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

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.

How to Build an Independent Research Project in High School

How to Build an Independent Research Project in High School

This article covers the what,why, and how high school students should conduct an independent research project and how it can improve their college application.

7 Ways Parents Can Help Improve Their Student’s College Essay

7 Ways Parents Can Help Improve Their Student’s College Essay

This article covers 7 ways you as a parent can support your child if you’ve ever thought “how can I help my student write their college essay?”

You’ve Decided Where You’ll Attend College in the U.S., Now What? (Guide for International Students)

You’ve Decided Where You’ll Attend College in the U.S., Now What? (Guide for International Students)

A complete checklist for what to do after international students are accepted to college in the U.S.

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4 Values-Focused College Essay Brainstorming Exercises

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4 Values-Focused College Essay Brainstorming Exercises

Try these values-focused college essay topic brainstorming exercises to stand out when applying to college through the common app.

6 Ways to Add Insight to Your UC Personal Insight Questions

6 Ways to Add Insight to Your UC Personal Insight Questions

Looking for a way to edit and revise your UC Essay (Personal Insight Question)? Here are 6 ways to add insight into your University of California PIQ’s.