2026 Summer Common App Essay Bootcamp
From blank page to final stage in two weeks
Program Overview: A critical component of the college application, the Common App essay is a 650-word personal statement that offers students the opportunity to show admissions officers who they are beyond transcripts and test scores. This comprehensive summer bootcamp is designed to guide students through every stage of the personal statement, from initial idea generation to a well-developed draft. Through engaging group lessons and one-on-one meetings with essay coaches, students will learn how to tell a story that stands out in today’s competitive applicant pool. Students who follow our carefully-curated plan will conclude the program with a fully-completed first draft and clear, next-step guidance for how to polish it.
Mostow Education Group is run by three siblings (Ari, Sarah, and Gabrielle) who graduated from top-ten universities and share a passion for helping students succeed. Our specialized methods have earned students admissions to Harvard, NYU, Northwestern, University of Pennsylvania, University of Chicago, Georgetown, USC, UC Berkeley, and more. Learn more about us here.
Session 1: June 22 – July 3
Session II: July 6 – 17
Detailed Course Schedule
Week 1: Personal Statement 101 and Getting Started
MONDAY
3:30–5 pm PST
(6:30–8 pm EST)
Beyond Good Writing: The Secret to Standing Out
We will begin by demystifying the purpose and structure of the Common Application essay, breaking down the prompts, and revealing the formula for a successful essay. In the second half of the session, students will put these lessons into practice in an interactive mock admissions committee exercise, analyzing real sample essays. By stepping into the mindset of application reviewers, students will learn why writing a “good” essay is not enough and what it takes to truly capture an admissions officer’s attention.
TUESDAY
3:30–5 pm PST (6:30–8 pm EST)
Finding Your Story: Topic Discovery & Idea Generation
This session is designed to support students through what is often the most daunting stage of the process: selecting a topic. Through guided brainstorming exercises, students will identify aspects of their experiences, interests, or personal history that can serve as a foundation for deeper reflection. Our proven methods will help students uncover unique essay ideas that are both authentic to who they are and compelling to admissions readers.
Assignment: Form a list of 3-5 potential essay topics
WEDNESDAY
Students will sign up for a 30-minute slot between 9 am–5 pm PST
Shaping Your Narrative: One-on-One Conferences
Instructors will meet with students one-on-one to help narrow topic selection and clarify direction. Students will receive individualized feedback on which ideas have the most potential and how to approach them effectively. Following these conferences, students will reflect on the feedback and come to Thursday's one-on-one meeting prepared to make a final decision on their topic.
THURSDAY
2:30–3:30 pm PST
(5:30–6:30 pm EST)
+
20-minute slot between 3:30 pm–5:30 pm PST (6:30 pm–8:30 pm EST)
Defining Your Angle: Establishing a Clear Perspective
Now that students have selected their essay ideas, we will explore how a single topic can be approached in different ways, helping students think deliberately about how to frame their narratives. We will then discuss how to strategically plan an essay outline so that each section builds toward a cohesive narrative. Lastly, we will introduce advanced techniques for conveying both emotional and intellectual depth. Following the group session, students will have the opportunity to meet individually with instructors again to finalize their essay topic choices and brainstorm possible directions for their narrative perspectives.
Assignment: 30-minute free-write
FRIDAY
Students will sign up for a 30-minute slot between 8 am–3 pm PST (11 am–6pm EST)
Building the Blueprint: Designing a Strategic Outline
Students will use this day to further develop their essay ideas. Instructors will hold one-on-one meetings to review students’ free-writes and help them shape their ideas into a clear structure. With our guidance, students will identify a focused approach to the beginning, middle, and end of their essays, ensuring they are well-positioned to begin drafting on Monday.
Week 2: Drafting and Revision
MONDAY
3:30–5 pm PST
(6:30–8 pm EST)
The Opening Move: Crafting a Powerful First Paragraph
Students will learn how to write an opening that immediately captures attention, establishes voice, and creates momentum for the rest of the essay. Through examples and interactive exercises, we will break down the qualities of effective introductions and explore how strong first paragraphs set up both the narrative and the core message of the essay.
Assignment: Write introduction paragraph
TUESDAY
3:30–5 pm PST
(6:30–8 pm EST)
Digging Deeper: Building Insight and Reflection
We will shift our focus to the body paragraphs of the essay, with an emphasis on sophisticated reflection and narrative depth. The session will explore how to move beyond surface-level storytelling to demonstrate meaningful growth and nuanced shifts in perspective, ensuring the essay builds a clear sense of progression and insight.
Assignment: Write rough draft of body paragraphs
WEDNESDAY
3:30–5 pm PST
(6:30–8 pm EST)
Ending Strong: Writing a Memorable Conclusion
The session will emphasize how to avoid predictable ending patterns that often weaken otherwise strong essays. Students will learn how to write conclusions that go beyond summarization or cliché reflection to offer an original and thought-provoking final perspective.
Assignment: Write conclusion paragraph
THURSDAY
Office hours 8 am–3 pm PST (11 am–6 pm EST)
Drafting Day: Dedicated Writing Time with Office Hours
Using the strategies they have learned, students will dedicate the day to finishing their essay drafts. Instructors will hold open office hours to provide guidance, troubleshoot challenges, and offer targeted feedback. Full drafts are due by the end of the day.
Assignment: Complete first draft
FRIDAY
Students will sign up for a 45-minute slot between 8 am–3 pm PST (11 am–6 pm EST)
Review and Revision: One-on-One Guidance
Students will participate in one-on-one feedback sessions to discuss their completed drafts. Instructors will provide detailed, actionable recommendations to advance the essay toward a final version.