NY1 VIDEO: As the deadlines for college applications approach, NY1 Parenting Correspondent Shelley Goldberg speaks with educational strategist Elizabeth Wissner-Gross, the author of "Write Your College Essay In Less Than A Day," about how to apply for school in a timely manner.

Topics to avoid on the application essay include:
• Foolish risks
• Bad-mouthing
• Family secrets
• One's appearance
• Losing

For more information, visit www.educationalstrategy.org