5 Common Supplemental Essay Mistakes to Avoid
You won’t catch me telling a student that there’s a wrong way to write a college essay—not in so many words, at least.
ChapmanEducation
Chapman Education is an honest, grounded reflection & guide to the college process and the parenting years around it, written from many angles and always free to read.
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On Looking Straight Ahead Instead of Up, Down or Sideways
Because Comparison Causes Undue Stress and Kills Joy
Does Demonstrated Interest Matter?
With the rise of the online Common Application in the 2000s, many colleges faced lower yield rates; the percentage of admitted applicants who actually accepted their offers dropped—significantly.
On Letting Them Own The Process
The Difference Between Supporting and Managing
On the Confidence We Can’t Give Them
Why the College Process Isn’t Supposed To Be About Removing Your Kid’s Struggle
College Applications: The Senior Year Timeline
As of today, August 4th, many students have already returned to school, or will in the next few weeks.
On Watching Your Kid Grow Up (and Away)
On the joy and grief of raising someone so well they're ready to leave you.
On Not Actually Being Behind
For every parent who’s said “I know we’re behind,” and every student who’s worried it’s true.
The Common App Activities Section: A Deep Dive
By far one of the most stressful parts of the Common App, the Activities section often challenges students who don’t have the luxury of expert guidance.
Common App Setup, Step by Step
On July 28th, 2026, the Common App website will temporarily go offline as colleges refresh their applications.
The Second Time Around
I wrote a book to teach families this. My son already lives it.
The Rising Senior Summer Checklist
How to Build a Stress-Free College Application Season
What They're Made Of
A Case For The Meaningful Summer