Josh StephensCollege Essay Rhetorical Trends 2024Everyday rhetoric, whether it’s in school, on social media, or in edited texts, relies increasingly on cliches — overused words and stale…6 min read·Apr 19, 2024--1--1
Josh StephensCollege Applicants Under the Influence of Social MediaI’m not exactly a dinosaur. But I’ll admit that, like most other adults, I don’t keep up with app-based pop culture trends. I’m more into…5 min read·Jan 2, 2024----
Josh StephensCollege Essays and the Anonymous ReaderA student once came to me wanting to write a college essay about her experience learning how to waterski barefoot. Fun, right? She…6 min read·Dec 6, 2023----
Josh StephensThe True Value of “Safety Schools”Some students recoil “safety schools.” They shouldn’t. A healthy respect for safety schools makes for stronger applicants.8 min read·Oct 7, 2023----
Josh StephensThe Supreme Court College Admissions Decisions Should not Influence Applicants — YetThe Supreme Court has limited versions of affirmative action. Here’s what the decision means, and doesn’t mean, for applicants.8 min read·Aug 21, 2023----
Josh StephensThe Purpose of CollegeMany students apply to college automatically. They would do well to take a moment to consider why they actually want to go to college.4 min read·Jul 26, 2023----
Josh StephensBeavis and Butt-Head ReconsideredBeavis and Butt-Head didn’t exactly enjoy school. Yet, they hold important lessons for ambitious college applicants.6 min read·Mar 16, 2023----
Josh StephensThe Futility of “Standing Out” on College ApplicationsThe supposed need to “stand out” is one of the more toxic, and counterproductive, elements of the college application process.5 min read·Sep 24, 2022----
Josh StephensCollege Essay Rhetorical Quirks (2021 Edition)College essays often reflect acute rhetorical trends. Some are welcome; others are to be approached with caution.6 min read·Mar 23, 2022----
Josh StephensLousy College Essay Prompts, 2021 EditionA cathartic analysis of unduly awkward, challenging, and nonsensical college essay prompts from the 2021 application year.10 min read·Mar 16, 2022----