The Curmudgeon's Guide to College Admissions
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Who Am I And Why Am I So Grumpy?
I'm a former college admissions officer with strong opinions about how not to lose your mind over college applications and no one ever listens to me but…
May 14, 2025
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Irena Smith
5
3
How to Edit Your Child's College Essay
First, do no harm. Second, probably definitely don't edit it.
Sep 17, 2024
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Irena Smith
17
14
1
Comparative Parenting
How to do it and why not to
Jan 7
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Irena Smith
13
12
2
The Common App: Writing Section
Keep trying
Dec 17, 2025
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Irena Smith
12
5
The College Curmudgeon's Holiday Book Guide
because books never go out of style
Dec 3, 2025
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Irena Smith
12
14
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“My daughter is in 9th grade. I would like her to go to an Ivy League school"
an actual email
Nov 19, 2025
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Irena Smith
29
20
2
Common App: Activities Section
Idle hands are the devil's workshop
Nov 5, 2025
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Irena Smith
10
12
2
The Common App: Testing Section
What for is your SAT score?
Oct 23, 2025
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Irena Smith
13
6
2
The Curmudgeon Answers Your College Application Questions!
Thanks to everyone who submitted questions for today’s AMA!
Oct 10, 2025
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Irena Smith
11
4
The Common App: Education Section
What do you know and when did you know it and is it enough?
Oct 7, 2025
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Irena Smith
11
10
1
Announcing an AMA with the College Curmudgeon!
The Curmudgeon will take your questions now
Oct 2, 2025
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Irena Smith
4
4
The Common App: Family Section
No one applies to college in a vacuum
Sep 27, 2025
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Irena Smith
9
13
1
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The Curmudgeon's Guide to College Admissions
Applying to college is not an emergency and other practical tips for parents of high schoolers from a college admissions veteran and author of The Golden Ticket: A Life in College Admissions Essays.
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The Curmudgeon's Guide to College Admissions
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