College Essay Help Center

Our Parent Guide

Must-read: How Parents Can Support Kids Applying to College - Without Driving Anyone Crazy

• How to Choose Your College Admissions Consultant
• College Essay Review Service Comparison - Which of These 4 Services is Best?
• How to Assemble your College Admissions Support Team

Step 1: Understand Your Audience

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

• The Purpose of College Essays
• The #1 College Essay Myth
• What Do Colleges Actually Look For?
• Don't Let Influencers Influence your College Essay

Step 2: Plan Your Content

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

• What the Prompt is Really Asking
• Mastering the Art of Brainstorming

Step 3: The Personal Statement

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

• The Complete Guide to Writing the ApplyTexas Application
• How to Write the UCAS Personal Statement

Step 4: The Activities List

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

• Making the Most of the Activities Section

Step 5: The UC PIQs

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

• How To Write a Great UC Activities List

Step 6: Supplemental Essays

Must-read: Supplements Hub: The 5-part Strategy for Great College Supplements

• The Ultimate List of College Essay Prompts (and How to Write Each Essay)
• The Simple 'Why Us' Essay Strategy That Works
• Early Action vs. Early Decision: Everything You Need to Know

Other Great College Essay Resources

• The Key to Great Writing: Revision
• Grammar Essentials
• 9 Tips for Formal Writing
• How To Avoid Common Grammar Blunders
• Demonstrated Interest: Why Showing Colleges You Like Them Gets You In
• Should I Apply Test Optional?

Graduate Resources

• How To Write a Graduate School Statement of Purpose
• How To Write a Grad School Letter of Recommendation