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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10 Common Mistakes International Students Make When Applying to College (+ Mini Case Studies)

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This guide covers 10 common mistakes international students make when applying to college and universities in the United States.

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Do I Need to Take an English Proficiency Exam (When Applying to Universities)?

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This guide helps students decide if and when they need to take an English proficiency exam for applying to colleges and universities.

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Why it’s Important to Use University Acceptance Rates and GPA/Test Scores When Building a College List: A Guide for International Students

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Acceptance rates and average GPA/Test scores: why they're important and why they can be misleading (particularly for international students and students who need financial aid)

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The Hard Truth About Getting a Full Scholarship in the USA for International Students (Tips + Guide)

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This guide describes how likely international students are to receive a full scholarship to universities in the United States.

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Schools That Are Actually Cheap: Affordable Options Under 10,000 USD/Year

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This guide covers tips and resources for attending university in 5 countries that cost less than 10,000 dollars per year.

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How Much Does it ACTUALLY Cost to go to College in the US? A Guide for International Students

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This guide covers how much it actually costs to go to college for international students, including tuition, room and board, and even several hidden costs most students miss.

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Five Important Tips for International Students Who Need and Want U.S. Financial Aid

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Looking for financial aid in the U.S.? This guide covers the 5 most important tips international students should know when searching for scholarships and financial aid in the US.

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Should I Complete a Foundation Program?

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This guide will cover what foundation programs are, who needs to complete a foundation year, and how to apply.

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Researching Admissions to Non-US Universities: Tips from the National Association of College Admissions Counseling

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This guide discusses how to do international college list research using the NACAC guide to international university admission.

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How to Develop a Great University List When Applying Outside the U.S.

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In this guide, learn how to research and choose the colleges and universities outside of the United States to apply to.