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“Show, Don’t Tell”: How to Write a Memorable College Essay
One of the most common pieces of advice students hear when writing college essays is “Show, don’t tell.” But what does that actually mean—and how do you do it without sounding dramatic or writing a novel?
At Kingfisher Prep, we define great college essays as those that invite the reader into a moment, rather than announce a conclusion. Telling says what happened. Showing lets us feel it.
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2 days ago2 min read


How to Write “Why This College?” Essays That Actually Feel Personal
Move beyond the brochure and write an essay that connects your story to their campus. Learn how to write a “Why This College?” essay that feels personal—not generic. Kingfisher Prep breaks down research, reflection, and writing techniques that show an authentic fit with your dream school.
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Nov 193 min read


Key Differences Between Canadian Colleges vs. the Common App: What You Need to Know
Applying to college can feel like navigating a labyrinth, especially when Canadian colleges and the Common App are involved. As application deadlines loom, understanding the key differences can save you time and stress. Do you know how Canadian schools differ in their process compared to what you're used to? In this post, you'll uncover essential tips and strategies to apply to Canadian colleges successfully, ensuring you don't miss out on exciting educational opportunities i
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Oct 14 min read


Should High School Seniors Take the SAT or ACT in the Fall? Weighing the Pros and Cons for College Admissions
The fall of senior year can feel overwhelming with college admissions looming. Deciding whether to take the SAT or ACT during this time...
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Sep 174 min read


Creating Your College List: How to Use Naviance and Scoir Effectively
Creating your college list can feel like an overwhelming task, but with the right tools and guidance, it becomes an exciting step in your...
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Sep 106 min read


Supporting Anxious Students: A Parent's Guide to Navigating College Admissions Anxiety
Navigating the college admissions process can be a challenging and anxiety-inducing experience for high school students and their families. As parents, the drive to support your child through this significant life transition can feel overwhelming, especially when grappling with college admissions anxiety. The pressure to succeed and secure a spot in a desired college often weighs heavily on students, making it crucial for parents to find effective ways to ease this pressure.
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Sep 25 min read


Creating a Positive Atmosphere in the College Application Process: A Parent's Guide
Navigating the college application process can be a challenging time for both students and parents, but creating a positive atmosphere...
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Aug 275 min read


From Chaos to Clarity: Tips for an Efficient College Application Process
Applying to college can feel like navigating a complex maze, but with the right strategies, students can turn chaos into clarity. As the Early Decision and Early Action deadlines loom, it's crucial for students to manage their time effectively and stay on top of their application requirements.
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Aug 214 min read


College Application Changes: New Supplemental Essays in 2025-2026
Navigating the college application process can be a daunting task, especially with recent changes to the supplemental essays for the...
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Aug 133 min read


College Application Tips: Successfully Requesting a Letter of Recommendation from Your Teacher
If you're applying to college, you'll need to secure one to three strong letters of recommendation from teachers, coaches, or mentors....
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Jul 315 min read


Summer Camp Personal Statements: Beyond the Cliché
Many students fear writing about summer camp experiences in their college admissions personal statement because they fear it will sound...
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Jul 244 min read


How Much of My College Application Should Be Done Before School Starts?
As a high school senior, you might be wondering how much of your college application should be tackled before school kicks off. Getting a...
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Jul 163 min read


The Art of Authenticity: How Personal Reflections Can Transform Your Common App Personal Statement
Many students struggle to create their Common App personal statement. Crafting a compelling Common App personal statement is an art form...
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Jul 95 min read


Start Working on Common App Personal Statement
Start your Common App Personal Statement with confidence! Discover tips and strategies to craft a compelling Common App Personal Statement today.
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May 142 min read


What Should 10th and 11th Graders Do During the Summer?
What Should 10th and 11th Graders Do During the Summer? What should 10th (going into 11th) and 11th (going into 12th) graders do during...
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Apr 303 min read


College Applications: April To-Do List
It’s April! It creeps up every year, and it’s the month when we start meeting with our college application students in earnest. We’ve had...
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Apr 93 min read


Five Tips for Ivy League Application Essays
Five Tips for Ivy League Application Essays Applying to Ivy League schools is a full-time job. They have between three and seven...
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Mar 192 min read


Five Summer Program Application Tips
Many high school students apply to summer programs, but when asked why they’re applying, many of them tell us, “it will look good on my...
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Mar 122 min read


Six Tips For Taking Your First SAT Or ACT
If you’re about to take your first real SAT or ACT, congratulations! The prep you’ve done so far will support you as you navigate the...
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Mar 42 min read


Create a College List in 3 Easy Steps
When we first meet with students, they usually feel overwhelmed by the process of creating their first college list. But it’s actually...
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Feb 122 min read
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