This summer Erin will focus on building skills that will help students in the present and are essential to transition to a functioning adult. Today’s focus is on decluttering.

Did you know that decluttering, organizing, and cleaning are three very separate tasks? Erin tackles the first of these with some of her best tips from her favorite declutterer.

Resource: A Slob Comes Clean – Dana K. White

The post 636: Summer of Skills: Decluttering Your Bedroom appeared first on The College Prep Podcast.

This summer Megan will focus on different college application essay topics, pinpointing common pitfalls and offering suggestions for strong responses. Today’s topic: discuss a “great” book.

— Not all colleges ask about books, but this question appears on a number of school’s supplemental essay lists.

— Don’t overthink your answer; be genuine. There isn’t a right or wrong answer. (Trying to sound impressive isn’t the goal.)

— Brainstorm the “why” part of your answer. Your thought process is a significant part of the essay.

— Look at your application essays as a whole and understand how this response fits into the bigger picture.

The post 637: College Essays: Discuss a Favorite Book appeared first on The College Prep Podcast.

We are continuing with our shorter summer episodes and with Erin’s series highlighting the ways in which students can learn key skills so they can live independently. Today’s focus is on organization.

Moving from decluttering (episode 481) to organization, Erin shares her big tips for getting a space organized including what to buy (hint: nothing), where to put things, and the different organizational styles.

Resource: Clutterbug test – Cas Aarssen

The post 638: Summer of Skills: Organization appeared first on The College Prep Podcast.