(UN) Common App. Essay & Application Workshops

Every summer I offer a limited number of three day writing workshops that guide students through the college essay and application process in a dynamic, small group setting. From the development of an original and compelling idea, to the drafting and revision process, every student benefits from both professional and peer review, and will leave the workshop not only with a vivid and memorable Common App. Essay, but also with a better understanding and appreciation of the art of composition.

  • Students will learn how to effectively organize their extracurriculars and use concise, impactful writing when filling out their Common App. Activities List. All other Common App. sections are reviewed as well.

  • Individual college lists will be also be reviewed and supplemental essays prompts will catalogued and studied. We’ll discuss approaches and ideas for Supplemental and Short Answer Essays.

  • With many schools extending test-optional policies, essays and the Activities List could potentially carry that much more weight during this application season.

  • The emergence and widespread adoption of Large Language Models (ChatGPT, GPT4) will lead to more in-class and proctored essay writing, making strong writing skills that much more valuable.

Students benefit greatly from having one or two prompts in mind and some initial thoughts-if not a draft- in order for me to better understand their intent and writing style.

The Common App. has posted the prompts for the 2024 cycle:

https://www.commonapp.org/blog/common-app-announces-2024-2025-common-app-essay-prompts

Knowing I was putting my absolute best foot forward with Brian’s suggestions gave me such peace of mind. That alone was priceless, considering how stressful admissions season is. I look forward to using the writing techniques he taught me throughout my college career.
— Indi V. - St. Mary's HS

Dates for the July Workshop -

July 16th, 17th, 18th @ the Kenmore Branch Library

August 2024 workshop dates will be posted soon.