<![CDATA[Jessica Brenner Educational Consulting - Blog]]>Sat, 07 Feb 2026 16:10:16 -0800Weebly<![CDATA[April 29th, 2024]]>Mon, 29 Apr 2024 19:31:01 GMThttps://www.jessicabrenner.com/blog/april-29th-2024What a year! I am pleased and proud to share just some of the colleges and universities where this year's students were accepted:

Tulane
Northeastern University
UCSD
Wesleyan
​USC
University of Colorado- Boulder
UC Berkeley
UCLA
UC Santa Barbara
University of Washington - Seattle
University of Michigan- Ann Arbor
Case Western Reserve
UC Irvine
Howard University
University of Wisconsin - Madison
Case Western Reserve
Cal Poly SLO
SDSU
University of Vermont
Reed College ​
Loyola Marymount University
University of Miami
Colorado School of Mines
Rutgers University
Ohio State University
University of Oregon 

A very happy graduation season to all! 

]]><![CDATA[Bookstore moments]]>Mon, 15 May 2023 19:48:15 GMThttps://www.jessicabrenner.com/blog/bookstore-momentsIt's a surreal feeling to see that, a year later, my first book is still on display at bookstores across the US. Here's hoping that it will be a beneficial resource to students applying to college next fall!  
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]]><![CDATA[Class of 2022: Outcomes]]>Tue, 10 May 2022 01:35:43 GMThttps://www.jessicabrenner.com/blog/class-of-2022-outcomes
-I am often asked where my students end up matriculating, and while there is a huge range of outcomes, I am happy to share the news of where some of this year's seniors will enroll in the fall:
- Yale University 
- NYU Tisch (program accepts 15 students/year)
- Santa Clara University
- Sarah Lawrence 
- Oberlin
- University of Southern California (USC)
- UC Davis
- Santa Clara University
- Cal Poly SLO
- Purdue University
- Colorado State University
- Temple University 
- University of Oregon
- UC Santa Barbara]]><![CDATA[Early Bird Applications; Early Bird Acceptances]]>Tue, 19 Oct 2021 23:16:40 GMThttps://www.jessicabrenner.com/blog/early-bird-applications-early-bird-acceptances
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Students who work with me know I am an advocate of submitting applications a month (sometimes more!) before deadlines. I'd name ALL of the reasons why this is a good idea, but that would take awhile, so I'll simply offer you my favorite: is there anything better than getting a surprise acceptance in early October, when your friends are still slaving away over their essays?

Nope....almost nothing! Congratulations!  
]]><![CDATA[Class of 2021]]>Tue, 24 Nov 2020 01:27:14 GMThttps://www.jessicabrenner.com/blog/class-of-2021Cancelled tests, virtual learning, campuses closed to visitors - it is no secret that this group of seniors is applying to college under especially challenging circumstances. They are the Real MVP's -- which is why I'm so happy that they are getting the results they deserve! 
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Please don't hesitate to contact me if you are struggling with your college journey - I will have openings for new students beginning in December. 

]]><![CDATA[When Your Preparation LITERALLY Pays Off....]]>Mon, 04 Nov 2019 20:42:50 GMThttps://www.jessicabrenner.com/blog/when-your-preparation-literally-pays-off
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Did you know that College Board offers awards of $1,000 to $2,000 for students who link their Khan Academy account with their College Board account, spend a significant number of hours studying (through Khan Academy) and then improve by 100 points or more? That could cover books or other essential expenses for your first year of college! 

Congratulations to the hardworking JBEC students who received these notifications for their fall testing! 
]]><![CDATA[Let's Make Your Dreams Happen This Summer!]]>Mon, 20 May 2019 21:16:03 GMThttps://www.jessicabrenner.com/blog/lets-make-your-dreams-happen-this-summerHi Friends,

For the last decade, my students have spent their summers...well, everywhere. Yet I've been evangelizing for years about how every current junior should get the majority of their college application work done before senior year- because college essays and applications are a process that demands self-awareness and self-expression, and students simply don't have the bandwidth for much of that when they are juggling academics. 

That's why I couldn't be more excited to announce this program.

For the very first time, I'm offering a remote course that will support students in the process of applying to college, including writing the best essays they have EVER written...that they can participate in from absolutely anywhere! 

Students who enroll will receive: 
 - 8 weeks of college application support - this includes a series of online webinars you can watch anytime, plus UNLIMITED draft feedback/brainstorming ideas from and with me! (phone, Zoom, email, Google docs) 
- An initial planning session and overview where we will outline your goals and create an individualized timeline
- Ongoing guidance through my 5 Essential Steps: letters of recommendation, extracurricular resume creation and optimization, personal statement writing, college list creation/feedback, and supplemental essays 
- The essay work will include drafts of both the Common Application, Coalition, and UC essays, depending on where students are applying

OF COURSE, I am still serving students in the Bay Area as well as Sacramento area (new office is in Rocklin)....but I'm thrilled that this program will be tailored to accommodate students, wherever they are :) 

Enroll here:  https://www.JessicaBrenner.com/college-app-summer-boot-camp---register-now.html. We'll start with a 30 minute phone call with the parent to ensure that this format is going to be a good fit. 

This process is RIGHT around the corner....so let's talk about how we can make your dreams a reality!  

Jessica]]><![CDATA[Thank you]]>Wed, 06 Mar 2019 19:01:58 GMThttps://www.jessicabrenner.com/blog/thank-youSometimes I get an email that just bowls me over. Today is one of those days...You can read it below.

Thank you for sharing your kids with me. I couldn't be more grateful for the work I get to do! 
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]]><![CDATA[Seniors: What's Next?]]>Tue, 26 Feb 2019 23:25:43 GMThttps://www.jessicabrenner.com/blog/seniors-whats-nextIt's that time of year. You've gotten in...or perhaps are still waiting on some answers. If you're sorting through your college news feeling excited and even a bit uncertain, you're not alone. 

So, what should you be doing before or after you decide to commit?
Is there a way you can get more scholarship money than you were offered? 
What steps should you take to make sure you are making the right decision about where to enroll? 

If it's been a while since we've spoken and you'd like to debrief, check out my new availability on Calendly.com/Jessica-Brenner to schedule a conversation! ]]><![CDATA[Congratulations, Class of 2018!]]>Tue, 19 Dec 2017 20:58:44 GMThttps://www.jessicabrenner.com/blog/congratulations-class-of-2018This is my favorite time of year - not because my work with this year's seniors is wrapping up (meaning many heartfelt "see you later's"), but because most early admissions responses are out! With plenty more exciting news to come, here are some of the schools that students have been accepted to so far:
New York University
University of Michigan
American University
Baylor University
University of Oregon
Marquette University
Southern Methodist University 
Fordham University
Santa Clara University
San Diego State University
Chapman University
University of Alabama
University of Indiana
Boise State University
Wondering what to do now? Schedule an appointment today and we can talk scholarships, choosing between several wonderful options (the best problem to have :), or even forming an action plan in the event of a deferral or being put on a wait list. But first, take some time after finals to breathe  and enjoy a well-deserved break!]]>