Workshops are taught by Cindy McCormick, M.Ed., certified teacher, writing specialist, and college consultant, along with her team of experienced essay specialists. They engage students in 1:1 brainstorming sessions while providing personalized writing support and constructive feedback.

UC & Common App Walkthroughs

Begin the process with step-by-step guidance on application websites. Learn to optimize each section with pertinent information while navigating typical stumbling blocks.

Personal Essay

Learn how to approach the personal essay prompts. Uncover strategies to create your own unique brand and write impactful essays that make you stand out.

UC Personal Insight Questions

Discover how the responses to these questions should differ from traditional essays. Dissect the 8 UC prompts before deciding which 4 you’ll answer for maximum impact; then brainstorm, outline and draft responses with expert guidance.

Supplemental Essays

Add weight and legitimacy to well-crafted “Why This School?” essays through focused research. Accentuate how your values and academic goals align with specific college offerings and programs.

Activities & Honors Descriptions

Tackle the most underestimated section of college apps. Learn how to make an impact by crafting powerful activities and honors descriptions for both the Common App and UC App.

… and More

Ensure a balanced college list and strategize application deadline choices (EDI, EDII, EA, RD). Learn about additional requirements, such as SAT/ACT reporting, sending in transcripts, asking for teacher recommendation letters, preparing for interviews, and navigating post-submission essentials.

3 consecutive days (9 a.m. - 1 p.m.)

Price $650

Workshops held in person at CMCA in Laguna Niguel, CA

Class sizes limited to ensure individualized attention

Students must bring a laptop (smart phones & tablets limit functionality)

#1 Jun 3-5 (M-T-W) - FULL!

#2 Jun 10-12 (M-T-W) - FULL!

#3 Jun 18-20 (T-W-Th)

#4 Jul 17-19 (W-Th-F)

#5 Jul 31-Aug 2 (W-Th-F)

#Z Special Zoom workshop for out-of-area students June 25-27 (T-W-Th)

"Super well done and honestly pretty fun! I feel much more equipped now than I did before."

“I liked having time dedicated to writing essays with no distractions.”

"The workshop allowed for input from other students and led me to learn more from their questions."

“Thank you very much. My daughter said she got a lot of good information, and it helped her focus on several key aspects of the admissions process. The essay guidance was particularly useful as she was looking for do's and don'ts. Your course made it easy to understand, and the resources are excellent.”

“I am definitely glad I was a part of this workshop, because it forced me to start a process I would have procrastinated on.”

“I really enjoyed attending this workshop. It lowered my stress level about college applications.”

“You covered everything. I was clueless when I first came in here and now I am a lot more confident about both the admissions process and the essays.”

“I feel like I was very productive in getting a start. Before I was unsure of how to begin but now I feel like the fog has lifted and everything seems more doable.”

“Cindy’s feedback on my essays was very helpful and it inspired me to keep writing.”

“It was extremely helpful as I did not know anything about applying to college prior to this. I think all seniors should take a class like this.”

“I’m so grateful that I got to do it because without it, I think I would be all kinds of stressed out.”

"I think seeing what each essay is really looking for, from an admission reader's point of view, was very helpful and difficult to find elsewhere."