My Most Epic Year Yet (Pass the Confetti)
Last week marked my final student conversation of the year. I hopped off Zoom with a smile on my face as the student and his mom expressed their delight at how much better the essays were than either had expected. I was brimming with gratitude for the privilege of doing what I love.
And for you. Truly. Thank you for being here.
With the year winding down, I’m feeling reflective—maybe you are, too? So, this issue is a little different: a look back at the top 10 gifts I received in 2024.
Spoiler alert: these gifts? They’re for you, too.
42 Students, 200+ Essays, and One Major Realization
This year, I worked with 42 students — and their 200+ essays written, reviewed, and perfected.
Want to know something I learned after reviewing that many essays?
Students don’t need ten brainstorming exercises (and hours of indecision) to find their perfect essay topic. They need two really good ones (and the all-time favorite, “Desert Island,” which is the one I’ll never cut).
🎁 What This Means for You:
More efficiency and fewer “I’m stuck” moments for your teen. The process is now so tight that 90% of students find their essay topic so fast it even surprises them — and without me having to pry it out of them like a secret family recipe.
7 Weekend Workshops
(and about the One All-Guys Group
That Blew My Mind…)
I ran seven (7!) “Complete Your Essay in a Weekend” workshops this year — a record for me. But one of those weekends? All young men... 👀
Here’s what I learned:
Guys are not here for the fluff. They have that bottom-line, just-tell-me-what-to-do energy. So, I shifted gears, cut 3 hours off the total time, and guess what? They loved it. I loved it. We all went home earlier.
🎁 What This Means for You:
The workshop process is tighter, smarter, and faster. Your teen’s essay gets done — and you get your weekend back earlier. Win-win.
I Made a Mini-Course, and It’s a Total Game-Changer
Ever wish you could just say, “Here, kid, watch this and figure it out”?
Well, I created a self-paced, on-demand “Pick Your Best Topic” mini-course.
It’s basically me (in video form) walking students through my top brainstorming exercises, step-by-step, on their own schedule. No Zoom required.
🎁 What This Means for You:
Your student can brainstorm independently — and if you’ve got a kid who works better at midnight (looking at you, parents of night owls 🦉), this is a dream come true.
Around the World in 2024
(And the Wins We’re Celebrating)
Easier College Essays went global. 🌍
I worked with my first-ever international student from Hong Kong (and he got the acceptance letter he wanted—to college with a 5% acceptance rate). Plus, another from France and a number of first-gen college students with international parents.
And internally, my team expanded beyond North Carolina (where I live) and into Ecuador, the Philippines, and the UK, plus my editors in 3 U.S. states.
🎁 What This Means for You:
More perspectives, more experience, and more resources — all working toward one goal: making your student’s essays pop.
The Dashboard of Dreams
(Students Freaking LOVE This)
I built a fully customizable student dashboard this year, and here’s the deal — it’s like the command center for essays, word counts, and deadlines, eliminating those “Wait, when is that due again?” moments. Now, everyone is on the same page.
Students love it. Parents love it. I love it.
🎁 What This Means for You:
No more Post-It notes on the fridge or cryptic calendar reminders. Everything’s in one place — essays, deadlines, and those random “Remember to ask Mr. Smith for a rec letter” notes.
Gave My First Signature Talk
(and It Was a Whole Moment)
This year, I stood on an actual stage (with an actual audience!) and gave my first signature talk on college admissions. Then, I turned it into a webinar series so even more parents and students could get the tea.
🎁 What This Means for You:
More chances for you to get behind-the-scenes insights on admissions, essay strategy, and the weird world of “why colleges make it so hard on purpose.”
The Biggest Range of Students & Majors I’ve Ever Worked With
From a 13-year-old 8th grader to a half-dozen 20-to-25-year-old grad school applicants (hello, Kellogg School of Management and Purdue's School of Aeronautics and Astronautics admits 🥳), I supported my most diverse lineup yet.
Their majors?
The top three this year were:
nursing and pre-med
business
psychology
Plus, I had my first students with history, Japanese studies, and aviation science majors.
🎁 What This Means for You:
No matter where your student is on their timeline (just starting or running out of time already), I’ve got them. If a 13-year-old can do it, so can your teen. 😉
A first B2B Partnership
(and My Behind-the-Scenes Role)
This year, I partnered with a highly experienced college planner who admitted essays just aren’t her thing. She sent all of her student-clients my way. (No pressure, right?)
And now she’s already contracted with me for 2025. 🎉
🎁 What This Means for You:
Since other professionals are trusting me with their clients… if I may say so, you’re likely to be in good hands with me.
College Tour x 9
(And the 3 Schools I’m Still Thinking About)
I toured nine colleges this year and saw it all — big, small, creative, and quirky. My Top 3 Faves?
🏫 SCAD (for the artists, designers, and creative souls)
🏫 SKEMA (a new-to-the US global business school that’s not found on most rankings lists. Yet.) Click here to check out my top 3 favorite things.
🏫 NC State (“we’ve got something for everyone” vibes with access to some of the best internships in the country in their backyard)
🎁 What This Means for You:
If your student is curious about these schools (or dozens of others), I’ve got the scoop. I was there; I saw the dorms, and yes, I asked about the food.
PLUS, you can use this free AI-Guide on how to find little known colleges that might be perfect for your student and family. Check it out here.
10 Years (and counting)
Ten years ago, I had no clue how much I didn’t know about college essays. As a naturally strong communicator, I thought I was ready to help those first students — spoiler alert: I wasn’t…because writing a personal statement is unlike any other kind of writing any of us were taught.
But after working with 200 students, I’ve gained sharper insights into what works, what doesn’t, and how to help students efficiently craft essays that stand out.
I’ve learned one big truth:
The more students I work with, the sharper my process gets. More insights. More distinctions. Smarter systems. Essays that truly reflect the student — done faster, better, and with less stress.
This obsession with efficiency? It’s been with me for decades... Plus, as a mom of 6 wildly different kids, I know firsthand that everyone learns, thinks, and works differently.
The same is true for my students. That’s why I’m constantly tweaking, refining, and customizing my process to meet every student where they are.
🎁 What This Means for You:
Every year, I make it easier, faster, and more effective for your teen to finish essays that actually stand out. Ten years in, and I’m just getting started. 🚀
So, What’s Next?
2025 is already stacking up to be next-level. Here’s what I’m working on:
New support for grad school essays (because it’s a whole other beast).📚
More workshops + webinars (so parents get the inside track too). 💡
More support with stress management + procrastination for students (because it’s real out here). Plus, on-demand mini-courses for students. 🧠
If you’ve been with me on this ride, thank you. If you’re just joining, buckle up.
I’m here for every late-night essay panic, every “Is this topic good enough?” doubt, and every “Can you just look at it real quick?” moment.
Here’s to the next 10 years (and your student getting where they want to go—or somewhere even better).
With love + tinsel,
Christy
Your go-to college essay + admissions mentor
👋 Hi, if we haven't met yet, I'm Christy. I help students craft standout essays so they can submit their best possible applications with confidence.
Wanna chat? www.calendly.com/easiercollegeessays/30min
