College Admissions & Application Courses for Students
Get Practical Guidance for the College Admissions Process with Flexible Courses
Learn a simple approach to writing essays and completing applications that actually works. Our live and on-demand college admissions and application courses give you the tools to make the application process feel easier.
As seen in
My Two-Part College Essay & Application Course Series for Students & Families
My 2026 Summer College Essay & Application Program for Students
The program includes BOTH of my two signature courses (listed separately below):
Part 1: How to Write an Outstanding Personal Statement (2026 sessions start in June 2026)
Part 2: How to Create a Compelling College Application & Supplemental Essays (2026 sessions start in July 2026)
I’ll provide comprehensive guidance and step-by-step processes for creating your personal statement, supplemental essays and much more,
1. How to Write an Outstanding Personal Statement
This course covers writing the 650-word main essay of the Common Application that nearly every college and university requires.
We provide step-by-step instructions from brainstorming your essay topic to polishing your final draft.
Part 1 of the How to Apply to College video course series for students.
2026 sessions start in June 2026!
2. How to Create a Compelling College
Application + Supplemental Essays
This course covers the rest of the college application. Dozens of resources for developing a college list, finishing all the school-specific supplemental essays, polishing the activities list and more.
Part 2 of the How to Apply to College video course series for students.
2026 sessions start in July 2026!
Upcoming Live Courses & Programs
Each of our courses comes with on demand content and a schedule of live sessions with Ethan or an industry expert.
Upcoming Courses & Free Webinars Subscribe to Our Newsletter
On Demand Courses for Students and Families
Watch Anytime
Applying to Highly Selective Colleges and Universities
An on-demand mini-video course with the College Essay Guy Team.
This course empowers and informs students with their sights set on selective schools, offering an “inside look” at how these admissions decisions are made and how to best advocate for themselves in the application process.
How To Write the UC Personal Insight Questions
8 Personal Insight Questions. 9 Schools. Let’s Do This.
5+ Hours of Video Lessons
Covers All 9 University of California Schools
48-Page Workbook with Exercises and Sample Essays
How to Build a Great College List
Join Ethan and Dr. Antonoff to discuss finding colleges that meet your academic goals, social goals, financial goals, and even more!
The Mission: Identifying colleges where you will both get in and fit in!
The Method: Four hours of expert list-building advice with a nationally-recognized expert.
How to Stand Out With Common Personal Statement Topics
In this mini-course, we cover important factors to consider when picking a topic, why not all common topics are created equal, and how to know when it’s probably best to start from scratch with a new essay topic
How to Make College Affordable
This comprehensive, pay-what-you-can course — intended for 9th to 12th graders and their families — will guide you through pretty much all the things you need to know when it comes to paying for college. Learn how to navigate through the terrain of financially affording college for you and your family.
The Advanced Personal Statement Course
Uplevel your college essay with 4 brand new techniques that go beyond our flagship personal statement course.
This course is the result of requests from students to share (even) more tools for digging deep and standing out on their college essays.
Uncommon Applicant: Build a Self-Directed Project
An Online Course & Community for Building a Self-Directed Project.
We’ll answer questions like, what are your core values and how do they manifest in your life? How do you lead? Are you more comfortable out front (envisioning big ideas) or in a supporting role (helping others get things done)?
Here’s what Students Are Saying About These Courses
I didn’t know how to write an essay at all,
but by taking this course now I really know how to write one. It encouraged me to think about the challenges I’ve faced in my life and their impact on me. The first exercise made me to go and look at my Scrapbook and photos and this really made me happy. This course helped me in writing an essay while bringing my memories back, which made me realize that I’m capable of reaching my goals and I’m strong.
Ana
Student 2017
The past week, was more of a journey than a tutorial for my personal statement. Before the course, I was looking outwards for inspiration.
My week with Ethan taught me to find inspiration within myself, but best of all, he provided me the tools to put it on paper.
Jonathan
Student (2017)
I feel like I’ve learned how to crystallize my most important core values in a ridiculously small word limit, which is a unique skill I wouldn’t have learned otherwise.
In the process of taking this course and learning from Ethan, I really feel like I’ve learned so much about myself. I think you’ll come away from this course with a new outlook on both the college process and yourself.
Sarah
(2018)
Before this course, I had one extracurricular activity that overlapped in all four of my personal insight question.
Afterwards I was amazed how the beabies, feelings and needs exercise, and example essays helped me discover aspects of myself that I never thought I’d feel comfortable talking about. Now all four of my essays focus on different aspects of me which I’m proud of.
Shazaib S
Student
Other Resources for Students
College Essay Essentials
A Step-by-Step Guide to Writing a Successful College Admissions Essay
ETHAN SAWYER IS THE COLLEGE ESSAY GUY | ★★★★★
“That kind of says it all. While he may have named himself that, he has earned the title. His passion for writing essays that is conveyed in this book, will help any student get through the somewhat stressful and daunting process with fun and ease.”
– gonzo14, Amazon Customer
The complete guide to the college interview
Everything you need to know about preparing for a successful college interview.
This 18-Page E-book includes:
- an electronic interview workbook to follow along
- principles and exercises for guiding the interview towards your best self without sounding forced
- the “so what” game to help you take your interview one step deeper
- Plus So Much More.
The Complete Guide to the “Why Us” Essay
Everything you need to write an awesome “Why Us” essay for any school.
This 20-Page E-book includes:
- Five Dos and Don’ts for your Why Us Essay
- How NOT to write your “Why us” essay
- What you SHOULD write in your “Why us” essay
- All the resources you need to learn about a particular school
- Six Great “Why us” Examples (And Why Each One Is Great)
The college application process doesn’t have to be complication
Applying for college can feel overwhelming for students, parents, and the counselors supporting them. Our pay-what-you-can courses bring clarity to the chaos with clear steps, practical guidance, and space to work at a comfortable pace.
The Matchlighters Scholars Program
Are you a high-achieving student from a lower-income family who has solid grades, but you just need a little extra help on the college application & essay process?
We major in helping students tell their story
Our courses are built on years of helping students uncover what makes them unique and express it in a way that feels honest and compelling.
Students learn what colleges actually pay attention to, how to write essays that sound like them, and how to feel more grounded in who they are beyond the application itself.
Write essays that sound like you
Understand what colleges really look for
Feel seen and supported through the process
Free College Application Resources
Everything you need to write, plan, and apply with confidence
When it comes to college admissions resources, we’ve got everything from supplemental essay guides to personal statement tips. Thousands of students use our free guides, podcasts, webinars, and videos to make the application process easier to handle.
FAQs
What qualifications do your coaches have?
All coaches are experienced educators, former admissions officers, or college counselors with years of experience helping students write compelling essays. Many have advanced degrees and backgrounds in teaching, writing, or college admissions..
How long does the coaching process typically take?
Most students work with a coach for 8-12 weeks, depending on how many essays they need to write and where they are in the process. Some start earlier for full application support, others come in just for essay help closer to deadlines
What's the difference between your free resources and paid coaching?
Free resources give students frameworks, examples, and step-by-step guides they can work through on their own. Paid coaching provides personalized feedback, accountability, and an expert who helps your student find their specific story and refine their writing until it’s submission-ready.
Can I access the courses I purchased for my student?
Courses are accessed through the student portal using the email provided at checkout. If your student is working one-on-one with a coach, login details are included in the welcome email. Parents can request updates or ask to review materials anytime.
Give your child the help they need to succeed
Strong essays start with the right guidance. Our coaches help students find their voice, organize their ideas, and write applications worth celebrating. Less stress for them, more confidence for you.