College Conversations:
College Conversations: Real Talk on the College Admissions Process
College Conversations 2026- 2027
We take the mystery out of applying to college. Each of our College Conversation sessions tackles one piece of the college search, application, and admissions process — standardized testing, building a balanced college list, smart touring strategies, essay brainstorming, financial aid, and more — often with admissions officers and other industry pros joining to share what they see on the other side of the desk.
Want to know when the next one lands? Join our mailing list for details and registration links as soon as they open.
Upcoming Events
Behind the Scenes of College Admissions Panel
September 27 | 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
In Person — Newton, MA
Understanding what happens “behind the scenes” in admissions offices can be daunting, so we are bringing in the admissions officers themselves to help demystify the college admissions process.
Our expert admissions panelists from Vanderbilt University, The University of Wisconsin, and The University of Vermont will provide guidance, clarity, and advice as you navigate the college admissions process.
Is your student thinking about studying business in college?
November 18 | 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Webinar
Join us and our friends from College Starpoint for a special virtual admissions panel featuring admissions representatives from Indiana University, University of Pittsburgh, and Syracuse University.
Class of 2027:
Upcoming Events
Don’t let senior year start with a blank Common App. Our workshops help students finish their applications, not just plan them, before school starts.
What better place to kick off your college essay than surrounded by candy?
Monday, June 29th
5:00 - 7:00 pm
At our Something Sweet: Your Teen’s College Essay Begins Here on Monday, June 29th, from 5:00 – 7:00 pm, students will demystify the college essay, brainstorm ideas, complete their first freewrite, and leave with a personalized action calendar to keep them on track all summer.
Cost:
$45 for workshop only
$185 for workshop plus TWO 30-minute sessions with one of our essay specialists
Drafts and Doughnuts: Weekly Writing Workshop
Sign up for 1 or for all 7.
Starting Thursday,
July 9th
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Doughnuts included!
Every great college essay starts with a blank page—and the hardest part is filling it. Drafts & Doughnuts gives rising seniors a dedicated time and place to do exactly that, one week at a time, with a College Bound Advising counselor right beside them.
Cost:
$35 per workshop
$225 for all 7
can add on individual 30-minute review sessions with one of our essay advisors
The Application Academy 3-Day Intensive
Choose one of two sessions:
Session A (Aug 18–20)
or
Session B (Aug 25–27)
10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
For students who want to make serious progress in a short window, this immersive three-day program covers the core of the college application from start to finish. Students leave with their main essay drafted, supplements underway, and their Common App meaningfully complete.
Cost:
$795
We Write on Wednesdays Weekly Sessions
Drop-in sessions for a structured mix of group instruction and open writing time — all with a counselor on hand to help in real time. It’s the most flexible way for your teen to make steady progress on essays and applications. Students can come for one session or sign up for the full summer — whatever works best for their schedule.
- Wednesdays
- June 3rd – October 7th
- 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm
- Drop in anytime — no need to stay the full session
- Single sessions or full-summer sign-up available
- Group mini-lesson + open writing time + on-the-spot counselor help
Cost:
$27 per session, $125 for 5,
$525 for all sessions
The Application Academy 7 Week Cohort
This group program guides rising seniors through every step of their college application process. Students work through essays, college lists, and all the Common Application components, with time for feedback and refinement. Three private sessions with an advisor are included to ensure personalized support along the way.
- Tuesdays
- July 7th – Aug 18th,
- 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
- In-person or virtual options
- 3 private sessions with our Senior Year Grade Advisor to be used anytime before September 30, 2026
- Group lessons and dedicated work time are built into each session
Cost:
$1,895
The Application Academy 3-Day Intensive
For students who want to make serious progress in a short window, this immersive three-day program covers the core of the college application from start to finish. Students leave with their main essay drafted, supplements underway, and their Common App meaningfully complete. Two session dates available in August.
- Choose one of two sessions:
Session A (Aug 18–20)
or
Session B (Aug 25–27) - 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM daily
(1 hr lunch break) - Group lessons and dedicated work time are built into each session
- All course materials included
Cost:
$795
Drafts and Doughnuts
A low-key Thursday morning writing workshop designed to help students build momentum on essays in a relaxed, focused setting. With consistent structure, students can make great progress on their college essays. A great complement to any of our other programs — or a standalone option for students who need a dedicated time and place to write.
- Thursdays
- 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
- July 9th – August 20th
- Quiet writing time + on-the-spot counselor help available at each session
- Doughnuts will be served!
Cost:
$27 per session, $125 for 5 sessions
$525 for all sessions
By attending our workshops, your student will have completed the core of their college applications, with finished drafts and a filled-out Common App ready to submit.
They will walk away with their:
- School list reviewed and refined
- Main college essay drafted and refined
- Supplement essay drafts for at least three schools
- Activities list and honors section complete
- Common Application fully filled out
- Peace of mind entering senior year
We Write on Wednesdays
Give your rising senior the college essay edge
The only drop-in writing program that combines 20+ years of writing expertise with deep adolescent development knowledge to help rising high school seniors get a head start on their college essay so that they return to school with polished essays – while still enjoying summer break!
Limited Spots Available for Summer 2025
Through guided brainstorming, interactive writing exercises, and expert insights, students will walk away with:
- A clear understanding of what makes a compelling college essay
- Proven strategies to generate meaningful topic ideas
- A head start on their own personal statement or supplement
- Confidence in their ability to tell their story authentically
Why Choose our Workshops?
For over 20 years, we’ve been helping students craft compelling college essays that stand out—but our expertise goes beyond just writing.
- We understand students
We continuously take courses in writing, motivation, and adolescent development, ensuring we meet students where they are—both academically and emotionally.
- We keep it structured (and small)
Our workshops are highly organized with a 5:1 student-teacher ratio, so every student gets the personalized guidance they need.
- Our process works- and it's fun
Writing doesn’t have to be painful. Our approach has helped countless students not only create standout essays but actually enjoy the process (yes, really!).
What Families Love About Our Workshops
Frequently Asked Questions
Workshops offer group-based instruction, real-time support, and collaborative opportunities. They’re perfect for getting momentum, discovering ideas, and learning together—often paired with optional 1:1 follow-ups.
We offer both. Some workshops are held at our Newton office, while others are hosted virtually or in a hybrid format.
We occasionally offer on-demand content or custom sessions for small groups. Reach out to info@collegeboundadvising.org to explore options.
