Tuesday, January 7th - Following MCPS, The Heights School will be closed due to inclement weather.
All Camps

College Essay Bootcamp

College Essay Bootcamp

  • Weeks:Aug. 4, 2025
  • Time:9:30 am-3:00 pm
  • Note:This camp has two group sessions per day, a morning and an afternoon session. The morning session runs from 9:30 am to 12:00 pm. The afternoon session runs from 1:00 to 3:30 pm. Personal tutoring is also available on an ad hoc basis throughout the summer. Please email ngadiano@heights.edu if you are interested in one-on-one essay tutoring.
  • Cost:$400 Morning Sessions
    $400 Afternoon Sessions
  • Grades:11-12
  • Staff:Nate Gadiano

If the sessions are at capacity or if you are unable to make the week of the bootcamp, personal tutoring is also available on an ad hoc basis throughout the summer. Please email ngadiano@heights.edu if you are interested in one-on-one essay tutoring. 

Overview

Essays are a crucial part of the admissions process. They offer students a unique opportunity to demonstrate their personality, their way of thinking, and their ability to communicate clearly—qualities that put flesh on the bones of grades and extracurriculars. At selective institutions, essays may even be a deciding factor for similar candidates.

Summer is the perfect time to write an essay that will stand out. Without the pressure of schoolwork and extracurriculars, focusing on crafting a strong, thoughtful essay is easier. At the same time, the freedom of summer makes it just as easy to procrastinate. The structure of the bootcamp helps students stay on track, helping turn the aspiration to get ahead into a reality.

From brainstorming ideas to polishing final drafts, the bootcamp can support students at every stage. Whether they start with no ideas or partially written drafts, students will learn how to tell their story effectively.

In addition to expert guidance, participants will gain access to real essays written by students who were accepted to top 25 schools, providing valuable examples of how to craft compelling narratives. The course instructor has helped students who have gained admission to prestigious schools, including Princeton University, University of Notre Dame, University of Michigan, University of Virginia, and Tulane University.

By the end of the bootcamp, students will have essays that not only highlight their achievements but also demonstrate their unique perspectives, improving their chances of acceptance to their dream schools. This is an opportunity to get ahead and make a lasting impression before the busyness of senior year.

What to expect: 

  • General guidance on writing the application essays to orient students and give them a mental framework for writing their essays.
  • A collection of real sample essays from students who were accepted at Ivy League and top 25 schools.
  • One-on-one brainstorming sessions.
  • Individual feedback on drafts.

Click here for the Heights Schools Summer Programs Refund Policy.