Early Decision, Early Action, or Regular?
How to think through application timing.
Coming Soon
College planning resources
Helpful Resources
Tips and guides for students and families, from high school planning through decision day.
Guides from My Statement Studio
Read each guide online or download the printable PDF.
Planning by grade
Junior Year College Planning Guide
What to focus on, and when, in junior year.
Read the guideSenior Year College Planning Guide
What to do, and when, in senior year, from applications to decision day.
Read the guideUnderstanding Financial Aid & Merit
The vocabulary families wish they'd learned sooner.
Coming Soon
Building your college list
Finding Your Fit College List Guide
How to build a balanced college list that actually fits.
Read the guideCalifornia Colleges at a Glance
California colleges at a glance.
Read the guideWUE Colleges at a Glance
Western Undergraduate Exchange schools and savings, at a glance.
Read the guideResearching Schools Beyond the Rankings
The questions that reveal what a campus is really like.
Coming Soon
Making the Most of a Campus Visit
What to look for, ask, and write down afterward.
Coming Soon
Essays & personal statements
How to Choose a College Essay Topic
How to find a topic that only you could write.
Coming Soon
The Common App Essay Guide
What the personal statement is really asking for.
Coming Soon
Brainstorming Exercises That Work
A handful of prompts that unlock real ideas.
Coming Soon
Common Supplemental Essay Mistakes
The patterns that quietly weaken a strong application.
Coming Soon
Activities, resume & interviews
Writing a Strong Activity List
How to describe what you did in very few characters.
Coming Soon
Building a Student Resume
A clean, honest one-page format that travels well.
Coming Soon
Interview Questions to Practice
Real questions, plus how to answer like yourself.
Coming Soon
For parents
Turning 18 Essential Documents Checklist (CA)
The essential documents to have in place when your student turns 18 in California.
Read the guideHow Parents Can Support the Process
The most helpful — and most common unhelpful — moves.
Coming Soon
Talking About College Without Tension
Ways to keep the conversation open at home.
Coming Soon
High school exploration & planning
Course Planning for Grades 8–10
Choosing classes that build depth, not just rigor.
Coming Soon
Finding Activities That Actually Fit
How to explore interests without overloading the week.
Coming Soon
Making the Most of Summer
Jobs, programs, projects — and why any of them can count.
Coming Soon
Helpful guides from trusted sources
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