The College Essay Guy Blog

April 9, 2021

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.

August 20, 2020

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.

July 16, 2020

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.

November 6, 2019

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.

November 1, 2018

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

college essay example

Ethan Sawyer

July 13, 2023

Student Resources

College Application Essay Topics: Your “topic” isn’t your topic

Ethan Sawyer

July 13, 2023

Student Resources

College Application Essay Topics: Your “topic” isn’t your topic

Because students (and parents and maybe teachers and counselors) are often confused about college application essay “topics”, this guide clarifies how to think about your topic and what makes a “good” essay topic, offers means of brainstorming possible topics, and offers sample essays and analysis.