Beyond High School

Hey there high school (and college and any) students,
My favorite study tip is this: go to the same place every time to get work done. Here I am at Starbucks, which I don't really enjoy (weird music, ugly chairs, too cold) but once I went there and had a very successful work session. So now, I return there because my brain knows, "this is where you work." There is most likely some science to back this up, but just try it. Find your spot. Go there every time. Work.

When in doubt, work with a cat in your lap. Seniors--it's time to work on finalizing your college list and working your way through the CommonApp. But don't let go of your fall semester courses; colleges will want to see those grades, so keep up the hard work.

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I'm happy to report that this College Application Bootcamp graduate has been accepted to college already! She worked hard on her application and essay during our four days in bootcamp, then zoomed with me briefly to edit her activities before attending an early admission event at Colby Sawyer College. She will be majoring in nursing. Congratulations!

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Here's the "crazy eight" -- though super eight is more accurate--that I worked with all week. This group of 8 rising seniors worked for 4 full days on the Common App and their college essay. They then humored me with this group pic before walking off into the sunset of their senior year.
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As I prepare for College Application Bootcamp that starts tomorrow, I'm also working with a new client-student who is planning a gap year. This is an exciting project! Also, thank you to public libraries everywhere.

The poster arrived--and I can't wait for the super rising seniors to arrive too! We begin on Tuesday,August 1 and will work hard for four full days to complete the Common App and write a draft of the personal statement.

Update: Bootcamp is now full!

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This ridiculously wonderful object that I spotted at reminds me of something I tell my students writing their college application essays: you can write about anything. Anything. As long as it's important to you and you effectively convey why. You can write about why you are moved by cows, why you collect cameras, or how much you love thrift stores. You can write about farm life, art, a new perspective, or your very first camera.

This challenging essay task is like no other, but it should be fun to write in the end because you're writing about something you like thinking about or something you're moved by.

I have an effective method to help you get started, to seek out the best topic, and to structure your essay.

There are two spots left in my "College Application Bootcamp" that runs August 1-4, from 9 am -3 pm in Brattleboro, Vermont. If you are a rising senior or know of one who would like support on the application and essay, message me here or at this email: [email protected]

Locals--Brattleboro folks--please spread the word, as I get my flyers up: Summer Bootcamp for rising seniors is ON. We will gather on the first 4 days of August at the Boys and Girls Club in Brattleboro.
Worried about what you'll write your essay about? I will take you through the process, as well as help you complete the common app. Register by messaging me here or email: [email protected].

Summer's coming, class of 2024! My advice--don't let it slip away without working on your Common App. I am happy to announce that I'll be offering my "College Application Summer Bootcamp" to help you write your personal statement and go through your application with expertise. First week of August. Four full days of support. More details to follow.

As the news of acceptances (as well as scholarships and an invitation to honors college) comes in, I couldn't be happier for my hard-working seniors who got their early applications in!

What was key to doing this? Starting early. Juniors, it's time. Time to start researching and creating a college visit list for the spring and summer. It's time to create a list of your activities and a resume.

Contact me if you need some support.
[email protected]

Yay, "College Application Bootcamp" starts tomorrow! I'm excited to meet my students on Zoom and help them get started on their common app.

Beyond High School updated their address.

I'm excited to announce that I'll be again offering my 4-day workshop that will guide rising seniors through the complete common app with a focus on writing a strong, unique essay. No need to panic--I've got an effective method that takes students though the essay process. As one former student advises, don’t put it off: “I’m happy to say that, with the help of your camp ... I have had pretty wild success when it comes to applications ... the most helpful thing [rising seniors] can do is to start working on all this stuff over the summer, especially the essay and supplements, and not to put it off...”
(Bootcamp alumnus and member of the class of 2023, Yale University)
Dates: August 1-4, on Zoom.
To register or for questions about rate, DM me here or email:[email protected]

It's the exciting (and perhaps anxiety-provoking) season of college application and essay work! I worked in my outside "office" with a new student/client today before it began to rain. My goal in my work with seniors is to help them use this process as an opportunity to reflect on themselves as learners, to acknowledge and articulate their strengths, and to ask themselves, what do I truly want to do next?

Also, thank you to Parks Place Community Resource Center for allowing me to work in their outdoor space!