice #collegegoals #collegeapps #collegeplanning #sacramento #sacramentobusiness⁠
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🍂 It's actually fall! Even if it doesn't quite

🍂 It's actually fall! Even if it doesn't quite feel like it outside, it definitely feels like it inside my kitchen!⁠
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🍂 I actually don't have any words of wisdom for you today. I hope your week is going well, that you're taking care of yourself, getting your school work done, and doing something fun. Let me know how things are going!⁠
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🍂 And I highly recommend making these brown butter apple blondies from @halfbakedharvest. They are the perfect kickoff to fall! This is one of those times I really wish I could share these with you in person - they're so good!⁠
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🖥️ It seems like most people are settling int

🖥️ It seems like most people are settling into a distance learning routine these days. I've even had some students tell me it's going great! ⁠
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🖥️ Of course, that's not to say it's not ok if you're finding yourself struggling to settle into it. For most students, it's a huge change in routine, mindset, structure, and teaching styles. You have to be more self-directed, more self-disciplined, and more communicative, which can be tough skills to master.⁠
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🖥️ When you find yourself struggling with distance learning, try to think of the things that ARE going well. Do you like that you can sleep in a little bit more than usual? Do you like that you can eat lunch at home? Are you able to get more work done during the day so you don't have as much homework in the evenings? I know it can be hard to look on the bright side, but sometimes trying to find some positive aspects of a tough situation can help to reframe our thinking about it.⁠
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🖥️ What's going well for you with distance learning?⁠
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#collegeadmissions #collegedreams #collegegoals #collegeapps #collegeadvice #distancelearning #classof2021 #sacramento #sacramentobusiness

🌹 Today's quote is for you if you feel like you

🌹 Today's quote is for you if you feel like you need someone to pat you on the head and say "there, there."⁠
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🌹 I'm not having one of those days today, but I definitely have had them! (I've even used a cute illustration of this quote as a phone wallpaper during times when I needed to hear it a lot!) So instead of needing to hear it today, I'll be the one to say it to you. ⁠
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🌹 If you're feeling stressed - about college, distance learning, the pandemic, or just life in general - or feeling sad or angry or lonely or frustrated, remember that it'll turn out all right in the end. Your feelings and circumstances won't last forever. ⁠
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🌹 I hope your week is off to a good start, but if it's not, I hope things turn around for you soon!⁠
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#collegeadmissions #collegeapps #collegedreams #collegegoals #collegeadvice #sacramento #sacramentobusiness

📚 I love reading mysteries in the fall, (though

📚 I love reading mysteries in the fall, (though I do need the weather to cooperate a bit more with my reading preferences) but I'm also kind of a wimp so they can't be too intense or scary! My favorite mysteries are what I think of as "fun murders" that aren't graphic or stressful to read.⁠
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📚 The Word is Murder is the first in a series by Anthony Horowitz that is about what happens when the author finds himself dragged into solving the mystery of a woman who went to a funeral parlor to arrange her own funeral and then was murdered later that day. (There is one description of a murder victim that's a bit graphic, but the violence happens off the page.)⁠
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📚 If you like mysteries, this is a really good one! I'm already planning to the read next one!⁠
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📚 What are you reading this week? Do you ever pick your books based on the seasons like I do?⁠
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#bookstagram #currentlyreading #bookrecs #bookworm #collegeadvice #collegegoals #collegeadmissions #sacramento #sacramentobusiness

✉️ Today, we're sending emails!⁠ ⁠ ✉️

✉️ Today, we're sending emails!⁠
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✉️ This year, it's more important than ever to reach out to the admissions representatives from the schools on your list since you likely won't get a chance to meet them in person. Establishing a relationship with your admissions reps is a good way to express your interest in attending a school.⁠
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✉️ First, you'll need to find your admissions rep! Most of the time, this is easily found on the schools' websites. Sometimes there's a big "Find your admissions counselor!" button you can click, but sometimes you might have to dig a little more. Admissions representatives are location-based, so look for the contact information for the rep for your area.⁠
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✉️ When writing your email, remember that this is not your opportunity to suck up to the admissions rep. Rather, just think of it as an opportunity to introduce yourself and let them know how excited you are to apply. If you have a non-googleable question, you can ask it, but otherwise you can just introduce yourself. Keep it short and sweet!⁠
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#collegeadmissions #collegegoals #collegedreams #collegeapps #collegeadvice #classof2021 #sacramento #sacramentobusiness

🍞 Time for a cinnamon swirl bread break! ⁠
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🍞 This cinnamon swirl bread from @sallysbakeblog paired with a cup of pumpkin spice tea is making me feel all cozy and fall-like this afternoon!⁠
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🍞 How are you feeling this week? College application season is ramping up and it seems like students are either diving in headfirst or avoiding it as best they can! Regardless of which camp you fall in, in my experience, the ones who get through this time with the least amount of stress are the ones who tackle it mindfully and methodically. Focus on one thing at a time and keep track of what you have to do so that you never find yourself scrambling at the last minute. This time doesn't have to be a nightmare of stress!⁠
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🍞 But if you do need to do a little stress baking, this cinnamon bread is quick to put together and perfect for when you need a little baking break in a busy day.⁠
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#collegeadmissions #collegegoals #collegegoals #collegeapps #classof2021 #stressbaking #sacramento

📝 Struggling with finding motivation to write y

📝 Struggling with finding motivation to write your college essays? You're definitely not alone! College essays are hard to write and they're really important - a combination that can make motivation feel nonexistent!⁠
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📝 If you find yourself continuing to put off your essays, keep these two things in mind. First, don't expect your essay to be perfect - or even particularly good - at first. College essays are a whole new kind of writing and you can just throw right out any ideas you have that you have to write the perfect essay the first time around. Good college essays are the result of many drafts and many edits. Just write something and then you can work to turn it into something better later on. ⁠
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📝 Second, you might be thinking about it too much. Often, the students who say they are struggling are also the ones who tell me "I've been reading all these websites with essay examples" or "I'm trying to decide which style of writing I should do" and I just want to say "Stop doing all that and just write!" Sure, it's nice to see some examples but there comes a point when you've done enough research and you just need to write. Colleges are looking for your story in your voice. The only way to do that is to write your story in your voice. Stop stressing over how to do it and just do it!⁠
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📝 How are your college essays coming along? Are you struggling to find motivation or inspiration?⁠
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#collegegoals #collegeadvice #collegeadmissions #collegedreams #collegeapps #collegeessay #classof2021 #sacramento

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