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

Test Prep

ACT vs SAT: Differences + Which Test Should You Take?

ACT vs SAT: Differences + Which Test Should You Take?

Many students are unsure of the difference between the ACT vs SAT, and of which test they should take. This guide explains both.

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What do Test Optional and Test Blind/Free Mean?

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What do Test Optional and Test Blind/Free Mean?

This post clarifies the often confusing terms “test optional” and “test blind/free”, and offers guidance on how students should approach taking the SAT or ACT and possibly submitting scores.

How Do I Self-Study for the SAT?

How Do I Self-Study for the SAT?

This guide offers different study plans for the SAT that students can adapt for their own timing and needs, helping students to most effectively raise their SAT scores in the time they have before the test.

What Are the Easiest Ways to Raise My SAT Score?

What Are the Easiest Ways to Raise My SAT Score?

This guide offers several clear and effective strategies and tactics that will allow students to most easily raise their scores in the SAT Reading, Writing & Language, and Math sections.

How to Raise Your ACT Score By 3 Points in 30 Minutes

How to Raise Your ACT Score By 3 Points in 30 Minutes

This guide offers tips and tricks on the easiest ways to raise your ACT score quickly.

9 Hacks for the ACT English Section

9 Hacks for the ACT English Section

This guide offers 9 quick, clear hacks that will help to quickly improve a student’s score on the ACT English section.

9 Hacks for the SAT Writing & Language Section

9 Hacks for the SAT Writing & Language Section

This guide offers 9 quick, clear hacks that will help to quickly improve a student’s score on the SAT Writing & Language section

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SAT & ACT Optional Schools for International Students

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Our friend Sarah Loring de Garcia created an amazing list of all the schools that are ACT and SAT test optional for international students. Applying to college in the US? Check out this list before you head to the testing center.

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How to Create the Ultimate Study Schedule: 5 Study Tips To Get You Started

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Creating a study plan can be simple and rewarding. Learn how to create the Ultimate Study Schedule with help from College Essay Guy.

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25 Practical Ways to Reduce Testing Anxiety

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Test anxiety. Many students struggle with it. Are you one of them? Here are 25 practical ways to reduce your testing anxiety in and out of the classroom. Learn how to manage your testing anxiety with College Essay Guy.