Tests and the Rest: College Admissions Podcast · Amy Seeley & Mike Bergin

College Essay Secrets

·28 min·2 clips

Admissions officers in cabs and escalators all give the same surprising answer about what they want from college essays.

College essay expert Susan Knappow reveals the hidden Common App prompt, explains why students shouldn't try to be clever in their essays, and shares practical frameworks for writing effective personal statements. She debunks common myths about what admissions officers want and provides concrete advice on topic selection, editing, and maintaining authentic voice.

As heard by us

A grounded take on essays, supplements, and why perfection is not the whole game.

College essays are treated as one part of admissions, not some hidden shortcut. Susan Knappow keeps the coaching side practical, and the hosts stay focused on the questions that matter: where essays carry weight, how supplements shift the picture, and why trying to polish every…

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Want clearer essay advice without the usual panic spiral?

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