The Best College Application Essay Rubric
Don't skip editing your college essay! A rubric can help. We've put together this useful tool to guide you through the editing process.
9 Biggest College Essay Mistakes
If you want to write a great college essay, you'll need to avoid common pitfalls. Read the biggest college essay mistakes so you know what not to do.
What can I do to get organized while applying for college?
From due dates to supplemental essays to financial aid, there's a lot to keep track of when you apply to college. Staying organized is key.
How to Use the Amherst College Common Data Set
Discover the key factors Amherst values, including academic record, essays, recommendations, and personal qualities.
4 UC Essay Mistakes to Avoid
Learn how to avoid common mistakes in UC essays. Maintain the right tone, avoid mentioning specific campuses, address the prompt, and avoid...
What is Demonstrated Need and How Do Colleges Use It?
Learn about demonstrated need, how to calculate it, and how it affects the amount of financial aid you receive.
How to Use the Carnegie Mellon Common Data Set
Learn about Carnegie Mellon University's admissions process. Find out what factors are most important, what majors are popular, and how to stand out.
Choosing Supplemental Essay Topics
Learn how to brainstorm supplemental essay topics. Develop a strong fit between yourself and the school to make a persuasive argument for your...
How to Not Stress About School (While Still Being Successful)
Learn strategies to reduce stress, prioritize tasks, and maintain a healthy balance. Enhance your college applications by emphasizing your engagement.
How to Use a Net Price Calculator
Discover how you can input your financial information to Net Price Calculators (NPCs) and get an estimate of the cost of attending a college or...
Is Early Decision Binding?
Learn about the binding nature of Early Decision agreements. Understand what an Early Decision Agreement is and what circumstances allow it to be...
How Important Are College Essays?
Learn how college essays help students stand out and why they are especially crucial at selective schools.
7 Questions to Ask Your School Counselor
Discover how to build strong rapport with your school counselor. Ask key questions about safety schools, admission trends, and more.
What if I Have Low Grades on My Mid-Year Report?
If your mid-year grades drop, take action, be proactive with colleges, and demonstrate your commitment to academic success.
What to Do After Being Accepted Early Decision
Discover what to do after being accepted Early Decision, including securing your seat, withdrawing other applications, and celebrating your...
How to Write a Scholarship Essay
Learn how to write a scholarship essay by understanding prompts, researching scholarship providers, showing writing skills, and highlighting core...
Classes to Take in High School Based on Your College Major
Plan high school courses strategically for your college major. Understand prerequisites, take advanced classes, and align with your intended major.
What is an Honors College?
Honors colleges offer small classes, research opportunities, close faculty interaction, and a lively social life.
What is a CBO for College Admissions?
Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) guide you through the college admissions process & offer valuable resources and connections with admissions...
Art Portfolios in College Admissions
Understand the requirements and guidelines for submitting an art portfolio and learn how it can complement your application.
Talent Scholarship Tips
Talent scholarships can help fund your college education based on your unique abilities. Learn how to apply and increase your chances of receiving...
What is Course Rigor?
Course rigor refers to the level of difficulty in your courses. It's important in college admissions, but you should be realistic about what you can...
Does Family Income Affect College Admissions?
Learn how income can affect college admissions and understand important financial aid terms.
Federal vs. Private Student Loans: What You Need to Know
What's the difference between federal and private student loans? Learn why federal ones are more flexible, while private loans can be less...
19 Questions to Ask A College Interviewer
Learn how to make the most of your college interview by asking engaging questions that build a genuine connection with the interviewer.
What Is a Partial Scholarship?
Learn about partial scholarships, also known as merit-based scholarships. Discover how to increase your chances of receiving one.
Coalition Application Prompts: Dos and Don’ts
Discover how to answer the Coalition Application prompts to share personal experiences that have shaped your character, values, interests, or...
How to Request Your Transcripts
Learn how to request your high school transcripts when applying to college. Understand the process for high school, transfer, and non-traditional...
Veteran Student College Admission & Funding
Learn about college admissions and funding options for veterans and their dependents, including the GI Bill and the Yellow Ribbon Program.
Should I take out loans for college?
Learn about the considerations for taking out student loans for college. Make informed choices based on interest rates and repayment terms.
4+1 Programs: What You Need to Know
Discover how 4+1 degree programs streamline your education, saving time and money. You can earn a Bachelor's and a Master's in just five years.
How do homeschoolers get into college?
Learn how homeschoolers can navigate the college application process, including presenting coursework, creating transcripts, and seeking...
3 Reasons Why You Should Take the PSAT
Discover the benefits of taking the PSAT - practice for the SAT, understand your strengths and weaknesses, and unlock merit scholarship opportunities.
Is a 3+2 program right for you?
Learn about the benefits of 3+2 degree programs, allowing you to earn two degrees in five years from two distinct institutions.
Outside Scholarships: What They Are & How to Find Them
Learn how outside scholarships can help you pay for college. Find opportunities using your connections and online resources. Every dollar counts.
How to Appeal Financial Aid
You can appeal your financial aid award. Reach out to the admissions or financial aid office of each institution to learn what the process is.
Do colleges look at SAT scores?
Admissions officers use the middle 50% range to evaluate standardized test scores. Applicants should aim for scores within or above this range.
What is a mid-year report (and why do colleges want one)?
Learn about how mid-year reports impact your college application. Admissions officers use them to see your academic rigor in your senior year.
How to Become Valedictorian (and is it worth it?)
Learn how to become valedictorian and discover if it's worth it. Boost your college admission chances with strong grades, extracurriculars, and...
What is a college major (and why does it matter for admissions)?
Learn how your college major influences your degree type, career path, and application process. Get tips on standing out in competitive majors.
Grants vs Scholarships vs Loans
Learn about the differences between scholarships, grants, and loans to finance your college education.
How to Transfer Colleges
Learn how to transfer colleges, including the reasons to transfer, writing about transferring, and how to stand out as a transfer student.
What are the CSS Profile and FAFSA?
Learn about the FAFSA and CSS Profile, two important financial aid tools for college. The FAFSA is federal, and the CSS Profile is used by select...
The Truth about Passion Projects (And 15 Ideas for Yours)
Do admissions offices want to see passion projects, or are they played out? We share our framework for passion projects and 15 passion project ideas.
Full-Ride Scholarships to College
To increase your chances of getting a full ride, be realistic about your competitiveness, understand scholarship types, and be strategic about your...
QuestBridge: Everything You Need to Know
QuestBridge is a non-profit that helps high-achieving, low-income students apply to and pay for college. Learn how it works and key dates.
How to Use the Occidental College Common Data Set
Learn how to use the Occidental College Common Data Set to your advantage when applying. Discover what admissions officers are looking for.
How to Use the Rutgers Common Data Set
Learn how to create a stronger Rutgers application with insights from the Rutgers Common Data Set. Rutgers values academic performance above all else.
How to Use the American University Common Data Set
Learn how to use the American University Common Data Set. Find out what factors American University considers and how to boost your chances of...
How to Use the Penn State Common Data Set
Learn how Penn State evaluates applicants and what you need to know to create a winning application. Explore the Common Data Set admissions data.
How to Use the UCSD Common Data Set
Learn about what UCSD admissions officers look for in your application, including GPA, class rank, essays, and extracurricular activities.
How to Use the Emory Common Data Set
Discover how to use Emory University's Common Data Set to craft a standout application.
How to Use the UC Berkeley Common Data Set
Learn how to use UC Berkeley's Common Data Set to strengthen your application strategy and increase your chances of acceptance.
How to Use the Northeastern Common Data Set
Understand how to use Northeastern's Common Data Set for a winning application strategy. GPA, test scores, and essays matter.
How to Use the UCLA Common Data Set
Learn how to gain a competitive edge in your UCLA application by understanding what admissions officers value mos—GPA, essays, and extracurriculars.
How to Write a Why Us Supplemental Essay
Discover the keys to crafting a compelling Why Us college application essay, from research strategies to avoiding common pitfalls.
How to Get into Purdue
Learn how to increase your chances of admission to Purdue University by strategically aligning your application, grades, and extracurriculars.
How to Use the Notre Dame Common Data Set
Discover what Notre Dame looks for in applicants, understand its acceptance rate, and learn about its popular majors.
How to Use the Georgia Tech Common Data Set
Understand Georgia Tech’s admissions process, what factors are prioritized, and how to align your application for success.
How to Write the Purdue Supplemental Essays
Ace Purdue University's two supplemental essays. Learn to articulate your interests, choose your major, and connect with Purdue's unique offerings.
Three Mistakes to Avoid When Writing a College Essay About Goals
Avoid three common mistakes to write a winning college essay about goals. Understand your motivations, link goals to the university, and consider the...
How to Write the Wake Forest Supplemental Essays
Explore strategies for answering Wake Forest's optional application questions. Boost your application by revealing your personality, intellectual...
College Essay About Hair: Dos and Don’ts
Discover how to craft compelling college essays about hair that reveal your identity, revolve around something meaningful, and avoid common pitfalls.
How to Write the Caltech Supplemental Essays
We talk about how to approach Caltech's supplementals, with tips on choosing an academic interest, detailing STEM experiences, and expressing...
Writing a College Essay About Nature? 5 Questions to Ask First
Learn how to effectively write your college essay about nature. Focus on the outcomes, learning, and relevance to your intended field of study.
How to Make the Perfect College List
Build a college list that balances your dreams with your chances of admission. Research and proactive planning will ensure all your options are good...
How to Write the Johns Hopkins Supplemental Essay
Gain insight into the Johns Hopkins University application process. Learn how to answer their supplemental essay prompt effectively to stand out.
The Best Extracurricular Activities for Ivy League Admissions
Discover the importance of extracurriculars in Ivy League admissions, learn common mistakes to avoid, and understand the best strategies to create a...
How to Write an Email to a College Admissions Office (with a sample!)
Learn when and how to appropriately email a college admissions officer. Enhance your application, demonstrate interest, and make a positive...
How to Write the Georgia Tech Supplemental Essay
Learn how to write a strong Georgia Tech supplemental essay that showcases your fit for your chosen major and highlights your intellectual...
What College Essays About Gymnastics Should and Shouldn’t Do
Learn effective strategies for writing a standout college essay about gymnastics. Avoid cliches and delve into personal stories that go beyond the...
The Best Way to Write College Essays About Moving
Discover effective approaches for writing a college essay about moving, including personal insights, family context, and lessons learned.
What to Do Summer Junior Year of High School: A Guide
Learn how to make the most of the summer after your junior year of high school. Explore options like pre-college programs, internships, and research.
How to Write the Emory Supplemental Essays
Learn how to tackle Emory's short supplemental essays, focusing on academic interests and personal experiences. Make every word count with our guide.
How to Write a Great College Essay About Music (with examples)
Learn how to write a college essay about music that stands out to admissions officers by avoiding cliches and focusing on your strengths.
How to Get into Tufts
Discover strategic approaches to increase your chances of admission to Tufts University. Craft a compelling application narrative and make an impact.
“Please briefly elaborate on one of your extracurricular activities”: Tips and Tricks
Learn how to showcase your impact, personal significance, alignment with school values, and extracurricular accomplishments.
How to Write the UNC Supplemental Essays
Learn how to tackle the UNC supplemental essays and create concise fill-in-the-blank responses that showcase your personality and narrative.
How to Pick a College
Learn how to make the right college decision by considering financial aid, visiting campuses, and interacting with the community.
How to Write a College Essay About ADHD
Learn how to write a college essay about ADHD. Use the topic to understand trends and growth, highlight your strengths, or emphasize your empathy.
3 Ways to Approach College Essays About Adoption
Learn to write a college essay about adoption, exploring themes of identity, biology, and culture. Avoid common mistakes and focus on your unique...
How to Write the UIUC Supplemental Essays
Learn how to write effective UIUC supplemental essays, showcasing your academic fit, personal goals, and future aspirations.
4 Questions to Ask Before Writing a College Essay About Volunteering
Considering writing your college essay about volunteering? Let’s make sure it’s the best topic for you.
How long does it take to get accepted into college?
Once you submit your application, how long will you have to wait to hear back? Let’s get into it.
How to Write the UVA Supplemental Essays
Let’s go through all of the University of Virginia supplemental essay prompts.
How to Write the Tufts Supplemental Essays
Let’s walk through the Tufts supplemental essay prompts. We’ll talk about what strong responses will look like.
How to Use the Johns Hopkins Common Data Set
The Johns Hopkins Common Data Set tells us a lot about what JHU admissions officers look for in applications. From GPA to major choices, let's take a...
The First Paragraph of Your Supplemental Essay is All that Matters
The first paragraph can make or break your supplemental essays. Let's talk about why.
Diversity Essays Are Actually Community Essays
Struggling with diversity supplemental essays? You're not the only one. To help, I recommend that you think about diversity essays as community...
How to Use the Pomona Common Data Set
The Pomona Common Data Set reveals information about admissions statistics, GPA requirements, standardized testing, and more. Let's take a look.
How to Use the UVA Common Data Set
Applying to the University of Virginia? The UVA Common Data Set can help. You can use its admissions information to improve your application.
How to Write a College Essay About Running
College essays about running can go wrong when they focus too much on surface-level details and not enough on you. Here are three approaches that...
4 Questions to Ask If You're Considering Writing Your College Essay About Video Games
Some college essays about video games are better than others. These four questions will help you decide whether it's the right topic for you.
How to Write a Great College Essay About Veganism
Are you planning on writing your college essay about veganism? We'll explain how you can write one that stands out from all the rest.
The Biggest Mistake to Avoid When Writing a College Essay About Coffee
Are you considering writing your college essay about coffee? Here's the biggest mistake to avoid (and three approaches you can take instead).
How to Write a College Essay About Work that Will Pay Off
College essays about work can be hit or miss. They miss when they focus on the job itself, but they can be a home run when they illustrate your...
College Essay Format (with Examples)
We go over college essay format requirements, and we lay out three narrative structures (with examples!) that you can use to write your personal...
Why is Applying to College So Stressful?
Stressed about college apps? We explain why applying to college is so stressful, and we give you some tips for making the process a little easier.
How to Narrow Down Your College List
Is your college list getting too long? Can't quite bear the thought of cutting any of your dream schools? Let's talk about how to narrow a college...
Quirky vs. Traditional Research Projects
Extracurriculars are an essential part of your college application, but you aren't limited to traditional activities. Quirky ones may help set you...
How to Research Colleges: 4 Factors to Look For
Ready to embark on your college research? In this post, we talk about how to research colleges, including admissions data, major information, and...
How NOT to End a College Essay (and What You Can Do Instead)
Wondering how to end a college essay? We go through the four biggest conclusion mistakes and talk about what to do instead (with examples!).
4 Ways to Show Not Tell in a College Essay
You've heard that you should show, not tell in your writing. But what does that actually mean? And how do you do it? We break it all down for you...
Passion Projects and Mental Resilience
Pursuing personally meaningful activities, reflecting, and writing can improve self-confidence and lead to inward and outward success for high...
Extracurriculars: Why They're So Important for College Admissions
We know from Common Data Sets that extracurriculars are crucial in the application review process. Finding the right kind of activity is just as...
The Harvard Admissions Lawsuit and What It Means for You
The Harvard Admissions lawsuit revealed a lot about Harvard's admissions process. You can use that information as you prepare your application.
How to Write the Columbia Supplemental Essays
We'll go through the Columbia supplemental essays, including the Columbia list questions and the Columbia short answer questions.
How to Get into Columbia University
To get into Columbia University, good grades alone aren't enough. You also need a compelling application narrative that shows your alignment with...
How to Use the Columbia Common Data Set
The Columbia Common Data Set reveals important admissions information about acceptance rate, GPA, testing, and more. Let's go through the numbers.
Building a Moat
Just like in business, your college application needs a personal brand to help you stand out. You need a moat. In this post, I'll explain what that...
How to Write the Rice Supplemental Essays
We go through the Rice supplemental essays, including the Rice Box image, and talk about how to ace each.
How to Get into Rice University
They don't call Rice an Ivy of the south for nothing. It's a top school with a sub-10% acceptance rate. Here, we'll talk about how to up your chances.
How to Use the Rice Common Data Set
Let's go through the Rice Common Data Set and look at information about Rice's acceptance rate, standardized test scores, average GPA, and popular...
What Does Test Optional Actually Mean?
We talk about test-optional policies and test-optional strategy. We give you advice for deciding whether or not to submit your SAT or ACT scores.
How to Write the Dartmouth Supplemental Essays
Your Dartmouth supplemental essays are crucial. We'll go through all the Dartmouth supplemental prompts and give you strategies for answering them.
How to Get into Dartmouth
Ready to tackle your Dartmouth application? Let's go over the GPA, extracurriculars, coursework, and strategy you'll need if you want to get in.
How to Use the Dartmouth Common Data Set
The Dartmouth Common Data Set gives us information about acceptance rate, the SATs, GPA, and more. We show you how to use data to improve your...
Using Regional Job Markets to Build a School List
Think about the regional job markets surrounding schools. Internship and networking opportunities can be more important than the school you attend.
Navigating College Admissions and Changing Reproductive Rights Laws
Are you avoiding applying to college in states with abortion bans? You're not the only one. Access to abortion is becoming part of college decisions.
How applying to college works, grade by grade
A grade-by-grade guide for applying to college, with links out to longer posts for each grade.
Your Senior Year Timeline
Welcome to senior year! It'll go by quick. This guide will keep you on track with everything you'll need to do throughout the college application...
Your Junior Year Timeline
Hello, junior! Get ready for a busy year. We're here to help you make the most of it so you're a stellar college applicant next year.
Your Sophomore Year Timeline
Now that you've gotten the hang of high school, it's time to (slowly!) start thinking about how to prepare yourself for college. Here are some top...
Your First-Year Timeline
Welcome to high school! Thoughtful planning now can make your college application process a lot easier come senior year. Let's talk about what to...
How to Write the Georgetown Supplemental Essays
The Georgetown supplemental essays are your chance to show academic and cultural alignment with Georgetown as an institution. Let's talk about how.
How to Get into Georgetown
Ready to get into Georgetown? In this post, we show you what GPA, essays, and extracurriculars you'll need to stand out.
How to Answer the UC Essay Prompts
We go over everything you need to know about the UC essays. We talk about UC essay requirements and break down how to answer each of the UC essay...
How to Use the Georgetown Common Data Set
The Georgetown Common Data Set gives us insight into Georgetown's admissions process. We look at application review, GPA statistics, major data, and...
How to Write the Notre Dame Supplemental Essays
What are the Notre Dame supplementals? Do you have to write about Catholicism? Which prompt should you choose? We answer all these questions and more!
How to Write the Boston University Supplemental Essays
The Boston University supplemental essay asks you what excites you the most about being a student at BU. Let's talk about how to ace it.
Should you write your college essay about siblings?
Lots of applicants write their college essays about siblings. How can you write one that stands out?
How to Get into Notre Dame
From GPA and course work to extracurriculars and essays, we'll go over everything you'll need to do to get into Notre Dame.
How to Get into Boston University
Ready to get into BU? In this post, we go through what Boston University looks for in applicants, and we talk about how to strategize your...
How to Write an Insightful College Essay About Tutoring
Thinking about writing your college essay about tutoring? It can be a common topic, so we've got some advice for approaching your essay the right way.
9 Ways to Start a College Essay
We know—the introduction to your college essay is always the hardest. Here, we talk about introductions and offer up 9 proven ways to write your own.
How to Write the Brown Supplemental Essays
Ready to ace your Brown supplemental essays? We'll walk through all three prompts together and talk about how to answer them effectively.
How to Get into Brown University
Wondering how to get into Brown? So are nearly 50,000 other applicants! In this post, we talk through a few strategies to help you beat the odds.
How to Use the Brown University Common Data Set
The Brown University Common Data Set will be one of your best application tools. Here, we go through all the admissions data and discuss how to use...
Should You Write Your College Essay About Losing a Loved One?
We discuss college essays about losing a loved one, and we offer up some advice about how to approach such a personal subject in your Common App...
25 College Essay Brainstorming Questions
Find your perfect college essay topic with these 25 college essay brainstorming questions.
Admit Report's Teaching Quality and Value Ranking 2023
Announcing the winners of Admit Report's Teaching Quality and Value Ranking for 2023 — state by state.
How to Write the UChicago Supplemental Essays
Can't quite crack those UChicago supplemental essay prompts? We've got some essay advice that will help.
How to Get into the University of Chicago
If you're wondering how to get into the University of Chicago, you're in the right place. We talk statistics, strategy, and standing out from the...
How to Use the University of Chicago Common Data Set
The University of Chicago Common Data Set can help you craft your application. Here, we walk you through all the UChicago admissions data.
How to Write the University of Michigan Supplemental Essays
You've got two University of Michigan supplemental essays to answer. In this post, we break down both prompts and walk you through how to answer them.
How to Use the Vanderbilt Common Data Set
We look at the Vanderbilt Common Data Set. It has lots of valuable admissions data, and it tells you exactly what Vanderbilt admissions officers look...
How to Use the University of Michigan Common Data Set
Join us in exploring the University of Michigan Common Data Set. We look at GPA, standardized test scores, major popularity, and other admissions...
How to Write a College Essay About Photography
Want to write your college essay about photography? We explain the challenges you might face, and we give you advice about the best approaches.
Can You Use the Same Essay for Multiple Colleges?
Wondering if you can reuse your college essays? The answer is yes, but you need to be strategic about it.
College Essay Requirements: Everything You Need to Know
Let's walk through all the college essay requirements you need to know. We talk about length, style, topic, tone, and more.
How to Get into University of Michigan
We give you tips on how to get into the University of Michigan, including looking at the UMich application process. We talk about academics and more.
How to Use the UPenn Common Data Set
The UPenn Common Data Set tells us a lot. We pull out the most important application, GPA, essay, and standardized test information for you.
How to Get Into Yale
Learn how to get into Yale. It isn't easy to be admitted to one of the top schools in the country, and one of the most well-known Ivy League schools.
How to Use the Boston University Common Data Set
Let's look at the Boston University Common Data Set. You'll see how admissions officers evaluate your BU application, and you'll learn what GPA to...
How to Write the Northwestern Supplemental Essays (With Examples)
Let's tackle the supplemental essays required by Northwestern University. We go through best practices and give an example of a great supplemental.
How to Write the NYU Supplemental Essays
We look at the NYU supplemental prompt and talk about how to write an effective NYU supplemental essay.
How to Write the UPenn Supplemental Essays
Learn how to crack the three supplemental essays required by the University of Pennsylvania.
How to Write the Princeton Supplemental Essays
Learn about how to approach the Princeton University supplemental essays. There are three types, and we cover how to approach all three of them.
How to Get into UPenn
Getting into the University of Pennsylvania isn't easy. In this guide, you'll learn our best tips about crafting a strategic application.
How to Get into Princeton
To get into Princeton, you'll need more than good grades. You'll need a strong application strategy. We show you exactly what that means in this post.
How to Use the Harvard Common Data Set
The Harvard University Common Data Set is a powerful tool for understanding Harvard's admissions priorities.
How to Get into Northwestern
Ready to learn how to get into Northwestern? We'll talk application requirements, GPAs, strategy, and more. And we'll show you our best application...
How to Get into Vanderbilt
Let's talk about what, exactly, you need to do to get into Vanderbilt. We'll go through application expectations and talk about how to stand out.
How to Get into NYU
How do you get into NYU? The urban campus is one of the nation's flagship universities and has an increasingly competitive admission rate.
How to Get into Duke University
Ever wondered how to get into Duke University? We lay out everything we know about the amazing school—and how to crack its admissions process—right...
How to Get Into USC
We break down how to get into USC, the University of Southern California. Application strategy matters—you have to align with the school's core...
How to Get into Stanford
We lay out everything we know about how to get into Stanford University. What does it take to be admitted to one of the best schools in the country?
How to Get into Cornell
Learn about the four criteria Cornell University uses to determine who gets in. We break down exactly what it takes to get into Cornell.
How to Get into MIT
How do you get into MIT, one of the best schools in the country? Read everything we know about what it takes to stand out in the super-competitive...
How to Get Into Harvard
So, you want to know how to get into Harvard? We serve up everything we know about how to crack the crown jewel of the Ivy League. Buckle up.
How to Use the Purdue Common Data Set
Walk through the Purdue Common Data Set with us. You'll learn about what Purdue looks for in applicants, from GPA to essays to standardized test...
How to Use the Princeton Common Data Set
Let's go through the Princeton Common Data Set. From essays to GPA, you'll learn what Princeton admissions officers look for when evaluating...
How to Use the Tufts Common Data Set
Learn about the Tufts Common Data Set. We'll walk through the Tufts application evaluation process, average GPA and test scores, and most popular...
How to Use the Tulane Common Data Set
Take a look at the Tulane Common Data Set. It tells you what admissions officers are looking for in your application, and we explain how to stand out.
How to Use the Northwestern Common Data Set
We look at the Northwestern Common Data Set. You'll learn about the Northwestern application evaluation process, GPA requirements, and popular majors.
How to Use the NYU Common Data Set
Learn about the NYU Common Data Set. It has valuable admissions data, including information about popular majors and how applications are evaluated.
How to Use the Duke Common Data Set
We look at the Duke Common Data Set. Using admissions data about the evaluation process, GPA, and standardized testing, we give you application...
How to Use the USC Common Data Set
We go through the University of Southern California Common Data Set and talk about what USC looks for in applicants. We also look at popular majors.
How to Use the Stanford Common Data Set
We comb through the Stanford Common Data Set and pull out important data, including how applications are evaluated and what the most popular majors...
How to Use the Cornell Common Data Set
We go through the Cornell Common Data Set and extract key admissions information, including data about the selection process, GPA requirements, and...
How to Use the Yale Common Data Set
We walk through the Yale Common Data Set and look at how Yale admissions officers evaluate applications. We also look at GPA and major data.
How to Use the MIT Common Data Set
We look at the MIT Common Data Set and how MIT evaluates applicants and look at the MIT acceptance rate. We also look at the most popular majors at...
How to Write the Duke Supplemental Essays
We show you all of the Duke supplemental essay prompts and give you tips for answering each of them.
How to Write the USC Supplemental Essays
We list all of the USC supplemental essay prompts and the USC short answer questions. We show you how to answer them to make your application stand...
How to Write the Yale Supplemental Essays
We show you all of the Yale supplemental essays and short answer questions. We explain how to write Yale supplemental essays that stand out.
How to Write the Stanford Supplemental Essays
We go through all of the Stanford supplemental essay prompts. We explain how to write the Stanford Roommate Essay and Stanford Short Questions.
How to Write the Cornell Supplemental Essays
We go through all of the Cornell supplemental essay prompts, and we give you advice for writing your responses.
How to Write the Harvard Supplemental Essays
We go through all of the Harvard supplemental essay prompts. We show you how to write compelling essays for each Harvard supplemental essay prompt.
How to Write the MIT Supplemental Essays
We show you all the MIT supplemental essay prompts. We discuss how to answer each prompt and give you tips for writing your MIT supplemental essays.
Everything You Need to Know about Academics & GPA
We talk about academic factors like weighted GPAs, unweighted GPAs, and course rigor. We explain how admissions officers read your transcript and...
Our Guide to Gap Years
We talk about the best ways to spend your gap year before college. We also show you how to write about your gap year in your college application.
A Complete Guide to Applying to College as an International Student
We talk about applying to college in the United States as an international student. We cover legal documents, English exams, financial aid, and more.
Our Complete Guide to College Interviews
College interviews are usually more informative than evaluative. We talk about how to navigate your college interview and stand out in the process.
Financial Aid for Colleges: Our Basic Guide
We talk about different kinds of financial aid, including merit and need-based aid. We also cover tuition discounts and how to get outside...
Touring Colleges: What You Need to Know
We talk about different kinds of college visits, including in-person, virtual, and events. We explain the strategic and personal benefits of visiting.
How to Show Demonstrated Interest
We talk about demonstrating interest in a college. We explain why and when demonstrating interest matters, and we show you how to demonstrate...
How to Craft Amazing Extracurriculars by Combining Interests
We explain how to impress admissions officers by combining two of your extracurricular interests to create a compelling personal project.
Extracurricular Magnitude and Impact
We talk about how extracurriculars affect your personal score in college admissions. We explain how to show impact and magnitude in your...
An Overview of Basic Extracurricular Pathways
We talk about different extracurricular pathways, including in-person and hybrid options. We also talk about how to make your extracurriculars stand...
Leveling Up Your Extracurriculars (with examples!)
We talk about how to easily take your existing extracurricular activities to the next level. Doing so will help your college application stand out.
How to Strategize Your Early Decision Application
We talk about strategies for applying Early Decision I and Early Decision II. We give advice about how to pick the best ED school for you.
Early Action vs Early Decision: What is the Difference?
We explain the difference between applying Early Action and Early Decision. We talk about the advantages of both and explain how many EA schools to...
The 3.5 things I learned reading essays in a top-15 admissions office
We talk about what it's really like to work in a top admissions office. We explain what admissions officers look for when they read application...
How to Write an Extracurricular Activities Supplemental Essay
We go over what an Extracurricular Activities supplemental essay is. We give you Extracurricular Essay strategies and tell you a few mistakes to...
How to Write a Personal Challenge Essay (with Examples)
We cover everything you need to know about Personal Challenge supplemental essays. You'll learn about the best approaches and start brainstorming...
How to Write a Diversity Supplemental Essay
We cover what a diversity supplemental essay is. We talk about the best ways to approach diversity essays and give you some tips for writing your own.
How to Write a Why This Major Supplemental Essay (with Examples)
Let's talk about how to write a why this major supplemental essay, with examples!
How to Write a Community Supplemental Essay (with Examples)
We talk about how to write Community supplemental essays. We go over choosing a community, identifying your story, and doing school research.
12 Common App Essay Examples (Graded by Former Admissions Officers)
We go through 12 Common App essay examples. The examples show you want to do (and not do) when responding to the Common App essay prompts.
16 Amazing Personal Statement Examples (2024 Update)
We've compiled 15 personal statement examples for you to read. Former admissions officers have graded them to help you write your own personal...
How to Write Supplemental Essays that Will Impress Admissions Officers
We talk about how to write supplemental essays, including reading supplemental prompts, doing school research, and showing academic and school fit.
21 College Essay Examples (Graded by Former Admissions Officers)
We review 20 amazing college essay examples, focusing on personal statements and some supplemental essays. Our college essay examples are also...
9 Outstanding UC Essay Examples (Graded by Former Admissions Officers)
In this post, we read through outstanding UC essay examples. A former admissions officer has commented on each essay to help you write your own UC...
How to Write a Personal Statement for Colleges
We talk about how to write a personal statement, including finding a topic and formatting a personal statement. We also have personal statement...
How to Write a College Essay (Exercises + Examples)
We go through how to write a college essay. We talk about finding a Common App essay topic and drafting your college essay. We also show you examples.
The Basics of Athletic Recruiting
We talk about DIII athletic recruitment. We explain the NCAA DIII rules, and we go over how being a recruited athlete can help in the admissions...
Letters of Recommendation for College: A Guide
We talk about why letters of recommendation are important, and we give you advice about how to get great teacher and counselor letters of...
Do Colleges Care About AP Scores? A Complete Guide
We go over what course rigor is, why AP classes matter, what to do if your school doesn't offer AP, and how to decide whether to submit your AP...
Writing a Great Academic Interest Essay (with Examples)
Let's talk about how to write an academic interest essay. This is one of the most common supplemental essay genres, and we give you a great example.
How to Use the Common Data Set
We explain what the Common Data Set is and why it's so important. We show you how to use a school's Common Data Set to inform your application...
How to Organically Find your Extracurricular Interests
Your extracurriculars should be fun and productive. We talk about finding extracurriculars based on your interests as a first-year or sophomore...
The Incredible Power of a Cohesive College Application
Above all, your college application needs to be cohesive — it needs to work in concert to help you stand out.
How A Selective Admissions Office Reads 50k Applications In A Season
Going behind the scenes of the admissions processes at a highly selective university. Let's look at how Admissions Officers actually get through so...
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