On this week's podcast episode, recent Harvard graduate and current Zenith tutor, Sara Allan shares some of the key elements in her college application journey including what she would do differently today as an applicant, and a personal reading of her Common Application essay. 

The key discussion points include:

• Restricted early action single option vs. early decision
• Submitting applications before the regular deadline to indicate interest and preparedness 
• College Counselors in private high school environments vs public high schools
• Top tips for mastering the "Why this School" Supplemental Essay
• A reading of Sara's main Common Application essay
• The pros and cons of writing a 'service essay'
• The role of sincerity, personal reflection and awareness in essay writing