University of California
Ethan Sawyer
How to Write the UC Essay Prompts 2024/2025 (+ ...

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

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Grants for college: a guide to how grants work + list of grants

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Grants for college: a guide to how grants work + list of grants

Paying for college is an extremely common concern among students and families—this guide talks you through how grants can help you cover your costs and avoid loans.

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WELCOME TO THE WAITLIST

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WELCOME TO THE WAITLIST

When students are waitlisted, they frequently aren’t sure about things like what their chances of acceptance are or what steps they should take—this guide talks you through it.

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Computer engineering vs computer science: Key differences, and which is right for you

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Computer engineering vs computer science: Key differences, and which is right for you

If you’re trying to figure out whether to major in computer engineering or computer science (or just want to understand key differences), this guide is for you.

"Lateral moves" in the college essay/application revision process

"Lateral moves" in the college essay/application revision process

Because a lot of students (and parents) misunderstand how AOs read essays, they can waste time making “lateral moves” in revisions—this guide explains what they are and how to avoid them.

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Navigating College Applications with AI: What Colleges Say + CEG's Advice to Students and Counselors

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Navigating College Applications with AI: What Colleges Say + CEG's Advice to Students and Counselors

Many students, counselors, and even college admissions officers have asked us about things like whether and how students can use AI ethically. Here are our thoughts.

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How (and whether) you should write about a student’s identity or lived experience (including race) in a recommendation letter (with examples)

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How (and whether) you should write about a student’s identity or lived experience (including race) in a recommendation letter (with examples)

With recent political and judicial events, many counselors are unsure whether or how to write about things like identity or race in a rec letter—so we built this guide to help clarify.

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Can You Use Contractions in College Essays?

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Can You Use Contractions in College Essays?

We get this question a lot—so we’ve built a clear, simple guide to help you understand this and other “rules” of college essay writing.

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5 Ways Students Can Practice Self-Care in the College Admission Process

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5 Ways Students Can Practice Self-Care in the College Admission Process

Applying to college can be pretty stressful—we’ll walk you through ways to practice self-care in the admissions process.

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The Ultimate Guide to the International Baccalaureate Program: What Students Must Know

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The Ultimate Guide to the International Baccalaureate Program: What Students Must Know

Many students are either unfamiliar with the IB program, or aren’t sure how to assess whether its right for them—this guide will answer all your questions.

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Guide to the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards

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Guide to the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards

If you’re a creative student wondering whether your art can help you pay for college, this guide walks you through the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards.