<p>I remember those bad old days of getting D energized to complete applications. We did try to help with time management--we might say, in a non-judgmental, non-stress-producing way: "You know, Sunday night might be a good time to have a first draft of your #1 essay ready."</p>
<p>Applying EA helped to get the creative juices flowing. But what saved D was the fires in San Diego the fall of her senior year. School was closed for a whole week, ECs were cancelled, everyone stayed inside to watch TV and stay out of the smoky air. She spent a lot of time working on her apps.</p>
<p>Not that I would wish a natural catastrophe on you. . .</p>