Student Resources

How to “Show Don’t Tell” in College Essays

How to “Show Don’t Tell” in College Essays

This guide explains what teachers and others actually mean when they say “Show, don’t tell”, and offers clear, actionable steps students can take to improve the quality of their writing.

US Community College Transfer Policy Database, By State

US Community College Transfer Policy Database, By State

This guide offers a free database with every US state’s transfer policies from community college to 4-year institutions, with information on affordability, notable pathways for transfer, and various states’ public and private colleges and universities.

A Guide to Informational Interviews (For High Schoolers)

A Guide to Informational Interviews (For High Schoolers)

This guide covers what informational interviews are and how high school students can best prepare for and take advantage of them.

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.

Developing a College List on a Budget with Auxilia: A Guide for International Students

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 You Apply To?

How Many Colleges Should You 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.

What Does Rolling Admission Mean? + Top Universities

What Does Rolling Admission Mean? + Top Universities

Learn about how “rolling admission” colleges and universities will provide responses to applicants on an ongoing basis and explore how you can meet the college admissions deadlines for your choice universities.