Guides

College essay guides

Practical advice on the college application essay from Elizabeth Shepard, a former admissions reader, English professor, and professional writer.

For students

How to choose your Common App essay prompt (2026–27)
The seven prompts explained, and why you should start with your story instead.
How to choose and write the UC Personal Insight Questions
Picking your four of eight, and making 350 words count.
How to write the “Why this college” essay
Research, connection, and the swap test.
Regular decision essays: a plan for November through January
Inventory, grouping prompts, and a realistic timeline.
College essay help for students who hate writing
Talk first, small steps, and drafts that are allowed to be bad.
Early decision and early action: what it means for your essays
Earlier deadlines, a bigger “Why us,” and a simple timeline.
Applying to US colleges from the UK: the essays
Every essay a UK student will face, from the Common App to supplements.
UCAS personal statement vs. Common App essay
What changes between the two, and what you can reuse.
How to write a college transfer essay
Reasons, plans, and the UC transfer questions.

How to choose a college essay coach (or counselor)
Eight questions to ask, and red flags to avoid.

24-hour essay review
A thorough review with suggested edits and feedback, within 24 hours.
Common App essay coaching
One-on-one, from brainstorm to final draft.
Supplemental essays
“Why us,” community, and short-answer essays, tailored to each school.
International students
US college essay coaching by video, wherever you live.
High school applications
Private, boarding, and selective high school essays and interview prep.
New York City
NYC-based coaching, online, for students anywhere.