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

Student Resources

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A Guide to “Standard Strong” in College Admissions

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A Guide to “Standard Strong” in College Admissions

Many college applicants fall into the “Standard Strong” category (but may not even know it), and thus face a tricky admissions process at highly selective colleges—this guide talks through it all.

The Ultimate Guide to NASA High School Internships (2025-2026)

The Ultimate Guide to NASA High School Internships (2025-2026)

If you’re a student hoping to score a NASA internship, this guide walks you through your options and how to build a strong application.


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What Should I Study in College? A Guide to Choosing Your Major

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What Should I Study in College? A Guide to Choosing Your Major

Wondering “What should I study in college?” Learn how your major affects career options, income, and life satisfaction—and how to choose a major that aligns with your values and goals.


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Does It Matter What College You Go To?

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Does It Matter What College You Go To?

Does it matter what college you go to? Learn how school choice impacts career options, income, and life satisfaction—and why skills and experience often matter more than prestige.

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How Do Student Loans Work? A Guide to Federal and Private Student Loans

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How Do Student Loans Work? A Guide to Federal and Private Student Loans

College is pretty expensive—but student loans can cost students and families a lot in the future, and can seem pretty unclear. This guide walks you through what you need to know to make smart choices.

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Applying to college as an Asian American student from Silicon Valley

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Applying to college as an Asian American student from Silicon Valley

Asian students in Silicon Valley face particular challenges in the college application process—so this guide talks through what you need to understand as you apply.

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5 Key Missteps to Avoid with Your Teen's College Process

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5 Key Missteps to Avoid with Your Teen's College Process

The college application process often feels stressful and confusing to students—but it doesn’t have to. This article offers guidance and resources to bring a bit more ease, and purpose, and joy to your experience.

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How Selective Colleges Review Applications

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How Selective Colleges Review Applications

If you’re confused by how selective college admissions works, you’re not alone—this guide gives you the behind-the-curtain view.

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Communicating with Your Admissions Counselor/Officer

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Communicating with Your Admissions Counselor/Officer

Many college applicants don’t understand why and how it’s important to communicate with their admissions counselor, so this guide walks you through what you need to know for an effective process.

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How to Use the Roles and Identities Exercise to Write an "Identity/Diversity + How would you contribute” Essay

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How to Use the Roles and Identities Exercise to Write an "Identity/Diversity + How would you contribute” Essay

Because essay prompts around identity, diversity, and contribution to community can be hard to know how to approach, this guide walks through exercises you can use to build your essays.