Publications
50 Successful Harvard Application Essays
With talented applicants coming from top high schools as well as the pressure to succeed from family and friends, it’s no wonder that writing college application essays is one of the most stressful tasks high schoolers face. To help, this completely new edition of 50 Successful Harvard Application Essays, edited by the staff of the Harvard Crimson, gives readers the most inspiring approaches, both conventional and creative, that won over admissions officers at Harvard University, the nation’s top-ranked college.
More Than a Personal Statement: The Essays That Got My Students into Every Elite College
The personal statement is the most underutilized part of the college application—and the most powerful. In More Than a Personal Statement, Harvard graduate and official alumni interviewer Razi Hecker pulls back the curtain on the essay-writing process that's helped students get into top colleges at acceptance rates nearly five times the national average. With warmth, insight, and a deep respect for each student's voice, Razi shares a curated collection of essays that are as moving as they are strategic—each one a masterclass in honesty and storytelling. These essays aren't about trauma, bragging, or gimmicks. They're about finding the one story no one else can tell—and telling it well. Whether you're an applicant, counselor, or just someone who loves great writing, this book offers a rare look into the kind of personal work that makes applications truly unforgettable.
Podcast: How much AI is just right in the college essay?
Smart college applicants know not to let artificial intelligence agents write their entire personal statement but might shudder at the idea of ignoring these tools entirely. How much is too much? Amy and Mike invited educator Razi Hecker to explore how much AI is just right in the college essay.
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