Julia Byrd: Essay Coach

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/

✏️ 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

Do you know the difference between a college and a university? I'll admit, I didn't (at least, not fully) when I first started working with students. But this article by Lynn O'Shaughnessy helps illuminate a few of the differences.

Read the full article here: https://thecollegesolution.com/knowing-the-differences-between-a-college-and-a-university/

Preparing for college means prepping for financial success! 🎓 From textbooks to emergencies, it's essential to equip your teen with money management skills. Student loan debt expert Robert Farrington shares some key tips:

💰 Budgeting Basics: Outline essential expenses together.

💰 Income Sources: Explore job opportunities or internships.

💰 Budgeting Strategy: Try the 50-30-20 rule for needs, wants, and savings.

💰 Emergency Fund: Ensure they have savings for unexpected situations.

💰 Long-Term Financial Literacy: Encourage lifelong financial responsibility beyond college.

Set your teen up for financial success! Check out Portara's blog for more insights.

💡 https://theportara.com/preparing-for-college-finances-creating-a-budget-and-financial-plan/

If your student is thinking beyond undergrad, heads up: Congress just passed new caps on how much postbaccalaureate students can borrow in federal loans. Law, medicine, and other professional programs are most affected.

These new caps go into effect July 1, 2026.

Some schools have already launched their own loan programs to fill the gap. Others are creating private lender agreements.

If additional schooling beyond college is in the plan:

📌 Research institutional loan options at programs your student is considering

📌 Look for funded programs and fellowships — especially for PhD tracks

📌 Factor realistic debt loads into how you compare programs

The grad school funding landscape is shifting. Learn more here:

https://edsource.org/updates/federal-government-limits-borrowing-for-graduate-and-professional-students

UPDATE: Federal government limits borrowing for graduate and professional students The latest education news updates from EdSource.

Inside Higher Ed just reported that students are increasingly turning to TikTok for scholarship info. Honestly? There's good stuff on there — but a lot of noise too.

Here's how to tell the difference:

✅ Scholarships with clear deadlines, eligibility criteria, and a real website = worth applying.

❌ "Apply to 100 scholarships in 10 minutes!" = skip it.

✅ Local scholarships from community foundations, Rotary clubs, and local businesses are often overlooked and far less competitive.

✅ Your school's college and career counselor should keep a list — ask for it.

Social media can be a starting point, but it's not a complete strategy. Check out more of my scholarship resources here:

👉 https://essay-coach.com/scholarship-resources/

🚀 Get a head start on your college applications with the Common App! Did you know you can create your account ahead of time and start adding some limited important information? With account rollover, students can seamlessly transfer information when the new application cycle begins Aug. 1.

Don't wait until the last minute – begin your college planning (and application) journey today! Visit the Common App's Solutions Center for FAQs about account rollover. 📝💡

Learn more about what will roll over on Aug. 1: https://appsupport.commonapp.org/applicantsupport/s/article/What-do-I-need-to-know-about-Account-Rollover