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

Supplemental Essays

How to Write the "Why us" Essay for a Safety School

Writing a "Why Us" essay for a college that you're not super excited about is easier than you might think with this one writing technique.

JFK's is The Worst “Why us” Statement Ever

Afraid that your Why Us essay may hurt your chances? You'll think again after checking out how JFK's awful attempt got him a spot at Harvard.

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How to Write Your College Essay in Just One Night

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BREAK IN CASE OF EMERGENCY: Procrastinated writing your essay until the last minute? The College Essay Guy is here to help.

DOs and DON'Ts for Your "Why Us?" Statement

By looking at the best and worst examples, College Essay Guy crafts the top dos and don’ts of writing your "Why Us" statement.

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How to Improve Your Mediocre Extracurricular Essay in 30 Minutes

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Examples and analyses of extracurricular essays demonstrate that proving why your essay matters is the key to leaving an impression on admissions counselors.