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Letters of Recommendation: Who to Ask and How
How to choose recommenders, when to ask, and how to help non-US teachers write strong letters for US college applications.
Apr 21, 20269 min read
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Guides & Strategies
Expert advice for international students navigating US college admissions.
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How to Write 'Why This College' Essays That Work
Why generic 'Why Us' essays fail and how to research schools deeply enough to write essays that prove genuine fit, even without visiting campus.
Apr 19, 20268 min read
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How to Write the Common App Personal Statement
A step-by-step guide to the 650-word Common App essay. How to choose a prompt, find your topic, structure your draft, and avoid cliches.
Apr 17, 20267 min read
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How to Research US Colleges Beyond Rankings
Move past US News rankings. How to evaluate campus culture, department strength, career outcomes, location, and international student support.
Apr 11, 20269 min read
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Summer Before Grade 12: What to Do (and Skip)
How to use the summer between Grade 11 and 12 strategically. SAT retakes, essay drafting, college visits, and what's actually worth your time.
Apr 7, 20268 min read
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How to Describe Activities on the Common App
Write compelling 150-character activity descriptions for the Common App. Ordering strategy, action verbs, quantifying impact, and translating non-US activities.
Apr 5, 20266 min read
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5 Mistakes International Students Make on College Applications
Avoid these costly errors that trip up international applicants every year. School list imbalance, generic essays, missed aid deadlines, and more.
Mar 3, 20267 min read