College essay help throughout your application process

Our step-by-step guide on how to write every college essay, all gathered in one place.

For Students

See how many essays you’ll need to write for the schools you’re applying to.

Step-By-Step Process

STEP

1

Understand your Audience
Find out what college admissions officers are looking for in your application.  Start Here ->

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STEP

2

Plan your Content
Brainstorm experiences that relate to the 5 traits colleges look for in applicants.  Start Here ->

More Resources

STEP

3

Write your Personal Statement Essay

STEP

4

Create your Activities List
Learn the secret to a winning Common App activities list to highlight everything you’ve done. Start Here ->

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STEP

5

Learn more about the UC PIQs
Discover everything you need to know about the Personal Insight Questions (PIQs).  Start Here ->

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STEP

6

Draft your Supplemental Essays

STEP

7

Check for Common Errors

STEP

8

Apply with Confidence!
Make sure your entire application represents you and your personal brand.  Start Here ->

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School-Specific Supplemental Essay Guides

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Prompt

College Essay Guide

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Prompt

College Essay Guide

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Prompt

College Essay Guide

College Essay Help Center

Expert advice, all gathered in one place

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Brad Schiller
March 10

Welcome! You're now on the optimum path for writing your best college essays in the least amount of time. Bookmark this page: it's your step-by-step college essay guide.

We cover everything — every college essay topic you can imagine — and it's all free.

The Best Essay Process

We've created a step-by-step guide of everything you need to write a successful application. (If you don't have time to read it all, we recommend starting with our "must-read" articles.)

Step 1: Understand Your Audience

Must-read: What College Essay Admissions Officers Are Looking For

Step 2: Plan Your Content

Must-read: The 5 Traits Colleges Looks for in Applicants

Step 3: The Personal Statement

Must-read: The Complete Guide to Writing the Common App Personal Statement

Step 4: The Activities List

Must-read: The Secret to a Winning Common App Activities List

Step 5: The UC PIQs

Must-read: UC PIQs: Everything You Need to Know
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