College Applications

Learn how to get started on the college application process, explore universities and majors, and learn what you have to do each year of high school to stay on track.

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The Application

What you need to know about college applications to feel confident about applying

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Admissions Process

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College Essay

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College Interview

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Student Stories

13 Tips for Adding Activities & Awards on Your University of California (UC) Application

Applying to Berkeley? UCLA? UC Davis? Tips for activities section on the University of California (UC) Application.

8 Examples of College Essays That Worked

How to write your college essay: examples of college essays that answer the Common App, Coalition App, and school-specific writing prompts!

College Essay Tips for First-Gen Students

Are you first in your family to go to college? Need help writing your college essay? Here are tips for you!

How to Craft an Elevator Pitch for Your College Interview

Tell me about yourself. Can you answer this question? In this guide, learn how to adapt an elevator pitch for a college interview!

How to Prep for a College Interview

Tips to ace a college interview, mock interview questions, and even what it means to dress business casual!

How to Prepare for the UC Applications (California)

Thinking about applying to University of California schools? Learn about UC requirements here including Berkeley, UCLA, Davis, Irvine and more!

How to Write a College Essay

This comprehensive guide includes a step by step process to make college essay writing easy!

How to Write a Personal Statement (A Crash Course)

Easy to understand guide on writing the Common App and personal statement essay for your college application.

Tips for the Personal Insight Questions on the UC Application

Applying to a University of California school? Check out the personal insight questions on the UC application and some tips for success.

Colleges & Majors

Learn the difference between colleges and get help choosing a major

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Student Stories

Private vs. Public Colleges: What’s the Difference?

Understand public vs private school, including Ivy Leagues, with this college guide to help you choose the best option for you!

The 5 Best Majors If You Want to Work With Animals

Love animals? Want a job working with animals? Learn about 5 college majors for animal lovers.

What It's Like Majoring in Art

Want a job in art? Learn about career paths and planning to have a professional future in an art role.

What it's like Majoring in History

History nerds unite! Learn what majoring in history in college is like to help you decide if you want to choose that pathway.

What’s the Difference Between an Associate’s and Bachelor's Degree?

Learn the types of college degrees to help you figure out what your next steps whether you're looking at a 2 or 4 year degree, public or private school.

I'm a...

Specific info based on what year you are in high school and resources for first-generation students

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High School Sophomore

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Student Stories

SAT Reading: Guide to Scientific Concepts Passage

SAT Reading: how to approach scientific concepts, passages, and rhetorical questions

SAT Reading: Guide to the Social Science Passage

Learn about the SAT Reading section including social science passages, synthesis questions, and infographics!

SAT Writing: Must Know Grammar Rules

Get a top score on the SAT Writing and Language; Learn the SAT grammar rules by using Fiveable's SAT study tips and score 800!

SAT or ACT: Which Exam Should I Choose?

Learn about College Exams and determine if ACT or SAT is right for you as you prepare for your applying to college.

Should I Retake the ACT?

We're here to help you increase your score on your ACT retake! Find tons of free ACT test prep resources and guides from Fiveable.

Step-By-Step Guide to Get Impressive Letters of Recommendation

Applying to college and need to include letters of recommendation? Here are some tips on how to ask for them.

Summer Opportunities to Improve Your College Applications

Need to bulk up your college app? Learn how to use summer as a chance to improve your college application with a job, volunteer experience and more.

The Pros and Cons of Out-of-State College

Should you go to school out-of-state? Find out about choosing a college in-state or out-of-state and how that could impact your experience in college.

Top Scholarships for High School Students (and how to apply!)

Looking for college scholarships? Learn about how to take advantage of both local and national scholarship opportunities to help pay for college.