(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, students engage deeply with both the craft and structure of strong writing.

Each participant benefits from professional and peer review, and will leave the workshop not only with a vivid and memorable Common App essay, but with a stronger understanding of composition as an essential 21st-century skill.

My aim goes beyond college admissions. It’s about learning how to communicate ideas with clarity, precision, and voice in an economy that increasingly rewards those who can do exactly that.

Students will learn how to effectively organize their extracurriculars and use concise, impactful writing when filling out their Common App. Activities List. We focus on turning a collection of experiences into a clear narrative of initiative, contribution, and growth.
All other sections of the Common App are reviewed as well, ensuring students understand how each component works together as part of a cohesive whole.

We’ll discuss thoughtful, strategic approaches to supplemental and short-answer essays, with an emphasis on alignment, authenticity, and specificity, not formulaic responses.
The rapid adoption of LLMs such as ChatGPT, Claude, and others is already reshaping how writing is evaluated. Many colleges are moving toward more in-class or proctored writing, placing renewed emphasis on genuine skill, not generated polish.

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 2026 cycle:

https://www.commonapp.org/blog/announcing-2026-2027-common-app-essay-prompts

This workshop is designed to help students move beyond the numbers and tell the story that matters most — their own. In an increasingly holistic admissions process, it’s not enough to list achievements; students need to articulate their unique passions, demonstrate how they’ll contribute to a campus community, and show a clear, thoughtful sense of personal and academic direction.

“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

(UN) Common App. Essay & Application Workshops

Each participant benefits from professional and peer review, and will leave the workshop not only with a vivid and memorable Common App essay, but with a stronger understanding of composition as an essential 21st-century skill.

My aim goes beyond college admissions. It’s about learning how to communicate ideas with clarity, precision, and voice in an economy that increasingly rewards those who can do exactly that.

Students will learn how to effectively organize their extracurriculars and use concise, impactful writing when filling out their Common App. Activities List. We focus on turning a collection of experiences into a clear narrative of initiative, contribution, and growth.

All other sections of the Common App are reviewed as well, ensuring students understand how each component works together as part of a cohesive whole.

We’ll discuss thoughtful, strategic approaches to supplemental and short-answer essays, with an emphasis on alignment, authenticity, and specificity, not formulaic responses.

The rapid adoption of LLMs such as ChatGPT, Claude, and others is already reshaping how writing is evaluated. Many colleges are moving toward more in-class or proctored writing, placing renewed emphasis on genuine skill, not generated polish.

The Common App. has posted the prompts for the 2026 cycle:

Registration for July 2026 will open soon.