Word Wise
College Essay Writing Workshop

Transform blank pages into authentic stories

Four powerful sessions to help college-bound students discover, draft, and refine college essays that actually sound like them

4
Interactive Sessions
2
Weeks to Complete
8-12
Students Per Group
100%
You, Not AI

Your Story Matters—Let's Find It Together

In a sea of perfect test scores and packed résumés, your essay is the only place colleges get to hear your voice. It's not about impressing them—it's about helping them understand who you are when no one is grading you, when you're simply being yourself.

Discover Your Unique Path

Not everyone's story needs to be dramatic or extraordinary. We help you recognize the meaningful moments in your life—the ones that genuinely shaped who you are—and honor what makes your journey uniquely yours.

Write in Your Natural Voice

Your authentic voice is more powerful than any polished formula. We create space for you to write the way you naturally think and speak—not the way you believe a college essay "should" sound.

Develop Genuine Insight

Colleges aren't just reading what happened—they want to know what it meant to you. We guide you toward reflection that feels true to your experience, helping you see deeper meaning without forcing it.

Finish With Confidence

Leave with a polished essay that truly represents who you are, plus the skills and understanding to approach supplemental essays with clarity and purpose throughout the fall.

A Thoughtful Process, Personalized for You

Four focused sessions over two weeks, each 2-2.5 hours. We keep groups intentionally small (8-12 students) so every voice is heard and every student receives the individual attention their story deserves.

Session 1

Personal Story Mining

Through guided exploration, we help you uncover essay-worthy moments you may not have recognized. We believe your experiences already hold meaning—our role is to help you see it.

Session 2

Choosing Your Focus

Together, we identify the story that most authentically represents who you are. We'll build a structure that supports your unique narrative and gives you a clear path forward.

Session 3

Drafting with Voice

In a supportive environment, you'll have dedicated time to write. We guide you through showing vs. telling, finding your rhythm, and trusting the voice that's already yours.

Session 4

Thoughtful Revision

Real revision goes beyond grammar—it's about refining your insight and strengthening what makes your essay distinctly yours. You'll leave with a complete essay and a timeline for fall applications.

Find Your Summer Session Cohort

We offer two identical two-week sessions in Summer 2026. Choose the dates that work best for your schedule.

COHORT 1
June Session
June 2-13, 2026
Monday-Thursday • 2.5 hrs/session
$595
Early bird: $545 by May 15
  • 4 interactive group sessions (2.5 hrs each)
  • Small group: 8-12 students
  • Personalized feedback on all drafts
  • Complete Common App essay
  • Fall application timeline & guide
  • Lifetime access to resources
COHORT 2
July Session
July 7-18, 2026
Monday-Thursday • 2.5 hrs/session
$595
Early bird: $545 by June 15
  • 4 interactive group sessions (2.5 hrs each)
  • Small group: 8-12 students
  • Personalized feedback on all drafts
  • Complete Common App essay
  • Fall application timeline & guide
  • Lifetime access to resources

Questions We Often Hear

Does this work for the Common App?

Absolutely! Our curriculum is designed specifically around the Common App personal statement. The skills you learn—finding meaningful moments, authentic storytelling, and deep reflection—apply to all 7 Common App prompts. You'll leave with an essay ready to submit.

What if I have no idea what to write about?

This is exactly where Session 1 begins. We guide you through thoughtful exercises designed to help you uncover essay-worthy moments you may not have recognized yet. Most students discover 5-10 potential topics—the challenge often becomes choosing which story to tell.

How do I choose between group and 1:1 options?

Group workshops are ideal if you enjoy collaborative learning and thrive with peer feedback. They're also the most affordable option. Choose 1:1 if you prefer completely personalized attention, need flexible scheduling, or want support beyond the Common App essay. The Comprehensive Package is best if you're applying to multiple schools with many supplemental essays.

Is this online or in-person?

Sessions are conducted online via Zoom, making the workshop accessible no matter where you are. Our small group sizes ensure everyone gets personalized attention and meaningful interaction—it's designed to feel intimate and supportive, not like a large webinar.

What if I can't attend all four sessions?

All group sessions are recorded and shared with participants. While we encourage live attendance for the group discussion and collaborative learning, you won't fall behind if you need to watch a session later. For 1:1 options, we schedule around your availability.

Will I have a complete essay by the end?

Yes. Our process is structured so you'll have a full draft by Session 3 and a polished, submission-ready essay by Session 4. For the Comprehensive Package, you'll have all your essays ready before deadlines.

What if I'm applying to UCs or schools with different prompts?

The core skills you develop—authentic storytelling, meaningful reflection, and finding your voice—are transferable to any essay prompt. The Comprehensive Package specifically includes UC Personal Insight Questions and specialized school essays. Group workshop and 1:1 Workshop include guidance on adapting your work for different platforms.

Ready to Get Started?

Contact us today to learn more or sign up for our Summer 2026 workshop

info@glad-to-learn.com
949-239-4498