Available for purchase in most national and local book stores:

 
You may think that getting an acceptance letter from
colleges and universities is a mad dash to the top that only
the very best students survive, and those who make it are
just the lucky ones. 

The process can be stressful and it can feel like much is out
of your control.

But that’s not entirely true!

You can take control, and you can do it in a way that’s as
effective as it is empowering.

It comes down to two quetsions: what matters most to you? and How does it manifest in your life?

Ready? Let's get started.

  
"A comprehensive guide to navigating college admission with an emphasis on values that are important to you."

  -Edward Fiske, bestselling author of the Fiske Guide to Colleges

College Admission Essentials Will help you:

Discover and connect with what you care about (in 20 minutes)

Create a college list with schools you’re excited about and can get into

Make sure your application is doing its job

You’ll also:

Figure out which schools will likely make themselves affordable to you
Decide whether to apply early or not
Make your activities list clear and attention grabbing
Make the most of your additional information section
Save hours of time on your supplemental essays
Brainstorm and structure your personal statement
Write a “Why Us?” essay that shows why you’re a great fit for a school
Get a great letter of recommendation from people who know and like you
Develop a “message box” for your interview
Analyze your financial aid award and write an appeal
Plus, tips and resources for students who identify as Artists, Athletes, First- Gen, Undocumented, LGBTQ+, Self-Directed, and much more.

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Read the first chapter for free.

How to Discover and Connect with What You Care About in Twenty Minutes

About the Author

Ethan Sawyer is a nationally recognized college essay expert, sought-after speaker, and author of College Essay Essentials. Each year he helps thousands of students and counselors through his online courses, workshops, articles, products, and books, and works privately with a small number of students.

Raised in Spain, Ecuador, and Colombia, Ethan has studied at seventeen different schools, is a graduate from Northwestern University, and holds an MFA from UC Irvine as well as two counseling certificates. He has worked as a teacher, curriculum writer, voice actor, motivational speaker, community organizer, and truck driver. He is a certified Myers-Briggs® specialist, and his type (ENFJ) will tell you that he will show up on time, that he'll be excited to meet you, and that, more than anything, he is committed to-and an expert in-helping you realize your potential.

Testimonials

  
        "Anyone with ties to the world of admission and writing essays will tell you they are a fan of Ethan. In this book, he clearly, concisely, and professionally gives parents, students, and schools a way to think about the whole college process in ways that will help. By help, I mean not just help students to 'get in,' but help lower the stress for all. A must read."

  -Parke Muth, consultant and former assistant dean of admission at University of Virginia

  
        "Ethan has established himself as a credible and knowledgeable resource for students seeking useful and practical tips for their college essays. I'm excited to see that he is expanding his scope by providing this guide to the overall college application process. His ability to help students discover their voice is  valuable as they figure out which schools they should apply to and how to best present themselves in their applications."
 
        -Falone Serna, Vice President of Enrollment Management at Whittier College

  
        "Ethan has a natural ability to draw readers in with his poignant writing and thought-provoking insight. This book touches on some of the fundamental questions families have and will serve as an important and enjoyable resources in their college admission experience."
 
        -Rick Clark, Director of Undergraduate Admission at Georgia Tech University, coauthor of The Truth about College Admission: A Family Guide to Getting In and Staying Together

  
        "Ethan is my go-to resource for college essay advice. I'll be giving this book to all my friends with children in high school."
 
        -Mignon Fogarty, author of the New York Times bestseller Grammar Girl's Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing

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