Archive - College App Help Desk

At the Vanguard: The Enduring Legacy of HBCUs and a New Look at Their Archives

Exploring the groundbreaking new exhibit at the National Museum of African American History and Culture

Jul 4 • Christine Gacharná

The Hidden College Economy: Small Gems, Marketing Myths, and the Mandatory Financial Reality Check

Why the best schools for your student might not be the ones you see in the rankings—and why it’s time to have a serious talk about the application…

Jul 3 • Christine Gacharná and Tom O'Hare

30:30

Why "Writing a Rough Draft” is the Worst Way to Start Your College Essay

Watch now | & what to do instead

Jul 2 • Christine Gacharná

39:36

June 2026

RIGHTING the "Why Us?" Essay

Stop giving admissions officers a middle school book report on their own website.

Jun 28 • Christine Gacharná

7:21

Cracking the "Why Major?" Formula

How to demonstrate specific knowledge, genuine interest, and future alignment—even if you’re undecided.

Jun 28 • Christine Gacharná

8:45

How to Master Freewriting: The 15-Minute Brain Dump

The art of free writing, letting go of perfection (mechanics of grammar, spelling, and punctuation), and finding your "diamonds in the rough."

Jun 28 • Christine Gacharná

3:13

Stop Starting at Step No. 6

Your high school writing habits have created a muscle memory that will make your college essays ten times harder than they need to be to write. Use the…

Jun 28 • Christine Gacharná

5:04

University of Arkansas (AR)

The Vibe: A bustling, energetic SEC campus seamlessly blended with small-town charm, set right in the biking capital of the world.

Jun 27 • Christine Gacharná

University of the Ozarks (AR)

The Vibe: A private, well-endowed ($150M) university deeply dedicated to socioeconomic mobility, outdoor recreation, and protecting the liberal arts via…

Jun 26 • Christine Gacharná

How Admissions Officers View Your Application

Working Backward From the Answer Key

Jun 26 • Christine Gacharná

7:28

Hendrix College (AR)

The Vibe: A literary and creative haven where students are given the financial and human resources to “dream up their own potential.”

Jun 25 • Christine Gacharná

University of Central Arkansas (AR)

The Vibe: The “sweet spot” school—10,000 students, zero teaching assistants (TAs), and a highly vibrant, quirky student life culture.

Jun 24 • Christine Gacharná

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