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Embracing Your Voice: The Impact of Pronouns in College Essays

Hey there, students! Today, I wanted to chat with you about something important as you navigate the college admissions process: the language you use in your college essays. It’s something that might seem small, but trust me, it can make a big difference in how your story comes across to admissions officers. Let’s talk about the pronoun “you.” You might have heard that using “you” in your essays can make them feel more engaging or relatable. But here’s the thing: it can actually have the opposite effect. When you use “you” in your essays, you’re kind of distancing yourself from your own story. It’s like you’re talking to someone else instead of sharing your experiences directly. And that’s not what we want, right? We want

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Your Responsibility in the Application Process

Hey everyone, I want to talk about something crucial in the application process: your responsibility. First off, let’s be clear: applications don’t automatically sync with school forms or recommendation letters. While it’s great when everything aligns smoothly, the deadline for students is non-negotiable. Your application is your responsibility to send out. It’s important to clarify that your application and the school forms are separate entities. While it’s understandable that you might think they need to go hand in hand, they actually don’t. It’s like two trains arriving at the station separately. Many students aren’t aware that they don’t have to wait for the school to send their documents (electronically). Colleges receive an overwhelming number of documents, so it’s crucial for you to take charge and

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You Should Use Every Bit of Your Application to Tell Your Story

Just a quick note about the Common Application activity list. Remember, you don’t need to fill all ten slots like the form allows. Focus on quality over quantity; it’s about showcasing what truly matters to you. Take the time to add descriptions that offer an authentic, detailed glimpse into your life outside of the classroom. Be honest, be funny if that’s you, and above all, be meaningful. And don’t be shy about the order! Put the most important activities first. Your story matters, and this is your chance to share it. Keep shining, Meg

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Reflecting on Academic Fit: Insights from Student Conversations

Hey everyone, I wanted to share some thoughts from a recent student meeting where we discussed the importance of finding the right academic fit when choosing a college or university. It’s a topic that hits close to home for many of us as we navigate the college admissions journey. We talked about two key reasons why academic mismatch can be harmful for students: Potential for Major Change: Academic mismatch can lead students to feel disconnected from their studies, which may result in dissatisfaction and a desire to change majors or even transfer schools. Malcolm Gladwell explores this concept in his book “David and Goliath: Underdogs, Misfits, and the Art of Battling Giants,” where he shares the story of a student who chose Brown University over

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Meet Meg Mahoney: The College Doula Bringing Joy and Guidance to the Admissions Process

I am Meg Mahoney, and I have had the privilege of playing a seasonal role as an outside reader of applications for Bentley University, evaluating over 1,000 applications to date. This experience has deepened my understanding of the college admissions process and fueled my passion for guiding students and parents through this journey. My journey into college counseling began after spending over a decade living and working in Costa Rica, Panama and Colombia. During this time, I served as an accreditation consultant and school counselor in private schools. I had the honor of being part of the NEASC accreditation team. Meg consulted with Colegio Gran Bretana in Colombia in 2017 to help them build a college counseling office. There she was able to take advantage

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Why Does Summer Matter?

Summertime is an important time for high school students to change gears from the often very intense pace and demanding schedule of high school, and to pursue interests and build experiences not afforded during the school year.  Students build independence, meet other students with similar interests, expand friendships and ultimately learn more about themselves when they plan an engaging summer.    For a recent high school graduate, the same opportunity to expand and grow holds true, however, with a special twist.  For a high school graduate, this is the summer of significant change come August. So, what should their summer look like?   Parents often ask us what we think their child should be doing post-graduation and we thought we would share some of our advice here.   

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The Best Parts Are Yet To Come

Today is a sweet day to come back to the office after traveling to New Hampshire for my niece’s wedding. Her attention to detail– starting with her creative hashtag (#whitemountainlove), to a locally harvested meal with delicious options for all, and blankets and cozy socks available for guests–was noticeable at every turn of the ceremony and reception. She admittedly loved planning her wedding but what was truly impressive was when things didn’t go as planned, she smiled and rolled with it! After reciting her vows to her now husband, he was overcome with emotion and bear-hugged her and her veil fell to the ground! We all laughed of course, however, it was the bride’s grace, smile and poise that inspired this journal entry. Her team

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Why the Name “The College Doula”?

I love the name too! I happily give credit for The College Doula™ name to a dad. I worked closely with his daughters throughout their very different college journies, supporting this family as they navigated the college admissions process.  After building close relationships with both girls and intimately understanding their unique needs and goals, their father told me that I had come into their lives when they needed it most, providing expert advice in real-time, emotional reassurance, advocacy, and delivering results & encouragement. He said, “Meg, you are the College Doula™!” This name is a deep compliment that truly resonates with me. Not only will I ensure your success as an expert project and process manager, but I am your guide, believer, and advocate. By creating a personalized

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Coming Summer 2022

For Questions, please email us at Hello@TheCollegeDoula.com or contact us below.