University of California
Ethan Sawyer
How to Write the UC Essay Prompts 2025/2026 (+ ...

This guide covers how to write the UC essay prompts (or PIQs) with exercises and essay examples to help you along the way.

Common App, Student Resources
Ethan Sawyer
How to Write a Successful Common App Activities ...

Write an impressive college activities list for your common app using this step-by-step guide and awesome activities list for college applications example, with notes on how to select the right verbs and to decide how many hours per week to list. 

How to Write a Successful Common App Activities List
Personal Statement
Ethan Sawyer
27 Outstanding College Essay Examples From Top ...

Use these outstanding college essay examples to learn how to write your personal statement and supplemental essays for the college application.

Supplemental Essays
Ethan Sawyer
Why This College Essay Guide + Examples

Stand out on your Why This College essay. Read our Why This College essay examples and follow our clear guidelines to make sure you avoid potential pitfalls, include essential details in your Why This School essay, and use our tried-and-true research tools.

Student Resources
Andrew Simpson
How to Ask for a Letter of Recommendation for ...

Learn how to ask for a letter of recommendation for college with my comprehensive step-by-step guide and real-world examples

Common App

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5 Key Missteps to Avoid with Your Teen's College Process

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5 Key Missteps to Avoid with Your Teen's College Process

The college application process often feels stressful and confusing to students—but it doesn’t have to. This article offers guidance and resources to bring a bit more ease, and purpose, and joy to your experience.

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How to Use the Roles and Identities Exercise to Write an "Identity/Diversity + How would you contribute” Essay

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How to Use the Roles and Identities Exercise to Write an "Identity/Diversity + How would you contribute” Essay

Because essay prompts around identity, diversity, and contribution to community can be hard to know how to approach, this guide walks through exercises you can use to build your essays.

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Cómo Aplicar a la Universidad: La Guía Completa

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Cómo Aplicar a la Universidad: La Guía Completa

En esta guía, aprende a cómo aplicar a universidades, desde seleccionar colegios, tomar los exámenes estandarizados, escribir ensayos, hasta el paso final de enviar las aplicaciones.

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Cómo Escribir una Lista de Actividades Extracurriculares Exitosa

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Cómo Escribir una Lista de Actividades Extracurriculares Exitosa

Aprende cómo escribir una lista de actividades extracurriculares para Common App usando esta guía paso-a-paso y encuentra profunda inspiración en la descripción de los ejemplos de las listas de actividades. 

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Cómo Escribir Un Ensayo de Presentación (Consejos + Ejemplos)

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Cómo Escribir Un Ensayo de Presentación (Consejos + Ejemplos)

Esta guía completa cubre todo lo que necesitarás para hacer una lluvia de ideas, organizar y escribir un ensayo de presentación sobresaliente para las solicitudes universitarias.

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Common App Personal Statement vs. UC Personal Insight Questions (PIQs)

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Common App Personal Statement vs. UC Personal Insight Questions (PIQs)

Applying to colleges via the Common Application and the University of California application? Wondering if you can just copy and paste your responses from one app to another, and be done with it? The short answer: We wouldn’t recommend it.

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How to Write a Personal Statement (Tips + Essay Examples)

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This ultimate guide covers everything you’ll need to brainstorm, outline, and write an outstanding personal statement for college applications.

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How to End a College Essay: 10 Tactics & Strategies

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How to End a College Essay: 10 Tactics & Strategies

Because a strong ending can help a college application essay stand out, this guide offers 10 approaches students can use to build better endings.

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How to Answer the Common App COVID-19 Question: Essential Tips + Examples

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This year, the Common Application announced it is adding an optional 250-word question in the Additional Information section of its application.

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How to Write a Successful Common App Activities List

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How to Write a Successful Common App Activities List

Write an impressive college activities list for your common app using this step-by-step guide and awesome activities list for college applications example, with notes on how to select the right verbs and to decide how many hours per week to list.