Free College Essay Resources For Students, Parents, And Counselors

Free College Admissions Resources Hub

A gathering place for some of our favorite guides and free resources.

Are you an international student? Head this way

“I can’t believe you give away all this stuff for free!”

We get this a lot. It’s why we started this website in the first place.

Why do we give away so much? Because it feels good, and it makes us happy. And because, as someone once said, no one’s ever gone poor from giving.

Where to apply

A guide to developing a balanced list of 8-10 schools, plus how to decide whether or not to apply early.

A tall clock tower with a pointed roof stands beside a large white building under a blue sky with wispy clouds. Several people are walking nearby.

University of California

Get the Free 1-Hour Guide to Answering the UC Prompts.

Get an overview of the newly updated UC application, learn about the 13 points of comprehensive review, find the best way to select your four personal insight questions, and learn two ways to answer all four of them.

View all UC Application Resources

Application pre-work

Our favorite resources for brainstorming everything you’ll need for your college application.

A desk with a typewriter, notebook, coffee cup, and glasses; text reads "College Essay Guy's College Admissions Timeline: 9th to 12th Grade.

What should I be doing right now?

Download this handy PDF College Prep Timeline to help you figure out what you should be doing to get ready for college during your junior and senior years in high school.

Download the PDF View all College Prep Resources

Personal statement

Everything you need to write a personal statement that matters.

The Free Guide to Writing the Personal Statement

Kick things off with the two greatest brainstorming exercises ever, learn about the four types of college essays, check out some amazing example essays, and get on your way to writing your own killer personal statement.

Check out the free guide to writing the personal statement

Supplemental essays

Write beautiful supplemental essays with these strategies, how-to guides, and example essays.

Follow our step-by-step guides and read our supplemental essay examples that work.

View all supplemental essay resources

The Super Essay

Combining prompts to save time

The "Why Us" Essay

Many colleges and universities require applicants to write "Why This College" application statements. After reading many bad ones and a few good ones, we’ve put together this list of DOs and DON’Ts. (Hint: schools in Southern California already know they have nice weather.)

The rest of the application

Comprehensive guides for some of the most underrated parts of the college application.

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After you apply

What to do once your application is submitted.

Other important things

A few other important things to keep in mind.

Want free essay and application help?

Get 6 Free Hours of College Application Help. Apply Today!

The Matchlighters Scholars Program offers free college application counseling to high-achieving students from lower-income families by connecting them with experienced college counselors. The program includes four hours of one-on-one essay help and two hours of college list development at no cost. 

Learn how to apply to Matchlighters