Summer Essay Lab
Everything you need to get it done.
Small group. Honest feedback. No staring at a blank page alone.
25% off all additional services
Lab students unlock 25% off extra essay reads, supplement feedback, and 1:1 coaching sessions. Need more support? This is the right time to get it.
A small group that keeps them accountable
6-8 students max. Small enough that your student can't hide, big enough that they hear what's working — and what isn't — in other people's drafts.
A clear picture of every essay they need to write
Spoiler: there's more than one essay. We map out everything your student needs to write — Common App, UC Personal Insight Questions, and supplements — so nothing catches them off guard. Everyone leaves with at least a strong draft of their Common App personal statement and UC PIQs ready to go.
Four 90-minute live sessions — with flexible scheduling
One session per week, each offered at two different times so you can pick what works. Miss one? Recordings are available so no one falls behind.
Personalized essay feedback — not generic comments
One full read of your student's main essay via Google Docs, with real line-by-line notes. Not "great job" — actual feedback that makes the essay better. (A $50 value, included.)
A near-final essay by the end of week four
Your student doesn't just learn about writing a college essay — they actually write one. Four weeks from now, they'll have something they're proud of and ready to submit.
Four weeks. One strong essay.
Here's the plan:
Week 1
Find your story
The best essays aren't always about the biggest moments — they're specific, unexpected, and personal. We dig into what you've actually lived to find the angle that makes an admissions reader stop. You'll leave with a clear direction and a topic you actually want to write about.
Week 2
Get it on the page
Bring whatever you have — an outline, a few sentences, bullet points. We'll work through structure, order, and how to open strong. Hearing what's working in your groupmates' drafts makes your own writing sharper. Messy is fine.
A functioning first draft is the goal.
Week 3
Make it sound like you
First drafts often sound like students are trying to seem impressive. Admissions readers feel that immediately. We go line by line, cut what's generic, and find the sentences that sound like you. Students are often surprised how much better it gets when they stop trying to be "college-worthy."
Week 4
Polish and finish
Your main essay is close — now we make it great. We sharpen the opening, land the ending, and tackle the supplement prompts most students ignore until it's too late. You'll leave with a near-final personal statement and a clear plan for every other essay your application requires.