The US College Application Essay Workshop
Want to write outstanding college essays that don’t just tell a great story, but authentically capture who you are?
Looking for the perfect Common App topic—one that genuinely represents you and resonates with admissions officers?
Seeking expert guidance to take you from the blank page to a polished version of your Common App essay?
Wondering how supplemental essays fit into the big picture?
Then this workshop is for you.
Sign up HERE
Led by experienced college counselor Oya Christie-Miller and published writer Olivia Heal, who together have guided numerous students toward Ivy league success, this comprehensive workshop teaches you our proven essay-writing method.
Since 2008, we have helped nearly a thousand students transform their stories into powerful essays that got them in. Now we’re sharing this successful method with you.
Each module consists of engaging videos, practical mini activities, and step-by-step assignments that guide you through brainstorming, selecting meaningful topics for both the Common App and supplementals, drafting your essays, and polishing your writing.
You’ll receive detailed, personalised written feedback from Oya and Olivia, and you’ll have further opportunities for a one-on-one Zoom session to discuss your progress.
You’ll finish this workshop with a polished Common App essay, clear ideas for supplemental essays, and strengthened skills and confidence for tackling future essays. Our goal is to empower you to be a confident and self-reliant writer and to prepare you to navigate the entire application essay process.
ABOUT THIS WORKSHOP
An outstanding essay workshop requires two key experts: a college counselor, who knows exactly what university admissions are looking for, and a creative writer, who can furnish you with the skills to tell a good story.
Oya Christie-Miller, our experienced college counselor, helps you strategically choose topics that speak directly to admissions committees.
Olivia Heal, our expert essay consultant, and a published writer, guides you in developing and refining your voice.
OUR TEAM
What Sets Us Apart
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Seven Comprehensive Modules: Engaging videos paired with targeted mini assignments.
In-Depth Practice Exercises: Hands-on activities to build your foundational writing skills.
Seven Step-by-Step Assignments: Structured tasks that guide you efficiently from initial brainstorming to a final draft of your Common App essay.
Essential Essay-Writing Techniques: Strategies for planning, drafting, structuring and editing.
Essay Samples and Insights: Examples of effective (and less effective) essays with detailed analysis.
Personalised Feedback: Individualised written advice to refine your essays further.
One-on-One Feedback Option: A comprehensive 60-minute feedback session for extra support, followed by a 500-word detailed report with further suggestions.
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The US College Application Essay Workshop is delivered asynchronously across seven structured modules. Each module includes:
Engaging teaching videos
Brief mini assignments
One core workshop assignment
This flexible format allows you to work through the material at your own pace within the set time frame. You will have 35 days of access to the workshop from the end date and we will provide feedback on any assignments submitted within 28 days.
However, to ensure you receive timely feedback, we ask that you follow the schedule below. For late submissions, we will endeavour to provide feedback within four business days, though this will delay your progress.
Weekly Schedule (all times in BST):
Modules Released: Thursdays at 3:00 PM
Mini Assignments Due: Mondays by 11:59 PM
Workshop Assignments Due: Mondays by 11:59 PM
Feedback Returned: Thursdays by 12:00 PM
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Module 1: Introduction and Personal Interview
Kick off the workshop with an introduction and a personal interview to find your story.
Module 2: Essay Essentials and Overview
Understand college essay fundamentals and get an overview of our unique method.
Module 3: Topic Selection
Identify compelling topics for both your Common App and your supplemental essays.
Module 4: Beginning to Write and First Draft
Ease into your first draft comfortably and confidently, guided step-by-step.
Module 5: Revising Structure and Second Draft
Refine your draft by focusing on structure and narrative clarity.
Module 6: Editing Language and Third Draft
Perfect your language and details, turning your second draft into a polished third version.
Module 7: Final Tips and Send Off
Receive final guidance on your Common App essay, supplemental essays, and future writing tips.