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All about college applications
Tips, guides, and editorials on essays, recommendations, and admissions, written for students applying to top programs.
Bachelors·The Ultimate List: Colleges With One Supplemental Essay (2025-2026)
Looking for colleges with only one supplemental essay? Get the verified 2025-2026 list, including top schools like NYU, Barnard, and Georgia Tech, with all official prompts.
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Bachelors·How Many Paragraphs for a College Essay? (Forget the 5-Paragraph Rule)
How many paragraphs should a college essay be? Forget the 5-paragraph rule. Learn the two best structures (Narrative vs. Montage) & the right paragraph format for a standout essay.
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Bachelors·Can You Use Contractions in College Essays? The Definitive Guide
Yes, you can (and should) use contractions in your college essay. Learn the simple rules for which ones to use (I'm, don't) and which to avoid (gonna, ain't) for an authentic voice.
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Bachelors·Laptop Stickers Essay: Why You Shouldn't Copy This Famous Example
See the full 'laptop stickers' college essay and learn the strategy that made it famous. Our breakdown explains the montage structure & why you must avoid this cliché topic.
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Bachelors·Columbia Supplemental Essays Examples
See top Columbia supplemental essays examples for 2025-2026. Get inspired with strong sample answers for the intellectual list, community, adversity, and "Why Columbia" prompts.
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Bachelors·UChicago Essay Examples
See the best UChicago essay examples for the 2025-2026 application. Get inspired with powerful sample essays for the "Why Us?" and famously quirky extended essay prompts.
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Bachelors·Stanford Roommate Essay Examples
See standout Stanford roommate essay examples for the 2025-2026 application. Read powerful notes from "The Enthusiastic Organizer," "The Curious Observer," and "The Low-Key Humorist" to inspire your own authentic response.
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Bachelors·Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Supplemental Essays 2025-2026: Requirements & Prompts
Review MIT’s 2025–2026 application essays: five required short-answer prompts (100–200 words each) covering academic interests, personal experiences, and collaboration.
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Bachelors·University of Pennsylvania Supplemental Essays 2025-2026: Requirements & Prompts
Review Penn’s 2025–2026 supplemental essays: two required short answers (150–200 words), plus a school-specific prompt. Get clear summaries, sample insights, and advice on how to respond effectively.
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Bachelors·Villanova University Supplemental Essays 2025-2026: Requirements & Prompts
Find Villanova’s 2025–2026 writing supplement prompt choices, word count guidance, sample answers, and advice on reflecting Villanova’s values of Veritas, Unitas, and Caritas
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Bachelors·North Carolina State University Supplemental Essay 2025-2026: Requirements & Prompts
This guide lists NC State’s 2025–2026 short-answer prompts, shows how to craft focused answers to your first and second-choice majors. Also, talks about the essay prompt for honors program applicants.
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Bachelors·New York University Supplemental Essay 2025-2026: Requirements & Prompts
Learn how to tackle NYU’s bridge-builder prompt step by step. Pick the right option, use real student lines, and connect your story to NYU’s global mission.
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