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

Test Prep

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Synthesis Essay Guide: How to write your AP Lang essay

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Synthesis Essay Guide: How to write your AP Lang essay

If you’re getting ready for the AP Lang Exam, this guide walks you through what you need to understand about the synthesis essay to score well.

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Argument Essay Guide: How to write your AP Lang essay

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Argument Essay Guide: How to write your AP Lang essay

If you’re getting ready for the AP Lang Exam, this guide walks you through what you need to understand about the argument essay to score well.

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Rhetorical Analysis Essay Guide: How to write your AP Lang essay

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Rhetorical Analysis Essay Guide: How to write your AP Lang essay

If you’re getting ready for the AP Lang Exam, this guide walks you through what you need to understand about the rhetorical analysis essay to score well.

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Standardized Testing Guide for First Gen and/or Low Income Students

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Standardized Testing Guide for First Gen and/or Low Income Students

Many First Generation and/or Low Income students face different obstacles and have different questions from their peers, especially when it comes to standardized testing, so this guide walks through what you need to know.

ACT vs SAT: Differences + Which Test Should You Take?

ACT vs SAT: Differences + Which Test Should You Take?

Many students are unsure of the difference between the ACT vs SAT, and of which test they should take. This guide explains both.

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What do Test Optional and Test Blind/Free Mean?

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What do Test Optional and Test Blind/Free Mean?

This post clarifies the often confusing terms “test optional” and “test blind/free”, and offers guidance on how students should approach taking the SAT or ACT and possibly submitting scores.

How Do I Self-Study for the SAT?

How Do I Self-Study for the SAT?

This guide offers different study plans for the SAT that students can adapt for their own timing and needs, helping students to most effectively raise their SAT scores in the time they have before the test.

What Are the Easiest Ways to Raise My SAT Score?

What Are the Easiest Ways to Raise My SAT Score?

This guide offers several clear and effective strategies and tactics that will allow students to most easily raise their scores in the SAT Reading, Writing & Language, and Math sections.

How to Raise Your ACT Score By 3 Points in 30 Minutes

How to Raise Your ACT Score By 3 Points in 30 Minutes

This guide offers tips and tricks on the easiest ways to raise your ACT score quickly.

9 Hacks for the ACT English Section

9 Hacks for the ACT English Section

This guide offers 9 quick, clear hacks that will help to quickly improve a student’s score on the ACT English section.