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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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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Should You Convert Your GPA if You Attend School Outside the U.S.?

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Should You Convert Your GPA if You Attend School Outside the U.S.?

Why international students applying from outside the U.S do not need to convert their GPA to the 4 point scale.

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5 Reasons to Attend Graduate School Abroad (+ Admissions Timeline)

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This post contains 5 reasons why you should consider applying to graduate school abroad, plus an application timeline for the year you apply.

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How Important is the College Interview? A Guide for International Students

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This post covers how important college interviews are to international students applying to highly selective U.S. colleges and universities.

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How to Pay for Graduate School Outside of the U.S. (+39 Scholarship Resources)

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This post covers 5 places students can look to obtain financial aid to pay for graduate school outside of the U.S.

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Non-U.S. College Application & Admissions Checklist (for International Students)

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A college application and admissions checklist for international students applying to college outside of the United States

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How to Find Scholarships for High School Seniors

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Scholarships for high school seniors can make college affordable. Find and apply for free financial aid with these tools.

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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)