by tkaprowy | Oct 29, 2020 | Uncategorized
See that photo up above? That’s of my dog, Tilly, after I said the words “academic resume” to her. In fact, say the words “academic resume” to anyone, canine or otherwise, and watch just about everyone’s eyes glaze over with equal...
by tkaprowy | Sep 2, 2020 | Uncategorized
Over the past years, my pre-med students have taught me what exceptionally beautiful writing can come from describing rural life and, thereby, rural healthcare. It comes up because many of my students wish to return to their home communities — or ones like them — once...
by tkaprowy | Aug 7, 2020 | Uncategorized
Oh, Common Application prompts, you beastliest beasts of beasts, you. Why do you make us self-introspect so? Why can’t we just write about something simple, like quantum physics or the tax code? I can hear these wails from Alaska to Wyoming as seniors bump...
by tkaprowy | Jul 25, 2020 | Uncategorized
If you’ve opened this post, you’ve likely become familiar with the ugly phrase “supplemental essay,” which is extra writing that many colleges and universities ask for in addition to your personal statement. Not uncommonly, these institutions...
by tkaprowy | Apr 29, 2020 | Uncategorized
In this crazy time of COVID, I found myself on a hiking trail last week thinking about passion projects. It was a pretty day, the forest trilling with birdsong, the leaves on the trees that new, tentative green that only exists in the spring. My dog Tilly and I were...
by tkaprowy | Mar 11, 2020 | Uncategorized
Sometimes, even when it comes to writing, there is nothing better than seeing a visual breakdown to understand why a personal statement is effective and memorable. In my view, the best personal statements: are honest and relatable are detailed show vulnerability show...
by tkaprowy | Jan 10, 2020 | Uncategorized
For the first time, I’m approaching the new year with a focus on wellness and reducing stress. I know it sounds kind of new-agey, but I’m at the point in my life where I don’t really care. I have started yoga. I’m cooking more vegetarian...
by tkaprowy | Oct 30, 2019 | Uncategorized
Me and Margaret Atwood have been spending a lot of time together lately. Not that I want to brag or anything, but I am pretty happy about it. I’ve been studying the work of the famous, brilliant and, ahem, Canadian writer my entire literary life. I still...
by tkaprowy | Sep 25, 2019 | Uncategorized
“I don’t know what to write about.” This, in a nutshell, is how everyone feels when attempting to write a personal statement. So, if you’re feeling it too, don’t worry: that’s normal. The problem is it’s a sentiment that can...
by tkaprowy | Aug 1, 2019 | Uncategorized
Let’s face it: asking for a recommendation letter can be awkward. You know you’re asking someone to invest time and effort on your behalf, and that can be uncomfortable. But these letters — usually two from teachers and one from a guidance counselor are...
