Summer College Essay Workshop
College application essays are unique—they’re your one chance to be more than a test score, grade, or GPA. They ask you to be honest. To go a little deeper. To reflect on who you are and how your life experiences have shaped you. You’ve probably never had to write something like this before.
It’s also a lot of work. Out of every part of the college application process—creating your list of schools, filling out the Common Application, tracking down recommendation letters—the essays and written materials take the most amount of time.
This summer, join a group of 12 rising high school seniors in a quintessential New England college town to explore what it means to share your story, craft an exceptional essay, and create a well-rounded application under the guidance of someone who knows what’s she’s talking about—and get it all done before the school year starts.
Supporting students on their path to Ivies, state schools, liberal arts schools, international schools, art schools, big universities, small colleges—and everything in-between.
Upcoming workshops
-
Check back later for workshops in 2025!
What we’ll cover
-
This is the 650-word essay required by the majority of colleges and universities in the U.S. It’s not just any essay, though—it’s the core component of your application that makes you more human. Although schools prioritize your academic achievement—your test scores, transcript, GPA, awards—they also need a “vibe check” on who you are as a person. They want to know what you care about, what challenges you might have overcome, how your identity has shaped you, and what kind of person you’ll be on their campus.
In this workshop, you’ll learn about my Personal Statement philosophy—one that embraces the weird, the niche, the uncommon, and the beautiful—and write an essay that helps you stand out amongst thousands of other applicants.
-
Think of this as your resume. It’s a condensed list of your top 10 activities you’ve done throughout high school—anything from sports to after school clubs, leadership opportunities, volunteering, community college classes, summer programs, jobs, caring for a family member, and more.
In this workshop, you’ll learn about the science behind creating your Activities List—from what’s best to include, how to write each 150-character description, what order to arrange them in, and how to perfect every grammatical detail—and then you’ll get to do your own.
-
The final written component of your main application is the Additional Information section. It often goes overlooked—or is used in the wrong way. In this workshop, we’ll identify any potential gaps in your application so you can write a to-the-point, informative Additional Info section.
The last aspect of this application process is the college-specific supplemental essays. Not every school has them, so there’s a chance you don’t need to do them. If you’re applying to selective schools, you likely will. Most colleges don’t release their updated supplemental essay questions until August. Yes—that’s after the workshop. The good news—if there’s time left in the week, students will outline and write responses to three of the most common prompts.
What I’ll provide
-
With 7+ years of experience in the world of college admissions, counseling, and essay coaching—including working in the Admissions Office of a selective liberal arts school, and for the infamous College Essay Guy—I’ll bring my on-the-ground expertise to every part of this workshop.
I think you’ll also find that I have a realistic, refreshing, relatable—and artistic, insightful, and organized— approach to the entire process. This goes along with the fact that although I’m not technically a Gen Z’er, I’m not too far removed from going through this myself.
In all the work I do—whether teaching high school Ceramics, leading outdoors trips, 1-on-1 counseling, or instructing this workshop, I’m guided by a simple premise: I want to show up for young people in an authentic, meaningful way. Whether you’re quiet, quirky, spirited, funky, creative, athletic, chill, or anything in-between, I want you to show up as yourself, too.
-
Composition, syntax, grammar, the beauty of the written word—I love it all. More than anything, my talent is in writing and editing. Any student who works with me knows I have a meticulous eye, whether I encourage them to re-work a sentence again and again until it’s just right—or read an essay out loud just to confirm it flows with ease. That kind of attention to detail matters.
In this workshop, I’ll get the chance to add comments, suggestions, and line edits to every student’s writing. Throughout the process, students will push their own boundaries as a writer—even if they thought they weren’t good at writing before.
I always say: It’s your essay. You’re the one who has to write it. I’m here to make sure it’s as good as it can be.
-
The hardest part of the college application process is keeping track of what you need to do—and when you need to do it by.
Every student who signs up for the College Essay Workshop will be given a Google Folder. With clear organization and labels, it will contain an entire fleet of documents—some that we’ll work on together, and others that are there as an optional resource. All of your writing will happen in this shared virtual folder. It’s a collaborative space—you’ll find me hopping on documents to add edits and comments, and your peers may too (if you want them). At the end of the workshop, it’s yours to keep and use throughout the year.
What to expect
-
Introductions—Meet everyone else in the group!
Overview—Learn about what our writing process will look like & what colleges look for in their applicants
Read sample essays—The best way to learn how to write your Personal Statement is to read them
Discuss essay approaches—Is it a story? Is it a five paragraph essay? How do I fit in everything I want to say? We’ll answer all these questions
Snack & stretch break!
Brainstorm—Stretch your writing and reflection muscles with different exercises
Topic—By the end of the day, you’ll have chosen three potential topics for your Personal Statement
-
Free write—We’ll start the day with a fun, keep-your-pen-down writing exercise
Outline—Structure and organization are key. Choose your final topic and start outlining
Peer review—Partner up with someone in the group to look at each other’s outlines and give feedback
Snack & stretch break!
Writing time—This is when the magic begins. After getting the green light from me, you can start your Personal Statement
Writing tips—We’ll pause for mini-lessons on written composition, style, voice, and more
Wrap up—We’ll end with quick 1-on-1 check-ins to make a game plan for tomorrow
-
Writing time—Dive back into your essay from the get-go. If you’re ahead of schedule, you’re not off the hook—time for another assignment
Check-ins—Throughout the day, I’ll individually meet with you to finesse your essay and help if you’re stuck
Snack & stretch break!
Next steps—We’ll pause from the essay grind (it’a good to get a little distance) for a lesson on your Activities List
Choose your own path—If you’re a slow writer, you can use this time to keep working. If you’re ready to move on, I’ll set you up with editing tips or your Activities List
Deep breath—You made it. We’ll debrief the day and how it felt to write your essay
-
Peer-editing—We’ll start the day with fresh eyes and open minds, as each student pairs up to read and provide feedback on someone else’s essay
Solo editing—With feedback in hand, dive back into your essay until it feels just right
Submit—Send your Personal Statement to me for its final round of review
Snacks & stretch break!
Additional Information—Learn more about this mysterious section on the Common App, and how to use it to your advantage
Work time—Put the pedal to the metal as you complete your Activities List and Additional Info sections
Wrap up—Check in with me and make a game plan for tomorrow
-
Finalize—You’re nearly there, I promise. Incorporate any last feedback from me into your essay.
Supplementals—Learn about the most common supplemental essay prompts and tips for writing them them outline and draft (if time) responses for up to 3 essays
Snacks & stretch break!
Final work—If you have any work to finish on application materials, now is the time do to it
Celebrate—You made it! Take a moment to relish how good it feels to finish everything, and wrap up the week with all your workshop pals
FAQ
-
Each 1-week workshop session runs for three hours each day, from Monday through Friday. Students are expected to attend every day if they want to stay on track. If something unexpexted comes up, I’ll help you figure out a plan to get caught up.
-
Yes, this workshop is in-person and takes place in Williamstown, MA. If there’s enough interest, I may add a virtual workshop. If that’s something you’re interested in, please email me at info@maggiebrooksobrien.com.
-
No. This is a day workshop, offered for students who live locally or are willing to commute each day to Williamstown, MA. I do not offer overnight accommodations. If you live too far away—but would still love to work with me—I do offer virtual college counseling. You can learn more here or email me at info@maggiebrooksobrien.com.
-
Time. When I work with students 1-on-1, I will often work with them over the course of 3-4 months, meeting as often as 2x per week. This workshop condenses that timeline into one, focused week of work. Most importantly, students will have a large chunk of their application complete before the school year—and all its chaos—begins. The further you go into the fall, the lower the application quality.
Money. Most private college counselors will charge $100-$300/hour—sometimes more—for 1-on-1 work. For $800 for 15 hours, this workshop comes out to about $50/hour. Students will get all the same advice and structure as they would 1-on-1—including personalized feedback and edits from me every afternoon.
Collaboration. In a workshop model, there’s a feeling that you’re “all in this together.” It’s a chance for high school students to work with their peers, have something to do over the summer, find connection through vulnerability, and challenge each other to write high quality essays. I also think it makes a sometimes less-than-fun process significantly more enjoyable.
-
Definitely not! I happily welcome students from anywhere to apply, whether you live in nearby New York or Vermont—or anyone who might reside in this area during the summer months from other states.
-
Of course. This workshop is designed to help you grow as a writer, no matter your ability. Writing is a practice; the more you do it, the better you get.
The essays you walk away with will be the best versions YOU can write. This means you probably won’t walk away suddenly transformed into a NY Times bestselling author—or the best applicant Harvard has ever seen in its 300 year history—but you will feel like you’ve done everything you can to have an essay that you feel proud of.
-
As someone who took a gap “semester” to travel solo to Nepal for five months before starting college, I’m a big supporter of untraditional paths to higher education.
I always tell my students it’s better to set yourself up with as many choices as you can. Even if college might not be your future next year or the year after—don’t take that opportunity away until you’re sure.
This workshop will help you check things off the application to-do list. If you think you might apply in the fall, it’ll bring you closer to that reality.
-
It depends. For the most part, this workshop caters to students who just finished 11th grade and will be high school seniors next fall. I do not recommend doing this workshop BEFORE 12th grade—i.e. if you are a rising 9th, 10th, or 11th grade student. A lot can happen in that time that will shape your academics, writing ability, and life.
That said, if you have been homeschooled/had an untraditional education, or took a year off after graduating high school—and want now apply to college—I’m open to that, on a case by case basis.
-
Of course! As a teacher, I know that grades are not always the best representation of who someone is—or their capacity to succeed in the future.
Although I will happily share my knowledge on college admissions as it pertains to written applications, I will not officially advise or counsel students during this workshop about transcripts, grades, and college lists. If you’re seeking more information about those topics, I recommend looking into my 1-on-1 college counseling service.
-
I’d love that. For those interested, I’m happy to schedule a free 15-30 minute consultation with parents/guardians/students either over the phone or video.
Over the course of the spring, I’ll also be hosting virtual Info Sessions for the workshop. Stay tuned!
-
Hang in there! I’ll do my best to respond to each applicant within 2-4 business days. If you still don’t hear from me, please reach out to info@maggiebrooksobrien.com.
If the workshop you selected is full, you will be put on a waitlist.
-
The deposit is $100 and non-refundable. I accept credit or debit cards, Venmo, or check.
After you submit the sign-up form, I will review your application and let you know if your student has been given a spot. Following that, you will receive an invoice via email. Your student’s spot is not confirmed until the invoice is paid in full.
-
The total cost of the workshop is $800, which includes your $100 deposit.
Invoices for the deposit and remaining payment will be sent separately. Full payments must be received by April 30th in order to confirm a spot. If there is an extenuating circumstance, please reach out to me.
I accept debit or credit card, Venmo, or check for payments.
Please see my Policies and Terms of Service for more.
-
I believe every student deserves support on their path to higher education, no matter their income status, race, ethnicity, physical ability, sexuality, gender, citizenship status, or other marginalized identity. My career in college counseling began while working for a college access non-profit, supporting low-income, high achieving students in Colorado—and it’s work I am committed to continuing.
If the cost of this workshop is a limiting factor based on your family’s income or other extenuating circumstance, I will do my best to offer scholarships on a case-by-case basis. Please email info@maggiebrooksobrien.com if this applies to you.
As the College Application Workshop grows, my hope is to expand scholarship access further. Although I can’t promise to give aid to every applicant in need, I will happily point you in the direction of free resources, services, and organizations doing amazing work in this field.
-
Yes, on a case-by-case basis. You can read my refund policy here.
-
I’ve supported students on their path to Ivies, state schools, liberal art schools, international schools, art schools, big universities, small colleges—and everything in-between. So, yes—that includes Harvard. But also UMass Amherst, Boston College, Carleton, Colorado State, University of California, UMichigan, Purdue, UChicago, Brown, UPenn, and many more.
-
Here’s what I can tell you: If you’re applying to college, you need to submit an application. Those applications are reviewed and scored by an Admissions Office based on various criteria—a portion of which includes your written materials and overall potential to succeed at a school. So, yes—applications matter! This workshop will help you create an application that represents you authentically and helps you stand out as an individual, which ultimately will help you get into college. Also, sometimes the hardest part of this process is just getting it DONE. That’s what I’m here for.
On the other hand, this workshop doesn’t change or improve the past three years of high school. If you’ve gotten good grades, been involved in your community, and explored your passions—you’ve already done the hard work. If you’ve struggled in these arenas, this workshop can only do so much to help you get into your dream school.
-
It’s always my priority to help ease the burden of parents/guardians during the college application process. Often, I find that part of my role is to bring more peace to your household, while ensuring that your child completes their work on time and successfully. That said, I also find that mutual accountability is important. I will keep parents looped into email communications so you know what your student is working on—and I will update you if they are off track, for any reason. I can coach, instruct, encourage, and help organize, but ultimately your student’s success depends on their involvement. If a student repeatedly fails to complete their work and meet deadlines despite support, I cannot guarantee a positive outcome. You can read more about that on my Policies & Guidelines page.
I do not share students’ Google Drive folders with parents/guardians. Having them take ownership of their work is part of the process. If you feel you need access to it, I encourage you to work that out with your student.
In general, it’s usually better to have “less cooks in the kitchen,” at least initially. When students start to ask family members, friends, and guidance counselors for advice, I find that their final work is compromised by conflicting feedback. Sometimes it’s best to read your child’s essay as a moment of celebration—and not as an editor.
-
It will be in Williamstown, MA. The exact location is still being finalized—although no matter what, it will be a clean, open classroom with work space and facilities. Families who are signed up will be notified as soon as the location is confirmed.
-
Fuel is essential. I’ll provide some light, healthy snacks during the workshop. Think: clementines, pretzels, bars, etc.
If you want to bring your own food, you are more than welcome to. Water bottles are encouraged!