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

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How to Research Universities Outside of the U.S.: Tips & Resources

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This guide contains tips and resources for how to research universities outside of the US and find the college that’s right for you.

Tackling Imposter Syndrome: High School Edition

This guide will show you 5 ways to tackle imposter syndrome while attending high school.

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How to Spend Your High School Summer

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This guide shows students 5 ways they can have a meaningful and engaged high school summer.

5 Ways to Tackle Imposter Syndrome While in College

This guide will show you 5 ways to tackle imposter syndrome while attending college.

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How to Write a Great Transition Sentence

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We’ll cover what good transition sentences look like and how to write a great transition sentence in your college essay.

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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.

How long should a college essay be?

This guide explains how long a college essay should be, whether your writing for the common app, coalition app, UC schools, or for any supplemental essays.

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The Values Exercise

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Brainstorming before writing is a MAJOR key to coming up with successful topics and ideas for your college essay. With the Values exercise, you can connect to your core values and beliefs in a way that inspires authentic sharing (and a pretty darn good essay).

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A Step-by-Step Financial Aid Guide for International Students

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Applying for and receiving financial aid as an international student is no small feat. This guide outlines everything you need to do step-by-step for your financial aid journey.

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U.S. College Application Timeline for International Students

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We've created a college application timeline just for international students. Know what to do the year before you apply to college, while applying, and the summer before college begins.