Which Schools Use the Common App? The Rank-Ordered List (2026)
Discover which schools use the Common App, which don’t, and see them organized by ranking to streamline your college application strategy.
Early Action vs Early Decision: What’s the Difference?
Learn the key differences between Early Action and Early Decision for college applications, and how to decide which option is right for you and your student.
How to Use the Common App Additional Information Section (Examples Included)
The definitive guide to knowing what to include (and not include) in the Common App Additional Information section
How to Write an Impressive UC Activities List
A step-by-step guide to filling out UC Activities and Awards sections, including tips and sample entries to make your application stand out.
How to Stand Out on the Common App Activities Section (Example Included)
Learn how to share your accomplishments in a way that shines, plus a Common App Activities section example
How to Write Great UC Essays (Examples of All Personal Insight Questions Included)
A step-by-step guide to conquering all UC personal insight questions (PIQs), with examples of all UC essay prompts and an analysis of successful UC essays
The Ultimate Guide to Supplemental College Application Essays (Examples Included)
Learn how to impress admissions committees through any type of school-specific supplemental essay prompt plus strategies for tackling essays of various lengths
14 College Essay Examples From Top-25 Universities (2026–2027)
College essay examples from students accepted to Harvard, Stanford, and other elite schools
How to Write an Amazing Common App Essay (2026–2027) — Examples Included
Learn how to come up with a unique topic and choose the right Common App Essay prompt to write a strong personal statement and get into your dream college. Plus, a full-length Common App Essay example
BS/MD Programs: How to Get In
What is a BS/MD program and how hard is it to get in? Learn the strategies you need to make it happen, plus a complete list of BS/MD programs
What is a Good SAT Score? The Definitive Guide
Find out what SAT score you need to be a competitive college applicant and what to aim for based on your dream schools.
How to Get Into Ivy League Schools: The Definitive Guide
How hard is it to get into Ivy League schools? Discover strategic ways to boost your Ivy League admissions odds
The Best Undergraduate Business Schools: A Complete List (2025)
Learn the top-ranked undergraduate business programs and admissions strategies to get your child accepted
How to Get Into UCI: Requirements and Strategies
Learn the UC Irvine acceptance rate, average GPA, and application requirements to improve your UCI admissions odds
How to Get Into West Point: Strategies and Essays That Worked
Discover West Point admissions requirements, step-by-step application strategies, nomination guidance, and expert tips for writing standout West Point essays.
How to Get Into Yale: Essays and Strategies That Worked
Learn what it takes to get into Yale, including admissions criteria, acceptance rates, and examples of essays that helped students succeed.
How to Get Into UC Berkeley: Requirements and Strategies
Discover the UC Berkeley acceptance rate and admissions requirements, plus strategies to get accepted
How to Get Into UCLA Undergrad: Requirements and Strategies
How hard is it to get into UCLA? Discover the UCLA acceptance rate and admissions requirements to improve your odds of getting accepted
How to Get Into MIT: Essays and Strategies that Worked
How hard is it to get into MIT? Learn about MIT’s application process and successful approaches to MIT’s short-answer essay questions—which are not on the Common App—to improve your child’s odds of being accepted
How to Get into the University of Chicago: Essays and Strategies That Worked
How hard is it to get into the University of Chicago? Learn the UChicago acceptance rate and admissions requirements, plus strategies for UChicago supplemental essays