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

Guide to the LaunchX Program: What it is, how to apply, and whether it’s worth it

Guide to the LaunchX Program: What it is, how to apply, and whether it’s worth it

Students frequently have questions about how to spend their summers—this guide walks through the LaunchX program and discusses potential pros and cons.


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Beyond the Numbers: Questions families should ask an educational consultant

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Beyond the Numbers: Questions families should ask an educational consultant

We find it frustrating (to put it politely) that plenty of IECs use admissions statistics in deceptive ways. So we want to break down what families should pay attention to, and why.



How many AP classes should I take?

How many AP classes should I take?

 Students and families are often unclear how the number of AP classes they take factors into college admissions—this guide talks you through what you need to know.


400+ Extracurricular Activities: a List of Examples, Ideas, & Opportunities for Students, and a Comprehensive College Guide

400+ Extracurricular Activities: a List of Examples, Ideas, & Opportunities for Students, and a Comprehensive College Guide

Students and families are often unsure of how extracurricular activities play into the college application process, including things like how to choose extracurricular activities—so this comprehensive guide covers everything you need to understand to make the process easier.


A Guide to Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp: What it is and how to apply

A Guide to Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp: What it is and how to apply

Students and families often ask us about options for how to spend the summer—to that end, this guide talks through the opportunities at Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp.


Vocational school: A complete guide

Vocational school: A complete guide

Vocational school can be a viable financial path, but if you’re considering attending a program, you’ll want to understand pros and cons of attending—this guide walks you through what you need to know in order to make an informed decision about your future.

Trade school: A comprehensive guide

Trade school: A comprehensive guide

If you’re considering going to trade school, and want to understand what trade school is, what trade jobs are available, and pros and cons of attending, this guide walks you through what you need to know in order to make an informed decision about your future.

PSAT to SAT conversion chart + explainer

PSAT to SAT conversion chart + explainer

Many students or families are unclear about what a PSAT score may imply for potential SAT scores—this guide explains the differences and shows you how to convert your score.



What does STEAM stand for?

What does STEAM stand for?

If you’re unclear on the differences between STEM and STEAM, and what added benefits a STEAM approach to education offers, this guide walks through the distinction and value.


Core misunderstandings of the college admissions process

Core misunderstandings of the college admissions process

Many students and families have important misunderstandings about the college admissions and applicant evaluation processes—this guide explains what you need to understand.