Small Group College Essay Workshops

Small Group Essay Workshops are designed for students who do their best work with structure, accountability, and a little positive peer momentum. Over four weeks, students move from “I have no idea what to write” to a clear, compelling draft and a plan for polishing it. The group setting keeps the process motivating and normalizes the fact that writing is hard at first, especially when it is personal. My goal is for each student to leave with an essay that sounds like them, communicates maturity, and is easy for an admissions reader to follow.

Each cohort is capped at 4 students so everyone gets meaningful attention. We meet for four 60-minute sessions, with simple homework between meetings to keep progress steady. Students are encouraged (never forced) to share drafts for feedback, and I guide the group through brainstorming, structure, voice, and revision so improvements are concrete and actionable. Parents will receive a brief summary at the end with what we covered and what the next steps are.

What we cover over four weeks

• Week 1: What colleges look for, Common App overview, and guided brainstorming

• Week 2: Structure, examples, and focused drafting

• Week 3: Revision strategies, voice, and clarity

• Week 4: Final polish, supplements strategy, and future planning

By the end of the series, students understand what colleges are looking for, have a strong draft in place, and know exactly how to keep improving it.