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

How to Cut Down Words in Your College Essay

How to Cut Down Words in Your College Essay

This guide explains when in the writing process students should focus on cutting word count, and offers clear, actionable strategies for how to do so, with illustrative examples.

5 Ways to Improve Your College Essays and Application at the Last Minute

5 Ways to Improve Your College Essays and Application at the Last Minute

This guide covers 5 last-minute techniques for students looking to improve their college essays and application.

How to “Show Don’t Tell” in College Essays

How to “Show Don’t Tell” in College Essays

This guide explains what teachers and others actually mean when they say “Show, don’t tell”, and offers clear, actionable steps students can take to improve the quality of their writing.

US Community College Transfer Policy Database, By State

US Community College Transfer Policy Database, By State

This guide offers a free database with every US state’s transfer policies from community college to 4-year institutions, with information on affordability, notable pathways for transfer, and various states’ public and private colleges and universities.

A Guide to Informational Interviews (For High Schoolers)

A Guide to Informational Interviews (For High Schoolers)

This guide covers what informational interviews are and how high school students can best prepare for and take advantage of them.

A guide to gap years: What they are and whether you should take one

A guide to gap years: What they are and whether you should take one

This article provides information on what a gap year is, pros and cons of taking a gap year, and resources for planning a gap year should you choose to take one.

College List-Building Resources for FGLI Students

College List-Building Resources for FGLI Students

This article provides resources for low-income and/or first-generation students to build a college list of affordable schools that meet their needs.

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Developing a College List on a Budget with Auxilia: A Guide for International Students

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Developing a College List on a Budget with Auxilia: A Guide for International Students

This guide for international students covers how to build a college list that fits your financial needs on Auxilia.

UChicago Extended Essays: An In-Depth Guide + Examples

UChicago Extended Essays: An In-Depth Guide + Examples

Learn how to write outstanding extended essays for the University of Chicago, including brainstorming which essay prompt to answer and analyzing real students’ essay examples. 

How Many Colleges Should I Apply To?

How Many Colleges Should I Apply To?

This article answers the question, “How many colleges should I apply to?” and shares resources for building a balanced, realistic, and fitting college list.