Julia Byrd: Essay Coach

✏️ Ready to nail your college essays this summer? Join Ethan Sawyer (THE College Essay Guy himself!) for his Summer College Essay + Application Program!

Through 8 interactive sessions (June-August), you'll:

✅ Part 1: Discover your unique story, master essay structure, and craft an unforgettable personal statement.
✅ Part 2: Build a standout application, develop winning strategies, and create supplemental essays that capture attention.

Watch live or on-demand -- perfect for your summer schedule! Learn directly from Ethan's proven methods that have helped thousands write effective essays.

🎉 BONUS 1: Oh, and get 10% off with code JULIA10!
🎉 BONUS 2: If you register for the course using the link below, message me with the email address you used to register, and I'll give you access to my Student Resume-Writing Course and Guide for FREE! ($97 value)

👉 Register now: https://students.collegeessayguy.com/a/2148088562/G2dVooJP

Let's talk college lists. Does your rising senior have a genuine first choice — a school they'd commit to tomorrow if they got in? Or are they still figuring it out? Both are completely fine, but the answer changes the strategy heading into senior year. Drop a 🎓 if they have one, or a 🤔 if they're still deciding. Curious where everyone is!

🚨 Application Update 🚨

The University of Miami has dropped its supplemental essay for students applying this summer.

That's one less essay to write—but it also means every other part of your application matters even more.

Need help making your application stand out? Let's talk. Book your 60-minute application strategy session here:
👉 https://essay-coach.com/power-hour-lp

Here's something families often find out too late: Early Decision filled 50% or more of the incoming class at many selective schools last cycle. Duke admitted roughly 16% of ED applicants vs. just 5% in regular decision. That's not a small difference. If your student has a genuine first choice, applying ED isn't just a nice option — it can actually be a real strategy. The families who feel calm and prepared when senior year starts are the ones will be the ones who spent this summer getting specific about where they want to go and what application strategy makes sense for them.

The 2026 admissions cycle made something very clear: a strong GPA isn't enough on its own. CS at UCLA dipped below a 3% admittance rate. Business, engineering, and nursing programs at public flagships are now among the hardest admits on campus. What moved applications forward was a demonstrated, authentic connection between who a student is and what they want to study. That story often lives in the essay — and summer is the best time to start building it.

👉 Consider registering now for the College Essay Guy Summer Application Program: https://students.collegeessayguy.com/a/2148088562/G2dVooJP

✏️ Ready to nail your college essays this summer? Join Ethan Sawyer (THE College Essay Guy himself!) for his Summer College Essay + Application Program!

Through 8 interactive sessions (June-August), you'll:

✅ Part 1: Discover your unique story, master essay structure, and craft an unforgettable personal statement.

✅ Part 2: Build a standout application, develop winning strategies, and create supplemental essays that capture attention.

Watch live or on-demand -- perfect for your summer schedule! Learn directly from Ethan's proven methods that have helped thousands write effective essays.

🎉 BONUS 1: Oh, and get 10% off with code JULIA10!

🎉 BONUS 2: If you register for the course using the link below, message me with the email address you used to register, and I'll give you access to my Student Resume-Writing Course and Guide for FREE! ($97 value)

👉 Register now: https://students.collegeessayguy.com/a/2148088562/G2dVooJP

We talk a lot about college prep around here, but summer should also be just… summer. ☀️ What's the one thing on your family's non-college bucket list this season? Drop it in the comments.

I'll start: beach trip with absolutely no agenda but a few good books on the Kindle. 🌊

Big college admissions updates you need to know about 👇

🔹 University of Georgia dropped their supplemental essay
🔹 Tulane dropped their supplemental essay
🔹 Wash U dropped their supplemental essay — AND is adding an Early Action round AND will now track demonstrated interest
🔹 University of Florida is adding an Early Decision round

Less writing doesn't mean less strategy.

If Wash U is on your list, they're now paying attention to whether you're paying attention to them. New EA/ED rounds change the math on where and when you apply. Now is the time to take a fresh look at your college list — and your plan.

Want to start the summer feeling confident, motivated, and organized? Schedule a 60-minute Power Hour to make a plan for your application essays: https://essay-coach.thrivecart.com/strategy-session/