Essay Insights
Expert tips, strategies, and guides from our editors at top universities
Non-Target to Wall Street: What Actually Works in 2026
Breaking into investment banking or private equity from a non-target school is harder — but far from impossible. Here's the realistic, step-by-step playbook that's working right now.
How to Actually Prepare for Investment Banking and Private Equity Recruiting in 2026
A practical guide to the resources, strategies, and preparation frameworks that give candidates a real edge in finance recruiting — from technicals to networking to resume positioning.
How to Write a College Essay: The Complete 2026 Guide
Everything you need to write a standout personal statement—from brainstorming to final polish. Step-by-step process with examples.
How to Start a College Essay: 10 Opening Lines That Work
Struggling with your opening line? Learn 10 proven techniques for writing hooks that grab attention, plus examples you can adapt.
Harvard Supplemental Essays 2025-2026: How to Write Them
Complete guide to Harvard's optional supplemental essay. What they're looking for, four approaches that work, and mistakes to avoid.
College Essay Structure: 2 Templates That Actually Work
Stop staring at a blank page. Learn the Narrative Arc and Montage structures with paragraph-by-paragraph templates.
Common App Prompts 2026-2027: Complete Guide for Class of 2031
All 7 prompts decoded by admissions experts. Learn which one to choose, what admissions officers want, and how to stand out in the 2026-2027 cycle.
AI and College Essays 2026: What Students Need to Know
Complete guide to AI and college essays. How colleges detect ChatGPT, what's allowed vs. forbidden, and how to write essays that sound authentically human.
College Application Deadlines 2026-2027: Complete Calendar
Every deadline for the Class of 2031. Early Decision, Early Action, Regular Decision—all schools, all dates, in one comprehensive guide.
How to Write MBA Essays That Get You Into HBS, Stanford & Wharton
Complete framework for MBA essays. Goals essays, leadership stories, and 'Why MBA' strategies from people who got into M7 programs.
How to Write a Law School Personal Statement That Actually Works
Your personal statement is a writing sample, an argument, and a window into who you are. Expert strategies from T14 admits.
AMCAS Personal Statement Guide: How to Write an Essay That Gets Interviews
Your 5,300 characters to convince admissions committees you should be a doctor. Expert strategies and common mistakes to avoid.
How to Write a Statement of Purpose for PhD & Masters Programs
Your SOP is your argument for why a faculty member should invest 5+ years mentoring you. Research interests, faculty fit, and more.
15 College Essay Topics to Avoid in 2025
Discover the most overused essay topics that hurt your chances and learn better alternatives. Expert advice on what admissions officers are tired of reading.
Last-Minute College Application Checklist: 2 Weeks Before Deadline
Your comprehensive 14-day action plan to submit a strong college application under time pressure. Priority-based tasks and strategies for 2025 applicants.
12 Common App Essay Mistakes to Avoid in 2025
The most common mistakes that hurt applications and exactly how to fix them. Based on analysis of thousands of essays reviewed by admissions professionals.
How to Write a College Essay in 3 Days: Emergency Guide
Realistic hour-by-hour action plan for writing a strong college essay when you're out of time. Day-by-day roadmap used successfully by last-minute applicants.
What Happens If You Miss a College Application Deadline?
Missed your deadline? Don't panic. Expert guide to your options including late submissions, rolling admissions, gap years, and alternative paths.
Need Essay Feedback Fast? Compare Your Options
When the clock is ticking, what are your best options for getting quick, quality feedback on your college essay? Compare AI, peer, teacher, and expert reviews.
Can Colleges Detect ChatGPT Essays in 2025?
The truth about AI detection in college admissions. What schools actually do, the risks of using AI, and ethical ways to leverage AI tools for brainstorming.
Teacher Feedback Not Helpful? Your Next Steps
When your teacher's feedback isn't cutting it. Why teachers often miss key essay elements and where to get actionable, expert feedback instead.
Can't Afford a $10k College Consultant? Smart Alternatives
Expert college guidance doesn't require a five-figure budget. Compare the real costs and benefits of consultants vs. more affordable options.
Essay Not Good Enough? How to Fix It Fast
You know your essay isn't working but don't know why. Quick diagnosis checklist and targeted fixes for the most common problems.
Deadline in 3 Days? Your Realistic Options
Three days left and your essay isn't ready. Honest assessment of what's still possible and the best path forward.
How to Brainstorm College Essay Ideas That Actually Work
Move past clichés with structured brainstorming techniques that uncover unique topics. Exercises used by students accepted to selective schools.
Complete Guide to Common App Prompts 2025-2026
Expert breakdown of every Common App prompt with strategies, examples, and pitfalls to avoid.
Real Essays Analyzed: What Actually Works
Deep analysis of successful essays with specific techniques you can apply to your own writing.
How to Write a 'Why This College' Essay
Expert guide to writing compelling 'Why Us' essays that show genuine fit and research. Templates and examples included.