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Sanity under pressure

7/31/2025

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Surviving the Common Application Phase
You made your list. But now you’ve got seven browser tabs open with Common App, college websites, College Essay Guy, and a Google doc. You have music playing in your ear and the snack in front of you is stale. Your mom just asked where you are on your applications. You want to scream. Or cry. Or close your eyes and hope everything magically sorts itself out.
 
The college application phase can feel like a full-time job and an identity crisis rolled into one. It does not have to drive you crazy. Here is how to preserve your peace and pursue your purpose.

Reframe the Narrative
You are more than an application. You are not your GPA, your list of activities or even your essay about resilience (or personal growth or challenges or values). This season is important. BUT IT IS NOT EVERYTHING.

Try saying: “I’m building a future, not proving my worth.”

Sanity-Saving Habits
  • Make a weekly power hour
    • Choose one hour a week for focused app work
    • No interruptions, no multitasking
  • Pick a vibe enhancer
    • A candle, playlist, special place in your house
    • Make yourself feel safe and supported while working
  • Use a Master Spreadsheet
    • Track deadlines, supplementals and essay status in one spot
    • Need help building one? I’ve got you! Having me handle this part will definitely take some stress off of your plate
  • Set boundaries with college talk
    • Let your friends and family know when you want to chat about apps or when you don’t
    • You’re allowed to take breaks!
  • Celebrate micro-wins
    • Finished a short answer? Treat yourself
    • Transcripts were sent by your counselor? Victory dance
    • Progress deserves celebration
 
Listen to the Elders
Talk with older peers, siblings, relatives or teachers to learn about their stress-saving strategies. Ask them what helped them manage stress, what they’d do differently, and what actually mattered at the end. It’s difficult to see inside the hurricane, but they have made it to the other side.
 
This journey is yours. Lean on your people, listen to your gut, and don’t forget to breathe. The path may twist but it leads somewhere beautiful!

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navigating college admissions with adhd

7/14/2025

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A Guide for Students and Families
The college admissions process can feel like a maze for any student, but for those with ADHD, it often comes with extra twists and turns. From managing deadlines to advocating for accommodations, students with ADHD face unique challenges (and opportunities) that deserve thoughtful attention.

Myth: You should not disclose your ADHD in your application

Truth: While it’s a personal decision, it can be empowering or framed as part of your growth story, especially when it has impacted your academic performance. Some students choose to write about it in their personal statement while others wait until after acceptance to share and look for accommodations.

Resources:
Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD)
Elizabeth Cohen Hamblet, Learning Disabilities Consultant
 
Finding the “Right Fit” for you
Not all colleges offer the same level of support. You should research disability services, learning centers, and coaching programs. Check out Reddit (with caution!) to learn about other students’ experiences. Some schools go above and beyond with structured support for executive functioning and academic coaching. Remember that your needs are individualized; your right fit might not be known for having strong levels of support but might support you well. That’s why research is key.

Resources:
20 best colleges for students with ADHD
Online databases for disability support students
 
Interacting with College Disability Services
You can connect with the college’s Office of Disability Services before or after admission. What questions should I ask the Student Disability Office? Eric Endlich of Top College Consultants has a great list.
 
Common accommodations you can expect:
  • Extended time on exams and assignments
  • Priority registration
  • Note-taking support or permission to record lectures
  • Reduced course load or flexible deadlines

Final Thoughts
  • Start early with applications and essays
  • Use visual planners and digital reminders
  • Break tasks into manageable steps
  • Seek out academic coaching or peer support

With the right strategies and support, students with ADHD can not only navigate the admissions process but also thrive in college.
 

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how to write with heart and purpose

7/7/2025

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Personal Statement Essay Tips
The personal statement is more than just an essay; it's your chance to speak directly to admissions officers and show them who you are beyond grades and test scores. This piece is the heartbeat of your application.

What Makes a Personal Statement Stand Out?
  • Authenticity
    • Admissions officers want to hear your voice
    • Avoid trying to sound overly academic or using cliches
    • Write like you’re telling a story to someone who genuinely wants to listen
  • Reflection
    • Go beyond what happened and share how it shaped you
    • What did you learn?
    • How did it change your perspective?
  • Specificity
    • Vague statements like “I like science” don’t work
    • Describe the moment you realized you like science, an experiment that sparked curiosity or the mentor who inspired you
  • Craft
    • Strong writing matters
    • Use vivid language, varied sentence structure, and transitions that guide the reader through the story

Brainstorming Tips
  • Values Exercise
    • The College Essay Guy has a great tool to identify what matters to you
    • Try the Montage vs. Narrative Structure approach to organize your essay

Common Pitfalls to Avoid
  • Trying to impress
    • Don’t write what you think admissions wants to hear
    • Write what’s true to you
  • Rehashing your resume
    • Your activities are already listed elsewhere
    • Use the essay to add dimension
  • Skipping revisions
    • Great essays are rewritten
    • Aim for at least 3-5 drafts

Helpful Resources

College Essay Guy: Comprehensive guides, examples, and exercises
CollegeVine’s Essay Examples: Real student essays with commentary
ProWritingAid: Editing tool + writing tips
Texas A&M Writing Center: Academic-focused advice for grad and undergrad applicants

Final Thoughts
  • Your personal statement does not need to be dramatic
  • It needs to be you
  • The goal is to help admissions see the person behind the application
  • You can write about a quiet moment of growth or a major life challenge/experience
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    Faith brodsky racusin

    Chief Executive Manager

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25 Richland Dr.                    5180 River Trail
           Springfield, NJ 07081         Lyndhurst, OH 44124

​973-98EDCON (973-983-3266)
​[email protected]

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  • Home
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    • Consultants
  • College Consultation
    • College Planning Inquiry Form
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    • Special Education Analysis
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    • New Leaders Training
    • Mediation
    • Maximize Funding
    • Board Training
    • Staff Training
    • Technology Analysis
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    • Special Projects
  • EduNavigator Blog
  • !HELP! Series
    • Stay Interviews
    • Diplomatic Leadership
    • Emotional Regulation Impaired Program
    • Super-Board Relations
    • Parent Objections
    • Inappropriate Actions
    • IEP Consensus
    • Teacher Retention
  • Payments
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