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

Student Resources

Summer Internships for High School Students: A How-To Guide

We’ll show you how to find amazing summer internships for high school students. We’ll answer questions like: Why are internships a good idea? Who can help you find an internship? We’ll talk about how to use the internet to find an internship -- and more.

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How to Write a Financial Aid Appeal Letter (+ Examples)

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How to Write a Financial Aid Appeal Letter (+ Examples)

A handy step-by-step guide to writing a financial aid appeal letter that can help you win a financial aid appeal, including plenty of appeal letter example essays that worked and financial aid request letter samples.

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13 Awesome Questions to Ask in a College Interview

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13 Awesome Questions to Ask in a College Interview

Want to leave a strong impression during your college interview? Ask great questions. Check out these 13 awesome questions to ask during your college interview.

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What to Do When Your College Application is Deferred

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So you’ve been deferred from one of your top choice colleges. What now? What does this mean? Here are 4 tips to give you an idea and, hopefully, ease your mind.

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SAT & ACT Optional Schools for International Students

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Our friend Sarah Loring de Garcia created an amazing list of all the schools that are ACT and SAT test optional for international students. Applying to college in the US? Check out this list before you head to the testing center.

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How to Apply to College: A Step-by-Step Guide

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How to Apply to College: A Step-by-Step Guide

Our step-by-step guide uses a student’s real experience to teach you how to apply for college, including choosing colleges, taking standardized tests, writing essays, and hitting the submit button.

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Should I Come Out in My Personal Statement? (And If So, How)?

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Should you consider coming out in your college essay? Here are tips and advice for coming out when writing your college application essays, plus example essays of students who chose to come out in their personal statement.

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College Application & Admissions Timeline (AKA What Should I be Doing Right Now?)

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Here it is - a complete college application and admissions timeline. This one-stop show will show you how to prepare for college, when to start applying for college, and so many more details you haven’t thought of (yet)

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21 College Essay Topics & Ideas That Worked (Guide + Examples)

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21 College Essay Topics & Ideas That Worked (Guide + Examples)

Looking for some amazing college essay topics and ideas? We’ve got all the brainstorming exercises and sample topics to help you generate you write an amazing college application essay.

Things to do in High School To Prepare for College (Without Missing All The Fun Stuff)

Preparing for college while in high school is totally possible! Learn what things to do in high school to prepare you for college. The best part? You don’t have to miss the fun stuff!