Essays/PIQs

Students will get all kinds of well-intentioned "advice" regarding "college essays" and PIQs (PIQs are NOT essays). Unfortunately, much of this advice is not accurate. Colleges don't share with applicants whether or not their essays/PIQs had ANYTHING to do with them being admitted (or denied), and applicants who are following advice from admitted or denied students is not an effective use of time. The same goes with listening to advice from friends/parents/relatives/consultants/private counselors/etc...these people are not the ones who will be reading your essays/PIQs in an admissions capacity. The most effective way to approach your essays/PIQs/short answers/questions/additonal information section/activities/awards/etc. is to FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS/ANSWER THE PROMPT(S)/FOLLOW THE TIPS THE ADMISSIONS REPS PROVIDE. Every college/system has very specific instructions...READ THROUGH IT and don't let other people distract you! 

Private/Common App Schools

Excellent essay workshop and Activities/Awards Advice   (from a UPenn admissions team)

Essay Advice (from Yale)

General tip for getting started...using Google, type in "collegevine writing the  ______________ essay" and click search. For example, typing in "collegevine writing the Stanford essay" takes you HERE. it will give you an overview of brainstorming/outlining/common mistakes/etc. to help you get STARTED. 

UCs

Best Advice Ever! (PIQs and Activities/Awards)