Life Skills: College 101 - Write a Winning College Essay Camp

Through lecture, discussion, and independent activities, scholars will 
1. Analyze an essay prompt.
2. Brainstorm and outline an essay response to a prompt.
3. Write an essay using one of two narrative approaches: traditional and creative. 

As an independent college counselor and education consultant for federal and state granted-funded programs, I have developed award-winning college and career readiness programs that have been scaled and replicated in several schools and districts. In these capacities, as well as my formed district and building roles, I have trained hundreds of teachers, leaders, and high school guidance counselors and helped thousands of students of varied socioeconomic and academic programs succeed in getting accepted into the colleges, universities, and post-secondary institutions of their choice. Ninety-five percent (95%) of Pinnacle Prep scholars get into one or more of their top three choices. I consider my own two children’s success my greatest college counseling accomplishments because both graduated valedictorian (two years apart), were accepted to Stanford, MIT, five-six Ivy League universities, and several Top 20 colleges, and earned $2.5 million in merit scholarships together.

The homework will be assigned as follows:

Class 1: Read Exemplars for Selected Prompt/Finish Brainstorm
Class 2: Finish Outline
Class 3: Finish Essay Draft/Submit Anonymous Excerpts for Feedback
Class 4: Revise Essay

It is imperative that scholars complete the homework assignments so that they may fully participate in the subsequent class session and remain on track with their college application timelines. Scholars who are unable to fully participate in the subsequent class or submit their college applications because they failed to complete homework assignments will not be refunded.

No formal assessment. The teacher will conduct informal checks for understanding through discussions and provide informal feedback during small-group breakout sessions and via classroom posts. 

For editing and feedback services, please register for one or more multiple 50-minute, 1:1 editing and feedback sessions. Please note that editing occurs in real-time. I edit for 35 minutes via Google Docs, ask clarifying questions, and make recommendations. After the 35-minute edit, I facilitate a 15-minute discussion to answer the scholar's questions and to provide the scholar with an editorial assessment and next steps. Register here for 1:1 editing: https://outschool.com/classes/life-skills-one-to-one-college-coaching-how-2-succeed-in-your-aim2getadmitted-pojxY5Lf#us7XqOxsXv.

50 minutes per week in class, and an estimated 2 - 4 hours per week outside of class.

We will reference the Common App website over the course of this class. Depending on their needs, scholars may be directed to use public and FREE websites to support their understanding and research on the selected topic (e.g., colleges of interest, College Board, etc.).